The parent that feels Ms. Toney, the principal at Starr’s Mill, is an embarrassment and disgrace to the school does not have a clue what type of person she is. She is a soft and caring person and arrived demanding respect from some very spoiled children (probably this parent’s kids). I’ve personally worked with her on two projects and she was professional to work with. So parent, why don’t you join the PTO or some other organization at Starr’s Mill and get a first-hand glimpse of this lady before you spew your slander and unfair opinions in print. The person who is an embarrassment and disgrace is you.

--------------

According to Wikipedia, “Foo is a metasyntactic variable heavily used in computer science to represent concepts abstractly and can be used to represent any part of a complicated system or idea including the data, variables, functions, and commands just to name a few.” Perhaps the Starr’s Mill principal is smarter than you think. She said, “ax” “quershions” just as long as you do it with “didnity” and are “sussessful,” so, ask her what she thinks a “foo” is. My DSL provider called last evening trying to sell me software to keep my computer free of “wireses.” How does it affect you when a stranger calls you, “Dog?” I’d rather be called ”dude,” and I hate that title as well. The only drive-thru in Fayetteville I can understand the order-taker anymore is Chick-fil-A. Pardon the old military acronym, but the English language in America is FUBAR.

--------------

Common sense ain’t common: When I read the Free Speech article about the principal at Starr’s Mill I thought why even ask that the school board relook their personnel choice. Granted, common sense would have told them not to put a person who lacked the ability to speak something close to proper English in such a role. That is not the way of the government. I’m sure the principal had all the necessary “paperwork” needed. I’m sure she had all the prerequisite degrees, classes, seniority and whatever else to be promoted. Government does not allow for use of common sense. We can’t profile a group because they cause the most trouble, even to the point of patting down 85-year-old grandmothers at the airport and letting a bearded turban-wearing 30-year-old Middle Easterner walk right by. Why would anyone expect common sense to be used by any other part of the government? We can’t build or fence or stop hordes of people from crossing our borders. Why would we think that we could stop a “sussessful” government employee from being a principal? Common sense ain’t common anymore, but in government it’s practically nonexistent.

--------------

Regarding the Starr’s Mill graduation piece in last week’s “Free Speech” column: The author says the graduation was “an absolute embarrassment” and goes on to personally attack the school’s principal, Mrs. Audrey Toney. What’s really embarrassing is that I live in a community with someone who can write that kind of letter (knowing they don’t have to sign their name to it), and that they can actually find a newspaper that will print it. The author’s comments, which I will not repeat, were offensive, hurtful, inappropriate, and borderline racist. I can only hope they don’t represent the opinions of the majority of this community (I don’t think they do), and I hope The Citizen demonstrates better judgment in the future as to what they choose to print. “Free speech” is not license for libel and slander.

--------------

For those of you voicing concern about your south Fayette high school, you should come to the other high school in south Fayette where at honors night, the faculty presented honors awards to students who “do not necessarily achieve the highest academic scores.” Why do we reward mediocrity in our public schools and ignore the high achievers? When attending an honors night at the other high school in south Fayette, we got to observe the educators reward students who were probably above-average students, but not the top students. It was stressed over and over again that the awards were not based on the highest academic scores. If educators want to give awards for well-rounded students, or those who are helpful in the classroom, they should consider a citizenship award. But to ignore the top students in the class who work hard to achieve that level of academia is disrespectful to those students. Honors awards should stand for high academic achievement – honors! Your top students work harder than most and would like some recognition for their efforts. I think it’s about time that Fayette educators start publicly rewarding those students who maintain high grades and stop worrying that someone who gets a lower grade might be offended. The working world is not based on equality. Top students deserve the recognition that is due them and I hope if they read this, they will know that we as parents recognize their efforts and applaud them.

--------------

Tyrone citizens need to know the real story behind their downtown redevelopment plans. Citizens’ constitutional rights of due process, protection of property rights, equal protection, state law and Tyrone ordinances are being violated. The town manager, council members and the Planning Commission are aware of these violations but have chosen to ignore them. When an individual or the government proposes a rezoning or amendment, by law, signs are supposed to be placed on the property to notify affected parties. The Tyrone government requires posted signs for individuals but not for itself. This is convenient when the government wants to change laws and doesn’t want the public to fully understand. In order to carry out plans for redevelopment, it was necessary to remove property use rights. Therefore on Feb. 19, 2004, following the town manager’s advice, the council passed Ordinance #454 which deleted all property uses in the OI, EI, C1, C2, C3, LUC, M1, M2 and AR zoning districts, and substituted new uses compatible with redevelopment plans. Since no signs were posted on affected properties, nobody knew to come to the council hearing to oppose the loss of their rights. Also, the Planning Commission did not investigate as required by law the possible harm that might be created. Since that time use permits have routinely been turned down for previously existing uses, which has devalued property. The purpose of this illegal law was to put certain property owners out of business, so that developers could buy up devalued property and work with town officials on redevelopment plans. It is essential that Tyrone citizens throw out those officials responsible for this redevelopment conspiracy. The two remaining councilmen who voted in 2004 to take away property rights are Michael Smola and Paul Letourneau. Mayor Sheryl Lee also was in support.

--------------

To the person who submitted May 30th’s Free Speech entry about the “inconsiderate shopping schedules” of stay-at-home workers/moms, who inconvenience those who work outside the home by shopping during peak hours: Are you really that self-important? What are you suggesting? That we plan our shopping trips based on the schedules of the “important” people with ”real” jobs? God forbid you would have to wait in line at the grocery store, seeing how busy and special you are. I’m assuming you’ll use all that free time you’re seeking to send in more nit-picking free speeches. Maybe you can complain next about how all the handicapped parking is located closest to the store, and should be re-marked for people like you who need to hurry. People with disabilities are so inconsiderate, using up all the good parking, don’t you think?

--------------

Stabbed by another study from our government friends. As the winds carried a propyl mercaptan and MOCAP concoction swirling around our homes and our children, we face the awful truth that our government leaders care little about us. Not a peep of disgust from the new members of the Fayette County Commission on the appalling bias within the report declaring Philip Services Corporation’s (PSC) deeds a no-foul. The non-leadership in Peachtree City was the only local government not to publicly denounce PSC’s actions. U.S. Lynn Westmoreland had to be dragged kicking and screaming into opposing PSC. Where are the leaders from Fayetteville and Tyrone hiding? Greg Dunn, Mac Collins, Steve Rapson and Steve Brown were never afraid to fight for their constituents’ rights and they certainly wouldn’t stand by and watch the likes of PSC run all over Fayette County. The weak leadership we have today needs to get off their behinds and take a stand for their citizens.

--------------

It’s really very easy on TDK and Lowe’s: Just say NO! It doesn’t matter whether the chamber of commerce, Bob Lenox or the county commission started all the lying. Stop the excuses and stop the finger-pointing and just say NO! The city council in Peachtree City has the power to keep a good thing going or they can blow us all up. Do the right thing and just say NO!

--------------

I totally agree with Ralph Ferguson’s letter to the editor in last week’s newspaper. In addition to the Pavilion turning into a dive, Peachtree City is on the skids, crime is much worse all over, the government defends chemical releases like PSC and meth use is going through the roof. When I moved to Fayette County way back when, it used to be a peaceful place heading in the right direction. Fayetteville was about the only trouble spot around. Now, Peachtree City is starting to lose what made it special. It’s going to be Coweta County’s doormat.

--------------

A message to our friends at “The Fred”: Do you get it now? In case you didn’t notice, over the weekend, Foreigner played a flawless concert to a packed house of loud, cheering fans. It was an atmosphere I just liked being part of. The rest of the concerts in this series were boring, and nobody was there. Over one-third of the seats were empty and for those of us who came out (strictly for the social aspect) it was boring. I think PTC Amphitheater is trying to be all things to all people. Hopefully, the management of The Fred will read this article; here are a couple of suggestions: 1. Stop trying to please everyone. 2. Upgrade the talent. 3. Bring in the right type of music for the crowd. 4. Increase ticket prices (if necessary) to bring in the best talent available. 5. Have “one night only” shows. 6. Most importantly, do not insult your loyal season ticket holders by providing any more “surveys.” You position the surveys as “you tell us who you want to see, and we’ll bring them to The Fred.” I won’t even go there. I enjoy the amphitheater. I think everyone involved is trying to do their best. Now is the time to take The Fred to the next level. Make this the musical hot spot we know it can be. If you bring in the right talent, season ticket sales will go through the roof. Just imagine, if you could sell out the amphitheater with season ticket holders, you wouldn’t have to spend a dime trying to sell tickets to the general public. If the amphitheater is mandated by city ordnance to provide boring talent to the minority of the season ticket holders, set me straight. If I am missing something here, I encourage management at the amphitheater to provide a rebuttal.

--------------

I enjoy reading Free Speech and to tell the truth find it to be beneficial in finding out what is going on in the community. I am hoping that this issue I am writing in about does not have amnesty from being published, as I would like to think the opinion of the people in this community can be voiced. I would like to know if anyone has been ripped off by the nutritional program that is being offered at a gym in Peachtree City. The cost of the program is pretty expensive and I for one did not receive what I feel like I paid for. To add insult to injury, when a letter was sent to the owner to let him know of my feelings that I had not received what I had paid for, the letter was ignored. My point is this. When a gym in a community does not care if one of their customers is satisfied with one of their services, I would like to know why. I also think this is a very rude way to treat the people that are paying your bills, not to even give them the courtesy of even acknowledging they have a complaint. So much for customer service and for a business even to pretend they care or give a hoot about your business. It does not matter though, because word of mouth can travel pretty good, so eventually if enough people are not happy it will come to light anyway.

--------------

I wish there was a vaccine to halt the progressive deterioration of the once beloved lifestyle in Fayette. The epidemic of poor customer service — or customer no-service — rowdy crowds, lack of product knowledge, nasty attitudes and rampant rodents (two and four-legged) sweeping over Fayetteville is both sad and detestable. And at the same time, there is no known cure. It is simply a sign of the times. How can we fight this demise? I don’t believe an army of protesters waving signs in front of these dubious businesses would solve the problem. Every known species of bird and mammal on the planet flocks to a place it feels comfortable. We as consumers must do the same. Shop where the 5-star customer service still exists. Shop where we feel both welcome and safe. A pleasant greeting along with a smile and respect speaks volumes. Shop where the prices are fair. Many such business in Fayette still exist. This might not be the proper venue, but I suggest shoppers begin complimenting the few stores that still treat their customers like we all want to be treated. Spread the good word. As a 25-year resident, I’ll offer a few stores that fit solidly into this lauded category: Smith and Davis Clothing, J&R Clothing, Clayton Appliance, Mask Tire, ACE Hardware, Jon-Branson Auto, Petsmart, Chick-fil-A, Kroger and Hobby Lobby. The newly remodeled Wal-Mart in Fayetteville also seems to be upgrading the attitudes of its associates. There are more. Find them and openly applaud them. As for the movies, you might want to check out a home-entertainment system. The picture quality, seats, floors and refreshments of the local theaters are likely to remain a bit fuzzy.

--------------

I just had another major moment at a major department store. The employees are unfriendly (normally not) and they expected me to move out of their way. There was no, “Excuse me,” just a look and then standing there perturbed. The cashier read a card I picked up for an occasion and I had it so all she had to do was scan and bag. She turned it over and read the cover of it. There were even customers in the store who would brush on by and still not one excuse me. What is the matter with you all? Is the problem that you were not taught any manners growing up, or is it too much to utter an “excuse me”? I have not walked out of there this upset in a long time, and shame on management for not holding customer service meetings on occasion. The employees obviously do not care for their jobs, so get rid of them. I will seriously be considering going elsewhere and believe me I have been a huge spender at your store. Manners are not difficult or even a smile; my dog has more manners than some of the employees.

--------------

If your daughter is a particularly immature teeny-bopper who was having a hissy-fit of jealousy over a girl named Brit Sunday, know that your little drama queen defaced public property in the Kedron area with her ravings. You need to confiscate her white and purple spray paints and help her grow up.

--------------

Robinson Road is NOT Highway 54 or 74. If you don’t remember what the speed limit is, it’s 40. And please don’t tailgate those who are obeying the law.

--------------

I’m sorry to say that lately I’ve been experiencing a different kind of “road rage.” As the parent of a 15-year-old child with her learner’s permit, I am infuriated by the many rude and inconsiderate drivers we encounter. My daughter’s nerves have been shaken several times by drivers who ride her bumper, honk, and even flip her off for driving the speed limit as she was taught in driver’s ed. With so many young people losing their lives on our roads, our children should not feel pressured by other drivers to speed up. If you recognize yourself in this article, please exercise a little patience and empathy for student drivers. After all, you were once in their shoes.

--------------

Please, please, America, wake up. The plot to destroy JFK Airport and parts of New York that was broken up by federal investigators a few days ago is more proof of the determination of Muslims in this country to destroy us. At this very moment a Muslim operative working for al Qaeda by the name of Adnan el-Shukrijumah is freely walking the streets of America and planning a nuclear attack on this country. During WWII we imprisoned patriotic Americans who were proud to be American and willing to fight for this country just because they were of Japanese decent. What idiot wants [terrorists] in this country walking around freely while planning the destruction of the entire nation?

--------------

It appears that I have been asleep as obviously many other people in this country are. I was jolted into reality a few days ago when I suddenly realized that something sinister is taking place in America. I was ordered to bed for a day of rest due to exhaustion and during that day I spent the time channel-surfing on the TV. At first I did not notice anything peculiar and then like a bolt of lightning it hit me. Every single movie and every commercial was dominated by minorities. If a minority did not have the leading role then they were very prominent in the movie or commercial. Why does 10 to 12 percent of the population enjoy 98 percent of the exposure on TV and in our society?

--------------

Seen recently in Fayetteville: Obese hip-hop couple and child leaving the Fayette County Health Department walking to their fancy-wheeled SUV with Clayton County tag. I don’t know where to begin.

--------------

An Islamic immigrant from South America “self-radicalizes” and hatches a terror plot. Hmmm. Tell us again how the federal wizards will do background clearances on all of the 11 to 20 million illegals before giving them a fast track to citizenship.

--------------

It’s quite doable to ”deport” 20 million illegals the same way Mexico has. No jobs, or freebies.

--------------

Mexican crowds booed Miss USA in the Miss Universe pageant. With “good friends” like this, who needs enemies?

--------------

How about the recent bill to offer Social Security to illegal immigrants? From my viewpoint, this is the epitome of all that is unfair, unjust and just plain wrong in America. By the 2008 elections, Hispanics will make up an estimated 20 percent of our population. This bill is an effort by both parties to buy their votes. The revolting and despicable politicians in Washington who are responsible are having their taxpayer-funded fiesta by beating the stuffing out of their hosts. They are brutalizing honest, hard-working American citizens like we are a bunch of cheap, brainless piñatas. The last pennies that tumble from our bruised and battered bodies will buy votes from Hispanics who came here illegally. Instead of being punished, the illegal immigrants will be rewarded by Social Security. Why is this happening? Because most Americans are sheep. Yes, sheep. Wimpy, easily led, spoiled rotten sheep. There are simply not enough sheep dogs to protect the herd from the vicious preying wolves in Washington. The wolves sit on a hilltop all fat and happy dinning on rack of lamb while we struggle for our lives in a once great land that is rapidly losing its identify. Unless we demand serious changes, and soon, our nation will continue on a collision course for the worst disaster since the fall of the Roman Empire. But alas, none of this is important. What is really important is American Idol and whose doing who in Hollywood.

--------------

When you call Congress to oppose amnesty, read The American’s Creed. “I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; A Democracy in a Republic ... established upon those principles ... for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes....”

--------------

The President could have secured our borders anytime in the last seven years. Now he’s promising border security to sweeten his plan to give 11 (or more) million illegals a track to citizenship.

--------------

Am I worried about millions of illegal aliens? Nah. In two generations Spanish-speakers will be the majority and you can worry about them. I’ll be gone.