Disney, DeSantis and that big balloon: Letters to the editor, Feb. 12, 2023

It's a big world after all

Regarding Walt Disney World and Reedy Creek Improvement District: Our state lawmakers may want to remember, no company/organization is so large that they can't relocate to greener pastures.

Garey Hartman, Melbourne

What's at root of bad behavior?

Nobody asks if all the rude and belligerent behavior or all the violence seen everywhere has contributed to the poor behavior in schools. Decades ago I heard warnings: All this violence on TV is bad for kids. And then computer technology led to games —  violent games with realistic gore and blood — that people warned about.

So not only is violence everywhere, but extremely bad behavior by so many from Republican moms, to disgruntled patriots, and even protestors at BLM, and seemingly with no repercussions. So why not be mean, arrogant, rude, etc.?

In my 76 years on this endangered planet, I have seen bad behavior go from very low levels to unacceptably high levels, and there is no end in sight. Thank you Hollywood, software and video game creators, moms, and worst of all: Donald J. Trump.

Kenneth D. Williams, Palm Bay

A Black History Month challenge

Since 1976, February has been regarded as Black History Month, a time to explore Black Americans' culture, the challenges they face in America, and the numerous ways they have inspired and impacted this country despite a series of trials and tribulations and a history of oppression.

The 2023 Black History Month theme is "Black Resistance," highlighting historical oppression and the Black community's admirable desire for change. Despite slavery, segregation, and other discriminatory acts, Black Americans have made accomplishments in various fields, such as politics, education, insurance, business, arts, and entertainment. Maya Angelou said it best, “up from a past that is rooted in pain, they rise.”

As a proud member of the Black community and the chair of the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR), I challenge all to deepen your knowledge and understanding of discrimination and its detrimental impact on our communities. Remember, educating yourself and others is the first step in implementing change. And if you are a citizen of Florida facing discrimination in the areas of employment, public accommodations, housing, or whistleblower retaliation, visit our website https://fchr.myflorida.com/ to learn how FCHR can be of assistance to you.

Darrick D. McGhee Sr. is chair of the Florida Commission on Human Relations.

DeSantis and diversity programs

A recent column from USA Today Network addressed a Florida issue that is spreading across the country. The column, "DeSantis aims to wipe out university diversity programs," only addressed Florida's battle against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) curriculum. But this DEI cancer is sweeping across the country. DeSantis wants the DEI programs dismantled but the United Faculty of Florida vows to fight. The DEI curriculum is past the embryonic stage and nearing critical mass.

DEI curriculum has also been introduced into numerous education systems across the country including the 64 campus State University of New York (SUNY) system. All freshmen will be required to complete DEI and social justice courses to graduate.

Nicholas Giordano, a political science professor at SUNY, said DEI(SJ) courses aims to portray the United States as “inherently racist” and attempts to undermine the American identity that unifies all citizens by “creating groups and pitting them against each other.”

"To tell [minority students] they can’t compete with a white person is insulting and racist,” he said, adding that the curriculum seeks to define students “by the color of their skin."

"As a political-science professor, I can say that DEISJ desecrates the American identity and makes a mockery of our national motto, E Pluribus Unum — Out of many, one," Giordano said. "From many different people, from different places, we create one nation united by core values such as liberty, self-government, equality and individualism."

Gov. DeSantis recognizes the dangers of DEISJ and those that promote this division.

Jack Ward, Melbourne

Children learn through play

One thing that I love about Facebook are the memories that you can go back and look at each day. It gives you a snapshot in time, of what was happening in your life.

I had a memory that I had posted from an unknown person, which was titled “Kindergarten Report.” It was dated June 25, 1954. The check list included: Things I Know, Reading Readiness, Music, Activities, and Personal Habits.

The Reading Readiness section included knowledge about writing your first name, telling rhymes, looking at books the right way, listening to stories nicely, and using books the right way. This was nearly 70 years ago.

On Feb. 1, 2023, I posted a picture of my own Award of Merit, which was titled “Kindergarten Readiness and Play Program.” It was dated May 31, 1963. This was nearly 60 years ago.

I have been involved in early childhood preschool programs over the past 40 years. No matter how “times” change, children still learn through their play. I have watched the field move from play-based hands on programs, to very academic programs. Research always shows that children learn through their play, something that politicians and test developers, don’t quite seem to understand.

As I am nearing retirement, my wish is that early programs will continue to be play-based, and that children will continue to learn what is developmentally appropriate for their age. When the torch is passed to the next generation, I hope this is a truth that isn't forgotten.

Betsy Tribe, Palm Bay

Biden's SOTU home run

I think President Biden did a great job at the Feb. 7 State of the Union address.

Despite his years, age is just a number. The speech was the most passionate, honest, humorous, confident, heartfelt speech, drawing more bipartisan reactions than I’ve seen at the SOTU in decades. I loved how he was able, more than a few times, to get applause from both sides of the aisle. President Biden believes in an America that works for all, life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Even in the face of heckling, he stood up for working families, social programs, democracy, protection for all, Medicare, Social Security and more.

Yes, in the land of the free and home of the brave, education and opportunities for all, I was truly impressed. President Biden knocked it out of the park. I have renewed hope.

Seeta Durjan Esmailbegui, Melbourne

Time for more Jan. 6 charges

The Jan. 6 investigation hearings are complete, providing sufficient time to assimilate testimony provided by insiders exposing irresponsible non-action by people in position to curtail the riotous assault on the Capitol building. Failure to intercede by Trump and others in power was deplorable.

Marauding armed extremists fueled by the crazed rantings of Trump and Giuliani exacerbated the unruly horde leading to the forceful occupation of our Capitol building, injuring dozens of law officers charged with protecting the facility and those inside. Many of the perpetrators have been found guilty and received considerable prison sentences.

It's time for legal authorities to act, initiating criminal charges against Trump and Giuliani for instigating this seditionist assault on our democracy. Their urging aroused an already angry mob causing a violent eruption leading to the insurrection.

Trump has the unmitigated gall to announce his intentions to seek the Republican Party nomination for the 2024 presidency, ignoring his abhorrent behavior in an attempt to prevent the peaceful transfer of power to the duly elected Biden. Trump should be in prison, not a presidential candidate.

DeSantis will most likely be the Republican candidate. What a country.

Gregory W. Hewitt, Melbourne

Defining 'free Florida'

I wonder when the governor will propose a bill to come into my house so he can "review" my library.

Free Florida has a new meaning —  free Florida from the DeSantis dictatorship.

Fortunately, our governor is term-limited. When he announces for president, will the Florida Legislature insist on his resignation?

I doubt it.

Joe Tierno, Melbourne Beach

Follow that big balloon

Reading Sen. Marco Rubio’s comment about the Chinese balloon, here are three scenarios that could have played out. Rubio wanted Biden to come to the American public immediately, as soon as it was in American airspace, and let everyone know exactly what was happening.

Here’s what could happen.

Moderator:  Breaking news. We are tracking a balloon. We think it might be Chinese. Load up those guns and get that extra ammo because it looks like the Yellows Peril is finally at our doorstep.

Response: Utter panic and mayhem occur in all the states that the balloon is covering.

Moderator:  Breaking news. We have a two-story balloon being tracked by NORAD.  We know where the upper level airstream is drifting it.  We dare not shoot it down at this time because the debris could cause harm to civilians below.

Response: Why can’t the military just shoot it into toothpick-size oblivion? Get it out of our airspace, now. Time to retaliate to China; let’s go to war.

Here is what did happen.

Moderator: Breaking news. We are tracking an alleged Chinese balloon over American airspace. We know the trajectory because we know how the upper level jet streams react. Right now, the military is involved with the decision-making process as to how best to proceed. Shooting it down immediately could result in damage below, but as soon as it gets out to sea we have plans to bring it down.

Response:  All the pundits weight in with alternatives.

Laura Petruska, Melbourne

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: State of the union; bad behavior: Letters to the editor, Feb. 7, 2023