Letters to the editor for Saturday, September 2, 2023

Letters to the editor should be 250 words or less. Include your name and city or community of residence. Guest opinions should be 600 words or less and include a brief summary of the author’s credentials relevant to the topic. Guest opinions may include a head shot of the author. For the Fort Myers News-Press, email submissions to mailbag@news-press.com and for the Naples Daily News to letters@naplesnews.com

Schools protected children

Front page of your paper said parents outraged over delay picking up children because of tornadoes. I’d like to say I’m outraged they have the gall to complain about the wonderful job the Naples school system did protecting our children. God bless them. I don’t care how long I have to wait. I want my granddaughter or child to be safe. People that are complaining are ridiculous putting time and their busy lives above their loved ones. Thank you to the Naples Collier County school system. Boo hoo I had to wait is a lot better than a funeral.

Christopher Barcia, Naples

Disregard for our wildlife

As a neighbor to the Siena Lakes senior residences, I am appalled by the ongoing enlargement of the facility.Dump trucks appear to be filling in a lake on the property for additional construction. I am especially concerned about the birds, ducks and fish that inhabit the lake and the surrounding property. Today I witnessed numerous white birds along the periphery of the lake, and ducks swimming in THEIR lake. This smacks of total disregard for our wildlife already threatened by overbuilding in our city.

Edward Gisselbrecht, Naples

Make process transparent

As a veteran I am very unhappy about what is being reported by the WINK journalist Celine McArthur regarding the way some Lee County employees are responding to her request for interviews. Any time government is perceived to be hiding from public disclosure it creates a negative public opinion of that government. I feel you should make Nora Donato-Hitchcock, Roger Mercado and Betsy Clayton appear to respond to the questions posed in this reporter's story. Punishment for this child's actions isn't the issue, but what needs to be transparent is the process and having county employees (who are paid with MY TAX DOLLARS) being elusive is unacceptable. This kind of subterfuge smacks of the exact thing we the military are sent to foreign countries to overturn and it can't be tolerated in America. Ms. Donato-Hitchcock's response to a reporter's request was totally inappropriate and she should be counseled on community relations and her position as  a public employee.

Kelly Lashley, Fort Myers

Collier School Board

Since students get evaluated constantly, it is only fair that School Board members should be evaluated, particularly those who are new to the board.

In evaluating the two newest School Board members, Tim Moshier and Jerry Rutherford, there are two commonalities:

1. Neither has the knowledge or background to be holding their offices.  They lack knowledge of educational practices, operations, or school finance.

2. Both are puppets of Keith Flaugh, of the Florida Citizens Alliance.  Both Moshier and Rutherford wait for their directions from Flaugh before voting, and do not appear to have any free will to represent either themselves or the residents of their districts.

In other ways the two are distinct.  Moshier appears to be prepared for the Board meetings with a focus on the agenda.  Rutherford appears disorganized and inattentive, not able to follow the flow of the discussion or concentrate on the points being made by the public, staff, or their colleagues on the board.

Recently Mr. Rutherford released his real agenda for seeking a position on the board.  He wants to solve all the world’s issues and focus the attention of the schools on ridding all evils, real or imaginary.  Instead of improving literacy or mathematical ability for students, he wants the board to wipe out all the sins of the world.  In preparation for this, he wants to restore invocations to the School Board meetings and force his religious views on the students, parents, staff, and community members in attendance.

Theron Trimble, Ed.D. (Collier County Public Schools, retired) Marietta, Ga.

Misdirected priorities

In a span of less than one year, the west coast of Florida has now seen two devastating hurricanes. Here in Southwest Florida, our neighbors are still fighting with FEMA and their insurance companies over the necessary financial payments to try and make their lives somewhat stable. Many families have seen their insurance companies cancel their policies and because of damage from Ian, cannot get insurance.

To our governor and the Legislature in Tallahassee; how is it that you found $12 million dollars to put into the current budget to pay for private planes to take people not from OUR state to other places? I believe the tax dollars that are paid by Florida residents are meant for the people of Florida. Perhaps you can check with people who are still struggling, and now in the Big Bend of Florida, who will be struggling if any of those funds could have helped or could help in their time of need.Vendettas are not helpful or prudent when your fellow citizens are in need of assistance.When the election comes around, voters, please remember those who were more interested in that, than what they were hired to do.

Barbara Herstig, Naples

Donalds put politics first

Now that hurricane season is in full swing, we’re seeming to have flashbacks of last year.On August 30, the day Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida, Congressman Byron Donalds went on Fox News and said he “thinks it's wrong” to tie Ukraine aid to disaster recovery funding.Let's not forget a year ago, two days after Hurricane Ian hit Southwest Florida on Sept. 28, 2022, Donalds voted down the “Stopgap bill,” which served to prevent a government shutdown by midnight on Sept. 30.Had Donalds been successful, his vote would have severed Floridian’s access to critical disaster relief programs on the very same week Southwest Florida suffered Ian.Why did he shoot down funding? Because the bill also provided aid to Ukraine. A spokesperson for Donalds told The Hill in a statement that “the Congressman stands by his vote” calling the measure “a continued blank check for Biden and congressional Democrats.”In short, Donalds thought not sending defense to Ukraine was more important than helping out his fellow Floridians.It’s predictable. It’s pathetic. And no matter how much “they” try to tell us it’s a “human issue,” trust me, it’s politics.Donalds isn't concerned with the damage of both Ian and Idalia. He’s concerned with “damage control” to his image. Last year, Donalds’ vote would’ve hurt Floridians in our time of need, all at the expense of the inexcusable stalling of defense aid to Ukraine when it was needed most.This year, let’s hope history doesn’t repeat.

Alexandra Zakhvatayev, Cape Coral

In case it's not a hoax

I have no first-hand knowledge concerning human-induced climate change.  If I believe right-wing politicians, it’s a hoax. If I believe scientists, it’s real.  I have more of a tendency to believe scientists because, well, they use science!

Some terrible things could happen to our planet and its occupants if it’s real, we choose not to believe it, and take no preventive actions.  On the other hand, if we believe it’s real and it’s not, but we take some preventive actions, ultimately, we would have invested some money and created some jobs.  No downside!

A friend once said he didn’t “really” believe in a deity, but he prayed to one just in case it existed.  He continued, it couldn’t do any harm and it would make a good argument for entry into heaven, if it existed.  No downside!

You may believe your strong unwavering faith in a deity will protect you from poor health.  But, do you test that belief by taking no preventive actions to promote good health?  Do you overeat, drink too much, get no exercise, smoke, get insufficient sleep, participate in dangerous activities, and avoid your doctor and dentist believing that taking precautions is unnecessary because your deity has your back?  If you answered, “yes,” please skip to the next letter!

Everyone who experienced the destruction of their house by fire never thought that would happen.  But, most carry insurance to protect them from financial hardship just in case it does.  So, even if you don’t believe the scientific evidence, but would rather believe your favorite politician, why not take some preventive actions just in case you are wrong?  No downside!

Jay Custa, Estero

Cold restaurants

The picturesque landscapes and vibrant communities of Southwest Florida have long been a magnet for tourists and locals seeking sun-soaked beaches, gentle sea breezes, and a laid-back atmosphere. One crucial aspect that restaurant owners in the region must acknowledge is the aversion to cold environments. The sentiment is clear: The patrons of Southwest Florida don't have a taste for cold restaurants, and it's high time that restaurant proprietors heed this preference

Ambiance plays a pivotal role in shaping dining experiences. The notion of sitting in a chilly, air-conditioned room clashes with the desire for an immersive dining experience that aligns with the region's climate. A chilly atmosphere disrupts this sense of connection and hampers the cherished social interactions that diners seek. Restaurant owners in the region should heed the collective preference for warmth, ensuring that their establishments reflect the spirit of the community they serve. By embracing the local culture and climate, these proprietors can foster a stronger bond with patrons and ensure the enduring success of their businesses. After all, in Southwest Florida, a warm dining experience is not just a preference — it's an expectation.

Bob Singer, Naples

Chiquita Lock not needed

Why does N-P publish the same rubbish about the Chiquita Lock from completely uninformed activists? Sanibel and Matlacha are both over six miles away. How often do the activists come to the lock and look around. The “qualified representative” is not a party to their lawsuit so, will he be subject to sanctions from frivolous actions by the petitioners? Do the opinionated parties have any solid data supporting their claims that cause wasted time and lots of Cape Coral taxpayer money.Well, I actually live at Cape Harbour and I was here with my wife during Hurricane Ian. Some guy from SCCF tells me the lock reduced the storm impact because water rushes through the lock and if it was closed, things would have been better.Well, we had storm surge water 8 inches high on our slider doors. The house floor elevation is 10 feet. We saw water line marking at Rumrunners restaurant that came to the floor level. The Chiquita Lock was totally under 8 foot deep water for over 6 hours which destroyed all the machinery. The mangroves were almost completely submerged, yes, both inside and outside of the lock. Dear SCCF expert, any uninformed assumption that the lock is needed to protect anything is stupid.

Steve Crane, Cape Coral

Curious mandate

Wednesday's rule by the Florida Board of Education mandates bathroom use rules for public schools and colleges, even extending them to private and religious schools.

Isn't it curious that this is the issue on which to extend the reach of the Board into private schools?  Why are they not mandating standards for private schools in far more meaningful areas such as teacher qualifications, discrimination or course content?  After all, we taxpayers are funding many of the private schools through the multibillion dollar voucher program.

Bruce A. Beardsley, Naples

Only in Trump's world

Very few question that Trump knows how to play the game. His game and his rules, that is. When he stiffed contractors working on his casino project in New Jersey, he simply explained that working for him was their reward. As he saw it, that was a win. Excessively, and illegally, valuing his properties in order to receive loans he would not have received otherwise, he viewed himself as winning again. And these are just two examples of many in the world of business. And in the world of golf, his behavior is no different.

I’ve often heard that after playing a round of golf with someone, you’ll know what type of person they are.  Read an interesting article today about Trump and how he scores his games.  Following are just a few highlights.He announced that he just won the Senior Club Championship at his Bedminister Golf Club with a round of 67.  A side note, the most recent LIV tournament at Bedminister, with 144 rounds being played, there were only six professional golfers who shot 67 or better.

In a pro-am tournament at Doral, playing with Brooks Koepka, Trump praised his game, Trump’s game that is, not Koepkas.  “I hit it straight, I hit good drives, I hit good irons,” he said.In January, he announced he won the Senior Club Championship at his club in Palm Beach, despite not playing in the first round.  He said he had played a strong round the previous Thursday and he would use that score for his first round.  Ironically, it was five strokes better than anyone posted on their first round. Who knows how he scored the final rounds.

Would you really want to play a round of golf with someone like that? Would you really want someone like that to run your country? As Trump sees it, he wins every time. Which means everyone else loses.

Chuck Gass, Naples

Aging in office

Our elected representatives have no restrictions on age related to service. The result is the Republican leader of the Senate who has a history of falling down and frozen moments that could be small seizures. Another example is a Democratic female senator from California who appears to be incompetent. Why don't they retire and collect outrageous retirement benefits? The answer is their pay and benefits are much better, even more outrageous.

What about our president? All we hear about President Biden is how old he is and we need someone younger to lead our country. So what about Trump who is the front running Republican in the race for president? Is he the young man needed as our leader? Wait, how old is Trump? Believe it or not he is also an old man only three years younger than Biden. He is also overweight, some would say obese. Not in good health.

So how are we to judge? Simply look at history. Who is honest and trustworthy? Who can we trust to preserve our democracy?

It is up to you.

E.R. Santhin, Naples

Women, men and letters

To the recent contributor who said there are more men's letters published than women's (Sexism in letters -- 8/30), it might not be as unfair as it seems.

On a one-day count she said there were 12 men's letters to five women's letters published and she feels that it should be closer to equal.

But it's quite possible that the amount of women's letters received versus what is published, percentage wise, is higher than the amount of men's letters received versus those published.

Maybe the News-Press can shed more light on this.

Personally I think men just seem to find more idle time (me included) to write and women just have better things to do.

Rick Manuel, Dade City

Dems don't take responsibility

Our president is at this moment on TV boasting about all the great things he has done for the suffering people on Maui. He noted how the senators, representatives and the governor of Hawaii knew all the great efforts he was making. Biden's nose grows every time he opens his mouth.

He blames climate change, which is his Waterloo, on the fire. The fact that the electric infrastructure as well as the managers of disaster relief are blaming "equity" as the reason for the fire not be extinguished quickly just illustrates how the Democrats blame everyone and everything else on failures rather than take responsibility.

When can reasonable Democrats come to the fore? I know there are some out there.

Michael Zubrow, Naples

Who's going to enforce it?

The biggest question for the anti-American stupid people of Collier County about the new county constitutional sanctuary ordinance, especially its commissioners, is who's going to enforce it? Perhaps they can hire Chris Worrell to stand at the county line with his pepper spray to assault FEMA, the CDC., and the transportation department when they come to deliver hundreds of millions of dollars in federal assistance. Once they find him from being on the lam of course.

David Liebenguth, Fort Myers

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Letters to the editor for Saturday, September 2, 2023