Sticks and Stones
Congratulations on your consistency in representing the far left viewpoint — again.
First, I actually took the time to read the anonymous, "redacted" CPA memo that was the basis for the article "Fables…" by the fringe leftwing nut, Jason Vest.
The memo happens to be a well-constructed, positive critique of some of our policies in Iraq. It does not even remotely resemble the bowdlerized, completely out of context screed you printed to champion Vest's cause.
But if being one step removed from Jason Blair makes you feel good, have at it. However, this kind of propaganda fools no one other than the black helicopter conspiracy theorists and the Michael Moore kool-aid drinkers.
Second, the lead article by Robert Kennedy in the current issue is another example of leftwing agenda journalism. Mr. Kennedy seems to be able to "talk the talk" but he sure as hell cannot and will not "walk the walk." Why? Because he is still driving his family-owned fleet of gas-guzzling SUVs and assorted luxury cars; flies all over the country on private jets paid for by his incredibly naive supporters, and is and remains adamantly OPPOSED to the construction of energy conserving wind towers in the proximity of his stomping grounds in Cape Cod. So sure, he can preach his "do good" sermon, but only fools and jerks will believe him. Which of the two are you?
—Dan Calabria
South Pasadena
Paradise Lost
I was dismayed when I ready your "Talk of the Town" column in which you spoke of the impending demolition of the Dan Kiley Garden in downtown Tampa. I never knew the name of this wonderful locale, but if it is the garden that I am thinking of, its loss will be a real tragedy for the persona of that part of the city.
My first exposure to the jasmine-studded garden with the low trees, crumbling fountains and oddly comfortable cement benches came when I was visiting downtown as a delegate to the Florida State Thespian Festival. I was a freshman at a high school in Gainesville, and I tagged along with a group of seniors, following a promise that they would take me to the "most beautiful spot in Tampa." I was not disappointed. It was early April, and the air hung with that intoxicating sweetness that only the jasmine blooms of the Bay area can bring. It was such a quiet, forgotten, shady respite from the traffic and bustle of downtown, that I stowed it away in my repertoire of wonderful secret hideaways.
Four years later, the memory of the charm of that garden and the lure of a big city's cultural offerings brought me here to live; I am now studying theater at USF. To think that "the garden" (as we always called it; we had no way of knowing its name) is now due to be lost — this is a very sad turn of events. Any time that friends come to visit me from back home, I always recommend two places downtown as mandatory tour stops: the Bread and Butter Deli (for unforgettable baklava) and "the garden." It is a shame that Tampa's most beautiful little secret will soon be no more.
—Jeff Boe
Tampa
Staff changes
The Weekly Planet is looking for a new editor. I’m not especially happy about it. But these things happen in the publishing world. Simply put, Ben Eason wants a different kind of editor. Since he’s the newspaper’s publisher and CEO, I respect his right to decide how he wants the job done.
I’m proud, though, of our editorial staff and the work we’ve put into producing a readable and provocative newspaper, week after week. I like to think that, in my 16 months here, we have raised the level of writing and professionalism in the Planet. We’ve published some stories you couldn’t find anywhere else. Our columnists and critics speak with constructive insight and authority. And when readers disagree with us — as they sometimes do — we give them rebuttal space and try to address their concerns.
Most of all, we’ve had a whole lot of fun.
Ben plans a national search to find my successor. I’ll stick around, at least for a while, during the interim. Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bradenton and Sarasota — our readership areas — deserve a good alternative newspaper. So I wish all of my colleagues, including Ben, continued success.
—Jim Harper
The Planet has always been as open as possible in sharing with our readers what is happening at the paper. We’re looking for someone who can build on what Jim has brought to the Planet — a good tough look at issues, a forum for new ideas and great critical coverage. Our preference is to find that unique and talented soul from within our community who can make this happen every week. I want to thank Jim for his dedication to the paper and wish him well in his new endeavors. —Ben Eason
This article appears in May 19-25, 2004.