Maybe we can arrest this stupidity. Articles like this will help. Thanks for the effort on our behalf.
Ed Summers
Dania Beach
Just the facts, ma'am: Trevor Aaronson's May 8 story ("Death Road") was very well-written. I can appreciate his efforts at getting both the historical and current facts/details surrounding this tragic incident. It was admirable of him to go to the prison to interview witnesses.
I hope your article will contribute to the Broward Sheriff's Office's moving forward on this investigation. Great job on getting this story out to the public.
Denise E. Ives
Fort Lauderdale
In the heartland: I was impressed by Bob Norman's recent article on the sexual orientation of Republican U.S. House member Mark Foley ("Out with the Truth," May 8). The article has generated some interesting discussion and debate on gay Internet chat rooms and message boards.
The place that gay and lesbian Republicans have within their own political party is an interesting one that will have to be studied in greater depth when sexual orientation becomes a nonissue.
I do not vote for or against a candidate because of sexual orientation. However, I do feel that if you are going to run for public office (and I did back in 2001), you need to be prepared to honestly answer questions about your family background, ethnic background, bad habits, religion, and sexual orientation.
Edward T.J. Brown
Moorhead, Minnesota
But not the Gables: Mark Foley should be able to acknowledge his orientation when he is ready to do so, like Rosie O'Donnell. Leave it alone.
Paul J. Krantz
Coral Gables
Foley doesn't represent Democrats. Duh.: It's great that Bob Norman's article attempts to expose yet another dirty example of GOP hypocrisy (we're homophobic unless you robotically support Bu$h and his policies), but Foley's record is even more despicable than this cover-up.
In 2000, when Floridians were anguishing over votes that Republicans like Foley were determined not to count, he made numerous statements -- rich with insinuation about the character of Democrats, those counting and those wanting the count -- in his own state, about his own constituents! If Rep. Foley truly represents all people in his district (and statewide, if he runs for the Senate) he should not be allowed to get away with disparaging Democrats who only wanted their legal ballots to count.
Carolyn Gray
Jupiter
Free weekly needs geography lesson: I always enjoy Bob Norman's articles, but for the "profile" on Rep. Foley, some judicious editing would have helped. The table-of-contents blurb uses the phrase "sexual preference." Come on, that is so 1980s, and after all, it's only the right-wingers Norman hates that still use it and think it's a valid description of the nature of homosexuality. And second, Matthew Shepard was murdered in Wyoming, not Montana. Didn't you see the movie or read the papers? Thanks a lot, though, for the article.
Jonathan Heller
Archivist, Stonewall Library & Archives
Fort Lauderdale
And bloody would take on a new meaning: Jen Karetnick's May 8 review of Andre's Steakhouse in Fort Lauderdale is critical, seemingly harsh, and right on the money. That is the worst restaurant I've ever experienced in my 28 years of carnivorous dinner activity. Actually, she was gracious.
On one occasion, six of us got there, waited ten minutes for a table, then sat, drank, and were waiterless for another 15. When we asked about some service, the waiter was "busy" and would be right with us. When he finally did come over ten minutes later, we got up and left, because while we were waiting, we overheard the diners next to us complaining about the food they ordered: wrong items, overcooked, "crappiest salad I've ever had..." We will assume the food is just as bad or worse that the attitude afforded us. We will never visit Andre's again. They should just close the doors and bow out quietly before they become the laughingstock of the steak world.
Mike Rosen
Miami
Out with the old: Bob Norman's columns are always interesting and full of useful information. But the article about Mr. Mullins was unusually interesting ("Political Therapy," May 1). I can definitely agree with his opinions about the current geopolitical situation and the main actors involved in it.
I firmly believe that our country is embarked on a dangerous path under our current leadership, but it does not seem much can be done about it until election time. So keep up the great work.
Rafael Delarosa
via the Internet
But in touch with corruption: Wyatt Olson's "Out of Touch" article was excellent (April 24). I intend to share it with others.
Bev Harris is doing a great thing in calling attention to this problem. Many of us try to call attention to it as well. We can't do the type of research she does, but we can help spread the word. Things are very wrong. Elections do not turn out as predicted, polls are suddenly coming up with strange numbers, and there's no accountability at all. Keep trying to bring attention to this vital subject.
Sydney Cardner
Lakeland