So many thanks for your response to crisis

So many thanks for your response

As I have been reflecting these past many months regarding all the wonderful responses that have come from this community for our own Paul Farmer (Hernando High School Class of 1978) and his No. 1 cause — Partners In Health — one of the many benefactors that stands out in my mind is Brooksville Regional Hospital, and Kathy Burke, Corey Livley and Jo Nell Noe in particular.

I know it has been a combined effort with so many in this community being involved (and thank goodness for each and every one) but when I look back on what has been provided through their efforts of providing the facility but also food and staff to serve and clean up, I know they went way beyond what was asked of them.

In retrospect, I know that good has come out of people from the tragedy that occurred in Haiti. It is hard to know where to begin the list, but this I do know — lessons are learned every day from giving of oneself for the betterment of our fellow man.

Dr. Paul Farmer is a perfect example of what is right with this world! Thank you to Tricia Bechtelheimer and her fabulous crew for caring so much. Their efforts have all been worthwhile, and a great big thank you to corporate sponsors for coming aboard when there was a need.

How could I ever forget the youth of this county? They stepped right up to the plate as always. Challenger, Brooksville Elementary, Hernando High and Suncoast Elementary raised more than $8,000 in support of Haiti Earthquake Relief.

Julia Jinkens, Brooksville

Economic focus neglects people

The emphasis on new technology, as well as on growth, is disturbing because the emphasis on humanity and social services has been left out of the formula. By doing that, we are ultimately doomed to failure.

Technological success does not mean communal success. It may only mean more profits for a select few while simultaneously affecting adversely our culture, our ability to communicate and to interact with each other or to improve our physical and spiritual health.

The market has prompted new forms of competition among counties in Florida as they seek to attract new businesses, new technologies, and even housing growth. The problem is that local government, the business community and the press urge favorable fiscal conditions for the businesses, but deregulation of the labor market. What then occurs is the downsizing of social security systems as the price to be paid for greater competitive advantage in the local markets.

Worker rights and compensation, along with any benefits, are usually endangered when this occurs. Labor unions have never thrived in Florida, and the potential for forming labor unions is almost impossible in the economic atmosphere that prevails today.

The importance of labor should not be underestimated. It can stimulate production and cultural exchange, too, but usually, in this budget-cutting climate and mind-set, we create psychological instability for workers.

This is a reminder to the business chamber and news media and especially the county commissioners and supervisors who will be making budget cuts and layoff decisions. Even though their attention is on economic growth, the primary capital to be safeguarded and valued is mankind. That should be the focus of all economic and social life. Without integrating people into our economic and social plans, we ultimately doom our quality of life.

Brian P. Moore, Spring Hill