Re: Gun talk sparks inquiry of pupils, story, March 20.
Thank you for writing about our children who aren't allowed to be youthfully stupid anymore for fear of getting arrested. Adolescent misdeeds and youthful indiscretions are no longer allowed to be a part of the growth process. Children, you must act like adults and talk like adults.
Oh, so sorry, but you are not mature enough to vote or be a juror or drink alcohol.
Incredible that the two students at Largo Middle School could face criminal charges for talking in a classroom about the Columbine shootings. Nowhere did your article reference an actual crime that was committed. What criminal charge might these two young boys face? The police and state attorney have had more than a week to pore over the Florida statutes to figure out how this "talking" constitutes an actual crime. They will surely dream up a criminal charge so these boys can be raked through the injustices of the corrupt judicial system.
No doubt at all, this "boy talk" is extremely disturbing and needs to be seriously addressed by the school, the community and the families of the boys. But, a crime?
-- Cathy Corry, Clearwater
Any talk about guns must be taken seriously
Re: Gun talk sparks inquiry of pupils, story, March 20.
As to this incident March 11 in a Largo school, somehow I'm reminded of an ancient Roman adage and admonition: "Beware the Ides of March!"
After 9/11, any talk, especially by kids, about using guns or explosives has to be taken very seriously. Also, I learned in the Army a long time ago to treat any firearm as if it were loaded.
This warning should always be heeded by law-abiding citizens, especially during these perilous times when terrorism is cropping up all over.
-- Joseph P. Corell, Safety Harbor
Bring back helmet law for bikers
Re: Hospital in grief after chaplain dies in collision, story, March 16.
No one is invincible, not even Deacon Jim Graves, the beloved chaplain of All Children's Hospital.
Motorcyclists need to seriously rethink the option of wearing helmets. In fact, there shouldn't even be an option. Every county in Florida should hold a referendum in order to reinstate the mandatory helmet law for motorcyclists. The law could be named "Graves' Law," so that Deacon Graves' tragic death will not be in vain. With that, his memory would live on and no doubt save the lives of countless others.
-- JoAnn Lee Frank, Clearwater
In a mood for revenge, society forgets to forgive
Re: Hospital in grief after chaplain dies in collision, story, March 16.
Very sad. I notice the article had little to say about the other driver, except to make it clear that prejudgment was well under way.
Before that happens, perhaps you should know that the boy who drove the Ford Bronco and his family go to my church. They were on their way to our missions conference to raise money for missionaries. The boy plays guitar and sax every Sunday for worship service music. His family members are longtime church people, always there, always helping, always sacrificing. His father takes teens on overnight trips for the church. The boy taught my son how to fish the mangrove flats; my son caught his first trout with him. The boy in the accident is quiet and rarely any trouble.
The day the story ran, the other kids at school gave him so much grief over his "guilt" that he and his sister had to leave school.
It would seem America has forgotten the forgiveness taught by the Christ. Maybe that's why we have so much trouble in our society. Despite the teachings of the Christ that this pastor served, it seems all people seem to care about is revenge and punishment.
-- Thomas M. Lovely, Largo
Better barriers near new bridge needed
An accident waiting to happen is the way I see an area of the developing new bridge access on Clearwater's Memorial Causeway. I commute four days a week from Island Estates, and I can't help but be fearful that the area approximately five-tenths of a mile east of Island Way on Memorial Causeway at the jersey barriers to the new bridge approach is not sufficiently marked and signed. Motorists need to be alerted that the roadway beyond the barriers is closed.
Protect our residents and our carefree spring breakers. Bigger and bolder barriers, please.
-- Helen Chisholm, Clearwater
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