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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 24, 2009

Mistake In Judgment

Regarding "USF Official Rescinds Resignation Over Bike" (front page, Feb. 21):

I was happy to read that USF Associate Vice President Dr. Abdul Rao rescinded his resignation. The taking of a student's bicycle is definitely wrong; however, I believe this incident was blown out of proportion. No matter how bizarre the actions may appear, the reality is that this was a just an error of judgment and at worst a misdemeanor.

Dr. Rao has overseen research funds at USF totaling several hundred million dollars. There has been no indication of impropriety. Public officials have to be held to a higher moral standard, but a "trial by YouTube" is not the way to go. Let the punishment fit the crime.

AZHAR MALIK

Lithia

An Unjust Reward
The crowning blow is that the powers that be at USF agreed to reward the thief with a gift of $50,000 for his resignation and a promise not to sue the university. Surely the human resources department at USF has some form of stipulation in employee contracts stating that any act on the employee's part that casts a pall upon the university's reputation or causes embarrassment to the university are grounds for dismissal.

Nonetheless, we taxpayers were going to be stuck for $50,000 in order to reward a thief for stealing a $100 bicycle. When will it ever end?

EDWARD C. PRANGE

Tampa

Not Fit For Job

The USF spokesman is absolutely correct. This has nothing to do with being rushed into a decision.

If a man in this position is able to have that kind of "lapse of judgment," he is no longer fit for his job.

In reality, the shuffling for excuses is more embarrassing than just facing the truth.

If he doesn't leave willingly, the school should take control and make an example out of him about thinking more before you act.

JAMES JONES

Tampa

Exorbitant Spending

Abdul Rao makes $384,000 a year, 10 times the average wage in Tampa of $36,000. I understand why tuition has to increase 15 percent. It is time for public institutions to cut back as the private sector has. The public can no longer afford the exorbitant level of government spending that has increased geometrically over the past 25 years.

Now that times are lean the government must become lean also.

BARRY MANN

Tampa

Consult Webster's

What part of the definition of "stealing" does Abdul Rao not understand?

SARA LOGAN

Tampa

Use Common Sense

I am not sure who demonstrated the most outlandish and ridiculous behavior - Abdul Rao or USF.

Anyone with common sense would just fire him and be done with it. It's good to know that our state universities are putting our money to good use.

DICK BOWERMAN

Tampa

JOIN DISCUSSION

The Tribune welcomes letters and e-mails from readers. The text should be original and no longer than 150 words. By making a submission, you agree the Tribune may edit the letter for length and clarity, and publish it in any medium.

Please include your name, address and daytime phone number. Mail to: P.O. Box 191, Tampa, 33601-0191. Or e-mail without attachments: tribletters@tampatrib.com.

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