Letters: Can prayer reduce crime and hate in Jacksonville? It certainly couldn't hurt.

With tears in her eyes, Mayor Donna Deegan said on Aug. 27 that city officials must “talk about the hate” at the root of Jacksonville’s recent hate crime. America has had at least 470 mass shootings in 2023. However, to paraphrase perhaps the best words the mayor spoke, we must do something different. This is where God might come into this equation because, as the old adage goes — talk is cheap.

I agree, something different needs to be done, but perhaps not what most people think. Before I share what I believe is the real solution to our crime problem, I ask that readers try to “hear” it with an open mind before flatly rejecting the very thing that’s never been done (at least not on the scale I propose).

This solution is so simple that it’s complex and therefore difficult, especially for those who have zero faith. The solution involves inviting the very presence of God to address our chronic problems at the root, before the fruit of unrighteousness produces anger, bitterness and hatred that invariably leads to criminality that supernaturally results in property damage, bodily injury and too often death on a mass scale.

This solution involves what I call “prescriptive prayer” — the act of praying not after a tragedy but days, weeks, months and years beforehand to prevent these situations from happening. This would not involve the police, mayor, City Council or any city official, none of whom have the personal power to either prevent or reduce criminality.

To the contrary, it involves those who claim to believe in God and to love that which God loves — people.

Here's the solution: On a periodic basis (at least once a month), every person who believes in God prays over their own street and neighborhood — walking up and down your street while saying (preferably aloud) something like this:

“Father God, please forgive me/us for having tried just about everything else but you to address crime. I/we renounce my/our stubbornness and hard-heartedness that caused me/us to reject your grace, mercy, love and unfathomable peace that surpasses all understanding.

“Dear God, please bless my/our home, my/our neighbors’ homes, this street and neighborhood (buildings, businesses, etc.) with your grace, mercy, safety, peace and protection from the enemy of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and — most importantly — self-control.

The question becomes will we do it? If not, why? What do we have to lose? Let’s try it, track crime statistics for a year and see if it helps.

A.W. “Al” Barlow, pastor, Breakthrough Prayer Ministries, Jacksonville

A tragedy is no place for politics

The governor of Florida came to display solidarity with the city of Jacksonville, mourn with the families of those who were murdered on Aug. 26 and condemn the individual’s actions. In most times, this act might be appreciated and respected. His care in coming should be welcomed across party lines and implicitly understood.

But not by some people, apparently. Nate Monroe’s Aug. 27 editorial reflected a phony outrage (in my mind), as well as sloganeering and an intolerance that is unhelpful. As such, it was rude, out of place and a tone-deaf display for a columnist who should be focusing on issues in depth to help people think, rather than demonizing individuals.

We know Monroe has deep animus toward the governor. But to vent it in this context, to claim that Gov. DeSantis has “insulted and disempowered” people by his positions on critical race theory and DEI is to devalue honest disagreement and stifles debate.

It used to be that politics had its sphere, but there were many places it did not dominate and was not welcome. A vigil for murdered people is one. A world in which politics dominates 24/7, burdens Thanksgiving dinner tables and ends friendships has not helped America, nor given us clarity or charity.

The issues before us are complex and worthy of the widest perspective. Insults and ad hominem attacks are unhelpful and divisive, especially in times of mourning and legitimate calls for unity and restraint.

Jay Haug, Nocatee

Time to change the names

I greatly enjoyed the Aug. 27 article from Dr. Alan Bliss on the history of LaVilla last week. It is very important to understand our historical facts, so that we understand how we got here and do not repeat past mistakes.

I would ask Dr. Bliss and the historical society to un-whitewash the facts on how we came to celebrate lifelong white supremacists on many of our bridges, along with our city and county names. As we suffer through another racist murder rampage, this time in our own city, this white supremacy legacy continues to be tolerated and honored.

By extension, tolerating and honoring this ideology will only continue to produce these hateful humans. It's time to act on changing the names.

Bob Rutter, Neptune Beach

Who is to blame?

The recent killing of three Black people by a hate-filled white man casts a pall of shame over Jacksonville.

Of course, we grieve the loss of Black lives that mattered, and we join with those who offer consoling words. Of course, we lament the misuse of firearms intended for warfare against invading armies. Of course, we detest the lack of stricter gun laws and the lawmakers, beholden to the NRA who refuse to debate the issue — much less take any action.

But who is to blame for putting unworthy lawmakers into office? Who votes them into such positions of power? Who, ultimately, is to blame for allowing hate and hatemongers among us to thrive so they may perpetuate these crimes?

Elizabeth Fiorite, Westside

State’s education choices make no sense

What has happened to common sense in education in Florida? Suicide rates for adolescents have soared in the past 10 years. Yet Moms for Liberty have stated that mental health care has no place in public schools — even though it's apparently against Florida law not to include it.

Yet Gov. Ron DeSantis and his supporters continue efforts to get Moms for Liberty members appointed to school boards. They often have no background in education — only a will to force what they want for their children on all public school students.

Another recent head-scratcher is Florida's approval of supplemental materials developed by PragerU for classroom use. Right now, Florida is the first state to approve these materials, a series of short videos that only address civics and government for young children, but that opens the door for more to follow.

The CEO of PragerU herself described the materials as "edutainment" and their accuracy has been questioned by many experts, such as those in a recent issue of Scientific American.

Prager University Foundation is a conservative, nonprofit organization founded in 2009 that creates five-minute videos and social media content on a wide variety of topics. While it uses the word "university" in its name, PragerU is not an accredited institution, nor does it offer degree programs.

On the other hand, Scientific American is a popular science magazine first printed in 1845, making it the oldest continuously published magazine in the United States. Many famous scientists — including Albert Einstein and Nikola Tesla — have contributed articles to it, with more than 150 Nobel Prize winners being featured over the years.

The contrast between the two should be quite clear on issues like climate change and others. Yet, DeSantis and his carefully chosen educators seem to pick the least-qualified options every time. No wonder Florida universities are experiencing a "brain drain" and that school districts are experiencing extreme teacher shortages.

Florida's students have been challenged enough to recover from time lost during the pandemic. Taxpayer money wasted on lawsuits, petty revenge and poor education choices is money that should be spent on positive, data-based ways to provide what students are promised in our state constitution.

At least that seems like common sense to me.

Rhoda T. London, retired educator, Jacksonville

City needs DeFoor’s dedication, expertise

I am writing to express enthusiastic support for Randy DeFoor's nomination to the position of general counsel for the city of Jacksonville. As a concerned and engaged community member, I believe DeFoor's exceptional qualifications and dedication make her the ideal candidate for this crucial role.

DeFoor's track record of public service, commitment to upholding the law and deep understanding of the legal landscape make her a standout choice for general counsel. Her experience as a Jacksonville City Council member has provided her with valuable insights into the issues facing our city.

Her leadership has also consistently demonstrated a focus on transparency, accountability and responsible decision-making.

DeFoor’s passion for justice and her commitment to serving the best interests of our community are evident in her work. Her collaborative approach to problem-solving and her ability to bridge gaps between different stakeholders make her well-suited for a role that requires effective communication and consensus-building.

It's crucial for our city to have a general counsel who not only possesses legal acumen but also understands the unique challenges and opportunities that Jacksonville faces. DeFoor's local roots — combined with her professional experience — make her an authentic advocate for our community.

As we look toward the future of Jacksonville, we need leaders who are committed to fostering positive change, maintaining ethical standards and upholding the principles that our city holds dear.

DeFoor embodies these qualities, and I believe she will serve as an exemplary general counsel who will work tirelessly for the betterment of our city. I urge the Jacksonville City Council to support Randy DeFoor for general counsel. Her vision, dedication and leadership will undoubtedly contribute to a brighter and more prosperous future for Jacksonville.

Lori Harrell Hershey, Jacksonville

Save horses from the slaughterhouse

As a concerned Florida resident, I am writing to encourage Sen. Marco Rubio to continue his demonstrated commitment to protecting the welfare of American horses as an original co-sponsor of the “Save America’s Forgotten Equines” Act. Also known as the SAFE Act, this bill seeks to permanently ban the slaughter of American horses for human consumption domestically and abroad.

Horse slaughter presents an animal welfare crisis whereby young, healthy and adoptable horses face documented abuse and suffering during all phases of the slaughter pipeline. This includes dismemberment, compound fractured limbs and backs, crushed skulls and being trampled to death while in transit to slaughterhouses.

Additionally, American horse slaughter creates a potential public health crisis, considering horses are routinely treated with equine drugs that the FDA bans for use in animals intended for human consumption.

Therefore, I ask Sen. Rubio to make the protection of American horses permanent by influencing Congress to include language from the SAFE Act in the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill. By advocating for a permanent ban on domestic horse slaughter and the exportation of horses for slaughter abroad, he will pioneer a remedy to address significant animal welfare and public health concerns while supporting a cause that reflects the values of many Floridians.

Ashley Landwerlen is a St. Augustine native enrolled at Florida State University College of Law.

Diamond can’t do both jobs

Jacksonville City Council member Rory Diamond (who technically represents the Beaches area) volunteered for the Army National Guard while serving on the City Council in 2022. So far he has missed 13 of 23 meetings since he was commissioned.

During his term in office, Diamond has not shown himself to be in touch with the electorate on issues such as the privatization of JEA and the School Board tax referenda. It's clear to me that he can't do both jobs at the same time, and he shouldn't be drawing a salary from Duval taxpayers. He ought to step down and allow someone on the ground to provide us with actual representation.

Not that we could expect anyone but another cipher, however, since Gov. DeSantis would have to appoint someone to fill the empty seat.

Michael Hoffmann, Mayport

New idea for collectibles?

An exciting commercial opportunity has recently emerged in these crazy times. Surely someone will soon start publishing baseball-style trading cards, each with the mug shot of one of the 19 citizens recently indicted in Georgia.

The back of the cards would list charges filed against them and other appropriate statistics. Perhaps a second set of cards could have pictures of Donald Trump’s unindicted co-conspirators. A third, much more valuable set, would have photos of the Jan. 6 committee members, as well as district attorneys, with the courage to insist on the rule of law — rather than succumb to intense political and personal pressure.

We surely are living in weird times.

Fran and Pete Sheridan, Atlantic Beach

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Long-term daily prayer across Jacksonville urged to prevent more crime