Letters and feedback: Dec. 2, 2021
Hey, all: We really are in this together
When you look at our planet from space, you see a beautiful, life-giving planet. You don't see a planet split into left and right, capitalist and communist, religious and secular, white and black, rich and poor, one country and another — just one big, beautiful world.
The sooner humans see the big picture and try to get along, the better.
This COVID pandemic has proven there are no borders, and we have to work together for the common good.
Robert Woods, Melbourne
Park's bike traffic causes concern
I have a concern. One of the gems of Brevard County is Linear Park. The wonderful walk through a Florida hammock; the combined effort from the zoo and county. Linear Park is well used and appreciated by all ages.
My concern is the bike traffic. I understand the beauty for a bike — no cars, smooth service, no lights, etc. — but there are pedestrians. Pedestrians (as per several signs) have right of way. We have found, on our walks, that bikes speed past us, the riders sometimes announcing themselves but most of the time, not going at dangerous speeds. There are pine needles on the ground and wet leaves — will they be able to stop if a small child runs out onto into their path?
I’ve biked down that path as well but I have a slow beach bike and I’m very cognizant of foot traffic. Perhaps this is not a good venue for bikes. Do we have to wait for a bad accident to happen between a bike and a pedestrian? Please, reconsider bikes on this path.
Laura Petruska, Melbourne
Administration's actions fuel frustration
Upset. Angry. I think those two words describe my feeling toward the current administration. The price for gasoline, food utilities going higher every day. Democrats, independents and Republicans are all complaining. It is affecting all families.
I never served in Afghanistan but have many friends locally who have. Being a retired veteran myself I can understand their frustration. I served in Vietnam and all of a sudden the administration at that time pulled us all out. Same frustration.
We left behind valuable military equipment at all the bases, posts, etc., equipment that is now in the hands of the Taliban. While some of that equipment was destroyed, USA TODAY reported on Aug. 30 that "the Pentagon left behind tens of millions of dollars' worth of equipment given to Afghan security forces," including "as many as 70 MRAPs, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles built to withstand blasts from improvised explosive devices."
More: What happened to US military equipment left behind in Afghanistan?
We took many non-vetted Afghans out on our planes but Americans and visa holders who helped us during our tenure in that country are still in Afghanistan. Sad state of affairs.
We need to go back and take over the airbase so we can at least have intelligence on the ground, and stay on top of the possibility that ISIS terrorists who are back in the country could plot to cross our southern border and harm Americans. I wish our president and vice president would go down to our border where people are crossing illegally, show support to the border officers and listen to their suggestions as to remedies.
Bruce Mochwart, Melbourne
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Letters and feedback: Dec. 2, 2021
