Letters for June 15-21, 2006

Disgrace Base

Democracy takes the low road:The article on Guantanamo was excellent ("From Gitmo With Love," Emily Witt, June 8). I feel we should never have opened Gitmo. This is a democracy. Why have these poor souls not had their day in court? President Bush has made America more hated and the laughingstock of all nations. It will take a strong president and many years to undo the damage Bush has caused.

Three of the prisoners at Gitmo just committed suicide. Who would not be depressed to be locked up away from family and country, no visitors and no idea when you will get out, if ever. It is disgraceful. I'm ashamed of our country.

Jeanie Zeis

West Palm Beach

Hey, we didn't sign those lousy treaties:Thank you for that frank article about the prisoners we have been holding for — in some cases — years now. I think it's shameful to hold a person without any legal status for so long, besides this being a form of psychological torture. Imagine not knowing what will happen to you in the future; maybe you could be held for life without ever seeing a judge.

This is in violation of several international covenants, some of which the U.S. is not a signatory to. Amnesty International believes that there are no rights-free crimes, rights-free areas — such as "Gitmo" — or rights-free persons.

Bob Andrews

Fort Lauderdale

It's All About the Elvis

Nobody really knows his name:I really liked the Night Rider article about me ("Phat Elvis," Marya Summers, June 8). It was well-written and funny too. Just so you know, I do wear underwear. The only thing I wish you would have added to the piece would be my name. There are more than a hundred thousand Elvis impersonators. Only a few are any good.

Scott Ringersen

Delray Beach

Deerfield Lament

Is it all part of the DB culture?This was the most accurate exposé I have read to date on the corrupt City of Deerfield Beach ("For Sale: Keys to the City," Bob Norman, June 1). I am a firefighter for the city. Deerfield Beach is so corrupt that it is hard for the average person to believe the goings-on.

Your article will surely let people know the truth, but I am afraid there will be little or nothing done about it. The Fire Department is the same as the city: "good ol' boy" promotions, a handful of loyalists getting all the overtime. As the city goes, so goes the F.D. It is my daily prayer that justice prevail in a totally corrupt city. You have done as much as anyone to have it be so.

Name withheld by request

Via the Internet

A simple housecleaning lesson:Your reporter Bob Norman is a wonder — don't let him go! I don't know how many hours of investigation he has spent on his Deerfield Beach articles, but it must be a considerable number.

Many people over the years have questioned the connections between Mayor Capellini's city actions and his private company. Many wondered how his partner Gallo and Mrs. (city manager) Deetjen got such plums, but it was idle gossip. The concerns seemed to fizzle out with an oh-well-what-can-we-do? Well, your Norman seems to know what to do! I have lived in Deerfield Beach part time since 1993 and full time since 2000. Since then, it has been an unending fight to protect our quality of life from the overdevelopment fostered by the city manager and mayor.

How the city manager holds on to his job after so many instances of insubordination and so many embarrassing revelations is no mystery. It will take the vote of four commissioners to fire him; three are ready at the drop of a hat. In my opinion, he would be gone in one vote if Sylvia Poitier could put the needs of the city as a whole above what she perceives she can get by having a hold over the city manager. She wants us to believe that it is the money he would get as severance pay that is making her wait; however, considering what he is costing the city every day he is here, it would be well worth it even if the city does have to pay it, which certainly is not a sure thing.

I hope Norman keeps digging, and I hope this investigation doesn't die out. Accountability has a nice ring to it.

Bett Willett

Deerfield Beach

Give Nicole Some Space

What every child needs:Your article about the Andersons was very moving. They are a strong and courageous family who probably have a long and difficult struggle ahead of them. Their goal is to allow their child to live comfortably "in his own skin." Isn't everyone entitled to that?

Lenore & Art Gensior

Middletown, New YorkWrite for Us

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