The readers on geology, Crist and gay marriage, and That Darned St. Pete City Hall

Excerpts from reader e-mails, and my replies:

On Thursday's column (Hands up! Step away from that rock pile!) on the state accusing a citizen of "unlicensed practice of geology:"

G. K. Chesterton said it best.  "All government is an ugly necessity" and, "When learned men begin to reason I soon discover they haven't any." -- Pat Rinard

On Gov. Charlie Crist's statement that he would not campaign for the same-sex marriage amendment:

Seems the governor thinks of himself as a "live and let live" kind of fellow who would rather work on issues such as teachers' pay, the environment and property taxes... Could it be we've gone and elected ourselves a governor with some actual common sense? -- Jay Ramage, Largo

I do think he has some common sense. However, he also tends to tell people what they want to hear at the moment -- earlier, Crist said he supported this same-sex amendment and would sign it as a petitioner -- just like he opposed gambling when speaking to gambling opponents but then made this recent deal with the Seminoles. Basically, he IS a centrist who does not have much taste for social issues.

Most of my e-mail agreed with Sunday's column (We need a do-over because of City Hall) saying that St. Petersburg adopted new land rules under fraudulent pretenses -- knowing all the while the secret plans for a new downtown baseball stadium. However, I did get one thoughtful message of disagreement:

I read your column today and see you are still on your "get the government" kick.  When the information came out about the possibility of the new ballpark the mayor was as surprised as everyone else.  The law that keeps the negotiations private also keeps the information private from even elected officials.  I know you do not like the exemption from the freedom of information law but it is the law. What I really find to be distasteful is that the general public reads your column and takes it as the gospel and strengthens their distrust of all government... I do enjoy your column and have heard you talk in the various libraries around the county and you are always well received. -- Paul C. Blatt, Dunedin

I have to tell you, to me it is not just a "get the government" kick and they were NOT just keeping an economic secret. They actually went out and held public hearings and passed a law on the future use of the downtown waterfront, deceiving taxpayers the whole time. Not to mention holding a city election while keeping the voters in the dark on what they were voting on... but again, thank you and best wishes!

Lastly, here's good news, at least for me -- you'll have to get your own winning number:

RLP Germany Reference Number: RLP/15-DE/8407 Batch: RLP/07/23 Congratulations! You are hereby notified that your email identity has won EUR 1 000 000 (One million Euro) after our final email draws conducted last week. Your email ID was attached to serial number : 45-2007 and drew the winning numbers; 4.36.18.2.31.39 CLAIMS AGENT CONTACT:
Email-pmarcel98@googlemail.com Phone: 00 44 702 401 3107 -- Marcel Pearson

Dear Marcel Pearson: Let me pack my bag and I'll be right there.

Comments

[Charlotte]

For the truth about gay marriage check out our trailer. Produced to educate & defuse the controversy it has a way of opening closed minds & creates an interesting spin on the issue: www.OUTTAKEonline.com The truth will set you free......

The move by City Hall to "keep things open" for the Al Lang zoning designation came from the Mayor's Office, not City Council.

[Booger]

Those who believe that the Mayor – or any Pinellas County politician for that matter – knew nothing of the Rays plans, are simply naive as to the realities of our local government structures.

I’d just like to know when a law will be passed to allow people who have apartment, home, car, furniture, or any other “lease” agreement… the ability to walk away from it at anytime without penalty… and leave the unpaid bills to the taxpayers.