Letters to the Editor: Dec. 1, 2021

Reviewing ‘inappropriate’ school library books can become censorship

Laurence Reisman's discussion of inappropriate books in school and public libraries illustrated how "freedom" can morph into censorship. Books should be age-appropriate above all else. But don't media specialists/librarians examine what children are accessing?

The definition of third-degree felony obscenity is very vague, and could even be applied to reference books. "All Boys Aren't Blue" was never even checked out. Because all the most prurient material isn’t in the library.

If your children are 12 and 15, they probably have cell phones. The Internet is a virtual tsunami of obscenity, drugs, porn and meanness. Library books are not even a drop in this bucket of chum. The Facebook whistleblower exposed how bad Instagram content is for teenage girls’ self-image.

I thought TikTok was just catchy dance videos. The Wall Street Journal set up some accounts. After entering several inappropriate search words, artificial intelligence and algorithms led to all the drugs and porn one could desire. TikTok content has also shown school vandalism and espoused slapping teachers. Is it possible to monitor everything your children access online?

If high school students are taking AP English classes, they should be reading thought-provoking literature like "The Kite Runner.” Khalid Hosseini is a storyteller without peer, and another of his books, "A Thousand Splendid Suns,” exposes students to the Afghan world. "The Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt is one of the best novels ever written. Teachers should prepare students for college, by giving them the opportunity to read what will be taught there.

Parents should examine what their children are accessing and reading. If you have reservations about content, speak to the school or the teacher. Don't depend on someone who is projecting their own ideas. Obscenity is an individual, not group, perception.

Denise Power, Indian River Shores

Pictures of needles could discourage people from getting vaccinated

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I think that the media should cease posting all these photos of grimacing folks getting their injections. The Nov. 19 edition is a perfect example. The image shows Jayden Lewis grimacing, with a needle stuck in his arm, and the caption quotes him, "It hurt so badly,” and the text continues, “It feels like the needle is still inside my arm.” Front page today above the fold —What the heck were you thinking?

Do you have any idea what an image like this, and the quote, do to those who have any hesitancy about getting vaccinated? It makes the decision for them that they aren't going to go there.

Then to add to it you publish another image, on page 11A. of someone getting injections in both arms at the same time. What's that all about? Did she receive two boosters at the same time? A double dose?

Why not show a more positive image which might sway the scared and doubtful to get vaccinated? Many of us got vaccinated without any pain or side effects but I guess that's not dramatic enough to sell papers. Sad that you resort of this type of reporting.

Jan Belwood, Palm City

Something to be thankful for: Kane Center’s activities for seniors

I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the Kane Center here in Martin County for providing many worthwhile activities for seniors through this year. All of the other activities I have been involved with in this area in the past have been canceled.

Barbara Beach, Stuart

Gov. DeSantis is defending our rights

Gov. Ron DeSantis is standing up to tyranny.

Let me remind everyone Gov. DeSantis is not fighting against mask and vaccine mandates, or what employers can or cannot do, or parental rights, or all the other noise that continues to surround these issues and more.

What DeSantis is doing is standing up for the rights of the state of Florida and its citizens. Pursuant to the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution he has full authority to say "yes" and "no" to the federal government on many issues. Health and education clearly fall within the 10th Amendment boundaries.

The tyrannical overreach the federal government is engaging in is not only constitutionally questionable, but I believe it ethically and morally violates the American way of life our Founding Fathers left for us.

Our freedom to choose, meaning we as individuals make the decision, is grossly being infringed upon. Government has been eroding our God-given rights for decades. Now, a virus thrust upon the world by a dictatorial regime is the excuse used by many to exert their power and control over us. And it's not for our benefit.

I applaud our governor for having the courage to stand up to the tyrannical unelected bureaucrats who ignore science, ignore common sense, ignore the rights of we the people, and allow what is constitutional, which is to let people make the best decision for them and their loved ones.

Karen Hiltz, Sebastian

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Letters to the Editor: Dec. 1, 2021