Commentary: Hubbub

Here is a sampling of what people had to say about recent north Okaloosa County news topics. Comments were collected from the Crestview News Bulletin Web site.

Topic: Crestview News Bulletin examines motorcycle safety after recent tragedies involving local riders.

The article about “SAFETY on two wheels” is very concerning to me. I do agree more and more people are turning to motorcycles these days because of gas prices, but what I do not agree with is that our CPD has, to me, blamed people who drive vehicles for most of our motorcycle accidents. It is up to the rider of the motorcycle to be just as responsible on the road as people behind a steering wheel. After the law was passed that you did not have to wear a helmet on your bike if you did not want to is when you saw our motorcycle accidents rise. If you do not wear a helmet of course you have a higher chance of dying in an accident than someone who chose to wear their helmet. Also, we have many young people, “mostly guys,” who get these bikes and are very, very careless on them — as if trying to show off or something, but really threatening their own lives or others. So I just wanted to make it clear that it is not only people who drive vehicles’ responsibility but also those who choose to ride.

Topic: “Mystery caller” offers God’s blessings to names in the local phone book.

Thank you so much for writing this story. I always wondered who and what got her started. She does have such a sweet voice. I am a Christian, thanks for calling!
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I feel that it’s an invasion of my privacy. Just because my phone number is listed in the phone book doesn’t mean that I’ve signed up to be harassed by anyone that has a cause.

Topic: Weekly “Sign of Faith” posted on Sundays at www.crestviewbulletin.com.

Could this newspaper’s religious bias be any more evident? Since when did church signs and printed sermons become news?
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I agree with the message (‘A smile looks good on everyone’). I just wish everyone would encourage those smiles instead of putting people down or spouting how superior their ‘way’ is.

Topic: Holt actress shines in production of “Gypsy.”

I saw the show last night and agree with everything your writer said. It is truly a great show. We are lucky to have such talent in our area. If only we could see more shows like this locally!

Topic: More reaction to Brian Hughes’ “Shopping in Crestview’s mall” column.

Where to park? I always park on Main Street if I go to a main Street business. If I do not find a spot right in front of the shop or restaurant, I usually find one in the next block. Otherwise I park on Wilson Street or a side street. Like Brian said, it is still closer to where you want to go than those huge mall parking lots are to mall stores. Are you that lazy you can’t walk a block?
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I did enjoy the small town of Crestview was when I first moved here in 1986. It has grown so much, though. I’m not enjoying that. I like a small country town, but since the population has grown so much, there is not enough shopping to support the growth. I sure wish it was a small country town like it used to be. That’s when I enjoyed living here. Now the thought of a move to a small country town elsewhere is in my mind. With the growth, the growth of crime is happening as well. “He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.”

Want to add to the Hubbub? Send your thoughts on any north Okaloosa County news topics to kylew@crestviewbulletin.com, or post a comment at crestviewbulletin.com