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Hernando Today

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 7, 2008

'A Dear John Letter'

Or 'Hooray! We're Saved!'

Dear Sen. McCain and Clinton,

I'll make this short. I believe you're making a terrible mistake by using the "federal gas-tax holiday" in your campaigns. It is extremely condescending to potential voters and those of us already supporting your campaigns.

The thought of (for example myself, having a 17-gallon gas tank) saving $3 on a full tank of gas (when that dollar amount is 87 cents short of what I pay per gallon anyhow) truly reinforces Washington's belittling view of the people. And do you really think, much less believe, this will quell any anger voters already have dealing with our failing economy?

If you really care about voters, you will pass a bill that will repeal all tax-paid health care to senators like yourselves, past-presidents and all the other millionaires in Washington who are more than capable of paying for their own health care. It's disgraceful that Washington's federal elite would even stoop so low. Shame on you senators and members of Congress!

Garrett Hood

Spring Hill

Alexander Deserves Raise

As a parent in Hernando County I have thought about writing a letter before but, after an incident at my children's school that pushed me over the edge, I was compelled to sit down and put pen to paper.

Not to aggravate anyone in this community, but I like Hernando County School Superintendent Wayne Alexander, and I can only hope I am not the only one. Being an outsider in Hernando County, things look a lot different to one who is not from here. Dr. Alexander walked into a job which entailed making a lot of hard decisions, and many changes had to be made - most of them needed. Anyone in his position is not going to make a lot of friends and is going to have a lot of negative feedback. Consequently, he will not be liked by everyone, but his job is not to make friends but to run our school system.

I recently had a problem at one of our elementary schools. It may have been something simple to many but, to me, it was very upsetting and just reminded me of how different things are here. I am a very involved parent, and I try and keep my attitude positive. I strongly believe we should treat people as we are treated, and we forget how important our teachers are. They are precious. Their job is like no other. They mold our children's future. Yes, they don't make a lot of money in this county, so the dedicated ones are there for the love of what they do, and God Bless them for it.

I have never called any superintendent of any school system, but due to a problem at my children's school I was so upset I called him directly. He called back within the hour and even asked me if I wanted him to follow up? Wow! The guy is on the ball; he doesn't miss a beat! Do we want to start over once again and spin our wheels for another 10 months?

The job he has started here needs to be finished. I'm embarrassed for the Hernando School Board, that they did not have the foresight to hire someone at his level and only sign a one-year contract with him. What were they thinking? Ten months later, after many changes, he comes to them with a starting point to negotiate a new contract - like any businessman should - and I'm sure he knows he's not going to get what he wants. But I have to say I think the school board should seriously consider the long-range outcome. You bring someone in to clean up and implement changes without considering what happens down the road?

I'm sure he would be in the running if he applied for Wilcox's position in Pinellas County, which would entail much more money and just where would we be in Hernando County at that point? I think our school board needs to stop and think about the future. I want this guy to stay. He's started something here and he needs to finish it. It's a known fact no one likes change, but change is inevitable. If the employees are doing their job, there should be no problem?

So, Dr. Alexander, I can only imagine what you have to deal with at a management level. I hope the school board makes the right decision.

Marnie Watt

Brooksville

Movie Important To All

It's not whether you are a Darwinian evolutionist or hold intelligent design to be a better explanation. It doesn't even matter if you are a scientist or a writer or something else.

The message of Ben Stein's movie, "Expelled," is important to all: Freedom of thought and academic honesty is dangerously threatened in this country.

The film should be shown in every high school and college class in order that all students see the danger and be challenged to pursue the truth wherever it may be found, without regard to whether it is politically correct.

Adon Taft

Brooksville

Ban Naked Ladies, Too

I heard on the radio about the law that was passed about trucks having cow genitals hanging from bumpers.

I don't think that it's OK to have the naked lady posing on the back of trucks, but it is not OK to show male genitalia. I just wanted to make a point of the issue.

Stephanie Webster

Spring Hill

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