You folks are fired up about everything from Gov. Rick Scott to my communist tendencies. I can understand the concern for both.
But we'll start with the hot topic of the week — how the NRA and Florida legislators have teamed up to take on the most nefarious of villains … pediatricians.
Sir: You hit the bulls eye! I'm not an anti-gun radical. I own several firearms, have been in several wars from Korea on — and, like you, I am completely against the asinine proposed legislation and the radical posturing of the NRA. Ole' Kent
Kent, I thank you for your note — and your service. Indeed, trying to fine or imprison pediatricians for talking with parents about guns the same way they talk about hazardous pool chemicals is beyond the pale. And now they're impugning Florida sheriffs with safety concerns about open-carry laws? What's next — an NRA-led assault on nuns who promote peace?
Scott, you are quite convincing, but your logic is flawed. Jim
Jim, I stopped reading after "convincing."
Scott, my husband and I are both pediatricians, and I can't tell you how much we appreciate you getting this information out to the public. I have a .410 shotgun my daddy taught me to use when I was about 12, so I'm not against owning a gun. Just don't let the children kill themselves. The first funeral of a patient I attended after I started practicing pediatrics was a 3-year-old accidentally shot by his 5-year-old brother. Judy.
Judy, I find your case compelling. Unfortunately, the NRA and legislators like Rep. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, find you to be a threat.
Mr. Maxwell Smart, The doctors are recruited as spies for the Obama regime. They report to the government who has guns and who belongs to the NRA. This is how they do it in your communist countries. If you and your comrades like this practice, I suggest the whole load of you go to Cuba. Camron
Camron, after your first sentence, I thought you were funny. Now I just think you're nuts.
Legislators are "lapdogs" owned by the NRA, regardless of common sense and First Amendment rights. My wife and I are both gun owners, but neither of us would be NRA members, even if offered free memberships. They are radicals. John
Actually, John, a lot of members aren't. The problem is the common-sense ones don't speak up when this foolishness starts. So the extremism continues … in the name of those silently consenting.
Call me crazy, but I believe I have agreed with you on 95% of your articles. Mike
Actually, Mike, I'd call you incredibly insightful.
I was very impressed with your Sunday piece about Governor Scott. I agree he needs to stop invoking God's name in abandoning the neediest people in our state. Hope you send a copy of this to him. Many of us think this way also. Cynthia
I appreciate the note, Cynthia … as well as your naive optimism that the governor gives a flip about anything I have to say.
I'm telling you to shut up. We want your job now. And we're after you. You're a supporter of Rick Scott. And we don't want you around. James
Yeah, that's me, James — the Rick Scott sycophant. Nothing says love quite like calling someone a fraud.
Scott, I just read today's column [Haridopolos book deal cost you $152K].Can we bar politicians from working at institutions of higher learning? Greg
The newspaper has actually proposed something like that, Greg. A hitch seems to be that a lot of them really like the money.
Scott, kudos to you for staying on top of [House Speaker Dean] Cannon for trying to split up the Supreme Court and raise retention votes. Legislators have clearly stepped outside their boundaries this session. Grant
I think most people agree with you, Grant — including the Orange County Bar … of which Cannon is a member. (Read the Bar's resolution at orlandosentinel.com/takingnames.)
Scott, Word has it that Cannon's out to get revenge on the Supreme Court because he had a recent case before them and got his butt kicked. Mrs. R
Mrs. R, you're one of about a dozen readers who noticed that Cannon appeared before the Supreme Court to fight Fair Districts, suffered a WWE-style smackdown and then began a crusade against the evil judiciary.
I felt the need to inform you that I disagree with nearly everything you wrote in today's column. Richard
Richard, I'll try to find some solace in your inclusion of the word "nearly."
I wish I could reach through the phone and shake your hand. Joseph
I appreciate the sentiment, Joseph … but that would really freak me out.
Smaxwell@tribune.com or 407-420-6141
