Sunday's letters: Florida losing tourist money to other states
Florida politics turn off vacationers
My family has vacationed from the Great Lakes State to the Sunshine State regularly for the past 20 years. Like so many vacationers, we look forward to the beaches and warm climate.
We have visited family and friends and have vacationed more in Florida than in any other state. We have used multiple ports for cruises, and have spent our Michigan money in Florida’s hotels, restaurants and theme parks.
This summer, however, instead of shopping on Pier 60, visiting South Beach’s eateries or riding the Hogwarts Express, 12 members of our extended family vacationed in New York City and cruised out of New Jersey.
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We have been disappointed by the regressive political and social views pushed on Floridians by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the extremists in the Florida Legislature.
From his mishandling of COVID-19 and efforts to suppress the vote, to the further marginalization of already marginalized communities and attacking Floridians’ freedom of speech, DeSantis and the Republican-led Legislature have left us no choice but to spend our money elsewhere.
Brett Meteyer, Haslett, Michigan
Defend freedoms guaranteed in Constitution
I have had issues for some time with the political climate in this, my native state. As we have celebrated Memorial Day and Independence Day this year, I’ve listened to and thought about the references to the sacrifices that have been made to preserve the freedoms we, supposedly, enjoy in this country.
From World War II through the Gulf wars, my own family has served and sacrificed, and some gave all. So, though a Democrat, I am a patriot.
It distresses me that the very freedoms imbedded in our Constitution are under attack in Florida in the name of “freedom.”
Conventions are being canceled, and jobs and business investment have been lost. And while it's true that hundreds of thousands move to Florida each year, increasing the total population, many thousands are also moving away for a more economical, safer and saner haven.
I wish that DeSantis and his legislative toadies would have as much respect for the First and 14th Amendments to the Constitution as they do for the Second Amendment.
If it wasn’t for the grandkids, we’d join the exodus out of here!
Ken Smith, Venice
Open yourself to new ideas, opportunities
While working at a large distribution company in Cincinnati, Ohio, I was offered several seminars and classes through our human resources department. One of them was diversity training.
Although I was skeptical at first, I found the presentation informative and eye-opening.
I recognized some preconceived notions I had formed over my lifetime and began to understand how some of my prejudices had been formed. I have since looked back at that training and other experiences that helped me to see the world as others sometimes see it.
Bill signing: DeSantis bans funding for college diversity programs
And I can see that some people have different opportunities based solely on their race, sex and/or life situations. I try every day to be more open to new ideas and attitudes. Intolerance and antipathy will not help our society grow and flourish.
I believe that knowledge is power, and that we need more opportunities to learn and grow as fellow Americans. What could be wrong with that?
Linda Dirk, Lakewood Ranch
Government has free speech rights
A recent court decision prevents the U.S. government from engaging with social media platforms about the proliferation of disinformation.
Several Republican attorneys general argue that conservatives are being censored. They claim this is a violation of the First Amendment.
Let’s look at the facts and the law.
First, this amendment prevents Congress from “making a law … abridging the freedom of speech or the press ...” This amendment does not prevent private citizens or corporations from censoring content: They are not Congress.
So far social media platforms have not been successfully sued for removing or preventing certain online posts.
Second, the government has the right of free speech. Numerous Supreme Court decisions have made it clear that the government can assert its own ideas and messages without fear of violating the First Amendment.
In the recent case, the government was attempting to promote publication of accurate information. It was not invoking a law or regulation requiring removal of postings or setting policies.
Conspiracy theorists can publish what they want, true or not, but the government has its own right to protest.
Thomas Morgan, Sarasota
Liberals don't have open minds
I chuckled when I read the July 11 letter, “Web designer wins right to discriminate.” The writer was complaining about the Supreme Court siding with the Christian web designer.
What the letter writer is really saying is that you can’t have an opinion or belief unless you agree with my opinions and beliefs. That’s the way most liberals think.
Jean Richards, University Park
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Because of DeSantis, visitors from Michigan give Florida a pass
