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Monday letters: My life might have been different

 
Published May 20, 2016

Put an end to knotted court | May 18, editorial

Obstinate Obama

I believe you are labeling the wrong party "stubborn." The Republican majority Senate made it quite clear that it would not act on any appointment for the Supreme Court until after the presidential election. The decision was announced prior to the "stubborn" Democratic president making a nomination anyway. To do something in defiance of a decision that has been made and made public is typical of the character of President Barack Obama. Please do not blame the Senate.

William A Sandman, Lakeland

Officials react to Walmart burden | May 19

Police should be called

I have been reading in the Tampa Bay Times about the criticism that Walmart has been receiving because of their avid use of police services. The argument surrounds the disproportionate calls made to police. I disagree with the criticism. When a bank robber was asked why he robbed banks, his response was, "Because that's where the money is." Walmart calls the police because of the crime that is occurring within its store on its property.

I suspect that Walmart has a higher percentage of shoplifters than other stores and the police are called when they are caught. To reduce the number of calls to the police would mean that Walmart should "look the other way" when shoppers are stealing. That would start a horrible precedent. Thieves would learn that they would get off with a warning and the incidence of theft would increase dramatically.

It is my opinion that Walmart is doing exactly what it should do. If they observe someone breaking the law on their property, the police should be called. If that means it is somewhat burdensome on the police, then so be it.

Denis M. deVlaming, Clearwater

Clinton: Trump 'not qualified' to be chief | May 20

A Democrat thanks Trump

I am a crusading, liberal Democrat who loves Donald Trump and will be forever grateful to him for what he has done. In less than a year, he has accomplished more than all of our Democratic organizations and workers have been able to do in the past eight. During President Barack Obama's second term, our Republican-dominated Congress has done almost nothing except keep our government basically deadlocked while reaping huge financial rewards for jobs they have not been doing. Trump has dismantled the whole mess that was the controlling Republican Party. Whether they choose to embrace him or not, they are done.

I know that many brilliant people have been Republicans, even Hillary Clinton — and me! While Hillary (younger than me, thus taking longer to see the light) crusaded for Barry Goldwater, Goldwater politics scared the daylights out of me and turned me into a registered, voting Democrat. It is ironic to recall that Donald Trump was once also a registered Democrat, perhaps during the same period that Republican Hillary campaigned for Goldwater, so time and life experiences can change anyone.

I doubt that "the Donald" himself really knows this, but I believe that subconsciously he is still the good Democrat he once was and really does want to make America great again as we were under Bill Clinton. Whatever his real intention may be, he has done our country a great service by running for president, a contest he cannot possibly win.

To me, he is already a winner by ridding us of Bushes, Rubio, Romney and the whole Republican mess.

Adele Ida Walter, Tampa

Come out of your coma, GOP | May 15, letter

Right ideas, wrong party

I read this letter with interest. I am a 76-year-old lifelong liberal, and I found myself nodding my head in agreement with nine out of 10 of the writer's beliefs. Then I get to the bottom and find that he's a staunch supporter of Donald Trump. What? Has he been listening to Trump? Trump is anti-gay and anti-abortion. He wants to build a wall on our southern border. He wants to deport 11 million "illegals." Did I miss something? Maybe the letter writer should examine the Democratic platform and values. They seem to be much more in line with his positions.

Fern Williams, Zephyrhills

'Stamp Out Hunger' food drive

Thanks for the food drive

The annual letter carriers' "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive on May 14 was wonderful. Thanks to all U.S. Postal Service workers for a great job.

It is sad that America has so many hungry people. The government wastes billions of dollars on other countries, and yet we have millions of Americans without food. Thanks again, USPS!

Monica J. Saviano, Spring Hill

Very different paths to college | May 16

What my life might have been

As I was reading the article regarding two students in two areas of Los Angeles being led down two different paths to college, I remember my high school days.

Even though I was a student who made good grades, I had no intention of going to college. I was not encouraged to do so until I received a scholarship to a local community college. Most of the students who were from affluent families already had an idea where they were headed after high school graduation.

As I read this article, I was thinking that it is strange we were in the same school. Some were encouraged to further their education. Others, like me, were not encouraged. There is a line between the two sides that occurred in the same school, not just in the same county.

If I had the chance to go back to graduation time, I would have chosen a different path. Maybe my life would have been better than it turned out today.

Dawn Baker, Zephyrhills