Thursday's letters: Biden's mess, fish farming, how to stop hate speech, more

With Biden in charge, America (not) First

President Joe Biden’s recent trip to the Middle East was an absolute bust. He went begging for oil and came back with nothing more than a stupid fist bump.

We have plenty of oil right here in our country and in the XL pipeline. But he can’t use that because that would show how brilliant Donald Trump was.

Everything Biden has done over his career in politics has been a bust. Every time he opens his mouth, it's wrong!

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When is he going to apologize to the border guys on horseback that he said were whipping illegals crossing the border? Wrong again, Joe.

Man, do we miss President Trump, who was "America First" when he was in charge. Our allies (e.g. Israel) are confused and our enemies are emboldened.

Tommy Verica, Sarasota

Prevent harmful fish farming off Venice

I was pleased to learn that the proposed fish factory farm located off the coast of Venice is facing opposition.

I am not a scientist, but I do read what the scientists have to say.  Many have spoken out strongly against fish factory farming for a variety of reasons.

One is that there is little question that excessive nutrients in the water contribute to red tide, and if this project is deemed successful, the plan is to expand and raise 2 million caged fish at a time. Adding that much excrement to the waters off Venice is madness.

I live near the beach and witnessed the last red tide catastrophe. We should be doing everything possible to avoid a repeat, not acting in ways that increase the probability.

Stewart David, Venice

Use littering law against hate speech

Recent distributions of antisemitic flyers thrown into Venice yards demonstrate how hate can be spread. The Venice police chief is quoted as saying the included statements are protected under freedom of speech.

Unfortunately, hate speech is becoming more prevalent and seemingly not overly contested by many legislators and officials at all levels of government.

OK, so hate speech is protected. However, throwing such trash on people’s property is called littering. There is a law against that.

Perhaps the police can promote reducing such garbage by enforcing the statutes and fining or arresting those responsible.

Rick Greene, Sarasota

Kick Manchin out of Democratic Party

I think the time has come for the Democratic Party to disown Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia. He doesn’t support the Democratic Party’s priorities. He refuses even modest compromises, and this is nothing new.

He votes like a Republican, opposes climate change initiatives like a Republican and refuses to vote in favor of making the wealthy pay their fair share.

He needs to be stripped of his Democratic Party membership immediately!

Randy Kraft, Bradenton

Be a prepared and informed voter

Are you tired of the extreme partisan politicians on all sides? There is a way to fix that.

First, make sure you are properly registered to vote. Next, verify your polling place. Check current procedures for how to vote absentee, if you need to do so.

Learn as much as you can about all candidates for each office. Inspect multiple sources of information. Know the dates of voting activities.

Then vote!

Paul Taylor, Sarasota

Justices impose religious beliefs on nation

Estimates are that approximately two-thirds of Americans identify as Christian. When it comes to the law of the land, however, we are a nation that has chosen to embrace and understand the concept and need for the separation of church and state.

This separation provides fairness to the entire citizenry, as opposed to the teachings of any one religion. Adjudicating matters in the courts that might support or oppose one’s personal religious beliefs is threatening our courts’ ability to function fairly and protect individual rights.

Majority numbers do not rule when it comes to imposing theological doctrine to the law of the land or to any individual’s rights. “Lady Justice” is tasked with being blind to the theological doctrines of any religion.

Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and other citizens (including atheists and agnostics) who don’t follow certain beliefs of other religions are to be protected from what might be considered prejudiced beliefs imposed by any one of many religions.

The overturning of Roe v. Wade by the current Supreme Court has unmasked “Lady Justice” and thus defeated her purpose to exist. Religious beliefs are being imposed, as seen in the majority decision of the court. Religious imposition doesn’t belong in our judicial system, most especially the Supreme Court.

Mitchell Strumpf, Lakewood Ranch

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Missing Trump with Biden in charge, how to stop hate speech