Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Speech is dangerous to intellectually fragile

The president of the United States of America is scheduled to talk to local high school students about the importance of hard work and staying in school. On its face, this event doesn't sound like a dangerous moment in the lives of our adolescent children or even an imminent risk that large numbers of them will, upon hearing the president, suddenly turn into dangerous socialists, communists and Muslim terrorists. Yet, in Texas and a few other parts of our great democracy, it is apparent that the children of the lunatic fringe are so intellectually fragile that merely listening to a tape of the president could cause them irreparable harm.

Instead of preventing young adults from hearing the nation's elected leader on the subject of traditional American success values, hard work and education, there's a better way to protect them and our country. And that is to subject teenage students to persuasive advocates for and against the most dangerous "isms" -- presumably including socialism, liberalism and cannibalism. Students would then be encouraged to think for themselves and to challenge idiocy -- both at school and at home.

Roger C. Kostmayer

Key West

If comments are true, fire FKCC president

After listening to the entire [Florida Keys Community College Board of Trustees] meeting on Aug. 31, the board has an impossible decision. The huge number of employees who said President [Jill Landesberg-Boyle] made vile, derogatory comments to the staff sickens me. Calling an employee "stupid" alone should be enough to fire her. Completely unprofessional.

The board needs to ask her directly if she used these words. I couldn't imagine anyone in her position saying that to staff. I had a position similar to hers. If true, this is one intimidating, sick puppy. She may have won the battle, but clearly lost the war. Reminds me of Iraq. If true, she is a disgusting person [on a] terrifying power trip. Dump her if true, and dump her fast. This should be with cause, if true. All her positives lose to her negatives. ...

David Jackson

Big Pine Key

Politicians just can't tell truth about taxes

It would appear Mr. Charlie "Drop-like-a-rock" Crist [was] campaigning in the Florida Keys [this] week. I believe I read someplace that he [would] be releasing a rehabilitated turtle at the Seven Mile Bridge, and then attending a fundraiser for his bid for senator sponsored by Mario Di Gennaro.

I think this would be an excellent time to ask Charlie what rules of physics were used when he made the statement: "Your property taxes will drop like a rock." I think you might also mention the 119 percent increase on your boat registrations fees, 35 percent increase in auto tags fees and a multitude of other tax increases that alone would take up more than the 350 words allowed by this newspaper.

Charlie, you're no different then the rest of the elected scumbags. You lied to us.

Salvador Gutierrez Jr.

Key Largo

Thanks to businesses who support nonprofits

I would like to thank everyone who included the Florida Keys SPCA in their events recently. Lazy Gecko and Irish Kevin's had a wonderful turnout for their golf tournament, which benefited the FKSPCA and Easter Seals. Everyone had a great time at the event held by Fury Catamarans and Guy Harvey's Island Grill on behalf of the FKSPCA and Mote Marine. And some of the dogs from the shelter got a special spa treatment by Fantasy Fest candidates Vicki Gordon and the Markeys at their dog wash to benefit AIDS Help.

What a wonderful, caring island community we live in. We are proud to be included in events like these that help such a diverse group of nonprofits, each helping our community in their own special way.

Connie Christian

Executive director

Florida Keys SPCA

Key West