Letters to the Editor

+ Occupier and Tea Party comparison accurate
Dear Editor:
Rod Thomson’s article in the Observer comparing the Tea Party to the occupiers was a well-written story, truly comparing the two accurately, not like most media coverage. I would like you to pull up public law 95-435 section 7 and enlighten you as to who the true lawbreakers are. I’ve sent emails to U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat, and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and even to Freedom Watch, trying to bring some light to this dilemma. Nobody bothered to answer me.
Arthur Slaterpryce
Sarasota

+ Tea partyers work to restore core values
Dear Editor:
Thank you for Rod Thomson’s My View (“Occupiers not like tea partyers”). I make the Tea Party meetings when I can and help others work hard to restore what we believe are American values. It is nice to read an editorial containing objective truth — that is what most of us want to see, still, it’s rare, and I just want to express my appreciation.

I am, like most people, really concerned for what is happening to my country. I give U.S. Constitution seminars at my home and I am learning from the DVDs with everyone else. So far I have taken part in two Constitution seminars, “The 5,000 Year Leap” (28 weeks) and “The Making of America” (48 weeks), as well as the Federalist papers, the Anti Federalist papers and the Declaration of Independence given by a local judge. After three years of studying our founding documents and their framers, it is clear that I did not know our Constitution.

My eyes have been opened, and I am shocked, to say the least, at the contrast of what was originally intended as limited government and where we are now.
Jim Johnson
Port Charlotte

+ Differences clear between occupiers and Tea Party
Dear Editor:
As a Tea Party-type person, I want to thank Rod Thomson for pointing out the differences between me and those who are participating in “Occupy ... wherever” all across the country.

I fear their ignorance and misguided message is going to break down the nation I love so much. I feel it in my heart. The average person does not know why these anti-capitalist individuals are making a stand, and they’re simply shrugging it off as “the younger generation making some harmless noise.”

After walking among the protesters one day in Tampa and asking questions of them, I would stick my head out and say that approximately 60% of them have no idea why they are even there or what they hope to accomplish. (Just to be different, we passed out more than 200 pocket Constitutions.)

I live in Pinellas County and have attended dozens of Tea Party rallies. In early spring 2010, toward the end of the health-care debate, some of us did camp on the sidewalk in front of the Federal Courthouse in Tampa for six days until the bill was voted on and passed. Each morning about sunrise we put our sleeping bags back in the car and brought them back out about 11 p.m. for the night — nothing like the occupy protesters. Yes, the difference between us is like day and night.

I just wanted you to know that your article is much appreciated. Because true, unbiased journalism is scarce in this day and age, I am inspired by your article. Maybe all hope is not lost!
Kathy Haddon
Largo

+ LeBell’s ‘Solving Elgar’ critique was off base
Dear Editor:
Well, perhaps our ears are not as finely tuned, or we are not as schooled in music, but our impression was that the Sarasota Orchestra performed in an outstanding manner at the “Solving Elgar’s Enigma, Journey to Genius Concert.”  Maybe we attended a different concert than June LeBell attended. I can’t say whether the script was compelling. I can say I learned a lot about the composer and his music. I think that was the point of the script. The only point on which we agree with LeBell is the sound system. It was a disaster, and it is inexcusable that it occurred. All equipment should be checked out in advance, and it should be impeccably operational. I don’t think all the attendees will be getting a few bucks refund per person for the portions of the narrative that they couldn’t hear.
Cathryn C. Girard
Sarasota

+ Sarasota has plenty of under-the-radar murals
Dear Editor:
“We will be creating public art murals that the public can get extremely close to,” said Chris Gallagher, regarding the new parking garage, in the Oct. 6 issue of the Sarasota Observer.

Has the current population been wandering with its eyes closed in recent years? The public can get close to the beautiful Burns Court woman painted by Mark Bell (Pineapple Avenue wall of “Little Five Points” building) or the wonderful multi-story mural on the building across from the Hollywood 20 complex. Those artworks have been in place five to 10 years.

Last year I painted the yoga mural on the Lemon Avenue and Second Street building. It runs approximately 60 feet along the sidewalk. Pedestrians could put their noses and toes on that painting, especially while waiting at the newly created bus stop in front of the image.

I have for many years painted the storefront wall of the Episcopal Thrift House and recently painted a new mural “postcard” with Dale Alyward at Ed Smith Stadium.

Art and noses are already happening in Sarasota. Let’s have some more ... and, by the way, even graffiti is art, or shall we say, “In the eye of the beholder”!
Jess Dirkes
Sarasota