Letters: Santa Rosa commissioners put party before county while complicit silence deafens

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County and country before party

I am struggling with end stage liver disease and wanted to try again to get a letter to the editor out one last time. Ms. Kemp in Navarre stopped publishing my letters a while back and I thank God for a U.S. Constitution that allows her the freedom of the press to publish whatever she deems worthy.

Fascism, hate, demonization of groups of people and intolerance are still the order of the day in our county. Destruction of democratic principles rule our local politics, as exhibited almost monthly by our county commissioners in Santa Rosa County. One in particular attempts on a daily basis to destroy these principles while the rest co-sign these actions with their silence, making them complicit and a part of.

Nowhere is the phrase “county before party” more relevant than Santa Rosa County. The seeds of fascism and hate are sown and nurtured here, to grow unfettered. The citizens of our county need to save what is left of integrity and human decency in our lives. The fascist state must be stopped, or we will all become victim no matter political party affiliation.

County and country before party must become our mantra. Inclusion and the old adage of “we are a village” must be remembered. The destroyers of democracy and purveyors of the fascist state must be recognized and called out. Games and stunts are not funny, but show the true depth of what I speak.

Joannie Parks, Navarre

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Baptist Hospital parking area a danger zone

I would like to ask a question to the engineer who decided to place the exit from the new Baptist Hospital parking lot a few feet from the I-110 entrance. What in the world were you thinking?

On two occasions I was nearly hit by a car coming out of that parking lot as I was moving over (with my blinker on) to enter I-110. I’m guessing they saw my blinker on and thought I was turning into the parking lot. I’ve seen many other close calls as I was driving by on Brent.

There is a very easy and safe solution to this problem. Put a “No right turn on red” sign. This is very inexpensive and will prevent accidents.

Barbara Soule, Pensacola

Veterans deserve more than lip service

This federally approved Veterans Day weekend is designed to show appreciation to our incredible veterans, and active duty. But as I watch the national news, I do not know whether to “laugh” in astonishment or “cry” in despair. Is there sincerity behind the phrase “Thank you for your service?”

Today, I heard many utter that phrase. Each was appreciated, as I was honored to have actively served for 30 years in the U.S. Navy. The news even said, “Thank you for your service,” and announced plans for generous community celebratory events.

The bubble quickly burst, however, when the news announcer reminded us that the government might shut down due to lack of a budget, and that meant that service members might not get paid! Seriously? Thank you for your service, but we’re not going to pay you? The appreciation seems hollow.

We must write lawmakers demanding they fix this problem. A threat of delayed pay days repeats itself too often. Some say, “That happens because it’s the law.” “So, change the law.” Then I’m told it is not that easy! But it really is, isn’t it! Then veterans might feel some sincerity when Washington says: “Thank you for your service.”

Capt. Linda J. Balink-White, USN, retired, Pensacola

Despite all, let us be thankful

Today most of us are focused on what’s wrong in our world. There are wars in Ukraine and Israel. There are suffering, starving people, rioting and drive by shootings. It is difficult to stay upbeat.

However, there is so much for which we can be grateful. We live in a free nation in which we can live as we wish. We can still vote without fear of reprisal. We are free to worship as we chose. In our community we see random acts of kindness and people paying it forward. We have warm, sunny days.

People are cheerful and smiling. During these holidays and always let us be thankful for our blessings.

Dave Burson, Pensacola

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Stop ‘promoting’ gun violence

Dear political leaders,

Consider this theory about gun violence in America. The “proximity” of a gun to the person’s hand that wants to use it is critical in a shooting. Florida’s legislature just “promoted” gun violence with a liberal permit-less, concealed carry law. Guns are now ever more available.

Yet, no political action is forthcoming to reduce deaths by gun. Mass shootings fall into a special category. Some cherish the availability of assault weapons seemingly due to fears of a civil or race war. The purpose of these guns is to shoot fellow Americans in our civil society one way or another.

Would the Second Amendment be damaged if we stood up to protect innocent children in our schools from these guns? Our law enforcement protection includes city police, sheriff’s departments, state troopers, ATF, FDLE, U.S. marshals, FBI, and the National Guard. We have no need for private ownership of assault weapons, or a governor created militia.

Test questions: Can you name three positive uses for assault weapons (military excluded)? Can “absolutely” nothing be done to reduce gun violence? Would you support a bill that prohibits congressional leaders from taking money from NRA? The bill could be called the “Bribe Elimination Act.”

Charles Creel, Bagdad

Veterans deserve full spotlight

It’s always interesting to see what news outlets report, and sometimes, more importantly, what they don’t report. In a community where the veteran population is huge, defense dollars are a huge part of the economy, and where veterans and active-duty service members volunteer enormous amounts of time to improve the community.

You might think that a national holiday to honor those who served their country would be worthy of at least a mention in the local news. I realize that a large parade and ceremony that attracted many school children, scouts, dignitaries, elected officials, and other community leaders doesn’t have the same bawdy worth as some other parades downtown, but we are talking about an event where the past and therefore the future of our country can be, and was, reflected on in outstanding manner.

The world is in turmoil and our services, due to negative reporting, are not attracting adequate volunteers to participate in our defense needs. Gestures like Veterans Day, that acknowledge the worthiness of service to our country can go a long way toward helping alleviate this problem.

Thank you to all participants in this year’s Veterans Day celebrations, particularly Judge Gary Bergosh. They were newsworthy.

Butch Hansen, Pensacola

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This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Letters: Santa Rosa commissioners continue to put party before county