Crime and Punishment
No second chance: You claim in your article about the Haitian criminals being deported that Wildrick Guerrier, who died, possibly of cholera, after he was sent home, was an innocent man ("Death by Deportation," Chuck Strouse, February 24). This man was a multiple felon that still chose to break the law after being given probation. How many chances should a person be given? When he took probation, the judge told him that doing so could lead to his deportation and he chose to violate by leaving the house when he was not supposed to, having a knife that he was not permitted to have, and being in possession of a gun. That sounds like someone that should have been deported sooner. His death is unfortunate, but if he stayed in the U.S. he may have murdered an actual "innocent" person. Now that would have been tragic. Why does a "soft-spoken, nice guy who would not attack or hurt someone" need all those weapons for? Maybe to fight off the police the next time they try and pull him over while transporting cocaine.
Sean Ballesteros
Born in the USA: Guerrier kicked a cop in the nuts? Did I read that right ? I don't think I would do that, and I'm white, here legally, and a fourth generation American.
Mark
No exceptions: I feel bad for the Haitian community, but the writer should write about the whole deportation process. It is the same for Central Americans and everybody else, and they have been doing it the same way for years. How come now it is only not fair for Haitians? This guy had a criminal record, so what makes him exempt from the law?
Maury
Death behind bars: The real issue I have is that when they get deported they end up in Haitian jails. I know a couple of deportees who are successful business people in Haiti, but I suppose if you were unproductive in the U.S., then you're probably going to be worse off in Haiti. So going to Haiti itself is not a death sentence, but ending up in a Haitian jail may be.
Jae
Send them home: The law is clear, foreign nationals who commit felonies must be deported. Why should we shelter Haiti's criminals?
Anonymous
Think again: We don't deport Cubans who have committed felonies. Do you ever wonder why?
Anonymous
Dread Scott
Foot-in-mouth disease: Thanks, Mr. Campbell. Loved your column about Governor Rick Scott assuming all blacks were once poor and from the projects ("Luke's Gospel," Luther Campbell, February 24). Once again, Scott really "put his foot on his mouth."
Hereiam
True stereotype: Rick Scott spoke the truth, and I can't fault him for that. Most of those blacks were from the projects, low income, etc. So why get so defensive. He wasn't putting anyone down.
John
Black like me: Rick Scott was talking to a group of black professionals who most likely didn't grow up in poverty. A lot of black people have never seen the projects, and I am one of them.
Janee Blackwell
Wake up: Rick Scott eventually will irreversibly damage the future of Florida. He is making himself rich at the sacrifice of the people who live here, including the dummies who voted for him. He uses deceptive tactics to fool the public to get what he wants and afterward laughs his way all the way to the bank.
Anonymous
Fishy Service
Disappointed: Who's minding the kitchen at the Rickenbacker Fish Company Restaurant ("The Fish Is for the Dogs," Lee Klein, February 24)? It's a shame to have this nice-looking restaurant with subpar service and food preparation. Quite frankly, when I read their menu on their website, I was somewhat disappointed because I thought it sounded like something from the late '70s or early '80s. I worked at the original Horatio's (the building they are in) when it opened in December 1985 and was excited that someone was going to go in and remodel and institute a new menu. Training is the most important part of cooking; consistency is key! As a former chef, I always told applicants that I was interviewing, "If you're here to work your 8 hours (clock punchers) and leave, don't bother applying. I want someone who has a passion for food!" It sounds as if they'd better find a chef who has stricter standards in the kitchen. In my book, you're only as good as your last plate to leave the line... My friends and I have been long-long time residents of this area, so we have fully informed as many people as we could about this place and hope its stay will be short lived. Thanks for your truthfulness.
Victor Glaser
