Letters to the editor for Saturday, January 22, 2022

DeSantis distracts voters with nonsense

File this under shaking my head, once again, at Ron DeSantis. His Anti-Woke legislation, which prohibits teaching anything in public schools that would make white people uncomfortable, is blatantly discriminatory, concerned only with the supposedly delicate feelings of white people. Teaching about racism, slavery and the genocide of indigenous peoples, just like teaching about the horrors of Nazi concentration camps during World War II, is bound to make young people of all colors feel sad. As a white person, I’d like to say, neither myself nor my children want to be sheltered from history. We are not so thin-skinned or defensive that we can’t take it. As moral people, we have an obligation to fight racism and support equality. Only when one knows the history of our country can one hope to uphold the human rights of every person within it, no matter their color. Instead of distracting voters with such nonsense, Ron DeSantis should focus on funding Florida public schools sufficiently. As it is right now, Florida ranks 46th in teacher pay and 45th in funding public education (Tampa Bay Times, National Education Association, U.S. Census).

Jennifer Boddicker, Naples

Grateful for help with disabled car

I am a bit tardy sending this public thank you to good Samaritans who helped me on Dec. 27. My car lost all power on West Boulevard as I stopped at the intersection of Neapolitan Way. Donna? Joann? immediately called the Naples Police Department, and later, two bicyclists helped, also, by checking out under the hood, and the other calling AAA. Officer Collins came to my assistance, directed traffic, and called the towing company. So, the Christmas spirit was certainly in effect that day; I was not left stranded. Here it is, almost a month later, and I am still feeling appreciation for all these individuals. Thank you very much for your kindness and help. So grateful.

Sallyanne Ferrero, Naples

Direct funds to clean water projects

The Jan. 9 edition of The News-Press reported that the governor wants to spend one billion dollars in federal money to reduce Florida's gasoline tax by 25 cents a gallon for five months. I propose using the $1 billion of federal money to replace leaking septic systems and repair aging wastewater treatment plants. A previous session of the Legislature determined that replacing leaking septic systems was too costly. Replacing leaking septic systems will benefit all Floridians and visitors alike. Cutting Florida’s gas tax by 25 cents a gallon for five months will only benefit a few high mileage commuters and large fleet owners. All others will barely notice a difference in their budget and the money will be gone with no tangible benefit to our state or its residents. Everyone benefits from clean water, less algae and red tide.

Robert Dalton, Fort Myers

Republicans cause 'failure' on COVID

I found one of today's "Letters to the Editor" quite amusing. The writer (I assume grudgingly) acknowledged that it is scientific fact that Trump voters, the great un-vaxxed, are dying almost twice as fast as Biden voters, the wisely vaccinated.

What I found amusing is that in his closing he thought it pertinent to point our that Biden had failed to curtail the epidemic as he had promised. Well, gee, that is true; however, perhaps it would behoove the writer to also autopsy the reasons for Biden's "failure." It is because of Republican members of Congress, Republican state governors (DeSantis being a perfect example), fighting any and every action by Biden to try to have everyone get vaccinated. If everyone was vaccinated as Biden has tried his best to accomplish, the COVID epidemic in the U.S. would be only a memory. Bottom line, his so-called failure to live up to his promise is due to the opposition by Republican governing officials and, of course, false narratives being broadcast by truly ignorant people with Fox News's Tucker Carlson being a prime example.

Pamela Maza, Cape Coral

Court decision prolongs pandemic

The recent decision by the Supreme Court that rejected President Biden's attempt to safeguard the worksite of large businesses by requiring COVID vaccinations and/or weekly testing for its employees is a missed opportunity to end this pandemic. It appears that the court is acquiescing more to the unpopularity of required vaccines than preventing a hostile work environment. When unvaxxed/untested co-workers create an environment that makes work difficult or uncomfortable for folks with existing health conditions or have children under the age of 5, one's place of employment is no longer free from hostility.

James L. DeBoy, Fort Myers

Those most at risk excluded

Another brilliant Biden boondoggle. Insurance companies will now pay for home COVID testing for everyone. Well not really everyone, everyone except people on Medicare. That's right, the ones at greatest risk still have to pay out of pocket for their COVID tests. Everyone else will get reimbursed by their insurance company. I guess we're just expendable.

Kenneth Wetcher, Naples

Solar power to reduce health risks

In 2018, fossil fuels were responsible for one in five early deaths worldwide, demonstrating the large detrimental impact fossil fuels have on human health (Harvard.edu). Unfortunately, I have seen health complications in my family due to constant exposure to fossil fuels. These fuels have a significant negative impact on a variety of populations (ex: elderly and poor) that make them more susceptible to cancer, asthma, and lung disease (“Power Plants” epa.gov). Since I have witnessed someone suffer from respiratory issues, I hope to decrease these health issues for all populations by promoting a safer energy source: solar power. Increasing solar power use in Naples will benefit the public due to its low cost and clean nature. Ashley Schutz, from Florida Power & Light, has been advocating for solar plants in Naples for years, emphasizing its numerous benefits in Southwest Florida because of its constant sun exposure (Layden, Naples Daily News). Opponents of solar power state that installations are expensive (averaging about $15,000 in Naples), yet the cost post-installation is very minimal and will pay for itself in about 15 years (“Sunshot 2030” energy.gov). The competitive costs of solar power ($0.06/kWh for utility-scale solar power) compared to fossil fuels ($0.05-$0.17/kWh) provide an incentive for citizens to adopt solar technology ("Sunshot"). With this being said, with Collier County building its first solar power plant, a larger reliance on solar power is created and will reduce health risks especially with a population of older citizens in Naples who are already concerned for their health during the pandemic. However, there must be additional sites to have a more impactful effect on the reduction of health complications, as the environment continues to deteriorate.

Ellie Zern, Naples

Consequences of Russia-Ukraine war

A vapid response without Germany’s active military defense leadership and U.S. support will ensure Russia’s success and possible global dominance. A Russia-Ukraine war will not be contained within those two countries, and the destruction, economic and endless hostility consequences will be enormous for Europe and the United States.

Bruce Allen, Naples

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Letters to the editor for Saturday, January 22, 2022