Thursday, July 29, 2010

Reinstate curfew to stem the muggings

It appears we have a real problem with delinquent teens. These are not only gay bashers -- which is extremely egregious -- but they are now attacking and maiming [indiscriminately]. It's disgusting and barbaric. Within the past year, numerous beatings of homeless, gay and others have occurred time and again. Why are 15- to 17-year-olds on Duval street at 1 a.m.?

My 16-year-old has a curfew to be in at midnight on weekends. This is not up for discussion. She is also not permitted to be on Duval Street between the blocks of 0 and 400 after dark. (For those of you wondering, yes I trust her to be in better company with the drag queens than the drunken, grabby, leering, derelicts up the other end!)

I remember a curfew being set years ago -- what happened to that? Midnight seems very fair unless the kids are with responsible adults at a festival like Goombay, or have working papers that they are getting off work at that time. I think we need to reinstate the curfew and hold the teens and their parental figures responsible.

These muggings and senseless acts of violence have to stop. These boys need to be stopped. They seem to think they are impervious to being squashed. Let's show them they are not.

Karen Weiler

Key West

Political maneuvering made for bad decision

It is no surprise that once again, political maneuvering and unchecked emotions overshadow prudent representation and the best interest of our residents. The hasty decision, facilitated by an inequitable county offer, to overlook the merits of the Marathon Fire and EMS proposal hurts not only Middle Keys residents, but jeopardizes the spirit of cooperation countywide. By one county commissioner's own admission, Marathon service is safer. It is also cheaper and tested.

We cannot afford to pit community against community based on contradicting county policies that do not spread the cost of these services evenly. We must remember that health and safety come first, followed by a plan where both the county and municipalities can provide efficient, cost-effective services for all county residents.

Don Vasil

Marathon

Try year-round school to keep teens off street

Teens are attacking -- again!

It is obviously time for year-round school in Key West. There is, apparently, nothing for some teens to do other than brutalizing innocent people. Just when people think the thugs are all re-locked up, there are more.

Parents do not appear to be in control. Or to even care. I will once again ask, do you know where your kids are? What they care about ? Do you insist on good manners and proper diction? Who are their friends? Who are their friends' parents? When was the last time you played a board game with them? Looked at their school work? Went to the beach as a family? Had a meaningful conversation ?

Supervision, supervision! That and/or prison is the answer.

Please quit spawning kids you do not intend to take care of for at least 23 years. They are not "on their own" at 6 or 16 -- at least, they shouldn't be. And I, for one, would love to be safe on this very small island.

Kathy Comiskey

Key West

Cartoon made light of people's suffering

I have to say that I found the cartoon on the Opinion Page on Sunday July 25 offensive.

This is making fun of an area which is suffering a disaster. Did you make fun of Haiti after the earthquake, New Orleans after Katrina? Well, the content of that cartoon was on that level.

The BP oil disaster may affect us yet and there is nothing funny about any portion of this problem. The entire Gulf Coast (Key West, too) will be suffering from this for years.

Not Funny.

Ed Shaw

Key West