Monday's letters: Honor sacrifice, investigate in Manatee, mentor students, more

Remember ultimate sacrifice on Memorial Day

May 30 is Memorial Day. On this important day of gratitude, Americans give special honor and thanks to the women and men of the armed forces who served and died during all wars, starting with the Revolutionary War.

As we perpetuate the memory of those who sacrificed their lives, we also thank their families.

More: How to send a letter to the editor

Since 2014, on behalf of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sara De Soto Chapter, DAR, I have presented special Vietnam War honor certificates and honor lapel pins to 93 brave Vietnam War veterans.

NSDAR members are partners with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration.

I urge everyone to fly our flag and attend ceremonies held on Memorial Day. As you wear the red poppy, remember that it represents sacrifice.

A grateful nation does remember! God bless America, one nation under God.

Jean Maxwell Catsakis, Nokomis, Sara De Soto Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution

Manatee needs independent investigation

Your recent article concerning Manatee County government, with the allegations made by the clerk of the circuit court, certainly causes concern from the citizens’ viewpoint of operation of the county government (“Manatee County clerk criticizes County Administrator Scott Hopes in letter to commission,” May 21).

Manatee County has made the news from “Vaccinegate,” to code enforcement favoritism to the latest, questionable actions alleged against Hopes, which led to the resignation of at least one employee, to name a few.

It is time that the county commission acts to restore confidence and integrity in government. Remove political influence, or at least the perception of it, and appoint an independent agency to investigate the matter. 

If the investigation reveals acts that may constitute the commission of a crime, those matters could then be referred to the office of the state attorney or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

If there was no inappropriate action, there is no concern and an independent investigation would, besides clearing the accused, restore citizens' confidence in operation of a fair government serving the people.

While the investigation may cost money, I would speculate that potential litigation and the further loss of experienced employees could cost more down the road.

Daniel Thorpe, Bradenton

Help Riverview High students thrive

The goal of Discovery Academy mentoring program at Riverview High School is to help ensure all students have the resources needed to reach their potential.

We strive to create an environment that encourages learning in all areas so students can thrive by developing critical social skills, encouraging academic achievement and providing positive, life-enriching experiences.

Currently, we have 150 students in the program, with another 25 to 50 expected for the 2022-2023 school year.

In today’s technical world, a computer at home is vital to academic achievement for all students, but many lack this resource. To help our students succeed we are asking the community to volunteer and donate money, computers and tech support.

Contact me at Karen.hamblin@sarasotacountyschools.net or (941) 488-5355.

Karen Hamblin, Sarasota, Riverview High teacher

No thoughts or prayers for politicians

Here we go again! Another school shooting.

“Our hearts go out to the victims and their families.” “Thoughts and prayers.” More vigils.

More Republican politicians avoiding the issues of sensible gun safety measures, including universal background checks. There will be no thoughts or prayers for those politicians when they reach Judgment Day.

To paraphrase a former great American: “There is a special place in hell” for politicians who care more about their power and getting re-elected than they care about children.

Ike Koziol, Sarasota

Column offensive to non-Christian readers

Jennifer Tucker’s column regarding anxiety and faith should not have been given space on the Opinion page (“I’m a faithful Christian who also struggles with anxiety,” May 26).

I have no quarrel with her assertion that people of faith who experience anxiety may appropriately seek professional care.

However, her statement that, “We always get the miracle we need most, because we always get Jesus,” takes us to a specific religion in the quest for mental wellness.

As such, it is insulting to readers who are Jewish or Muslim, or people of prayer in other religious traditions. These, our companions in faith, do not need to be told that they will always get Jesus.

How patronizing! Indeed, how offensive to Jewish and Muslim readers of the Herald-Tribune.

Rev. J. Michael Povey, Sarasota

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Show that you remember on Memorial Day, mentor students at Riverview