Vote for Sheriff, Oil and money, Another side, Sago palm

VOTE FOR SHERIFF
Even though everyone is tired of hearing and talking about politics because of the presidential race, we must not forget how important our local elections are – especially the sheriff’s race. This contest affects us the most. 
Voting in the sheriff’s election is voting for the individual who will protect us, our family and our property. We know the current sheriff has issues and problems. It is time for a change, to elect a sheriff who will bring about a professional sheriff’s office.
So look at all the candidates that are running, listen to what they will do if elected and most important go and vote! If you don’t, nothing will change in Walton County. 
So come this fall take a few minutes and vote for a new sheriff. 

Frank Hawley
Freeport

MORE ON OIL AND MONEY
In a recent column by Ron Hart, Mr. Hart discussed his ideas on “the politics of oil and money.” While I agree with Mr. Hart on some things I take exception to his notions of the Democratic controlled Congress’ culpability in the current price of oil and that government only gets in economic productivities way.
While it is true many Democrats oppose drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Preserve, and other sensitive areas such as the Rocky Mountains and off the coast of Florida, some Republicans have also voiced their opposition to drilling in such areas.
For example, former Governor Jeb Bush went on record in opposing drilling off Florida’s coast – as did Republican congressmen from Florida. Therefore it is erroneous for Mr. Hart to try and place the blame for lack of new domestic oil resources squarely on Democrats.
Democrats refusing to allow any oil refineries to be built?  Mr. Hart is again over simplifying the issue in order to blame Democrats. There has not been a refinery built in the United States in 30 years. And true, much of that is due to costs associated with environmental concerns, but the oil companies have not even upgraded the capacity of existing refineries and have even shut many down. On top of this most of the operating refineries in the U.S. are only operating at 85 percent capacity.
By the way, Mr. Hart, legislation has been passed by Congress that eased some of the constraints that have held back refinery construction. Even so there is only one new refinery – with small output capability at that– being built in the U.S. now. I don’t see this refinery shortfall as all the fault of Democrats as Mr. Hart espouses.
As far as government interference harming productivity, maybe Mr. Hart should visit the industrial areas of India and China. If he did he would find that there is little to no regulation by those governments in the area of the environment. That is why many areas of these countries are grimy, filthy, smog-filled and downright unhealthy places to live or work, much less raise a family.
Mr. Hart proposes business first, business first, regardless of any other consequences. If we all drown in our own pollution what was the point of it all?
I guess Mr. Hart is just bitter, bitter that the second coming of Reagan didn’t manifest itself in the persona of George W. Bush. Instead he only got the second coming of Dan Quayle. Therefore in his bitterness he is clinging to Democrat bashing and spurious rhetoric.

Allan Pierson
Santa Rosa Beach

ANOTHER SIDE TO THE STORY
After reading Nate Kelly's article on "The Outpost" in the May 10 edition of your paper I felt compelled to offer a few comments of my own on this subject.
His idyllic description of the signature sounds of motorcycles, live music and smells of barbecue don't quite capture the entire atmosphere of this scene.
Perhaps if he had the pleasure of living on County Road 3280 near this establishment like I do, he would have the opportunity to witness the joy of the illegal street races that occur on Saturday and Sunday. Or possibly he could be thrilled by the sight of drunken brawls, which occasionally erupt in the street. Or the endless supply of people who have no qualms with micturating upon the side of the road with stark impunity.
There could always be the wonderful sight of intoxicated motorists offering homeowners in the area the thrill of experiencing various types of vehicles driving through their front lawns. And of course, there are those eco-conscious individuals who consider the residents living along CR 3280 to offer the services of a recycling station and landfill for the steady stream of empty beer cans and other refuse cast out/off of their merry vehicles.
These are but a few examples of what transpires out here every weekend, except of course when it rains. In my opinion it is quite a shame that what was once a quiet part of rural Florida has been relegated to the dubious position of hosting a weekly parade of hooliganism. Alas, I suppose this is just another shining facet of our "modern, progressive" society.
I shall now bid you farewell, as I must prepare for my ritual rain dance.

Theodore Snisha
Black Creek

SAGO PALM WARNING
Sago palm (Cycas Revoluta) is a very popular and easy to grow ornamental plant found in abundance in our area. However, the bright red seed of this plant is extremely toxic when ingested by dogs potentially casing irreversible liver failure.
For whatever reason, we have seen an upswing in sago palm toxicity cases in our veterinary practice this spring, as some dogs, being dogs, find the seeds appearing to chew on. Few of these dogs have survived despite aggressive, lengthy and expensive treatment, and the tragic outcomes have often been accompanied by statements like, “If only we’d known.”
The purpose of writing this letter is to hopefully prevent even one more of these very heartbreaking situations. Please be advised that if you have both sago palms and dogs, potential exists for a real problem. I personally removed from our porch the very attractive sago we had there, fortunately before it seeded and our yellow lab found it.

Rick Barry, DVM
Santa Rosa Beach