- April 25, 2024
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Let’s shop somewhere with no red light cameras
Dear Editor:
I just paid my second red light camera traffic ticket, and I feel that I did nothing wrong. I normally drive slower than the speed limit, and this may be the problem.
The ticket, in the amount of $158, is 13% of my monthly Social Security payment. If I contested the ticket and lost, it would be 37% of my monthly Social Security receipt.
I feel it is time for the people of Palm Coast to rise up against the city’s new way to collect taxes.
Here’s what I’m going to do: 1) Drive to each green light with a thought that it will turn red at any moment. I will reduce speed and keep my foot on the brake, rather than on the gas. This has already caused problems behind me.
2) I intend to stay off Palm Coast Parkway as much as possible. This means I will stop shopping or dining in Palm Coast. I volunteer in Volusia, so I will spend out of town.
3) I am changing my bank and gym to a friendlier city.
4) I will not make a right turn on red because my friends find this is a trap.
5) I will actively campaign for city candidates that have removal of cameras on their platforms.
Many citizens feel they have been victimized and are speaking about it. It is time to act by shopping in friendlier cities, change driving locations and voting for new leaders. Our leaders have created a love-hate relationship by becoming new law enforcement people without having the knowledge.
Donald B. Acker
Palm Coast
Why do we need a search? Hire Oliva
Dear Editor:
Can someone on our School Board explain the reason why they are advertising for a replacement for Janet Valentine’s position when we have a person obviously qualified currently on staff?
School Board member Andy Dance recommended “the board appoint Assistant Superintendent Jacob Oliva as superintendent for at least an interim period of nine months. Mr. Oliva's been seamlessly transitioning into the top leadership position."
Yessir, they must have the money in their budget to spend on a useless search.
Donald Sosnowski
Palm Coast
The true history behind the Taj Mahal
Dear Editor:
I would like to offer some humble insight on the use of the term “Taj Mahal,” being that so many local residents associate it with the Flagler County Courthouse and Government Services Building on State Road 100.
Taj Mahal, the magnificent monument that stands at the heart of India, has a story that has been melting the hearts of millions of listeners for centuries. Many don’t realize that it's actually a love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, two people from the course of history who set an example for the people living in present and the future to come.
Jahan, initially named Prince Khurram, was born in 1592. He was the son of Jehangir, the fourth Mughal emperor of India and the grandson of Akbar the Great. In 1607 at the raw age of 14, Jahan caught a glimpse of a girl hawking silk and glass beads. It was love at first sight. Her name was Arjumand Banu Begum at that time, and she was a 15-year-old Persian princess. After meeting her, Jahan went back to his father and declared that he wanted to marry her. The match was solemnized five years later.
Jahan became the emperor in 1628 and entrusted Begum with the royal seal. He also bestowed her with the title of Mumtaz Mahal, meaning the "Jewel of the Palace.” Though Jahan had other wives, Mahal was his favorite and accompanied him everywhere. In 1631, Mahal died due to complications while giving birth to their 14th child. Jahan vowed that he would never remarry and will build the richest mausoleum over her grave.
Thus, the idea of the great Taj Mahal was born. It took 22 years and the labor of 22,000 workers to construct the monument. When Jahan died in 1666, his body was placed in a tomb next to the tomb of Mahal. This magnificent monument now counts amongst the Seven Wonders of the World. This is the true story of the Taj Mahal of India, which has mesmerized many people with its bewitching beauty.
Now, it cannot be ignored that Taj Mahal also means “extravagance.” That may be where the connection is made to our government buildings. However, it should be considered to mean “justified” extravagance. No one can argue the importance of the work done each and everyday within the walls of those buildings. So, they may very well relate to the great Taj Mahal, only with dedication and historical value. This connection should not be taken for granted.
Sam Ruiz
Palm Coast
