After the Dog Park Verdict, Florida might be called “Free Murder Country” | Letters

There are no results

“Decisive”: Tampa Dog Park shooting judges explain how they reached the verdict | February 18th

Do you want to kill someone who bothers you? It’s fine in Florida. It’s a simple process.

1. Buy a gun, stuff it and stick it in your pocket.

2. Start a conflict with the target victim.

3. End the battle by pulling out a gun and shooting someone to death.

4. Tell the police and prosecutors that you are “scary.”

that’s it. It should be called a “free murder state.”

Scott Cochran, Tampa

Is this justice?

“Decisive”: Tampa Dog Park shooting judges explain how they reached the verdict | February 18th

Thank you for reporting on this shooting and the trial. This is another example of homophobia, hatred, guns and bullying that leads to the death of just sickened victims. Why do you choose the juju already?

John R. Gallo, Ruskin

Goodbye, dear friend

We’re breaking up, and it’s all your fault | line, February 23rd

This Canadian farewell is filled with sadness, frustration and deep loss. It is clear that this is not just a breakup. It is, in the writer’s view, a letter of disbandment to a country that lost its path, betrayed a friend, and became unrecognised.

The details are painful – parting with cultural icons, landscapes, tastes, friendships, and even shared history. But beneath grief, there is also a declaration of self-determination. The belief is that Canada now has to leave, stand strong, and stop looking at America as a parent, partner or model.

It’s a hot, burnt earth goodbye. But like all such farewells, the real problem remains. Is that really the final thing, or do you want to be reconciliated in a future where America may regain the virtues it once praised?

Phil Roder, Lutz

Changes are coming

ATTN: Elon Musk, this is what I did this week | Line, February 26th

Remember the slogan of the Barack Obama campaign, “Changes that we can believe in”? This time there is a real change. Voters should vote for it, and Democrats should either board or stay silent. Instead of contributing to something meaningful, they stand on the stairs of the Capitol and curse President Donald Trump.

John Spangler, Spring Hill

Yes, I’ll step up

Under Florida’s voucher program, millions will flow to wealthy families, expensive private schools | February 16th

After reading an article about the Tampa Bay Times Step-Up Tuition Voucher Program, I was worried. In particular, the overall tone of the article was very misleading. There were several thanks users referenced in the article, but this article definitely guides readers to believe that step-up is hurting public schools.

We are the recipients of step-ups. We homeschool our kids and are a single family. My husband makes $47,000 a year and we don’t get government support of any kind. We understand that home education is a choice. I had a Masters in Education and worked full time until I had a child. I don’t regret our decision, but it often meant that our family did most of the things for granted.

When step-ups came and accepted into the program, it completely changed our home education program. I was able to purchase books, curriculum and extracurricular items that greatly enhanced my child’s education. They visited the museum and were able to take classes we had no time to afford.

If parents use step-up programs to separate their children from public schools, a better use of newspaper time is to ask, “Why?” There should be no shame in feeling that parents are empowered to make the best decisions for their families.

Public education has its problems. We have proven over the years that more funds won’t fix it. Step-up isn’t “millions of flowing into wealthy families,” as the headline reads. “Step-up must be to allow parents to take ownership of their children’s education like never before.” Step-up is a gift for Florida families. And as a result, it is a gift for Florida’s future.

Brittony Yates, Winter Haven

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