Letters: Issues at small Georgia library an example of larger attacks on democracy

We are living in unusual times. An amazing judicial process gives us hope for our democracy, while small towns are falling victim to extreme right-wing evangelicals who seem bent on destroying our First Amendment rights.

Our library in Waycross, Ga., is a prime example. On Aug. 7, a trustee of the Okefenokee Regional Library System put a new policy before the board (with only one hour prior notice) that passed with almost no objection. This policy basically eliminates virtually all educational displays or information.

Here is the exact language in the policy:

“Materials … utilizing persuasive and/or coercive language, or containing symbols which promote religious, political, or sex-based ideology are unacceptable. Materials containing obscenity, child pornography, defamation, or ‘fighting words’, or that are suggestive of lawless action are unacceptable.”

These sentences alone have so many trigger words that are open to interpretation by whom — library professionals? Absolutely not. Clearly, what a library professional thinks is no longer of concern. Many of the trustees have no library experience at all (even as patrons), nor any qualifying education or expertise.

“Sex-based ideology?” Sex and gender are not ideologies. “Defamation?”  “Fighting words?” “Suggestive of lawless action?” It could be said that the entire civil rights movement was based on “lawless action.” All our major holidays — Christmas, Easter, Hanukkah, Halloween — have roots in religion. Independence Day is political. Encouraging people to vote is political. Marriage is “sex-based ideology.”

Of course, we can only assume what their real message is: LGBTQ+ people are perverts; only one religion is acceptable; and Republican is the only acceptable political preference. They would rather keep our walls and tables bare than allow everyone to have a voice or an image in this public space.

Attacking our libraries is attacking the U.S. Constitution and censoring our public is the first step in the destruction of our democracy. If you agree with any or all of this, now is the time to speak out. Visit your local library, meet the staff, read the books and let the world know that it’s time to save our libraries.

Barbara Griffin, LMSW, Okefenokee Library Alliance

Don’t go anywhere, Nate

The Aug. 20 letter to the editor in The Florida Times-Union titled “Monroe should just move” demands an immediate and strong response.

As a citizen of Jacksonville for the past 52 years, I have found the critical, healthy and open journalism of Nate Monroe to be not only refreshing but an affirmation of courage to print the often-untold truth behind many of the issues that confront our city, state and nation. I read his columns every time they are published. Monroe has the courage to write the truth on any given issue, no matter how it may contradict the popular press.

I could not have agreed more with Monroe's Aug. 10 column titled “Florida deserves better than dour DeSantis and lawless Trump.” I have authored my own letters to the editor, countering many of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ views that I believe are a threat to our democracy.

The letter writer’s statement that “If Monroe hates the South and Christian values so much, why doesn’t he move to New York, San Francisco or another liberal city” is a dangerous dog whistle to intolerant individuals of all stripes, whether harboring anti-Semitic, racist or LGBTQ prejudices.

This is a nation of laws, where there is to be a clear separation of church and state. Our nation’s values are universal, not based upon any religious belief. Our values of freedom are not “Christian values’ but surmount any particular religious creed, all of which all include universal tolerance and understanding.

Thank goodness that Monroe makes his home in the South and here in Jacksonville. He gives his readers confidence that the uncensored truth behind any issue will be told. Without his columns and exposes, I greatly fear we would be shielded from learning what some news media and political pundits would want us to know.

An involved electorate is an informed electorate; informed of all sides on any given issue to make his or her own individual decision when called upon to vote. Kudos to Nate Monroe — may he continue to remain and prosper in Jacksonville.

Carolyn S. Zisser, Esq., Atlantic Beach

Committees not needed for fentanyl funds

The Aug. 18 article by David Bauerlein should give Jacksonville residents hope that the deadly fentanyl drug epidemic can be eliminated. Getting nearly $4.5 million a year for the next 18 years should permanently fix the problem.

But that is only if those yearly millions are spent on solving the problem — not lining the pockets of politicians, experts, advisers, cousins, study groups, researchers and others interested in getting a cut of the funds simply for knowing the right people.

One can already see the all-too-common funds distribution process at work. According to the article, a newly created citizen committee will help the City Council target programs. The City Council will also make appointments for the newly formed Opioid and Substance Use Disorder Grants Committee. The grants committee will have experts evaluating applications to figure out how to spend it.

Jacksonville already has Project Save Lives and Gateway Community Services, which receives $1 million a year. While these two programs have produced some positive results, we should be getting far more from the $6 million already spent.

My point is that Jacksonville should spend the money on the right people doing the right thing. Instead of various committees, members of City Council should do their job — perform their own research and make those decisions themselves. Join forces with the local sheriff’s offices and ensure they can arrest the criminals at the root of this problem.

Partner with local medical professionals to assist in the identification of the drug itself, symptoms of use and treatment of abuse. Let elected officials earn their pay and oversee the annual distribution of the $4.5 million without committees, experts, out of work brothers-in-law or others interested in money — and only money.

Let's just watch and see where the money goes over the next 18 years.

David C. Phillips, Jacksonville

‘Benefits’ benchmark taken out of context

Having read so many negative opinions on the new African American history standards, I must comment.

Notwithstanding the fact that the curriculum was written and approved by African American history scholars who have taught for literally decades, it amazes me to see folks so quick to tear the course apart over one sentence taken out of context.

Do these people actually believe that — during hundreds of years of slavery — no enslaved person learned anything that might benefit them? As resilient and determined as many were, it is an insult to African Americans to take this position. They absolutely took advantage of anything that could better their position in life, as we all would.

An Aug. 19 editorial even criticizes Rep. Kimberly Daniels because she once indicated she was grateful that slavery happened.

To those who say she should apologize for her statement, I have a question: Would African Americans be better off as present-day citizens of the United States (even with all its issues) or just never having existed at all?

The fact that most slaves were marched from the interior to the coast of Africa and sold to Europeans by their own people is glossed over these days. If the Europeans had not purchased them, the only alternative for these captives would be African slavery with its very short life span, as there was no other market for them.

If by some miracle, descendants did survive to the present day, they would undoubtedly be citizens of Africa. Think Burundi, Zimbabwe or somewhere in the Congo.

I am not sure, but I think most of us would choose a small apartment in any rural Southern town over a place with a view in Soweto Township.

Rep. Daniels has nothing for which she needs to apologize.

Chris Mead, Jacksonville

America needs a surgeon

In 2016, a now well-known article was published called, “The Flight 93 Election.” The gist of the article was that everyone aboard the plane on that fateful day of Sept. 11, 2001, knew they were going to die with the current pilots of the airplane — terrorists bent on destruction.

In desperation, the passengers rose to do what they could. The real-life story was a paradigm of American toughness and resolve. They had no other choice — rush the cabin and do what they could.

In 2016, Americans had no other choice. It was either vote for the Clinton regime with all their baggage and corruption or vote for the unknown, a non-pilot who will try to land the plane or vote for someone whom most Americans thought does not have your best interests in mind. They voted for the novice, understandably.

In 2023, that is not the choice. We have someone sitting in coach who has figuratively flown planes, who can guide us safely into a secure future. That person is Ron DeSantis. Trump was the break-the-glass-in case-of-emergency candidate. He did his job. Now we need a surgeon.

We need someone with a singular focus on reducing power in Washington and empowering growth in the rest of the country. Gov. DeSantis has a proven track record of defeating the left and winning substantial conservative victories in a formerly purple state.

He will bring a surgeon’s scalpel to the country’s problems, with a proven track record of dunking on opponents with game-winning drives. If you want vindication, vote for Trump, who will lose in national elections. If you want results — and proven conservative victories — vote DeSantis.

I know who will get my vote.

Clifford Davis, Jacksonville

Don’t hold up DeFoor’s appointment

The Jacksonville City Council has apparently found a way to block former council member Randy DeFoor’s appointment as general counsel despite her imminent qualifications and high ethical standards. It’s DeFoor who courageously raised questions about the previous administration’s JEA and Lot J shenanigans.

State legislation, according to your 2019 reporting about former council member Lori Boyer’s appointment as Downtown Investment Authority chief, is “aimed at preventing a ‘revolving door’ where officeholders go into the private sector and turn around to lobby the same entity where they previously served.”

Despite the legislation’s obvious intent, the city sought an opinion about Boyer’s appointment from the state ethics commission. That body held that City Council members must be out of office two years before they can assume a city position.

Interestingly, the City Council found a workaround with Boyer’s appointment. They should find one here. Instead, these reports suggest that they are trying to run out the clock on DeFoor’s appointment by asking for a new opinion from the state ethics commission, one that will apparently be months in the making.

Not confirming DeFoor’s appointment gives credence to the rumor mill, which holds that previous administration members are lobbying council members to vote against DeFoor’s appointment. Why? Could it be retribution for her JEA and Lot J questioning? Sour grapes? Misogyny?

Though City Council members may try to convince themselves that the DeFoor and Boyer cases are different, the public isn’t buying it.

Sherry Magill, Jacksonville

Stadium upgrades worth it

There have been some letters to the Times-Union criticizing the recent proposals for the upgrades at TIAA Bank Field, with taxpayers contributing. Yes, it could get contentious, and opinions will undoubtedly vary.

However, after being a fan since the inception of the Jacksonville Jaguars and a season ticket holder until the heat got too unbearable in later years, I know how much an NFL team means to the city. One contributor mentioned he’s never been to a game and doesn’t watch; therefore, taxes shouldn’t be used to support the upgrades.

With that logic, I can say I don’t support beaches renourishment because I don’t go to the beach. Or I don’t want my tax money going to schools since my kids have graduated. Why should I pay for roads I don’t use? And so on.

We can debate the surrounding upgrades, such as a Four Seasons hotel (which I do not support); however only 32 cities in the world have an NFL team. It brings a community together. Liberals. Conservatives. Black. White. Religious. Non-religious. Most on opposite sides, except when it comes to their Jaguars. That’s special — and needed these days.

A commonality that brings a city together for one common goal, a diversion from everyday issues, a day (or a season) of escape? That’s something to cheer for, and when people around the country hear “Duuuval!!!” — they know it’s Jacksonville.

What price tag do you put on that?

Gary Schuran, Middleburg

Seek more than mere tolerance

Thank you to Beth Cravey for a wonderful article in the Times-Union on Aug. 20. The details and concerns were insightful for encouraging people to attend the sessions that will be offered by “Together Against Hate.” Anything that will bring together people of different backgrounds, cultures and more should be promoted.

However, I felt the headline (“Initiative seeks tolerance, not hate”) was completely disappointing and truly inaccurate. From what the article states, it seems to be more about becoming educated and calling for respect for one another. To say that someone or something "seeks tolerance" seems to be far below the focus and goals of this initiative.

If all that the program does is work toward an attitude of tolerance it will have far less impact than seeking respect. Would not that be an amazing accomplishment if a significant number of people came to awareness, enlightenment and a deep respect for others?

Like the "COEXIST" bumper stickers suggest, let us seek to set goals that are higher than mere tolerance.

James Moss, Jacksonville

Another suggestion to move

I was horrified by the Aug. 21 article "State of division" highlighting the plight of so many Floridians and transplants who feel threatened or displaced, many of whom initially chose to move to Florida from other states.

A potential solution for these individuals would be to move to any number of states that embrace the “woke” ideological values they seek, such as New York, California or Oregon. And if you're able, do a solid for columnist Nate Monroe and take him with you.

Phil Atter, Jacksonville

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Small library board bans all displays rather than allow free speech