Friday's letters: Keep Rubio in D.C., put Neunder on commission, Rebekah Jones was wrong

Keep Rubio in office for our security

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio is a key and influential proponent for a strong and effective U.S. national security. His comprehensive grasp of American national security includes not only our military preparedness and international foreign policy leadership, but also our economic and energy security, public health security, immigration/border security and humanitarian rights policies.

He is a recognized international advocate for our American national interest, a vital influencer in the global world of competing sovereign interests and the strongest proponent for the values of human rights. As the first-generation offspring of parents who fled Communist Cuba, he viscerally understands the inhumanity of communism and authoritarianism.

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There is no better prepared nor more articulate political leader on international affairs in the U.S. Congress than Sen. Rubio. He deserves your vote in November.

Walter K. Steiner, Lakewood Ranch

Commission candidate has total package

Choosing a candidate to represent us on the Sarasota County Commission requires thoughtful consideration.

Some candidates’ campaign ads promise taxpayers that if they are elected, they will make changes. However, these candidates are promising to do things they will have no power or authority to accomplish.

All of the county commissioners must follow the Comprehensive Plan, the Code of Land Development Regulations and state and federal laws.

Each commissioner has one vote. To make changes, commissioners must convince others to support their proposals.

Dr. Joseph Neunder, a commission candidate and a former member of Venice City Council, has a voting record that demonstrates he understands the boundaries of the laws and regulations. I have seen firsthand his ability to influence others for the good of the taxpayers.

I admire his honesty and integrity. He is a man of character.

Neunder arrives at government meetings completely prepared, having studied and researched all the agenda items thoroughly. He is respectful of others as they present varying viewpoints and considers all sides of issues.

I strongly support Neunder for Sarasota County commissioner. He has the total package:

Charles R. Newsom, Venice

NRA works for gun manufacturers

The National Rifle Association was founded after the Civil War as an organization to promote firearms education and training or, as the NRA says on its website, to “promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis.”

It appears to me that the NRA has transitioned into an organization that promotes the interests of gun manufacturers to promote sales of their products.

The rifles referenced in the Constitution referred to the single-shot guns used in the Civil War. Does the average American need a repeating rifle? If so, why?

Please publish the names of all our elected officials who have received campaign contributions from the NRA.

Jan Peterson, Venice

Jones' claims weren't based on fact

In response to a letter writer’s question as to why Rebekah Jones was not referenced in a recent piece regarding COVID data, I think the answer is very straightforward (“COVID findings vindicate whistleblower,” June 24).

In a May 31 Herald-Tribune article titled “Probe finds no manipulation," USA Today Network-Florida reporters Sergio Bustos and John Kennedy accurately reported that state investigators found no wrongdoing in connection with Jones’ allegations.

None whatsoever.

All of the specific accusations were either “unsubstantiated” or “unfounded.”

I applaud the Herald-Tribune for wisely choosing not to applaud the less-than-truthful allegations made by Jones. While everyone is entitled to their own opinions, they are not entitled to their own facts.

Given her ongoing legal issues, I wish Jones well. I believe her time spent playing trivial pursuit is over.

Bill Bittay, Venice

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Rubio a leader on international affairs, Neunder ideal for commission