I can't help but wonder if the corrosive water is responsible for this and if others are experiencing the same problems. If I am paying $8,500 a year in property taxes, can't send my kids to the public school, can't drink the water, and now have to pay to replace my pipes, what am I doing living in Pompano?
Neal Kenny
Pompano Beach
A dildo is a fruit from Brazil: This is in response to the blurb about Hilary Duff in the December 11 Night & Day: As to Hilary "rebelling" against Disney, her album is on Disney's record label. As for a 35-year-old man writing her songs, that's not quite right -- some were written by her 18-year-old sister, Haylie, others by Kara DioGuardi and Meredith Brooks.
The comment about the dildos? Very bad taste. It's really a shame that self-proclaimed elitists must smack down anything they consider subpar by their ridiculous standards. Here's a girl who has had a top-ten album for 17 weeks (one of the longest runs in Billboard's top ten this year, if not the longest), a hit TV show, several movies under her belt, and much more success to come. Though her clothing choices have "grown up" a little, just as she has (hey, she's not 13 anymore), she certainly dresses age-appropriately.
Furthermore, no one should be writing about a 16-year-old girl writhing around in a pool of dildos, no matter how jealous or failed that free rag author is. This is especially true considering that a lot of pre- and teenage girls will be reading this review in anticipation of seeing their idol in concert (for many of them, this will probably be their first concert). How many parents have had to explain what dildos are to their 13-year-old daughters this week?
Shame on all of you.
Rob Shapiro
Lauderhill
Friend of a cop killer: In regard to "In the Blink of an Eye," December 4, by Eric Barton, the facts of the situation are the following: Mr. Perez and Ms. Ortiz have a history of disregard for the law since both drove an unlicensed and unregistered vehicle, and she drove without possessing a valid license. Mr. Perez and Ms. Ortiz are raising their children to have a similar disregard for the law. If Ms. Ortiz had not been driving illegally, Mr. Morash would not have died upon impact with Mr. Perez' vehicle.
Driving is a privilege in the United States, not a right. Each driver must demonstrate knowledge and skills to receive a license for the privilege of driving. Ms. Ortiz has the right to pursue obtaining a license regardless of her husband's wishes. Motorized vehicles such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles are lethal weapons (i.e., 2,500 pounds versus 180 pounds). Ms. Ortiz used a lethal weapon with complete disregard, since she knew her action was illegal.
Whether Ms. Ortiz is a mother is irrelevant to the situation. Bearing children does not place her above the law. Furthermore, a diet of chicken, fries, and soda will harm her children's health, since fried foods are loaded with trans fatty acids and sugary sodas deplete the brain of nutrients. Mr. Morash was driving over the speed limit, but it was unclear by how much. It is a rare person who actually drives within the speed limit in Palm Beach County (where I do most of my driving). I would like to peruse the report written on the collision. The best way to get people to take responsibility for their actions is to enforce accountability. There must be meaningful consequences to actions that hurt others.
This is an opportunity. Ms. Ortiz should be found guilty of manslaughter, made to serve time, and lose her children. Since she chose not to walk the two blocks, a few years in prison will teach her to walk everywhere she goes. Also, she should never be allowed to obtain a license to drive in the United States or its territories... but that would not deter her!
We live in a society where no one wants to take responsibility; it is easier to place blame. Blame is the dark side of responsibility. We each have a share in responsibility. Mr. Morash did his part to benefit society. Let Ms. Ortiz do her part in prison, where she can read and perhaps learn about parenting and driving responsibilities.
If Mr. Perez and Ms. Ortiz do not want to be licensed drivers, let them write to their elected representatives about changing the laws. Finally, Mr. Barton's storytelling was biased toward Ms. Ortiz rather than being impartial. Please develop an objective focus.
C.V.
Boynton Beach
The show is tops: I'd like to thank Michael Mills for his review of the "Underwater World Museum Show," in the December 4 issue of New Times ("Diving for Dreams"). The coverage is much appreciated. His insightful and straightforward approach to seeing the artwork and conveying its effect makes for strong writing and great reading. I know Linda Irwin at the IGFA museum was pleased with his visit. Tamekane will be happy that his work is appreciated, and I will make sure he gets a copy of the article.
William Bock
The Art & Frame Shop
Via the Internet
Trying to impose her lefty crapola: In his November 27 article, "The United States of Jesus," Wyatt Olson wrote: "Supporters of the movement have never seemed more hopeful of realizing its goal, which is nothing short of establishing a Christian theocracy in the nation's courts, schools, state legislatures, Congress, and the White House." The Framers drew up our founding documents based upon the "biblical worldview." Ours was never a "theocracy" (direct rule by God) by any stretch of the imagination.
Governments of men that hold the biblical worldview are the only ones that will be willing to recognize the fact that all men are created equal and that their rights come from God and must be protected and defended. Included in those rights is the right to worship as one pleases (freedom of religion). To guarantee those rights, our Constitution, Bill of Rights, etc., was specifically and carefully drawn up by our Reformed (Calvinist) Framers (who did not believe that people are "basically good") to stand in the way of any tyrannical mentality who would attempt to grab the reins of absolute power so as to be able to enforce his religious beliefs -- from Christianity to atheism and everything in between -- on others.
Olson may be one of the uninformed, foolish supporters of those who want to call our Constitution a changeable "living document." He evidences his ignorance by the fear he expresses that the Christian Right might take over the country and try to make our government into a "theocracy" (ruled by God) -- something it never was in the first place. He seems not to know that as long as our Constitution is upheld and interpreted according to its original intent, our Framers made sure that neither he, nor anyone else, has anything to fear from tyrannical government of whatever sort it is.
Or maybe he does understand, because, of course, the Constitution also stands in the way of certain tyrannical mentalities on the religious left that he no doubt supports; power-hungry, controlling people like Hillary Clinton -- people who have spent all of their lives trying to undermine both the Constitution and the rule of law that undergirds it, so that they will have a free rein to enforce their emotionally/spiritually immature "utopia on earth" religious beliefs on the rest of us.
Janice Matchett
Orlando
Fast-flowing river: Regarding Susan Eastman's November 20 story on South Middle River and Ann Sparks: She did a wonderful job of capturing the flavor and spirit of our fast-changing area. Congrats!
Doug Blevins
South Middle River Civic Association Consultant
Via the Internet
Open the dam: Thank you for giving SMRCA some attention regarding this very hot issue of budget cuts and needed police presence in our community.
Tony Pinto
South Middle River Civic Association
Via the Internet
