The Way I See ItBy cj pollickBeach Walk Dedication Ceremony – On Saturday, July 18, from 6 to 10 p.m., there will be a Beach Walk Ceremony at the Sundial Plaza (South Gulfview.) The ceremony dedicating Clearwater’s Beach Walk will end with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. National Marina Day – Clearwater Municipal Marina will host events and displays on August 9th to celebrate National Marina Day. Citizens interested in signing-up for boat slips at the new downtown Marina may obtain information at the Marina Events. Interested parties should contact Bill Morris at 462-6954 for more information. Sand Key Cabana Club Project - Talk about having folks up in arms about a building project . . . it is clear that there are citizens (majority or minority view not known) on Clearwater Sand Key that do not support a Cabana Club redevelopment project with expanded development rights. One writer to the Gazette stated that the condo associations on Sand Key do not support an expanded Cabana Club project. Thus, and because of an article written in the Gazette last week covering many details of the proposed project, a few Sand Key citizens were outraged at comments made by the Gazette writer. "We oppose that project . . ." stated one writer. The Gazette reporter has not finished writing about this project and will obtain comments from any Sand Key group wishing to share their views. Suffice that some people made comments to the reporter, but did not wish to be quoted in the newspaper. If there are views to be shared regarding this Sand Key project, send them to the Gazette - - with names. Our reporter is fully prepared to present both sides of this development issue on Clearwater Sand Key. Cabana Club redevelopment? Time will tell, but much like other redevelopment project ideas on Sand Key, one can only hope that mutually beneficial resolutions can be made for both the citizens and local businesses of Sand Key. Redevelopment on Sand Key? Hmmm, many people can remember when there were no high-rise condominium buildings on Sand Key. Yes, times have changed over the years. There were many good fights, as older beach activists know, for Sand Key beach renourishment and other refinements for Sand Key. Sand Key is one of the best places to live in Tampa Bay because of high-rise development and other quality of life refinements (underground utilities, etc.) Would redevelopment at the Cabana Club be a positive or negative for Sand Key citizens? Sand Key citizens will help decide that issue as they express their views to Clearwater city officials. So Many Chiefs, Not Enough Indians -- In Clearwater, the City Fire Department is fraught with many firemen that have the title of "Chief." In fact, the issue is so unusual that the real "Fire Chief" has added another "star" to his uniform "crest" as "Fire Chief" to separate his title from other fire department officials who also hold the same title. Chief of Chiefs, one must presume. Is it time for Clearwater to rectify this issue and correct the titles given to subordinate fire department "Chiefs?" Perhaps someone at Clearwater City Hall will recommend correcting this minor uniform and fire department title issue. One Chief, one assistant Chief, and then the other officers and titles. Chief of Police? One. Can't imagine having several Police Chiefs in Clearwater. Robert Anthony "Tony" Snow (June 1, 1955-- July 12, 2008) - Former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow died last Sunday due to cancer of the colon. Snow was known and recognized by most Washington political insiders as a man of incredible integrity and journalistic morals. Both Democrats and Republicans respected his ability to disagree on sensitive political issues without name-calling or disparaging personal remarks. Across the isle, friends and acquaintances of Tony Snow are paying respects to this most honorable man, father and journalist. Born in Kentucky to a school teacher, Snow later graduated from Davidson College in North Carolina and began his newspaper career with the Greensboro Record in 1979. Tony Snow was known for his work as a political commentator, news anchor, syndicated columnist, radio host and former White House Secretary to President George W. Bush. Upon hearing the news about Snow, President Bush said Snow brought "a certain civility to this very contentious job." For those people who listened to the manner in which Tony Snow handled the Press Secretary political position in Washington, they should aspire to act with the same civility as Snow. Tony Snow died at age 53. Sen. Obama Tries To Attract The Religious Right, But Can't Avoid Rev. Wright - When Sen. Barack Obama stated he attended the Church led by Rev. Wright for 20 years, but did not hear him preach about hatred towards white people or hatred towards America, most people felt he was not telling the truth. How could anyone attend such a Church, led by a religious radical such as Rev. Wright, and not hear what was being "preached" most every Sunday. Nevertheless, it was the same Rev. Wright that later equated Sen. Obama with other politicians by saying Obama was just like other politicians ... when Sen. Obama left the Church and preachings of Rev. Wright. Now it appears that Sen. Obama is trying to gain the support of the "religious right" in America. Yes, the same politician who attended and supported Rev. Wright for 20 years is seeking support from mainstream American Church groups and organizations. Imagine. Nevertheless, this is the same politician that beat the Clinton Democratic political machine. Sen. Obama is recognized as one of the best politicians in America who could and did outdebate fellow Democrat candidates such as Sen. Hillary Clinton, former Sen. John Edwards and Sen. Joe Biden. Will mainstream American Church groups buy into Sen. Obama's new conversion and support him in November? Time will tell, but it is a bit ironic to notice some Democratic Party candidates distancing themselves from Sen. Obama's presidential campaign. Rev. Jackson Sends Message To Obama - "He is talking down to black people ..." said Rev. Jesse Jackson to a colleague (who did not know the conversation was caught on tape.) Rev. Jackson then continued to explain what he would do to Sen. Obama to get his attention. Although most media sources have not printed the full text of the statement by Rev. Jackson, suffice that at least one word needed to be "bleeped-out." Was Rev. Jackson actually stating his true feelings to a nearby friend about bringing Sen. Obama back into the mainstream of "Rainbow Coalition?" Time will tell, but the comment by Rev. Jackson did reflect a divide between two prominent politicians and leaders in the Democratic Party. |