It was with dismay and irritation that I read your account of the Founders' Day Talent Show at Founder's Park [Another year, another talent crowned, Nov. 13].

I am an amateur singer in the over-55 age group. I had considered auditioning for a place in the competition as a way of honoring my fellow citizens and giving back to the population at large. However, I was unable to participate in this year's event. When I saw the wonderful performance that Denise Strauss gave, the enthusiasm and enjoyment that her performance generated and the responsiveness of the audience to her, I was invigorated and impressed.

Your newspaper account was totally dismissive of her. She may have ''technically'' won by default, but your omission of the joy and delight that the audience experienced with her singing and dancing was a blatant misrepresentation of the facts and of her efforts on behalf of the community.

As a member of the media, it behooves you to provide your readership with an accurate portrayal of the events that you report. You never acknowledged the fun, humor and professionalism that Ms. Strauss displayed during her inspiring performance. She truly won the competition and the hearts of the audience. The only ''default'' was your coverage and flagrant omissions in your article.

Sincerely,

ISABEL TESSLER

AVENTURA

THANKS FOR CLEAN BEACHES CAMPAIGN

Many thanks for your story regarding the ''Clean Beaches Campaign,'' and kudos to Commissioner Libbin for bringing this campaign to the forefront. The Clean Beaches Campaign was started by Environmental Coalition of Miami Beach (ECOMB) and continues to be one of their highest priorities. Through the efforts of the city of Miami Beach, its residents, tourists and the coalition, Miami Beach will be restored to its original natural beauty -- no butts about it.

PAUL OROFINO,

ECOMB BOARD MEMBER

MIAMI BEACH

A FREE-SPEECH RIGHT

The Miami Beach Commission has achieved a new level of totalitarian control. Despite objections by most of those present Nov. 5, they passed an ordinance about vendors, artists and street performers that would require a permit to audibly whistle Dixie on a public sidewalk in certain areas.

The ''great compromise'' your headline lauded is a quote from one who wishes nobody had rights at all. We cannot compromise things with which ``all men were endowed by our Creator.''

I'm appalled that, immediately after the pledge of allegiance, they would vote unanimously to undermine citizens' rights as defined by the Constitution of the republic to which they pledged allegiance.

The Supreme Court has ruled that street performance in public is a free speech right that may not be regulated. The problem appears to be that the commissioners and personnel involved don't understand the word ''public.'' When something is public, no person, entity or group has any more or less right to its use than any other.

I don't find it difficult to understand constitutional rights or court decisions. I cannot understand why those who govern us find it so difficult. The duty of government is to protect and defend citizens' rights, yet our commissioners trample them. We must not allow them to succeed.

STEFAN FERENTZ

MIAMI BEACH

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