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Letters To The Editor

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 17, 2008

Dealers Are Killers

Regarding "Drug Bust's Legacy: Crash Kills Mom Of 3" (Metro, July 12):

Once again drug dealers contributed locally to the death of a young mother and injury to her children. Unfortunately, a couple of hoods felt selling drugs was easier then working.

Why does the United States continue to enable drug traffic and drug dealers? The United States spends billions of dollars on drug traffic control and treating drug addiction. Why? The humane action is to stop drugs from entering this country. Start with legislation to make dealing, selling or supplying drugs a capital offense, even punishable by death.

R.W. GREER

Brandon

Public Safety Choices

Reading some of the submissions regarding how police can save gas, I am astounded at the lack of knowledge they reflect. Do you really want the police officer for your neighborhood wondering if it is worth it to use the gas to drive through your neighborhood to check for burglars at 3 a.m.?

I remember well the Sandy Freedman debacle when she decided to keep Tampa Police Department patrol cars at the station and crime rates soared. Consider the event of a terrorist attack or major incident that requires the immediate response of off-duty officers. Do you want them driving their personal vehicles to the station to pick up a car before responding to protect your family? I think not.

ANN BAKER

Tampa

Think Underground

Regarding "Selmon Extension Idea Revived" (Metro, July 13):

Are we less than Parisians?

When Parisians approve an elevated highway down the middle of Avenue des Champs-Elysees - only then should we agree to an ugly, elevated highway down the middle of Gandy Boulevard.

If we are serious about solutions, look at cities that have gone underground like Atlantic City, New Jersey and Washington, D.C.

The FDOT has paid for studies for a Gandy underpass; it is affordable and doable. The public should be informed about the only option that makes sense.

NEIL COSENTINO

Tampa

It's About Time

Regarding "50% Jump In Florida Deportation Gets Mixed Reviews" (Nation/World, July 11):

It's about time. As far as I'm concerned anyone in this country illegally is a criminal. They became a criminal when they entered illegally and their criminal record increases every day they stay.They have no respect for our laws, country or people.

With regard to local "illegal" immigrant advocacy groups, I don't care if you're sad and frustrated that we are finally enforcing our laws. And as for the "broken immigration system," the only thing broken about it is that our government has not strictly enforced the law in the past 30 years.

LAWSON STEVENSON

Bartow

Where Is 'ICE?'

Regarding "Police Say Immigrant Targeted For Sex" (Metro, July 15):

Authorities have arrested a law enforcement impersonator for a felony offense against a female. The female victim is seven months pregnant and is an "illegal alien."

Am I the only one demanding the whereabouts of our immigration officers? This woman is a victim of a violent crime and justice must be taken against the perpetrator. However, the woman herself is guilty (by her own admission) of being in our country illegally. Additionally this woman will give birth in approximately two months at the direct expense of the taxpayers of my country. Moreover, the child born to this woman will automatically become a U.S. citizen and in doing so add to the illegal immigration problems that have been in existence for over 20 years, thanks to our self-serving, do-nothing elected politicians.

DON S. PAEGLOW

Tampa

A Treasured Resident

Regarding "Dungy Draws On Childhood For New Inspiration" (front page, July 9):

Coach Tony Dungy shows us that he continues to be one of Tampa's treasured residents. He laid the foundation for Tampa's first Super Bowl victory, he showed his strength and faith after the loss of his son, won his own Super Bowl in Indianapolis, and wrote an inspirational No. 1 New York Times bestseller "Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices & Priorities of a Winning Life." Now he is sharing another "golden nugget" for our family with his children's book "You Can Do It!"

Dungy, in all areas of his life, shows us to trust in God and to dream big!

DALE KIMBALL

Tampa

Try Lifestyle Change

Regarding "Statins At 8? Some Doctors Say Whoa" (front page, July 8):

It was a great day for drug companies when the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended statins be prescribed for 8 year olds, and a horrible day for those truly concerned about the obesity epidemic. Hopefully the backlash will bring more attention to the need for real progress.

Physicians need to reread the Hippocratic Oath and stop acting as brokers for drug companies, doling out whatever miracle drug the public has been brainwashed into thinking will solve all their woes. When we are resorting to popping pills in our children's mouths that were intended for adults who are diseased after a lifetime of neglecting their health, we have truly lost sight of our responsibility as parents and as a society.

Many studies over many years have shown a direct link between physical activity and lowered cholesterol, while no studies have even been done on the use of statins in children. Perhaps if parents heard their doctors not just recommend, but actually prescribe a lifestyle change, they would be more inclined to heed the advice.

ANITA JIMENEZ

Ruskin

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