Letters

Letters to the editor, April 4

TBO.com
Published: April 4, 2012

Getting at the truth

So, President Obama has decided to weigh in on the Trayvon Martin incident.

All the facts are not yet known, but President Obama has an opinion on it. You think he would have learned his lesson from when he took the side of the black Harvard professor against the white police officer, and was made to look foolish.

And, someone please tell me if I missed President Obama's speeches saying the deaths of the deputy here and the two British tourists at the hands of two black youths, was a tragedy also.

One of the lessons I've learned in my 20 years as a police officer, and 60 years of life, is that there are always two sides to a story, and the truth usually lies somewhere in the middle.

So, it would be nice to wait until all the facts in this case come to light before we place blame.

One would have thought (or hoped) the president would have learned that lesson also.

Russ Colombo

Spring Hill

Greed

All we're hearing from the leaders of the Progressive movement. Now commonly referred to as the Democratic Party, or more accurately, the Democratic, Progressive, Socialist Party, is that Capitalism has failed.

I consider them the greatest threat to our nation and our way of life. Greater than any enemy we've ever had to face. I would agree with them on this, and only this point. If they said "corrupt capitalism" has failed. Oh, it hasn't failed to do what it was created to do, which was to provide the greatest corporate profit possible.

I am forced to agree because in the very near future. It will definitely bring about the end of America and our way of life.

Forty years ago, back when America's corporate sector used to throw us, the peasants, a bone now and then. A candidate like Barak Obama an individual who without a doubt represents the American Socialist Movement would never have stood a chance at becoming the President of this nation.

How in God's name did it happen? We can lay 90 percent of the blame on America's corporate sector and the Republican Party that represents them and only them.

If you're a die hard Republican my last statement probably has you cursing me to yourself, or out loud.

But as my father used to say, "Sometimes the truth is a hard pill to take," and I'd like to add, accept. My family from as far back as I can remember was staunch Democrats. But that was during the 1950s, back before the Democratic Party dumped the blue collar working class in favor of supporting the Republican inspired, rapidly growing working poor and down right poor.

I guess we could sum up our entire situation by using one word, "greed."

After 40 or more years of watching Corporate America's never ending quest for more and more profit and what their quest has done to our country I definitely believe that money is, without a doubt, the root of all evil planted and now flourishing in the board rooms of corporate America.

PS. I have a suggestion for all those who believe that they can take it with them. Make sure you only take gold brick or silver. Because where you're going, paper burns.

David A. Robinson

Weeki Wachee Preventing overdose deaths

One of the most sensible bills passed by the Florida Legislature during the 2012 session is awaiting Gov. Scott's signature. The 911 Good Samaritan Act protects people who seek or obtain medical assistance during a drug-related overdose from prosecution for simple drug possession. Research shows that when someone in America overdoses, a call for help occurs less than 50 percent of the time and fear of police involvement is the most common reason for not calling 911. This legislation will help prevent unnecessary deaths by making sure that people — even those who possess a controlled substance — call 911 without hesitation during an emergency.

Research shows that students who are aware that a Good Samaritan policy is in effect are 2.5 times more likely than students who expect to face punishment to call for help when witnessing an overdose. Furthermore, a study of over 350 opiate users found that 88 percent were more likely to call 911 during future overdoses after they became aware of the Good Samaritan law in Washington State.

The 911 Good Samaritan Act earned unanimous, bipartisan support in all committees and on the floor of the Senate and near unanimous support in the House. It has the support of the Police Benevolent Association, the Florida Sheriffs Association, and the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association.

Please visit ssdp.org/florida to send an email to Gov. Scott or call him at (850) 488-7146 urging him to sign the 911 Good Samaritan Act (SB 278).

Cody Swingle

Tallahassee

President of Students for Sensible Drug Policy at Florida State University