Thank you for smoking story
Thank you for your cover story on smoking `"Smoke break," May 4`. I am not even a smoker and I could feel the author's pain! This was a rare look at Emily Flake from the other side of the drawing board. When I open a new issue of the Weekly, I turn straight to "Lulu Eightball," so this cover spread was a welcome and enjoyable read.
Frank S., Orlando
El Weekly?
I haven't read you lately but didn't realize you'd become the El Sentinel. That wasn't journalism about that march, that was propaganda for illegal immigration `"¡Si se puede!", May 4`. Immigrants aren't the only ones who build houses and work construction. Having almost been killed by somebody on a job doing electrical work because they did not understand English, I know.
Anybody in that article who had an opposing view was painted as a bigot or an idiot. I mean the Nazis used mob mentality (which it seemed like Mr. Billman was full of as he marched with his comrades) to convince Germany they were right, so we should let people (from whatever country) just come in do whatever they want to and not worry that it increases identity theft, human mistreatment, a drain on our already taxed resources (Orlando has already closed a trauma unit) and crimes like uninsured and unlicensed drivers. Oh, and blowing up major buildings.
There are laws against hiring illegal aliens. In the last year of the Clinton administration 400 companies were prosecuted. During the entire Bush administration four companies were charged, no prosecution.
Dave Conley, Orlando
Others who are worthy
Here are a few more people for your list of people who should influence Orlando `"The power worthy," April 20`:
Traci Yeager: She is largely responsible for turning the Downtown Media Arts Center into one of the coolest places to hang downtown. She's currently the CREATE (Center for Research in Education, Arts, Technology and Entertainment) program coordinator at the University of Central Florida, merging Orlando's technology and arts scenes.
Jeanie Linders and Kim Whitehurst: Linders writes and produces Menopause: The Musical, which got its start in Winter Park and has long-running shows in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle,
St. Louis, Danville, Ky., Scottsdale, Ariz., and Upland, Calif. The musical funds the non-profit Entertainment to Empowerment Foundation, run by Whitehurst, which supports women's causes from ovarian cancer research to the arts.
`Joseph` Richard Hurt: Dean Hurt is turning Barry University School of Law into a school to reckon with. Enrollment and bar passage rates are rising. And with student moot court appellate advocacy and trial advocacy teams holding their own or beating teams from Stetson and the University of Florida (not to mention Duke, Emory and Alabama), Barry is doing something right.
Suzanne Meehle, Orlando
Sharp-dressed man
After reading my name included in "The power worthy" `April 20`, I couldn't help but observe how off-base Jeff Billman and the other writers could be. Among other things, I was referred to as "short, pushy, funny and impeccably groomed." Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, all 5 feet, 4 inches of me demands that you meet with me immediately to discuss these references. I insist on this meeting as soon as I finish my manicure and hair styling appointments.
Keep up the good work.
Mark NeJame, Orlando