Letters

Letters to the Editor

Highlands Today
Published: February 14, 2012

Archaeologist needed

This is in response to Vietnam veteran John Booth's letter Feb. 8 regarding the Avon Park Air Force Range archaeological project.

I have many family members and loved ones who have served in WW I, WW II, as well as Vietnam. I am the mother of a U.S. Marine currently serving on active duty and have a niece serving, as well. I embrace your advocacy of expansive support of health care programs for veterans.

I respect your opinion, Mr. Booth, but I disagree with your position that this project is of no value. The many men who served and trained to fly bombers at the Avon Park base in preparation for WW II are being recognized for their service to our country.

In addition, there were many families who pioneered and lived at Fort Kissimmee before WW II. The government took their land and they were forced to move many, many years ago.

I am proud that it is a part of my heritage. The archaeologist working on the project is doing a wonderful job documenting, researching and educating on the history of the bombing range.

So let's move beyond the criticism and think! Could there one day be a "Veterans Day" at the bombing range, or maybe an appeal to the public on behalf of veterans and their needs along with a little historical presentation? Think about it. I would like to extend an invitation to you to visit Fort Kissimmee Cemetery on Memorial Day weekend.

Judy Stacy

Okeechobee

Bill hits the mark

Let me get this correct. Ronda Storms wants to have food stamps for food only and no junk; the first lady wants good healthy food for our kids.

But each political party is against the other's proposal. Why in God's name can they not use some common sense?

More weight makes for unhealthy people, and we all have to pay more for these people to go to the ER when they have problems relating to being overweight.

Pat Holmes

Sebring

Homeowners frustrated

This letter is addressed to judges and lawyers who handle civil cases in Highlands County. Cases go to court, they win. Cases are appealed, voluntarily dismissed, reopened. More money goes to the lawyers.

The judge who handled the court case ruled in 2010 there would be no liens on the properties in the subdivision I live in. Homeowners are now being told they have to pay more in assessments or liens would be put on the properties.

Enough is enough. This is an elderly community on a fixed income. Some have more than others. There are husbands and wives who have cancer, and they don't need all this. The lawyers are getting rich and we're being drained!

Please, I'm pleading and speaking out for a lot of homeowners. Please put a stop to all this madness.

Barbara Long

Avon Park