Letters to the editor for Wednesday, January 3, 2024

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

Cancer Society support

Thank you once again Naples for supporting the American Cancer Society!If you were one of the thousands of cars driving through Victoria Park duringthe holiday season and generously donated to help the fight against cancer we so appreciate it.A special thank you to all the residents of Victoria Park who go all out for the holidays with their amazing light displays and luminary lighting on Christmas Eve also. We were able to raise $6,822.13 this year to help the all too many people dealing with cancer. Please watch for a location in Naples for the Greater Collier Relay for Life on May 1st, 2024.May God bless you in this new year with health, peace, and joy!Barb Senkevich, Victoria Park's Relay for Life captain, Naples

Hateful message

We received many lovely Christmas cards and greetings this holiday season, but none that wished President Biden and others would "rot in hell." Such was the Christmas message from former President Trump to the nation he wishes to preside over once again.

If former presidents Carter, Bush or Obama had issued such a Christmas message, it would have made headlines in all the newspapers in the country. But no, we found it in one small paragraph on an obscure page of The Fort Myers News Press. Have we become so immune to the hateful diatribes from Trump that we pay little or no attention anymore -- even when those destructive words are in a message connected to the season celebrating the birth of Christ?

There's little chance that folks who get their "news" exclusively from Fox even heard about his hateful message. A newspaper headline might have caught an eye, but, wait, not many folks read newspapers anymore either.

It's a well known fact that a leader sets the tone for any group, whether it's the chair of a board, a teacher, or the president of the United States. When that tone is one of hate, revenge and vindictiveness, it eventually filters down to the entire group. Haven't we already had more than enough of that?

Gloria Kauls, Estero

Naples growth

I have been in Naples approximately 20 years. I have seen Naples grow from charming small city into what developers want to make into a Miami look-alike! I must trust the idea that the Naples Planning Board are the big winners in this change. Why else take a charming place, with limited beach and roads and create traffic jams, accidents, and no parking for residents? Who is benefiting from the changes? Not the residents. Only developers and maybe children when owners die!

And I ask does any new development make sense during a water shortage? Or does Naples want to catch up with California and start turning sewage into drinking water?

Marjorie Hancock, Naples

Misdirected outrage

Here are a few thoughts after reading "Biden is not the answer" from the man in Naples.

Calling Democrats socialist, communist vile spouters only leads one to believe that the writer has no idea what a socialist or communist is. As for vile spouter, maybe he should look in the mirror.

The majority of people showing up at the border are standing in line to request asylum which is LEGAL. By our own immigration law they must be processed and vetted. Biden cannot change immigration law, only Congress can. In the meantime the GOP needs to stop announcing to the world that the border is open which encourages people to come here. Why would the GOP work to fix immigration when they so successfully campaign on fear mongering? They did absolutely nothing on immigration when they controlled the entire government.

There is no talk by government officials of giving amnesty to illegals. You're just scaring yourself with right wing rumors. Calm down.

Biden goes home on weekends, an hour away from DC, hardly a vacation. The GOP led House has been on vacation for three weeks, but don't let facts get in the way of your outrage.

What Biden policies should Democrat politicians be objecting to? Rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure? Lowering drug costs for seniors? Having the strongest economy on the planet? GDP way up? U.S. energy production setting records? Inflation down to 3.1% from a high of 9.1%?

I'll admit, things are tougher here in Florida, we have the highest inflation rate in the country along with the insurance crisis, housing crisis and never ending environmental issues, but who controls the entire state of Florida?

D. Wallace, Cape Coral

Is it worth it?

It pains me to say this, but it's looking as though the 2016 winner may get another chance to sit behind The Resolute Desk in '24. I have now officially moved beyond concern to outright fear. And so I want to reach out to some of you who may still be in his camp and humbly suggest a cost/benefit analysis.Sure, you may get a short lived endorphin rush from watching my head explode if he wins, but at what cost? Another shot at The Presidency will allow this man effectively to compromise small "d" democracy and the the rule of law for decades to come. Will "owning the libs" like me and mine fully compensate for so devastating a loss for all of us, left and right of center? Doesn't that seem like a wildly exorbitant price to pay for so inconsequential a purchase? You'll "own" me and my friends, for whatever it's worth. But how much can that really be? Trust me; I've lived with myself for a long time. I'm not all that valuable.

Geremy Spampinato, Naples

These were good things

Your article “More shade over the Sunshine State in ‘23“ was inaccurate and very biased reporting. The issues that you raise such as the feud with Disney, book and drag bans, major culture changes and suing over missed playoffs (by the way there has been no suit filed) were very good things for the majority of people in Florida. When you try and twist issues to your view, put it in the opinion page.

Dennis DaPra, Fort Myers

The importance of tenure

Tenure for a college professor is important to both professors and students. Earning tenure is a complicated process based on multiple factors including: the level of academic achievement; demonstrated skill in teaching and in scholarly writing; length of time teaching; and detailed evaluations by supervisors, peers, and, to a lesser degree, students.  A professor not "granted" tenure is a professor who did not earn tenure.  The likelihood of being retained by the college or university is, essentially, eliminated.

Tenure also protects professors from external political influences which can, and do, arise when elections result in the change in the political priorities of elected leaders.  Politics should have no place in educational curricula or education policies.

From a purely financial perspective, students deserve the most qualified professors available, due to the significant monetary commitment in a college education.  Students in classes with a less than skilled professor do not have the opportunity to learn the subjects as deeply and thoroughly as they may need later in life in their chosen careers.

Mark Connors, Naples

Democracy's graveyard

Think a criminal conviction for an assault on our democracy will knock Mr. Trump out of the box? Think again, because you're whistling past democracy's graveyard.

During the 2015 run-up to the presidential election, I published a column in The News-Press stating that Donald Trump was the bomb that groups of angry Americans were chucking at Washington. Trump was their collective temper tantrum. And so the more objectionable and destructive he made himself, the happier these groups were and probably still are. They wanted him to break things and really tick people off, especially those whose education allows them to benefit most from our 21st Century economy and still do. A really bad president would be good for that.

Was I right? Am I still right?

In 1923 after a sensational trial that gave him a political boost, the one whose name I will not mention was convicted of treason for his role in organizing an insurrection and sentenced to five years in jail. Ten years later he was elected and was anointed "The Leader."

Every nation wants a leader with convictions. We may have one in 2024.

Bruce Diamond, Fort Myers

The law is clear

The simple definition of the word "insurrection," is the act or instance of rebelling against a government in power. Conservative law professors who have examined the original meaning of Section 3, have recently concluded that it plainly applies to Donald Trump and bars him from another term.

Apparently the secretary of State of Maine and the Colorado Supreme Court, have already determined that and have banned him from the presidential election in 2024, pending a review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Apparently there are two issues to decide, "was it an insurrection" and who, or what was the catalyst? Given all the information in video and testimony, will SCOTUS do the right thing? The law is clear, the rest is just someone's opinion.

Roger W. Quagliano, Estero 

This was an attempted coup

Trump apologists argue that using Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment to keep his name off the ballot deprives voters of their legitimate say concerning his candidacy.  One Maine state legislator argues that because Trump has never been convicted of insurrection in a court of law, his name cannot be kept off the ballot.  Both ideas convey a woeful ignorance of what Section 3 actually says and why it was written.

In the aftermath of the Civil War, former Confederate states began sending unapologetic insurrectionists to Washington as senators and representatives.  Congress refused to seat them, and Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment was written to prevent individuals who violate their oaths to the Constitution from holding public office at the federal or state level.  Section 3 says nothing about individuals needing to be convicted of insurrection by a court.

We know what Trump said and did in the days leading up to Jan. 6; we know what he said and did on that day, refusing for hours to order the rioters to stand down; we know he was hoping their actions would prevent the legal transfer of power scheduled for that day.  This was an attempted coup.  Trump failed then, but he is now poised to finish the job.  Every day, we ask our schoolchildren to pledge their allegiance to our flag, symbolic of our Constitution.  It is incumbent upon us to prevent insurrectionists from holding public office.

Ray Clasen, North Fort Myers

Anti-freedom actions

DeSantis said this, ”The Republican Party was founded to put a stop to the growth of slavery in this country. And the abolition of slavery was - and to this day, remains - the party's top achievement,” he said.

Perhaps the city mayors will remind him of the illegal transfer of migrants to their city. Perhaps we should remind him of many of the other negative anti-freedom actions, perpetrated by his party, don’t say gay, stop Woke, anti-voting, book banning, etc. And personally, I would want to add the suggestion of pardoning Trump, who placed his foot on the necks of people of color, and many others.

And most of all, I think he got it wrong, The party he refers to is the party that was taken over by the good old southern boys (Southern Democrats).

Lewis Robinson, Fort Myers

Establish an official language

In the last couple of years there have been a surge of people entering this country both legally and illegally. I think in 2024 the United States should push to have an official language. Recently in stores and public places I have observed many people get annoyed and frustrated, both employees and customers, by not understanding each other. I still don’t understand how you can take a driver’s test in many languages when the signs and directions are in English. The United States in only one of five countries that do not have an official language.Establishing an official language would promote unity and cohesion among the diverse population. With a common language, communication barriers would be minimized, leading to enhanced understanding and collaboration among individuals from different cultural backgrounds. This would foster a sense of national identity and strengthen our social fabric.

Having an official language would help efficient government operations and public services. It would streamline communication between government agencies and citizens, ensuring that information and services are accessible to all. This would also result in improved efficiency, reduced costs, and a more inclusive society.Declaring an official language would also provide economic advantages, foster unity, and enhance government operations. A shared language would enhance workforce productivity and mobility, allowing individuals to participate in the job market more effectively. Ultimately, this would contribute to economic growth and competitiveness on a grand scale.I understand that language is deeply intertwined with cultural diversity, and it is important to acknowledge and respect the various languages spoken within our nation. However, having an official language does not mean disregarding or devaluing other languages. It simply serves as a common foundation for communication and integration and keeps a nation together.

Lou Walker, Cape Coral

Afraid to chat?

Have you ever asked yourself why it is that we have so many different opinions about things these days and why we so seldom speak to each other in public? Probably not; it’s likely a question you’ve personally never needed to answer. You smile when you hear or see contrasting opinions and are curious in some cases how people can come to the conclusions they do and that’s all the effort you’ve ever put into it.

Now, you and a hundred million like you all around the globe are paying the price; look around – people are having an awful time just talking to one another in public anymore. You don’t dare mention anything about politics; religion is, as it’s long been out of the question and sexuality, forget it all together. OK, so the weather is always good, but since it’s almost always good in most places, the differences don’t last long as far as conversational opportunities go. That leaves whatever you can think of to use to start up a chat, if you feel the need.

Personally, as you might expect, I do it most of the time with the people I meet when I’m out shopping; so people think I’m friendly. It’s definitely a skill, a gift any preacher or door-to-door salesmen would envy having, but then I’m neither, just a retired teacher with nothing better to do; you know what they say: old teachers never stop teaching, they just lose their class. Have you seen mine lately?

Ed McCoy, Bokeelia

Negatives accumulate

Just a thought or two on the state of the State of Florida. I truly do love so much here. Yet since DeSantis; many negatives have appeared. Parental "rights" have morphed into: The government knows better. The books available, the history available, the history being taught as a sedative for us poor sensitive white people. I, as a parent, did a great job raising my sons. I also have input in my grandchildren's upbringing. The government has no place in telling me what my family is permitted to read, learn, or think! I'm considering buying an old ice cream truck and stocking it with "banned" books. Rolling through neighborhoods and parking lots, with an old adage sign saying: THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE!!! If something truthful makes you feel uncomfortable, do something about it. Oh? You don't agree that slavery was more like a trade school than a moral travesty? Speak out against that nonsense! The government has no place in telling me what is or is not morality, and how I have to pass that on to my family! Please don't get me started on Moms For Liberty, or the head of the G.O.P. of Florida! Truly a do what I say, and not what I do! Sickening!

Robert Jenkins, Naples

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Letters to the editor for Wednesday, January 3, 2024