Letters to the editor for Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Kindness, generosity remembered

Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. – C. S. Lewis

This quote aptly describes Chris Alley. He was asked by someone he never met to build a ramp for someone he did not know. He heard my sad story from the Collier Resource Center about how we were trying to help a blind 92-year-old woman get a ramp so she could leave her mobile home. There was no money for the project, and I was afraid she could not escape if there was a fire.

Without hesitation, Chris said, “I can help.” Chris engaged his crew to secure permits, demolish an existing concrete stoop and build a wheelchair accessible ramp.

That sweet woman passed away last month and her family called me to say they think of Chris with gratitude every time they see the ramp and the freedom and safety it gave their mother.

God bless you, Chris Alley.

Nina Gray, founder, Collier Resource Center

Lack of parking on Marco Island

Lack of parking has become the Number 1 issue of concern on our island.

We have expanded seating without expanding parking requirements.

The latest debacle is the proposed new restaurant next to The Snook Inn.

It is beyond my belief that our City Council would even consider the most recent proposal for a 248-seat facility plus approximately 50 employees, when they do NOT have enough parking to accommodate their needs.

But the developer has no problem proposing that they be allowed to encroach on all their neighbors, create a nightmare in traffic and ruin the quiet nature of Old Marco.

The council needs to consider the rights of the people who live in this area not just the developers.

Barbara Findlay, Marco Island

Pastor Mills led by doing what's right

I hope that not only friends of Pastor Lonnie Mills read the obituary and article about him, but that all people could read about the loss of this special man. As noted, Pastor Mills used the word love often and demonstrated love by his inclusive nature. Pastor Mills helped me by participating in programs for the local Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center and for Temple Shalom. Everyone in attendance recognized the kindness and graciousness of Pastor Mills.

Because of his inclusive nature Pastor Mills did not label people. I see this so often in the letters to the editor, in the news and in conversations. As soon as labels are given to people, it creates an "us" versus "them" dynamic, and even seems to allow people to treat others poorly. This can lead to hurtful verbal acts and even horrible acts of violence. So what can be done about the labels and hurtful speech around us? Start with kindness. Author, Holocaust survivor and Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel said that "unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change." Martin Luther King, Jr., another Nobel Prize winner, civil rights activist and minister, said "The time is always right to do what is right." Next time you want to use a label, just stop and think of Pastor Mills, and instead perform an act of kindness and do what is right, and help make the world a better place just as Pastor Mills did.

Ida Margolis, Naples

DeSantis manipulates his fan base

Our governor’s skill at manipulating his Florida constituency is on full display. Gov. DeSantis has spent months maligning the teaching profession, asserting – with no evidence – that kindergarten teachers spend their days “sexualizing” their little charges. Instead of wiping noses and teaching ABCs, he alleges “...they are telling, being taught that they may be able to change genders," all to promote the Parental Rights in Education bill.

Then there’s the “Stop WOKE Act,” needed, the governor claims, because public school history teachers are pressuring their students (the White ones, it’s implied) into “hating themselves” for past societal wrongdoing. Now, after thoroughly denouncing teachers, the governor touts the $800 million line item in the Florida budget to increase teacher pay.

Like an abuser who “apologizes” to his victim with jewelry and flowers, DeSantis blames educators for imagined offenses, and then, in a perfect “gaslighting” move, makes a show of support for those very same teachers by approving salary increases.

He thereby placates both the GOP conspiracy theorists convinced that every teacher is a left-wing nut out to brainwash our children and voters of all parties who rightfully support public school teachers.

Teachers are liberal troublemakers who harm children and undermine parents!

Teachers are wonderful and deserve a raise!

Which is it, Gov. DeSantis? You just can’t have it both ways.

Katherine Odell, Cape Coral

Plastic threatens wildlife, sea life

I am baffled by the extreme amount of plastic bags and plastic straws freely handed out in Florida. With our population increasing rapidly we will soon see more harm to wildlife and sea life by ingesting plastic. It is overdue to follow the lead of the eight states that charge for plastic bags. Publix encourages shoppers to bring their own bags but from my observation very few do.

Carolyn Sertich, Bonita Springs

Coaches should not lead prayers

In response to Congressman Byron Donalds’ Guest Column, I submit the following response based on my 38-year career in public education as a teacher, administrator, but more importantly, a coach.

School is certainly a special place. High school kids are very impressionable and highly influenced by coaches who wield tremendous influence over them. The coaches and players spend long, arduous hours of practice in preparation for the games and establish an unbelievable rapport. Players make enormous sacrifices to participate as do their coaches. The bond is incredible.

Students were concerned that not joining the coach in public prayer could negatively affect their playing time, or their coach’s opinion of them.

While no one can deny that a coach, teacher or student has a right to practice their religion, the Establishment Clause, the very first thing the Founding Fathers wrote about in the Bill of Rights, warned us that comingling government and religion was a bad idea. It doesn’t prevent prayer but rejects government sponsored prayer. School officials, including teachers and coaches, during a school sponsored activity, cannot lead a prayer! Period!

Coach Kennedy was offered alternatives but he refused the opportunity to privately practice his faith; he chose to use this time to proselytize for his religion to his students in the school-sponsored activity. No child should have to choose between being part of a team and their freedom of religion. And that’s what happened in this case.

Bill Korson, Naples

Naples should approve cardiac center plan

I have been privileged to experience the evolution of specialty structures for cardiac care, cardiac surgery, stroke and interventional radiology over the past 53 years. Time is increasingly of the essence to prevent permanent damage and death. To minimize unnecessary losses, it is best to have all of the specialists close together in a vertical structure, not spread out horizontally in a center with a larger footprint. The Naples City Council should approve the center as requested by NCH.

Michael F. Finkel M.D., FAAN, FFSN, Naples

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Letters to the editor for Tuesday, March 29, 2022