TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Letters To The Editor

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 22, 2008

Where Were Journalists?

"Dishing On Hillary" (Commentary, June 15) featured guest columns by three individuals whom I hold in very high esteem: the honorable Sandy Freedman, Clerk of Courts Pat Frank and historian Doris Weatherford. Freedman, Frank and Weatherford echoed what many of us have said for months. Though a Clinton supporter, my concern in this instance is apolitical. My concern is the same when Barack Obama suffers racial slurs and John McCain is judged incompetent to lead because of his age.

The editorial column was by Rosemary Goudreau, whom I also respect. Goudreau wrote the disclaimer that she is a middle-aged woman "who's never been a Hillary fan." Then, she joined the guest columnists in justifiably deploring the obscene treatment with which members of the media have treated Sen. Hillary Clinton.

But where was the Tribune editorial page when this trash talk flew around for months on end? Is there not some kind of journalists' code of ethics that would impel the Tribune to speak out while the mud is flying rather than when it is drying and soon to blow away?

CLAUDIA N. DAVIDSEN

Ruskin

Thanks For Articles

Just a thank you for the articles by Rosemary Goudreau and Doris Weatherford. I Googled "Minor vs. Happersett," about which I had never heard, and learned a mouthful. This is where our newspapers shine so importantly. They posit seeds which can, or cannot, lead to more learning.

MARY TWIFORD

Ruskin

Just Doesn't Like Her

There are some people that one either "likes" or "dislikes." I choose to dislike Hillary.

It is not because she is a woman. I love women - all women. Without a woman, well, I wouldn't exist. I detest the disparaging remarks and jokes that I either read or hear. "How's your old lady" being one of the more tired of the lot.

Back to Hillary; I just do not like her. In addition, I don't like her husband either. I don't like her demeanor, her tone, her political leanings or her mannerisms. I am put off by any photograph of her, even by the sound of her voice. I can't help it, and neither do I wish to correct my behavior or my thinking.

I could not be happier with the thought of not having to tolerate both her and her husband in the White House. Now, does all that paint a bad picture of me as a male? Understand my point? I just do not like her.

Truth is, she may not care for me all that much. Does that make us even?

LANNY FUETTERE

Land O' Lakes

We've Come A Long Way

In response to both Sandy Freedman and Pat Frank's comments in the June 15 Commentary:

As a 40-year-old, college educated, small-business-owning woman, I am amazed at the amount of bitterness that has poured out of the mouths of women whom I have admired and respected.

Blaming sexism as the reason Hillary Clinton lost her primary is not the way to fight your fight. Clinton lost because she hired the wrong people to run her campaign and because she was part of the "old Washington" that so many people want to change.

And honestly, does anyone expect class from the mouths of today's political commentators in our 24/7 cable coverage? That class of journalism is long gone, especially with the tragic passing of Tim Russert.

But I understand why women of older generations are bitter. They had to fight the fight. I also understand why the older African-American community is often angry and bitter, because they had to fight that horrible fight. But we have all come a long way. Sure, we have more to do, but we will never move forward by constantly looking back.

DEBRA BELLANTI

Tampa

The Abortion Factor

Sandy Freedman, Pat Frank and Hillary Clinton are products of and financial beneficiaries of the National Organization for Women and Emily's List. Both organizations' mission is to elect pro-abortion females to elective office. Perhaps the reason many younger women did not support Clinton is their lack of belief in the mission of both organizations.

Who cares whether Pat Frank supports a particular candidate? She is a political hanger-on from a past era.

DICK POWERS

Tampa

Overlooking Age Bias

I am sick of Barack Obama using age discrimination against John McCain. The Democrats say McCain is too old. I have so many friends who have been laid off from work who are about 55 years old and they can't get a new job because employers want young people who they can pay less.

McCain will make a wonderful president. Wisdom accounts for a great deal. McCain has wisdom.

Where does the country get off making a big deal out of sex or race, but overlooking age discrimination?

REBECCA DeBOER

Tampa

Productivity Will Suffer

Regarding "Stay Home On Fridays To Retaliate Against Greedy Profiteers Of Oil" (Our Opinion, June 15):

The Tribune may have to go further than suggesting a four-day work week when gas reaches $5 or even $6 a gallon; perhaps, suggesting a three-day work week. The only thing a shortened work week will succeed in is diminishing the productivity of the American people and minimizing the success of our economy.

Energy is expensive and always has been. We need to use every option open to us in a safe way while working toward renewable energy sources and independence from foreign supplies.

RITA S. BOBBITT

Tampa

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT