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Letters To The Editor

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 23, 2008

Praise For Coverage

Regarding "Pastor, Son Given Joyous Farewell" (Metro, May 18):

I want to thank the news media for the most gracious and respectful coverage regarding the death of my blessed pastor, Forrest Pollock, and his son. The blessing we have received from our sister churches and fellow Christians has been overwhelming, to say the least.

The media has responded in a kind and gracious coverage and I pray that you all will be blessed by our wonderful savior, Jesus Christ.

As a church we mourn, but we are also comforted in knowing that the Lord has something else wonderful in store for us. We are blessed.

ANNIE FAYE SHIFLET

Riverview

Giving Vultures Wings

Regarding "Cruelty Hides In Shadows Of Cyberspace" (Metro, May 17):

I was saddened that Daniel Ruth took it upon himself to share the irreverent rantings of a few. Does he not understand that by publishing these repugnant remarks, he sets other misinformed and downright vulgar people into motion, spewing their venom?

Forrest Pollock didn't own the church or pilfer the offering plate like those churches chronicled in the Tribune. His salary might have been attractive to some, but considering his education, Pastor Pollock could have made far more money in the private sector. He had flown to see his mother and was flying to a religious conference, not whisking himself off in a private "jet" to have plastic surgery. Nor was he fleecing his flock!

Publishing anonymous remarks that vilify the dead is totally reprehensible. Ruth gave "wings" to downcast vultures!

SANDRA RAY

Valrico

His 'Flock' Has Issues

Daniel Ruth is correct; a person should not use such a sad occasion to attack someone they disagree with. While the Rev. Pollock was alive, he and I looked each other in the eye, shook hands and disagreed with each other on more than one occasion about more than one issue.

While I found Pollock to be charming, intelligent and dedicated to his message, I did not find his flock to be so charming, and I do not consider their message or their methods to be charming at all.

My family and I did not hide from these people as they attacked us, spit on us, called us names and asked their God to rain fire down on us. I do not hide from them now; they know where to find me.

Their message is aimed at the gays, the adult entertainment industry, abortion and other issues they consider immoral. Yet when you Google "Baptist sex abuse" you find 1.3 million stories about some of the most immoral people ever to live, including some past leaders of this church.

My prayer is that Pollock rest in peace and his flock can find the real message of the God they speak about.

STEVE CALKINS

Valrico

Shame On Columnist

Regarding "Put Faith In God, But Safety Is Up To You" (Other View, May 20):

When did Community Columnist Buzz Kelly become an investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board? Or, better yet, when did he file the report that indicated the cause of Pastor Pollock's crash? He is basically accusing this man of causing the death of two people. Shame on him.

In this country, a man is innocent until proven guilty, and that holds for pilots, too. Perhaps the findings - once they are in - will prove Kelly right, but to jump to such conclusions before the investigation is complete is unforgivable, unprofessional and insensitive to the friends and family of Pollock.

MARVIN KARLINS

Riverview

Arrogance Shows

Buzz Kelly's column really got to me. Here he is criticizing a man that cannot defend his actions in this tragic plane crash. All Kelly did was pat himself on the back for being such a great seaman.

Arrogance is not becoming in anyone. It is easy to slam others when they are not around. I wonder where sympathy and care for others has gone these days. It must be wonderful to be so perfect.

GEORGE L. HENSON

Plant City

Christians Do Take Risks

Buzz Kelly is a sailor. I am, too. I am also an evangelical Christian, as Buzz described the pastor who crashed his plane, thus taking his life and his son's life.

I think instead of criticizing the pastor's judgment, Kelly should have used his words to extend his sympathy to the pastor's family and to the congregation of a Bible teaching church.

To elevate himself as a wise man and lower the status of a man of God as being a foolish man is insensitive and offensive. Why do nonbelievers have to attack Christians so offhandedly these days? They just don't "get it." Yes, life is precious and, yes, Christians do take risks.

Is the man who takes no risks in life any more wise than a preacher that is driven to reach as many sinners as possible before his time comes? Risk much for God and gain much for His kingdom. Risk nothing and bring nothing to His kingdom.

Smooth sailing, Buzz, and may God bless and protect you, too.

BOB HJORT

Lake Placid

How Did They Get There?

Regarding "Graduation Can Be Tricky Even After FCAT" (Metro, May 16):

This article gave us the astounding information that of the 1,501 12th-grade students who retook the 10th-grade FCAT reading test, 1,276 again failed to pass.

This begs the question: How did these 1,276 students get from 10th grade to 12th grade without the ability to read and comprehend what they read?

BOB DUFFY

Apollo Beach

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