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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 9, 2008

Doesn't Belong In School

Regarding "Chastity Is The Ideal, But School Sex Ed Must Recognize Reality" (Our Opinion, Jan. 2):

The opinion expressed by the Tribune on chastity and sex education is fundamentally flawed in one significant regard, that is, sex education does not belong in school. Rather, it is the responsibility of the parents to teach their children right from wrong in this matter.

Evidently the Trib sees the classroom as the chief means of promoting any social agenda that it deems appropriate for society to embrace. Frankly, if teachers were enabled and required to focus more on matters like math and English, perhaps Florida would not have such a dismal education record.

Who cares if Johnny can't add and Suzie can't write so long as they are indoctrinated with the "proper" - as determined by the state - values.

RANDY LIVINGSTON

Clearwater

Article Was Insulting

Regarding "Religious Right Has Lost Its Muscle" (Other Views, Jan. 2):

In 66 years I have never read a more insulting article. I am not a "Religious Right" person but do consider myself a Christian. The first paragraph certainly outlines Bill Press's rancorous opinion and unfortunately has the Tribune to assist him in bestowing that opinion on its readers.

I'm sure Press would find no fault with the Clintons, both of whom wouldn't know the truth if it hit them in the face.

And some wonder why the media is held in such low esteem!

GERALD S. CHRISTIANA

Zephyrhills

Focus On Success
Regarding "More To Education Than Test Scores" (Other Views, Dec. 31):

I was delighted to open the paper and see my beautiful daughter-in-law's picture over the byline of your community columnist.

Barbi (her correct name, not Barbara) Vartanian represents the best in today's teachers. She is dedicated, untiring and relentless in her pursuit of educational excellence for her students.

I was disappointed, however, that your columnist used her valuable space rehashing the "us versus them" argument relative to testing instead of focusing on what she should have set out to do: Highlight a pilot program that specifically focuses on a girls-only class that encourages and nurtures fifth-graders to develop their potential in math and science in preparation for lifetime achievement.

ELSIE VARTANIAN

Tampa

Planning Principles

Regarding "Lutz Residents Get Piled On In Dirt Case" (Our Opinion, Jan. 2):

I read with dismay your latest assault on property rights and the legitimate exercise of due process. While I fully understand the distinction between reporting and offering editorial comment, is it too much to ask that factual accuracy be a fundamental component of both?

I would use more than my allotted space to attempt to correct the purposeful distortions and errors of fact contained in your editorial. Suffice it to say that your numbers are off base, you misrepresent the conduct of the borrow-pit hearing and you fail to clearly distinguish two separate plan amendment requests.

Community planning efforts are bolstered when physical plan boundaries are logical and defensible, and development options do not deny reasonable use. In my view that is clearly not the case here. Both plan amendments, as well as the borrow-pit application, would serve legitimate public purposes and are based upon sound, commonly accepted planning principles.

STEVEN H. ALLISON

Temple Terrace

This Isn't Progress

Regarding "Demand High For TV Converters" (Business, Jan. 3):

Am I the only person in the United States to realize that making "rabbit ears" obsolete is a serious problem? How many of you have small, battery-operated TVs as part of you hurricane supplies? I have a palm-sized one. The converter box is twice the size - and will it work without electricity? We all know that satellite and cable TV are the first things to go during a storm.

Technical progress does have its merits, but not in this case.

SUE SLINGBAUM

Tampa

Cause For Alarm

Regarding "Move Over Ford: Toyota Is Now No. 2 In U.S. Sales" (Business, Jan. 4):

I hope I am not the only person who is alarmed by the news that Toyota is the No. 2 selling automaker in America. In a time when our economy seems to be shaky and the dollar is losing ground to other countries' currencies, news such as this is not a good thing.

Before someone pops up and says that their Toyota is built here in the United States, remember one thing - the parent company is still in Japan and that is where the sales profits go.

The myth that Japanese cars are better than American- made cars is just that, a myth. While this may have been true back in the late '70s and early '80s, it is just a perception now. American cars are every bit as good as their imported counterparts. Think about it the next time you turn the key in your Japanese vehicle, and one of the American big three goes out of business.

KEN REILLY

Plant City

Be Kind To Sharks

Regarding "The Biggest Bite?" (Metro, Jan. 3):

Given the desperate plight of sharks worldwide, the story of the Florida boy who killed a "record-breaking" bullhead shark should have run on the obituary page.

Those who catch these animals take unabashed pride in the perceived bravery it takes to bait a hook and fake out a fish. Readers who think these amazing animals should be protected instead of persecuted should visit www.FishingHurts.com.

JENNIFER O'CONNOR

Norfolk, Va.

The writer is a staff writer for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

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