Billboard exhibit of art from around the world may move us toward greater tolerance

Outdoor art exhibit promotes tolerance

It was so appropriate for the Herald-Tribune to publish an article on the display “Embracing Our Differences” on Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 15. This display of artwork by young people and adults from around the world can give us hope for more tolerance and acceptance of those who are different.

Please go to Bayfront Park and see what these artists have to say to us all. It can give us hope for the future. The show opens Jan. 21.

I’ve always been puzzled by some people’s strident opposition to DEI programs. Don’t these people know what these words mean? Diversity, equity, inclusion.

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It is clarifying to note what the opposite of these words is. The opposite of diversity is exclusivity. The opposite of equity is unfairness. The opposite of inclusion is exclusion.

So what kind of people are in favor of exclusivity, unfairness and exclusion?

Oh! Those people. Now I understand.

What I will never understand is how people who identify themselves as Christians (God is love) can be a part of such a cabal.

David Workman, Venice

Explore wetlands, wildlife at new park

After reading the Jan. 12 letter to the editor “Nature Park at Bobby Jones a ‘sick joke,’” we would like invite everyone to visit the new Nature Park at Bobby Jones, the single largest green space in the Sarasota city limits. 

At no cost you can stroll, run or bike the shell trails, which previously served as golf cart paths.

Along the way, observe the wetlands and green space critical to filtering stormwater and protecting the health of local waters, including Phillippi Creek and Sarasota Bay.

Nearly 20 acres of wetlands were constructed to help naturally purify regional stormwater, and those wetlands already are attracting an abundance of wildlife.

During the Sarasota Audubon Society’s annual Christmas bird count last month, more than 1,100 birds were documented in a single day, representing 62 species. It is indeed a peaceful urban oasis for birds and birders alike!

By the end of the year, hundreds of trees will be planted in the Nature Park and thousands more are planned. Those trees will grow and provide a shady, cooling canopy for visitors and wildlife.

Before the grand opening last month, the Parks and Recreation Department rolled out ideas for additional park amenities for Phase II, as funding permits.

We look forward to working with our partner, Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, to care for this young park, fundraise and preserve it for generations to come.

Learn more at www.ConservationFoundation.com.

Our historic municipal golf course was restored to the original design of famed architect Donald Ross, who favored open fairways, offering golfers a variety of options when playing.

The Bobby Jones Golf Club and Nature Park is a community gem. We hope everyone visits soon to experience the wonder of enjoying and exploring nature without leaving the city. 

The Nature Park is accessible through the Bobby Jones parking lot at 1000 Circus Blvd.

The park is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk.

Jerry Fogle, Parks and Recreation director, city of Sarasota, and Christine P. Johnson, president, Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast 

Biden mum on removing Trump from ballots

In his latest campaign speeches President Joe Biden presents himself as the “defender of democracy.”

So why is it that Biden fails to call out those states where efforts are underway to bar former President Donald Trump from their ballots?

Perhaps it’s because Colorado, Maine and other such states are all considered “blue” states, currently run by Democrats?

If Biden sincerely wants to protect democracy, how can he ignore actions by states to prevent their citizens from voting for the candidates of their choice?

Why doesn’t Biden join the numerous voices, including those of some Democrats, denouncing such anti-democratic actions? The answer is that Biden is playing politics with “democracy” and hijacking that concept to suit his political needs.

Perhaps it’s time to bar Biden from the Florida ballot because his “open border” policy is undermining national security.

Roger Bonke, Lakewood Ranch

Give up meat: For yourself and the planet

Congratulations to South Korea for finally joining Western civilization in banning the dog meat trade (“South Korea to ban dog meat production,” Jan. 11).

When will we be taking the next civilized step of banning all animal meat trade?

What makes dogs more deserving of life and liberty than cows and pigs?

According to the United Nations, meat and dairy use 83% of global farmland and account for 60% of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Last but not least, the current Netflix hit series “You Are What You Eat" should convince any doubters that becoming more civilized is actually good for our health.

Mario Helgemo, Sarasota

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Art may promote unity in time of division