Thursday's letters: Bad hiring decisions, kids not taught to hate, Whelan will come home

Turmoil comes from poor hiring decisions

The recent turmoil regarding Sarasota’s school district superintendent has resulted in his forced resignation by the board. While being pleased with the School Board election results, I’m not sure this action is in the district’s best interest.

Editorial:Asplen will leave school district, but accountability must stay

However, that is not the primary focus of this letter. In about 14 years here, we have experienced the terminations of school superintendents, city managers and county administrators.  I feel this speaks very poorly of our elected officials. They are obviously making unsatisfactory hiring decisions.

More:How to send a letter to the editor

Coupled with all the angst that arises during the termination period is usually a “departure package” that involves serious money. This doesn’t take into consideration the additional funds that often go to a search firm as we seek a replacement. All these payments come from us taxpayers.

We deserve better.  We need folks at the helm capable of making sound business and personnel decisions.  It seems like we have been missing that quality at the county, city and school level for years.

Without change, it will simply be more of the same.

Matt Ruch, Sarasota

Would Trump swear to defend Constitution?

Donald Trump has declared his intention to run in the 2024 presidential election as a Republican Party candidate. He has also called to terminate parts of our Constitution to which he objects.

If Trump were elected again, he would have to be sworn in and orally state the Presidential Oath of Office, which includes swearing on the Bible that he will “protect and defend the Constitution of the United States” − all of it, not just parts of it.

If he swore the oath, he would be lying. Could he or would he amend the oath beforehand?  Would the Republicans, Democrats or Congress permit him to change it? Only experts might know.

Trump’s objection(s) to our Constitution seem to run contrary to the beliefs of the majority of citizens who accept and treasure it, including the thousands of veterans like myself who have served – and too many have died – in our military, fighting to defend it to preserve our democratic form of government.Jim Beck Sr., Sarasota

Students don’t learn to hate in schools

It is difficult to take seriously a letter writer who includes in his writing laments about critical race theory and the “woke agenda.” These are two of the hot-button issues that have forced their way to the top of conservative thinking.

Critical race theory is not taught in grade schools and rarely taught in college. However, the basis of critical race theory is that this country was built upon systemic racism that is alive and well to this day.

As for “woke,” that is another story entirely. When one is “woke,” it simply means “alert to racial prejudice and discrimination,” aware of and actively attentive to important societal facts and issues. Why would anyone think that is a bad thing?

Letters:Don’t teach students to hate others

I respectfully disagree with the letter writer.  No one is trying to get kids to hate each other.

Most kids are not born with prejudice against others. It is taught in childhood and should not be extended into our school systems.

If the writer, a former history professor, didn’t teach what really happened in this country, then pity his students.

Our country is sadly in need of a course change, and it begins in our schools.

Joyce Fuller, Sarasota

Biden negotiating in good faith for Whelan

The Dec. 13 paper contained a couple of letters complaining about President Joe Biden’s deal to get Brittney Griner swapped for an aging Russian arms dealer, while “leaving” a veteran in a Russian prison.

I searched my memory banks and could not, for the life of me, remember these guys whining about Paul Whelan not being brought home when Republican President Donald Trump was in office.

Letters:Leaving Whelan behind an outrage

Political bias, maybe? Also, the mention of the “law-breaking basketball player” was a nice touch.

Neither writer mentioned that Whelan had been court-martialed and kicked out of the Marines on a punitive discharge for attempted larceny, false statements and dereliction of duty.

Racial bias, maybe? Griner is black and Whelan white.

We know that Biden and his administration are doing all they can in negotiations with the Russians to bring Whelan back to the USA. I’m sure a deal will get done.

Maybe the critics should personally go to Russia and negotiate his immediate release? Just an idea.

Dan Awalt, USAF, retired, Bradenton

U.S. made rotten deal with Russia

Can you believe that we left a Marine veteran behind in Russia after getting the short end of a prisoner swap? This should keep Vladimir Putin laughing throughout the holiday season.

Maybe our president should look around his office to see if he can find an old copy of his predecessor’s book, “The Art of the Deal.”

Dennis Ciborowski, Sarasota

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: County, city need more capable leaders, Trump couldn't take oath