Negative Pitts
To the editor:
Here we go again, another Leonard Pitts article, this time bashing tea party participants.
Over the years, I have tried reading Mr. Pitts’ columns. Usually I find myself the brunt of his critical rants. Why does the News-Gazette feel it necessary to publish this negative column, unless it is to get a pro-Democratic or anti-Republican bias?  Why do we need to hear that almost all events in our predominately white society are anti-colored, pro-Republican, or anti-Democratic?
I remember his article on a Wisconsin deer hunting multiple killing, where a "non-white" killed several white hunters, and then tried to change clothes and escape.  Mr. Pitts found another side of the story — feeling sorry for the "non-white" because "whites" might shoot him, and therefore he had a right to defend himself .
My issue then is, why can't Mr. Pitts use his considerable writing talents to cover positive issues in this country? Why must almost every article be a diatribe against whites, Republicans or those protesting increased government in our lives?  Why does he feel that the label "liberal" is always good, and "conservative" always bad.
I know it is almost impossible to change the beliefs of grown adults.  Mr. Pitts certainly has a right to his negative viewpoints, but why do we, as readers, have to see them on a regular basis?  (and I am not a Republican).
The choice is always to avoid the negative. I made the mistake of not avoiding this article, but will not waste my time again to hear his same negativism.
James Davis
Kissimmee

Speed bump city
To the editor:
Did eBay have a special on speed bumps? Those things are proliferating around Kissimmee like rabbits. First downtown, then Orange Gardens, then two more at the idiot’s circle on Martin Luther King Boulevard, and now two more at the courthouse. How many more are planned around town?
I’m told that it’s a safety feature. Well, if you drive by the police department, you can count as many as 35 or more police cars parked along the street or in the parking lot. Why don’t some of them get out and catch some of these morons who think our streets are the Daytona Speedway? Just try and get through Kissimmee without wrecking your suspension.
Let’s take down the All America City signs and put some up that say, “Speed Bump City, proceed at a snail’s pace.” That way, the new “Human Signs” can run alongside and hand out fliers without getting knocked down.
Mike Bast
Kissimmee

Keep the prayer
To the editor:
I would like to encourage Osceola County commissioners to continue offering prayers to the God of the Bible when beginning their meetings.
At this time of national uncertainty we need God’s help more than ever. True history (that which has not been re-written to suit someone’s preconceived agenda) shows that our country was founded on Christian principles. During the Constitutional Convention, when our country’s founding fathers were struggling to write our Constitution, Benjamin Franklin (who was probably the least-Christian of the group) arose and called for prayer.
He asked: “… how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the Contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger we had daily prayer in this room for the divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard, & they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending providence in our favor … and have we now forgotten that powerful friend? Or do we imagine that we no longer need his assistance?  I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth that God Governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that ‘except the Lord build the House they labour in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better, than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and bye word down to future ages … I therefore beg leave to move-that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of this City be requested to officiate in that Service.”
Like Benjamin Franklin, I believe that our country will remain strong only as long as we acknowledge the God of the Bible as the source of all our blessings. The founding fathers fought for freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.
Patti Bryant
Kissimmee

Analyzing article
To the editor:
Your Feb. 27 article about Osceola County’s purchase of land for conservation was a bit confusing. The continuation of the land conservation program, SAVE (Save and Value Environment), is a necessary and worthwhile goal, and a commendable aim; however, a number of related questions need to be addressed.
One: Where is Osceola County government/Osceola County Commission (taxpayers) getting the funds, in a high-deficit period, to purchase 989 acres/six separate parcels? Property tax revenue is down sharply, at all levels: municipal, county, state and federal.
Two: Can Osceola County (taxpayers) afford to spend this money? Particularly, as 100 percent of the funds needed to make these purchases are not already in reserve (cash in hand)?
Three: What is the time line for purchasing the six parcels?
Four: How many of the six parcels will be purchased within the current fiscal year? And, when does that end? Of these, how many, and specifically which, parcels, will be paid in full, with the SAVE finds, at the time of purchase?
Five: How many, and specifically which, parcels will be purchased in the next fiscal year: 2010-11? Of these, how many, and specifically which, parcels will be paid in full, with the SAVE funds, at time of purchase?
Six: Why would Osceola County government (taxpayers) purchase, on paper, the entire 474-acre (Legacy Park) parcel, which is part of the Tohoqua DRI development? If, according to the Land Conservation Advisory Board document named in your article, 166 acres of the 474-acre parcel, would be preserved anyway?
According to Robert L. Secrist III, the county (taxpayers) would get the 166 acres at “no cost.” Thus, Osceola County (taxpayers) would be paying, according to the June/July 2009 valuation, about $11.7 million for the billable 308 acres. The $11.7 million price for the 308 acres is only $800,000 less than one-half of the $25 million that current owner, Neptune Road Investments, paid for its entire 1,185-acre parcel in 2005. Osceola County government (taxpayers) would not be getting those 166 acres at “no cost.” Sorry.
Sandra Stepler Hajtovik
St. Cloud

Cemetery dinner
To the editor:
The Osceola County Historical Society would like to clarify some misconceptions regarding our Rose Hill Cemetery event.
The intent of the event is to honor a small group of our citizens. Actors will be conducting first-person historical interpretations, portraying these respected people. The contributions of these citizens to our county is worth telling others about and we chose this venue to do so rather than have their names be forgotten.
Subtle background music will be provided by a flutist and guitarist and will be conducted whereby guests will be introduced to these notable citizens.
Anyone familiar with the history of our county will recall newspaper articles telling of the picnic gatherings in our local cemeteries to work and reminisce about their ancestors. Some families still have reunions, with dinner on the grounds on a yearly basis right here in this county.
We see nothing ghoulish about preserving the memories and accomplishments of the strong, determined people who held political offices, served in civic groups and worked in Osceola County to make it a better place for their descendants. Out of respect to these families, the event was purposely scheduled at this time of year, rather than near Halloween.
And to those who have supported this event and plan to attend, we thank you for seeing the true nature of its intent.
Osceola County Historical Society