TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Hernando Today

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 2, 2008

Service Slap

It has come to my attention that the American flags and "We Support Our Troops" signs are all a facade. I had this idea shortly after 9/11, but it really didn't hit me until recently.

I have, for the past six months, been serving in Qatar and Afghanistan. Before that, it was Iraq and Korea before that. I just recently came home on vacation to enjoy the freedoms of not having to wear the uniform. Believe me, I will be in uniform for the good portion of my 355 days I'm not on vacation.

While driving with my wife, we decided to stop and grab something to eat at a local fast-food restaurant in Spring Hill off of State Road 50. I was extremely happy to see a "We Support Our Troops" sign hanging in the window.

Upon entering, we were helped in a decent amount of time and I inquired about a military discount. I showed our cashier my military identification card and he found a manager to enter his code for my discount. Up until this point, I found things quite satisfying.

The manager entered his code and I got the police discount, not military discount. It was at that point that he looked up and very rudely said, "You have to be in uniform, you don't get a discount."

He then entered a few numbers and swiped the discount off of our bill. I have never been so embarrassed in my life. Trying to keep my composure, I simply asked for a customer comment card, filled it out and handed it to him. I felt like he should get my card, not the box.

Why should there be stipulations on a discount for military members? Do they not realize we are almost an hour away from the nearest military post? Why would I be in uniform?

Something should be done about this!

Sgt. Paul J. Smith

Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar

Bagram Air Force Base,

Afghanistan
Democratic Version
Regarding the column in today's Hernando Today by Bill Press, I believe that he may have the Democratic version of the United States Constitution. That is the version that eliminates Article 6, which prohibits a religious test for any office of public trust.

Whether the election of Mike Huckabee would be a good idea is, of course, for the voters to decide. But he should not be disqualified because he is an ordained minister.

Harry Chamberlain

Spring Hill

A Class Act

I am tickled pink to read the letter written by my doctor, Dr. Robert Blackburn on Tony Orlando.

I have always liked Tony Orlando. I grew up In New York City and have met many entertainers. None have been as personable and kind as Tony. We went to the matinee at the Show Palace. I debated waiting for him, and am glad I did.

He loves to talk and gives hugs and kisses. I had brought a yellow ribbon; but I had not planned to get an autograph. My husband, myself, and my 88-year-old mother-in-law ended up with much more. He was asked to come to our car, as my mother-in-law has trouble walking. (This was after an already lengthy time with him.) He went to our car, had my mother-in-law open the door: He climbed in the car, kissed and hugged her, as he instructed my husband to keep our video camera running. When she told him she was 88, he said "Tell them you are 39 and holding."

Tony Orlando and his band represent a class act: Dr. Blackburn expressed my thoughts perfectly when he said other celebrities should emulate his actions.

Cindy Eldredge

Spring Hill

Politics And Paving

I saw in the paper that the county is going to resurface Landover and Coronado drives. Has anybody taken a look at Deltona between Forest Oaks and Spring Hill Drive?

I know that Landover and Coronado have been done since I have been here - 10 years. I have never seen Deltona done in that time. It is because our commissioners from this side do not have the impact that the commissioners from that side have.

Just drive both roadways and tell me.

Ray Williamson

Spring Hill

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT