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Letters to the Editor: July 2, 2008
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Letter of the Day: On the alert?
Editor, Daily News:
I believe I am being discriminated against by the local news media.
I am a potential bank robber and the media is not alerting me to police surveillance or drive-bys of area banks like they do for potential traffic violators.
I am just trying to earn a living and be a possibly good bank robber. However, if I were seen at a bank I would have to flee and perhaps hit a pedestrian and her baby.
Obviously, it would be the media’s fault for not warning me of the police stakeouts.
I need help!
Guy Stevenson, Naples
Letter: Are we insane?
Editor, Daily News:
A man once said that insanity is repeating the same behavior and expecting different results. If we bought a product and found it performed poorly, would we buy it again? Most of us would say no, that would be foolish.
Yet I find that we respond to surveys and say that we have a very low opinion of the performance of Congress, but every election we seem to elect the same people. Maybe we deserve out-of-control spending, no meaningful solutions to Medicare/Social Security funding, illegal immigration, high energy prices, a declining value of the dollar, increasing cost of food, etc. If we will not change our behavior, why would we expect anything different from Congress?
No matter whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, start voting the incumbent out of office. The people who go to Washington need to understand, this is a time to serve, not a career. We have very serious problems and most of what we hear from Washington is pandering or posturing.
Energy cost is a good example. Here is a partial list of what I think we should do:
1. Reduce the national speed limit to 55 mph.
2. Via the tax code, encourage the use of solar power for homes.
3. Allow drilling for oil in all areas.
4. Raise the federal tax on gasoline.
5. Invest in more mass transit in major city areas.
6. Encourage the sale of fuel efficient cars.
7. Encourage the building of new refineries; and
8. Encourage the building of new nuclear power plants.
E.R. Russell, Naples
Letter: Energy question
Editor, Daily News:
Gas now costs over $4 per gallon and we are in the middle of a presidential campaign. How would the candidates deal with the energy crisis?
Sen. John McCain proposes several policies: more drilling in the United States, including in environmental lands and off Florida’s coasts. Remove subsidies that make ethanol more expensive. Give a federal gas tax holiday for the summer. Stop filling the U.S. petroleum reserve. Encourage nuclear energy. And recently he said he would offer a
$300 million prize for an electric battery breakthrough.
Of course, none of these policies will reduce gas prices in the short run.
On nuclear energy, he would ship U.S. nuclear waste to some other country. All the other policies, except the potential battery breakthrough, contradict his global warming agenda.
Sen. Barack Obama proposes several policies: Double auto fuel economy within 18 years. Make new buildings
50 percent more energy efficient by 2030. Expend government funds to substantially increase biofuel production.
None of these suggestions will reduce gas prices in the short run. However, it is clear fuel costs will be permanently reduced for individuals who switch to more efficient autos. And, all these policies do fit into a global warming policy that will reduce greenhouse gases.
The election is in November. Consider energy policy when you vote.
Aaron Knott, Naples
Letter: Under pressure
Editor, Daily News:
Since the housing disaster and all the information about people being lured into mortgages that they really couldn’t afford, I believe there is another business trying to do the same thing.
I don’t understand why car dealers aren’t a little more honest in their advertising. When they use selling points as: up to a minimum of $5,000 in trade-ins. What the heck is up to a minimum? You can have up to a maximum or down to a minimum, but not the other way around.
Here’s another one: we’ll pay off your current loan no matter how much it is. I hope not too many people really believe that. You are the one who pays, when they roll it over into your new loan.
By using tactics such as these, just to get them in the front door and that’s where the real pressure starts. I believe certain people are at a great disadvantage. But I know there are plenty of people who think an unknowledgeable customer is the best kind.
I’m not saying all car dealers do this, but there are enough who do.
Michael Etienne, Naples
Letter: HrrRump
Editor, Daily News:
Has truth lost all relevance to life?
In the letters to the Daily News we find an almost daily assortment of writers who have no shame in revealing their ignorance to their neighbors. Mostly we simply ignore them as drivel which has no basis for discussion.
The current trend is to beat up on U.S. Sen. Barack Obama using whatever idiocy comes to mind. The sad state of mental prowess of these writers is evidenced by their words. They attempt to demean a brilliant man, who stands mountains above them in any category of achievement, as if such statements would result in a change in attitude of almost 90 percent of voters who are unhappy with the direction the last eight years has taken us.
A recent sad case has him categorized as a precocious high school debater.
First, he is admitted to one of the most prestigious law schools in the country; then he is elected as one of the editors of the Harvard Law Review; and then as its first black president. Previous members of the Law Review include six Supreme Court justices, four U.S. secretaries of state and a host of other créme de la créme dignitaries of the past and present.
Here we have the very best and brightest this nation has to offer, and then some kindergarten graduate opts to call this senator just a high school debater.
Such gibberish fits well with other letters avowing “One Nation under Allah” and other similar nonsense.
I often wonder if these writers also walk around Naples with signs claiming to be morons over their head.
Fred Rump, Naples
Letter: Surprise!
Editor, Daily News:
Much to our surprise last Friday, we found surveyors on our property. Not having asked for this service, my husband went out to ask why they were there.
The surveyor’s answer was, the county is taking half of your property for a retention pond for the Vanderbilt Beach Road extension — didn’t you know?
The answer of course is, no, we didn’t know.
In all the literature the county has produced, and in all the “public forums,” there has never been any discussion about a retention pond being built on our six acres, which happens to be one of the last beautifully treed wetlands — home to various wildlife, including a bear that was seen some weeks ago, along the north side of Golden Gate Estates, Unit 3.
We expected the 100-foot taking that has been challenged by fellow residents, but never in our wildest dreams did we expect 360 feet to be taken.
To add insult to injury, this 360 feet is what the county has touted for the last 18 years as our buffer for noise abatement for the North Collier Water Treatment Plant. They have promised for years to solve the noise problem, but have always said that we have over 300 feet of woodlands to mitigate sound. What will we have now?
As we have learned by experience, Collier County lets you know what is going to happen after it has become a done deal — and unfortunately, then it is often by surprise.
Margaret R. Bender, Naples
Letter: Dental school
Editor, Daily News:
Tina from Indian Harbor Beach, Fla., was telling a familiar story. “I went in for my initial consultation, and had a set of x-rays taken. I was told I have gingivitis and needed a series of deep cleaning sessions, and that I absolutely had to have my wisdom tooth out. I am only 25, and this scared me, so I went along with everything.”
Most dentists are ethical professionals. However, there is a small but disturbing number of dentists who are dishonest. The healthy teeth are being pulled, unnecessary x-rays and root canals are done and drilling for cavities that don’t exist for profit is all too common.
The treatment that ends up with crowns or fillings falling out, surgical debris embedded in gums, painful infections and disfigurement are also common. Experimental cosmetic dental treatments are being performed and paid for without the customer even knowing it.
How can we protect ourselves from unnecessary or harmful dental treatment? Read the fine print when you are looking at advertisements for dentists.
It is also important to avoid dentists who claim in advertisements that they will provide you with services that are “cheap” or “discounted.”
Ask your family, friends and colleagues for the dentist they trust. It is a good idea to visit one or two other dentists to confirm your need for the suggested treatment.
Listen and observe closely the new dentist. Does your dentist really need to know what exactly you do for a living?
Julie DiBartolo, Naples
Letter: Can do
Editor, Daily News:
In the June 22 article by Brent Batten, “Oil issues yields slippery positions,” it deals with whether we should be drilling for oil in the Gulf and other U.S. coasts and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Senate Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada is quoted as saying: “The same old ideas meant to pad the pockets of Big Oil.”
So are we to assume that Reid would rather continue to pad the Mideast Arabic sultans’ oil income? Why in the world would he want that?
U.S. oil companies and the millions who own stock through retirement plans would have extra income and pay more in taxes. Personally, I have previously been opposed to drilling in the Gulf. I now support it to within 40 or 45 miles of the coast for two reasons.
1. With the price of fuel, we are more and more at the mercy of other countries’ production and their instability, and we get no taxable income from its production in the Middle East.
2. After Hurricane Katrina passed through the oil fields in the Gulf, there were no reported oil leaks or oil spills from the storm; so there have been great improvements in the safety risk factor.
As for taking 10 years to get oil flowing, why? Remember in World War II we went from almost nothing in preparedness to the complete surrender of Germany and Japan in less than four years. We just need that “can do spirit.”
Walter Renner, Naples
Letter: Machine malfunction
Editor, Daily News:
I’ve just returned from a one-month trip to the “land of Lincoln.”
Illinois is completely controlled by Democratic “machine” politics. You know you are entering Illinois by the sound of the potholes and the poorly maintained infrastructure and the highest gasoline prices in the country.
You know when you are entering Cook County by the toll roads that were supposed to become “freeways” 20 years ago.
You know you are in Cook when the sales tax is in excess of 9 percent, where property taxes are outrageous.
When you read a newspaper in Cook, it inevitably will have some story about Chicago aldermen doling out patronage, nepotism, shady deals and political crimes.
And Illinois also has a state income tax.
And now some of you want to elect Barack Obama as president. Just what we need. A Cook County machine Democrat running the country.
Hang on to your wallets, folks, and don’t say you weren’t warned.
David Burnett, Naples
Letter: Ghetto disgrace
Editor, Daily News:
Having spent the wartime years living in Warsaw, I was offended by Mike Minotti’s letter on June 21: “This is America.” By saying “... more importantly, this is not Poland,”
Minotti suggests that the Warsaw Ghetto could only have occurred in Poland. I wish to remind Minotti that the Polish people did not create the Warsaw Ghetto. It was created by occupying forces.
May I also remind him that in America, Japanese citizens were also forced into ghettoes, or internment camps, by the U. S. government.
Danuta G. Feller, Naples
Letter: Umbrella policy
Editor, Daily News:
I would like to thank the gentleman at the Coastland Center mall for escorting me and my three children under his umbrella to our car on June 24 during the storm.
It is nice to know there are still some kind gentlemen out there.
Laurie Lattarulo, Naples
Letter: One for Ripley
Editor, Daily News:
In Okeechobee we have one Kasey Edwards owning up to the fact he never paid “too much mind” to alligators swimming in the canals around his neck of the woods.
In the summer stillness of an Okeechobee night (2:21 a.m. to be exact), at a place known as Nubbin Slough, the 18-year old decides he’s had enough (enough of what, you may ask?) and flops into the 25-foot deep canal for a swim. Friends suggested otherwise. No kidding!
A police report says Edwards may have been impaired, because he had allegedly been drinking. You mean someone would actually try this in an unimpaired state?
When an 11½ -foot alligator clamped down on one of his arms — above the elbow — and was about to create a Sunday brunch for himself, the report says Edwards poked the gator in the eye and made it safely to shore — minus most of his arm.
Now hear this, Mr. Ripley. This one’s for your book.
Edwards said his attack shows how something needs to be done about the overpopulation of gators.
“They’re not protected creatures. They’re nuisance animals,” he explained.
Someone needs to buy Edwards a copy of “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” for some light reading while he recuperates.
Of course, that someone will have to stay with him 24/7 to help turn the pages.
Don Anderson, Marco Island
Letter: Immigrant’s story
Editor, Daily News:
If I could take Nina Mold to task on the impression she gives of life in the United Kingdom as somehow being degraded by the immigrant population, it may go some way to giving a more balanced picture.
I’m not sure we can lay the blame of the U.K.’s troubles at the door of immigrants from Pakistan, India or anywhere else for that matter. There have been, from as early as the 1950s, substantial numbers of migrants from former British colonies to the U.K., and as long as I can remember people have held them responsible for all ills.
I would not want to dissuade anyone from visiting the U.K. on the basis of anything said in these columns of late, as the problems highlighted are to be found in many large cities here in the United States and are not, in my opinion, necessarily a racial issue.
On the question of the Green Card Lottery: yes, it is annoying that U.K. citizens cannot enter when other less supportive nationals can apply without problem. But don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Maybe we should just fix the problems found in the lottery scheme.
The whole immigration system is badly broken here in the U.S. Let’s work on fixing it. Spread the word about its comical mechanism amongst U.S. citizens, but don’t expect it to be at the top of their list of priorities.
Let’s just keep chipping away and maybe potential future immigrants won’t have to endure what present hopefuls have to.
Paul Boland, Naples
Letter: Morals dilemma
Editor, Daily News:
The problem with America is not that it has essentially rejected its “roots” — the Christian religion — and is therefore incurring the wrath of God, but that it has failed thus far to replace it with a moral and ethical value system of comparable force.
Robert Ardrey outlined such a system in his book “The Social Contract” but sadly very few Americans have ever heard of Robert Ardrey, and even fewer have read and studied this book.
I was raised in the Christian faith but over the years I have come to realize that there is more to life than what is contained in the Holy Bible. For instance, Albert Einstein was, by all indications, a fundamentally moral and ethical man. When asked if he believed in immortality he replied, “No, one life is enough for me.” I cannot imagine a God so crazy that He would condemn this great scientist to hellfire and damnation for all eternity just for not believing in Him.
There may indeed be an existence beyond our mortal lives, and I hope there is. But I honestly, as did Einstein, do not think so. In any case we shall probably never know one way or the other. If there isn’t, we shall never know it. And if there is, we shall never be able to communicate to the living of this afterlife’s existence.
Morality and ethics existed long before the Christian era. Ancient Egypt had a reverse Golden Rule. If America can no longer accept the Ten Commandments, then surely it can at least say to all its citizens, do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you.
Then there is love. Christ said to love one another and we would do well to take the advice of this great and noble man.
Kenneth L. Carson, Naples
Letter: Wonderment
Editor, Daily News:
Things I wonder about:
Wouldn’t voter-ID eliminate a great deal of fraud?
If invading Iraq was responsible for terrorism, what prompted the 12-plus attacks preceding 9/11?
Would legalizing drugs and taxing it jump-start our economy, empty our jails, provide help for addicts and short-circuit the criminal element?
Would separating girls and boys in schools promote learning simply because the distraction element would be eliminated?
Would crime drop and education rise if all the school dropouts were put in the army?
If al-Qaida wants us out of Iraq, why don’t they just stop attacking? (We’d be out in a heartbeat.)
With farm income up will subsidies go?
Would we have had all the random shootings if more of us were armed?
Just wondering!
Lee B. Miller, Naples
Letter: Seeing red
Editor, Daily News:
The Daily News recently ran two guest editorials — both found everything wrong with red-light cameras.
One (Vincent Angiolillo) alleged that motorists really do not intend to run red lights. The other (Maarten Heybroek) contradicts that by describing drivers using “photo-blockers,” and firing shotguns at cameras in other jurisdictions.
Angiolillo proposes synchronizing lights as the solution. As this problem is way out of control, despite 10,974 citations a year, this solution is unrealistic.
Americans respond to pocketbook issues; e.g., now shifting to being in favor of offshore drilling due to the price of gas. If red-light fines were increased from $125 to $500, and if you went to jail if you killed someone — as in some other states (e.g., North Dakota) — rather than a small fine, I submit that we would see a big decrease in this problem.
However, despite pressure from the Stop Red-Light Running Coalition over the past few years, our state legislature has refused to take any action
So we should applaud our county commission for taking the only action legally available to them — cameras.
James Cavanagh, Naples
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Even yo Momma likes OBAMA.
Cause he ROCKS!!!!!!!
#1 Posted by boulderbilly on July 1, 2008 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Snore. Obama has you fooled.
#2 Posted by GoneFishin on July 1, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
On additional drilling and building refineries, I have doubts whether the lack of both can be fully place on the government and environmentalists. Look for example at some of the development around here.
Some of the land is defined as ecologically sensitive, and if a private individual, the county, or state wanted to develop it for habitation, recreation, or commercial use it would almost be impossible with all the rules and regulations in place, but a developer with big bucks and enough determination appears not to have such problems.
Property next to the fish camp use to be wetlands, and we had a number of bird species that depended on the area for food and shelter, but now that's a golf course development.
If there's so much concern about our refinery capabilities, there's an existing refinery that some oil company can renovate and start up right in my hometown, but, no, the doors are still closed on it.
#3 Posted by Illiar on July 1, 2008 at 9 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And Bush's buddy Ken Lay at Enron was a straight shooter. LMAO.
The proof's in the puddin. Tell me how much better off the average American is today from 8 years ago when our biggest problem was a bj in the oval office? Please. 80% of Americans have stated we are on the wrong path. Why do you feel we are in better shape after the Bush's fiasco?
Inquiring minds would like to know.
#4 Posted by boulderbilly on July 1, 2008 at 9:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Seriously, now. Can you imagine someone in Boulder redneck-liberal Colorado fist pumping "Obama Rocks" as he posts to a forum in Naples, FL, but can't tell you why except he promises change?
Change? What change?
#5 Posted by GoneFishin on July 1, 2008 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
C'mon Gonefishin, tell us all how we are better off because of your man, George Bush. And please don't tell us how ya feel safer. Verifiable evidence of why Americans are safer, more prosperous, healthier, and and wealthier are factors that can be verified.
Here is your opportunity.
Justify your support of President Bush.
#6 Posted by boulderbilly on July 1, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Redneck LIBERAL Colorado? If ya stick with the facts GoneFishin ya might not look so foolish.
Colorado has historically been a Republican state. The times, they are a changin.
We are still waiting for you to inform all of us dumb citizens (80%) why Bush has been such a stellar success.
We have plenty of patience GoneFishin. The reasons you feel Bush has been such a stunning success????????
LMAO.. Take your time. I imagine you'll need it.
#7 Posted by boulderbilly on July 1, 2008 at 9:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hi Junior,
Hope all is well. Just to put in my two cents. CO has voted Republican in presidential and senatorial races fairly consistently since '64, but gubernatorial elections go to dems, thus setting state policy for as long as I can remember ( a very long time). Reps and locals go to the dems in Denver, Boulder, Ft. Collins, Aspen, and Telluride. The rest go for the GOP. So you see, population wise, it's a pretty even split ( with the smart folks obviously voting the right way). Thought you might like the info.
Grandma
#8 Posted by almasonlybar on July 1, 2008 at 10:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
in regard to David Burnett's letter
What wallet?
#9 Posted by memphismedic on July 2, 2008 at 5:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"We choose to become oil independent in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too"
JFK's way
#10 Posted by bicoastal on July 2, 2008 at 6:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm Voting Republican!
http://imvotingrepublican.com/
#11 Posted by bicoastal on July 2, 2008 at 6:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Paul Boland,
Your letter exemplifies the attitude that many recent (illegal) immigrants have. They want in so we need to make it easier. We are supposed to set immigration policy for what's good for citizens, not to accomodate the desires of immigrants.
#12 Posted by Joseygirl on July 2, 2008 at 7:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
hey Lee.....here's one more to wonder about:if we are hated for our extravagant,immoral way of life,why do we not see some of that displeasure expressed toward what is going on in Dubai?
#13 Posted by weality on July 2, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was originally an Obama supporter, but since locking in the nomination, he has become a chameleon. He originally was adamently against giving telecoms immunity for violating the law, but now he will support the legislation that gives them immunity; at first he said he supported the DC handgun ban, but now says he supports and agrees with the (not so) supreme court ruling and now the final straw for me. He not only is going to continue bush's faith based programs, but will expand them. That was it for me. I'll never vote for a conservative or republican, but I will write in someone else or vote for Nader.
#14 Posted by Colorado on July 2, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A Texas man sees two 'burglars?' leaving his neighbors house, he calls 911, then grabs his shotgun, goes outside and shoots both men in the back killing both.
Praised by the NRA and other gun zealots, the grand jury fails to find any wrong doing on the shooter.
How long will it be before the same thing or worst [completely inocent] people get killed in the East Coast 'Texas' the state of Florida.
A couple years ago Florida gave people like this Texan murderer, a licence to kill.
No gun laws, no gun regulations needed????????????
It's a GOD Given right to own and use a gun???????? How wacky are people who think like this?
#15 Posted by bossman1 on July 2, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
David Burnett, Naples
I noticed from previous posts you make trips to Chicago often. Gluten for punishment possibly? Also you’re a Lawrence Welk fan. Many of the Chicago ethnic neighborhoods have excellent polka bands playing in the bars nightly. You should try that. But maybe Chicago is to active and exciting for you. You seem like the lying around at the pool type.
But you seem to be easily entertained. Listening to pot holes and inspecting our sewer system must be the most excitement you’ve had in years. After you are there for a while, you learn to dodge the pot holes. They saw you coming when you bought that “most expensive gas in the country”. They sold you the special racing gas used on our expressways. That also would be too much excitement for you.
You should try our beautiful lake front, many of the beautiful parks, a Cubs game at Wrigley, or Da Bears, one of our fine museums, sailing a square rigger on Lake Michigan, Fishing for salmon, excellent food at our Italian, Chinese, Polish, Lithuania, German, Vietnamese, Japanese, eaterys or going to Second City to see the latest Review, which is one of my favorites. Shopping on Michigan Avenue, going to Old Town or Rush Street or Taylor Street to party. There I go again, to much excitement for you. Maybe you could go to one of the many botanical gardens and watch plants grow.
As far as Illinois being a democrat machine state, we alternate between a Democrat and Republican machine state. It is Chicago and “Crook” County, as we call it, that Democrats own. An as far as patronage jobs go, we learned that from the national leaders of both parties. And we believe in equality so we send some of the crooked politicians to “charm school” equally. Strange you haven’t noticed the political crooks in Florida, or as we call them, creative politicians. That was just a clerical mistake for the interchange at Coconut road??
And our sales tax in Chicago is 10 ½%, not 9%. And people are moving into the city from the suburbs by the ten of thousands to pay it. New developments and rehab going on throughout the city. And real estate taxes are worth every dime to be able to live there and are no higher than the snow birds pay here, in fact somewhat less.
We big week end coming up for you I suppose. Better get an early start complaining about all those illegal flags at the condo and those noisy kids at the pool. Now that sounds like fun.
But we actually support the troops in Chicago, not like the weanies on the east coast. A we are patriotic and vote many times each election. Even our deceased citizens continue to vote. Ask Nixon about that. I will give TrickyDick credit. He could have been a whiner like Gore, but felt it would not be good for the country to contest the election. And our current problems are a perfect example of what that did.
Next time you are in Illinois, try to have some fun instead of playing condo commando.
#16 Posted by ChiDem on July 2, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
CO, I'm bothered by the turn to the right by Obama also. But after looking more closely into Obama's expanded 'faith based program' I'm not as much concerned.
While I don't agree with it at all, he will change the internals, making the religous organizations hire, fire fairly, and legally, etc.
He will make them operate, pay taxes etc. just like any other business. In the end they will opt out because there will be no advantage. This may be his way to get rid of the program completely without much of a fuss.
#17 Posted by bossman1 on July 2, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yea, Davy, I have to agree with CD about Chicago!
Obama cleaned all of that up: no more graft, gangsters and urban violence! And in just two years in the US Senate, after turning down those Wall Street job offers to give back and effect positive change; this Obama rocks!
Living here in SWFL or West Miami, he's got my boat!
#18 Posted by chickendog on July 2, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Now boulder, try a little reading comprehension. Boulder redneck-liberal Colorado. Boulder is so liberal I had to leave.
And so you want to vote for Obama because of Bush.
Now, you see, there shines the stupidity. No matter who gets in, there will be change from Bush because Bush isn't running.
Obama's claim about Bush's 3rd term is just another smoke screen to dupe people.
Obama rocks back and forth.
And his faith based initiatives will continue to include Wright, right?
#19 Posted by GoneFishin on July 2, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Here's another bossman1,
"""PLANTATION, Fla. -- The family of one of the men who was shot by a retired United States Marine while they attempted to rob a Subway sandwich shop said the customer shouldn't have pulled the trigger.
According to Plantation police, two armed men barged into the Subway at 1949 Pine Island Road shortly after 11 p.m. Wednesday, demanding money from the employee behind the counter. When they tried to force John Lovell into the bathroom, he pulled out a gun and shot both men, police said.
Donicio Arrindell, 22, was shot in the head and later died at the hospital. Fredrick Gadson, 21, was shot in the chest and ran from the Subway, but police found him in hiding in some bushes on the property of a nearby BankAtlantic.
Lovell, 71, was the lone customer at the time. Police said he had a concealed weapons permit."""
He shouldn't have pulled the trigger?? They tried to force him into the bath room. What did he think they were going to do, take a urine sample?? A 71 year old man should have wrestled the weapons away from two twenty year olds?
Thugs will now think twice about assaulting a 71 year old man.
Semper Fi John Lovell
#20 Posted by ChiDem on July 2, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
GoneFishin,
Everyone is still waiting on your response. The reasons you feel Bush has been such a stunning success?
Well?
#21 Posted by boulderbilly on July 2, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I concur, ChiDem.
#22 Posted by Illiar on July 2, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
boulder, why are you still obsessed with Bush. He is leaving. What don't you get about that?
Obama is full of it.
You're falling for it.
And all you can say is you want change from Bush.
McCain is not Bush.
#23 Posted by GoneFishin on July 2, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Now that Russia is re-arming, how do you think a lightweight like Obama will fair against someone like Medvedev and Putin?
#24 Posted by GoneFishin on July 2, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Colorado, please rethink your change from Obama. Voting for Nader is throwing away your vote and giving more to the war maniac McCain who will give us more of the same.
In defense of Obama, I think Bossman1, ameliorated Obama's position on faith based entities. Obama wants to give people options, but there were tight restrictions on giving money to faith based schools, namely: no discrimination in hiring because of religion. No teaching and indoctrination of any particular religion. As Bossman said, with those restrictions, most will probably opt out.
As for Obama voting for the FISA bill, it was the best they could get to protect our rights. It's not so clear about these votes, because often they have to take some bad to get the good. However, if the government orders telephone companies to allow them to spy on people, then it's the government we should get on. Phone companies are caught betwixt and between and a bunch of lawsuits doesn't solve anything. So, I agree with Obama's vote. Obama thinks his votes over carefully, trying to get the most he can get.
And, remember John Kerry when he was ridiculed because he said, "First I vote for it, then I voted against it." They killed him with that one, when Kerry was merely trying to explain how these bills can get loaded up and one's vote is then misconstrued.
As far as the right to bear arms: I'm glad Obama sees we have some rights of gun ownership for self protection. Women especially need something they can protect themselves with that doesn't require hand to hand combat.
Barack, of course, believes like most of us, there have to be restrictions.
It's hard to get everything we want in a diverse nation, but we have to prioritize and get the most we can. The major issues give me no choice but to vote for Obama. I do trust his judgment, and I believe he is sincere in trying to do the best possible for this country.
#25 Posted by truthmatters on July 2, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If John McCain bellyaches one more time about his claim he wasn't honored enough for his service in Viet Nam, I am going to throw up.
Here we have a guy who claims to be so tough but cries and moans because Wesley Clark, after he honored him, said that that doesn't necessarily qualify him for president.
I'm glad Clark isn't backing off. McCain is being ridiculous. He thinks he should be immune from any kind of criticism because he served in Vietnam. But it seems he had no trouble trashing Kerry by chosing a Swift Boater to be at his side.
The way Kerry was trashed was truly a thrashing and disgusting. We've seen none of that with McCain. No one, I repeat no one, has questioned his service in Viet Nam.
When politics have been reduced to this nothingness, it's really pathetic, and when a candidate is so thin skinned that he makes a big thing of it if he's not adored enough.
Well, McCain has shown me he's just a wimp. Maybe he used to be strong, but he's nothing but a cry baby now, and I say, Wesley Clark, don't back down for a minute. You have nothing to apologize for.
#26 Posted by truthmatters on July 2, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm upset with Obama also. He has succumbed to the religious conservatives by endorsing faith based programs. He changes his mind about other things also. Even if he wants to make changes for the better, he can't do everything he wants to do. Politicians are beholden to their contributors and powerful political and religious interests.
I'd like to vote for Ralph Nader, but it wouldn't do any good. I will probably vote for Obama and hold my nose. He will be better than McCain. Maybe once Obama gets in office, he will make some changes for the better. I'm sure he will be better than what we have now. It's silly to think that any candidate will lead us into the land of milk and honey. We have insurmountable problems and no man can solve all of them.
I believe that the Democrats will do a better job than the Republicans. All we can do is hope that maybe someone will do something to change things for the better. I wish we had a good viable progressive third party that might have a chance of stopping our wars in the middle East, give us universal health care, turn us in the direction of renewable energy sources and turn this country into a model for the rest of the world to follow. We've got to stop living on borrowed money and form a more equitable society that is not run by giant corporations and other moneyed interests.
We have so many problems to solve that it would take a genius to solve them. I don't know how Obama will be able to change things very much, but we'll have to wait and see. As you can see, I'm not very optimistic.
#27 Posted by rationalman on July 2, 2008 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
McCain is different from Bush jr? Really?
*****************************
On the Iraq war, exactly the same.
/////////////////////////////////
On the economy, exactly the same.
/////////////////////////////////
On all appointments and government positions, exactly the same.
///////////////////////////////////////
When McCain did vote in the Senate, which wasn't often this year he voted with Bush jr 100% of the time, and was AGAINST the improved GI bill, which now they both take credit for.
Last year McCain voted with Bush jr 95 % of the time.
So if you like the job Bush jr has done and the results, by all means vote for McCain.
#28 Posted by bossman1 on July 2, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Great story about the 71 year old marine, I've read it before. He defended himself with his concealed pistol that was properly maintained, registered, and permitted. It took him a little time and effort to purchase the gun and obtain the permit, but was worth it. This gun was used by someone with proper training, skill's, and the courage to pull the trigger, not many people like that around. He used it for defense, not revenge, the thrill, or one of the many other reasons guns are used.
This was one cool, tough dude.
But what does it have to do with prevous story about the Texas shotgun murderer?
#29 Posted by bossman1 on July 2, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
boss, McCain is against corn-based ethanol. How is that exactly the same on the economy? Obama is for it. So he is the same as Bush on the economy.
Man, you really have your Obama blinders on.
Maybe try reading before you write.
#30 Posted by GoneFishin on July 2, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So, rational, you just want to give an inexperienced phoney a chance because, well, the world is too complicated for you.
Someone answer this question: With Russia re-arming, how will a lightweight like Obama fair against someone like Medvedev and Putin?
Take off your blinders and realize that this is too serious a situation to "just give someone a chance" and we'll all have such hope that he can succeed.
He has you fooled just as Deval Patrick had MA fooled.
#31 Posted by GoneFishin on July 2, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
GoneFishin:
Why are you so threatened by Obama? Pardon me, but you certainly come across that way. You sir, are a moniority. The entire country is fed up ---hole deep to a giraffe with Bush and everything that has anything to do with him and his administration. We see them as the reason we are in the shape we now find ourselves in. Why do you insist on blaming everyone except the one with whom the fault lies? I just don't get it...man, are you in for a RUDE AWAKENING come November!
#32 Posted by pgk1962 on July 2, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Gonefishin, you're determined not to see the strong qualities in Obama. He will do just fine when dealing with Russia.
As for McCain, the volatile temper I hear he has won't help one bit. I feel totally unsafe with him near the nuclear button.
Also, he seems too eager to bomb Iran. We can't have that. He has no sense about foreign policy. He has no judgment, even though he's been in the Senate for quite a while and should have learned policies like invading Iraq, a harmless country to us, was ridiculous.
No, McCain's not bright enough to handle these complex situations, and his judgment is wanting. He did serve in Viet Nam and was a prisoner, but so were a lot of other soldiers and they're not running for president. The two don't necessarily go hand in hand.
BTW Mush head Limbaugh was on and agonizing and wailing over the fact that Obama said McCain was tormented in Viet Nam. Well, you can't say tormented, you have to say tortured. Big deal, they both mean about the same. Semantics. The thing is Obama wasn't belittling McCain's being tortured. Now will you numbskulls get a life? What a bunch of whining idiots.
#33 Posted by truthmatters on July 2, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you all for the comments about my earlier post about Obama. However, I have to say the source I read said he would continue to let the faith based operators continue to hire and fire based on religion. FISA protecting us? I'm not so sure and giving law breaking telecoms a ticket out of jail because of an immense lobbying campaign is just pure Washington politics, i.e.: business as usual. With regard to the gun laws, this country is out of control. In Georgia you can carry a gun on public transportation now and there is a lawsuit to force the airport to allow guns in the terminal. We are the laughing stock of the world when it comes to guns. We need and eventually will have very strict gun laws. The NRA is a criminal organization as far as I'm concerned. No, Obama's move to the center and possible beyond is very troubling to me.
#34 Posted by Colorado on July 2, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Economy = corn based ethanol?
The only thing different between Bush jr and McCain is corn based ethanol? That is the big change you talk about? What a loser.
AUG, 2007 McCain "I support corn based ethanol, it's a vital alternative energy source that reduce's greenhouse gases and our oil dependency". McCain has been changing his opinion frequently depending on who is listening. Within a couple months to get more midwest votes he will be promising big farmers billions more to grow corn.
He IS against subsidizing this industry at this moment in time, so is big oil.
#35 Posted by bossman1 on July 2, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lee B. Miller's op.ed. asked, if invading Iraq was responsible for terrorism, what prompted the 12-plus attacks preceding 9/11.
WHAT? Who said invading Iraq was the cause of terrorism? Miller is really out to lunch.
No one said invading iraq was responsible for terrorism, but it has been said that it's increased terrorism.
Of course, there was terrorism before, and it's caused by multiple reasons. Terrorism in the Middle East toward us is mostly caused by our being over there and interfering with their countries, beliefs and ways of life.
It was clearly told to us that 9/11 came because we have been violating their sacred land with our military bases. Never have I heard it stated that the reason was to take us over. It was retaliation for our actions in their countries.
The other terrorism involves their own differences with each in the Middle East and should not involve us. They have had controversy there for thousands of years.
#36 Posted by truthmatters on July 2, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Gonefishin,
You are a broken record. NO substance, yet you (and so many on the right) are saying over and over, Obama has no plan, just words.
How foolish you look. Read his policy on his site.That should keep you occupied for a day or two.
But people who are too lazy and do not care about our country will simply repeat the blather of the right wing corporate sponsored talk show hosts.
READ and you shall learn and not look so lame.
Where is the substance...you offer only insults and spin.
#37 Posted by opnmind on July 2, 2008 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
opinionedmind, I have read his web site. I'm just not buying into his lies.
Sorry you are so foolish as to believe them.
#38 Posted by GoneFishin on July 2, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And if you had any clue about me, you'd know that I am only only the right because you must be so far left that you are blinded by faith, not fact.
#39 Posted by GoneFishin on July 2, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Note specifically the last paragraph of Obam's associations with ethanol producers, then keep dreaming corn-based ethanol doesn't have a major adverse affect on the economy. Oh, wait, I forgot, I'm arguing with an expert in the economy. Duh.
"McCain has been sceptical of biofuels like ethanol, made from corn, and today criticised government subsidies for ethanol production, especially during a time of escalating food prices.
"Corn-based ethanol, thanks to the money and influence of lobbyists, has been a case study in the law of unintended consequences," McCain said today. He also criticised US tariffs on sugar-cane based ethanol from Brazil.
"The result is that Americans take the financial hit coming and going," he said. "As taxpayers, we foot the bill for the enormous subsides paid to corn producers. And as consumers, we pay extra at the pump because of government barriers to cheaper products from abroad."
"McCain's coolness to ethanol puts him at odds with Obama, many of whose close advisers and supporters are tied to the ethanol industry, the New York Times reported today."
#40 Posted by GoneFishin on July 2, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Breaking News just Today 'McCain has just put a head Bush jr 04' campaign advisor Steve Shmit in charge of his campaign. If you liked Bush jr, vote for McCain and get some more.
////////////////////////////////////////
Question: Why would someone so supportive of Bush jr for the last seven years, and even now, try to separate his New hero from Bush jr?
#41 Posted by bossman1 on July 2, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Colorado, just think, as much as you may not like Obama's moving to the middle, if you get McCain, you will get more of what we have and far right wing, not middle.
It's discouraging to see candidates trying to please so many people, but then those people are also U.S. Citizens, so, it's hard to have 100% our own way.
I wish we could have a pure candidate, but he'd never make it, and then we get the worst. Ron Paul was pure on his beliefs and stuck to them. He got about 4% of the Republican vote for the nomination.
We have to be realistic and try for the best we can get. That's why I prioritize from the most important to the least. And that's why Obama must be elected, for we cannot continue with this terrible foreign policy that is sinking us. We cannot have a head of state with a rash temper and a penchant for bombing Iran. We have to get our foreign policy under tow, so we stop the hemorrhaging of our money. Then we need someone to tackle immediately our energy independence using all we have available that is a viable choice. Ethanol is a poor choice.
If we get those two things in tow, we can start tackling the other problems. So, please don't throw your vote to McCain, because you get dissapointed in Obama. Believe me, I understand, but we have to stay on target and that is defeating McCain and any more of this terrible policy we've been in.
#42 Posted by truthmatters on July 2, 2008 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And for those of you who really want change, here is
"Keeping tabs on Obama's shifts toward the center."
http://www.slate.com/id/2194758/
#43 Posted by GoneFishin on July 2, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
truth, you really think Obama will change the course of America?
He is also a very shady character (just keeps you fooled because, like a typical liberal, you don't want what is best for the country, you just want a left-wing liberal.)
#44 Posted by GoneFishin on July 2, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Fish, You seem a little mixed up lately. If McCain is so different than Bush jr, which one do you support?
#45 Posted by bossman1 on July 2, 2008 at 5:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
boss, why do you care? I just think it's funny that liberals keep spewing Obama is change from Bush.
McCain has many good qualities and lots of experience.
Obama has no experience and is fooling you into thinking he'll change things.
Don't be fooled, boss. The internet boom isn't coming back.
#46 Posted by GoneFishin on July 2, 2008 at 6:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"With regard to the gun laws, this country is out of control" by Colorado #35
I agree a hundred percent. I don't know what to do about it, because the gun lobby is very powerful.
"Obama's move to the center and possible beyond is very troubling to me."
It troubles me too, but what can we do about it? I can't vote for McCain, so there is no alternative than to vote for Obama. He's better than McCain. I will vote for Obama as a protest against conservative rule by McCain.
#47 Posted by rationalman on July 2, 2008 at 6:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
One reason for voting for Obama is that he might have a chance to appoint at least one person to the Supreme Court. We don't want any more conservative judges turning this country to the right more than it already is.
#48 Posted by rationalman on July 2, 2008 at 6:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Boss,
Please be careful what you wish for. I agree that McCain flip-flops, but so does Obama. We can argue about the company one keeps. Literally everyone in powerful positions has associated with persons of questionable character. It's the nature of the beast. It's what's done when there's a revelation that so-and-so is less than honorable that counts in my book.
For me, personally, I look at the total package.
When I listen to Michele Obama I hear anger, yet she and her husband are endowed with wealth.
When I listen to Cindy McCain I hear a person happy with her life and family.
So, if it comes down to two lawyers versus an ex-pow and a beer distributorship heiress, I'm going with beer every time. Much more happiness follows.
#49 Posted by almasonlybar on July 2, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In Europe it would be political suicide for politicians to talk about religion. In this country it seems to be expected. Europe is fed up with religion, after having lived through centuries of religious domination and cruelty. We are much more religious in this country than our European friends. It should be expected that Obama would cater to the religious conservatives. It will help him get votes. Politics and religion make strange bedfellows. We can't expect to get everything we want. We have to take what we get, and do what we can to keep religion out of government. I wish Obama would keep religion out of his campaign, but I guess that is too much to expect.
#50 Posted by rationalman on July 2, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I imagine life for Cindy has been a struggle Grandma.
Paris Hilton has it tough too.
We should have a beer together in their honor. And laugh at all of them.
#51 Posted by boulderbilly on July 2, 2008 at 7:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
almasonlybar, what are you talking about? Barack and Michelle Obama are happy, and they created their own wealth, not like Cindy McCain who inherited it. You know, you people just make up stuff about Barack and Michelle. Both of them are fine people and good parents. They came up from humble beginnings and are a good example of what hard work and good values can do.
Gonefishin, it surely is easy for you to assume that everyone who doesn't agree with you or the Bush Administration is somehow a liberal. You are in denial. There are many Republicans like me who are thoroughly disgusted with the botched job this Administration has done and the blight it's put on the Republican Party. I want all them gone, so we can start again with true Republicanism, something I can be proud of and not ashamed of because the direction they've lead us is too poor for words.
This is not the same kind of leadership we had when the Republicans came in in 1996 and showed the principles we have and how they can move this country forward. I didn't think we were a party that duped people with lies and had no morals. I never thought of us as empire builders or so inept at running foreign policy and an economy.
So, you can spout all you want that anyone who opposes McCain, Bush or you are automatic left wing liberals. You can live in your fantasy world, but I don't know what good that does for you or why you'd want to live with phoniness.
#52 Posted by truthmatters on July 2, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe this is the cause of global warming?
Tell me it's not, and maybe I'll agree that you know everything:
National Geo of all places
"The decline in the magnetic field also is opening Earth's upper atmosphere to intense charged particle radiation, scientists say."
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/ne...
#53 Posted by GoneFishin on July 2, 2008 at 7:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Junior,
I'm up for that. I'll be there in February (possibly in November) with the whole clan. But it would be fun to sit down and have a beer or two and a couple of laughs about all this stuff.
Grandma
#54 Posted by almasonlybar on July 2, 2008 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
truth,
You seem to take yourself very seriously, overly so. My advice, enjoy your life and lighten up. It's really, really short.
#55 Posted by almasonlybar on July 2, 2008 at 8:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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