[phenn]

As a homeowner in the downtown area of Clearwater, I must confess that I'm both encouraged and proud that you've decided to honor our fair city with the designation of City of 2004.

Being inside of a tiny and immaculate downtown, being close to a glorious waterfront and having a tremendous sense of community with my neighbors and the local business owners has, indeed, been a positive experience. I would venture that Clearwater offers a great many benefits to its resident. Unless, of course, they are females.

You see, a highly corrupt and cliqued judiciary makes it rather difficult for women to live their lives uninterrupted. Case in point, judge George Greer practically signed a death warrant for an innocent woman by the name of Helene Ball McGee when he refused to issue a protective order against her abusive husband. Two weeks later, the unfortunate Ms. McGee was found dead - stabbed to death by that husband.

Judge Greer has also ordered the dehydration death of another innocent woman, Terri Schindler-Schiavo. Even though doing so breaks a number of laws and is a violation of a number of Federal statutes, Judge Greer has taken the posture that those pesky laws don't matter. Only his rulings.

That said, this same man has demonstrated relationships with attorneys, local hospice facilities and even the local Sheriff. All of which leads one to think that Clearwater is running amuck with good old boys who couldn't give a toss about the rights of its female population. At very least, certainly not its vulnerable population.

It's a pity that Clearwater is not deserving of any such distinction. I'm certain you can find a less corrupt, less dangerous place than Clearwater for bestowing your award upon. Though lovely, Clearwater is, without doubt, a very dangerous place to live. Don't mind the crime rate on the streets. Try looking at the crime rate coming out of the courts.

Please rethink your position. I would assess that many female advocates and disability groups would take serious offense to such an award being bestowed on such a hostile community.

(name)
Clearwater, Florida
(6 year resident)

[mtbopfuyn]

Excellent letter that shows this isn't just, as some might claim, "Terri Wackos" on a letter writing bing. Your letter brings to light another incident of the courts not protecting women.