Readers comment on Friends of the Library's book sale, the 'Don't Say Gay' bill and more
Best sale ever
With continued strong community support, the Friends of the Library had its best spring sale ever. Our customers told us they liked having a limited number in the building, so everyone had time and room to shop. They also appreciated being able to use credit cards, and showed it by using them for the majority of our total sales.
Thank you for helping Friends of the Library in its support of the library and literacy projects. We look forward to seeing everyone again at our fall sale. Thanks are also due to all our hard-working volunteers; those managing the sale with military precision, the table re-stockers, those at the counter calling prices and to the calculators who then recorded each bottom line.
Last but not least, Friends of the Library really appreciated the efficient and professional performance by the officers from the sheriff's department, helping customers cross a busy Main Street and keeping order in our building.
It was an honor to work with you all.
PJ van Blokland, president, Friends of the Library, Gainesville
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Oppose ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law
As a high school student hearing about House Bill 1557 (dubbed as "Don't Say Gay"), I was immediately concerned. The legislation is to impact kindergarten through third-grade students and works against normalizing the LGBTQ+ community.
Such a bill will serve to do harm to our community, limiting expression and not allowing for discussion by teachers or books on the subject. I am someone who knows the harm of not being able to express yourself. It is important we as a community act to stop something so harmful.
I feel it is important to take personal action and have been executing several community “Say Gay” outreach efforts to oppose the issue. Learn more at dekovabatey.wixsite.com/hb1557gnv.
Phoenix Propes, Gainesville
East-side changes
Having been born in east Gainesville, I remember well the Citizens Field area as a lad. It was called Harris Field, home to the towns G-Men, a Florida State League baseball team in the 1950s. It was truly a glorious time for me as a sports spectator. So much has changed since then.
Getting on in years, I would still like a senior recreation center like the one on the west side of town. I visited there at first but it got too far to drive. Good luck to Commissioner Cynthia Chestnut in her endeavor to bring in a sports complex and badly needed improvement to Citizens Field for the enjoyment of our youth and families.
Tom Pennisi, Gainesville
Don’t reward bad behavior
Our political leaders in Florida are failing us. There is no interest in doing the job at hand, which would entail working across the aisle improve our lives. They must believe that being aggressive and demeaning is the successful way to push their agenda
If they just act angry and incensed enough, we will see how committed they are in fighting for us. This behavior has fanned the flames of polarization and is progressively getting worse.
There’s a severe cost for this showmanship we are witnessing. Our young people are watching and taking notes. We used to have politicians with morals who worked with each other on issues of substance. This last legislative session was not productive in any meaningful way. We’re in a fine mess but we can turn this around.
Vote for people with integrity who are willing to negotiate and compromise on issues. Support candidates who deal with pressing problems and not manufactured problems. Insist on civil behavior amongst our politicians and citizens. Cover respectful interactions and don’t reward bad behavior by funding It or featuring in the media.
A person’s character and the manner in which they treat people is more relevant than their political party.
Carolyn Hanson, Gainesville
Respect our laws
In the United States we have, as stated in the Constitution, the right of free speech. We also have the right to free assembly. This does not, however, allow us to scream "fire" in a crowded theater. Nor does it permit you to storm the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
As citizens (and voters), we must in our democratic society show respect for our laws, Republican or Democrat. As an American, the daughter of parents from the Netherlands, I vote, I respect others' opinions and I am proud to be an American.
Barbara Collett, Gainesville
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This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Letters on Friends of the Library sale, Don't Say Gay, east side, more
