Tropical storm hit the day before Charley, other hurricanes of 'Mean Season'
Tropical storm precursor to ‘Mean Season’
While the article in your April 9 edition correctly named the four furious hurricanes of 2004, the writer omitted the tropical storm that made landfall in Florida a day before Hurricane Charley (“Mean Season of 2004”).
Tropical Storm Bonnie, although never a really strong storm, caused Gov. Jeb Bush to issue a state of emergency and led to mandatory evacuations, flooding and tornadoes in the Jacksonville area before heading up the eastern coastline.
Florida fact sheet: Description of four hurricanes and a tropical storm that hit state in 2004.
Residents there might take exception to your omission. Bonnie was just the beginning of an exhausting six weeks. It seemed like every weekend we were facing the uncertainty of another weather disaster.
I spent time on the phone banks as a volunteer with the Red Cross after Hurricane Charley, and I can never forget the reports of devastation and desperation – and the offers of help and housing – that came in from all over the state. I only pray that God will protect us all during this coming storm season.
Margaret Green, Nokomis
Trump is clearly the better choice
This year's presidential election is unique in many ways.
First, regardless of whether President Joe Biden or former President Donald Trump is elected, he may serve for only four years. Second, their policies and records in office are available to compare.
Likability in a candidate should be outweighed by his policies, competence and success. The candidate should be capable of carrying out the strenuous physical and mental demands of the job and be able to project the American strength required for a successful foreign policy.
Comparison of the respective records is clearly in favor of Trump. He has the vigor and mental acuity to carry out his duties, whereas President Biden has raised questions about his physical and mental competence.
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Our northern and southern borders were under control and our immigration laws were followed under Trump; meanwhile, they have been ignored under Biden, who has allowed millions of migrants to enter the U.S. illegally.
Withdrawal from Afghanistan was a deadly mess, Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, Hamas invaded Israel with Iran’s help, China is threatening others and we can’t even suppress the efforts of forces in Yemen who are interfering with global shipping.
Add to that the current inflation and crime we are enduring, and the choice should be clear. And you get to make another one in four years.
Artie Reiss, Sarasota
Men promote pregnancy to control women
Until the day comes when a man can become pregnant, carry a fetus to term and deliver it, he has no standing in the abortion wars.
His opinions may be valuable, but they can never supersede the woman’s choice. It is her body. It is for her to decide.
Men have always sought to control women. Keeping them barefoot and pregnant was one way. Reversing Roe is but the latest effort.
Women are once again being forced to bear children against their will.
That’s about as un-American as you can get.
Barbara Redmond, Sarasota
Profound explanation of exceptionalism
What a beautiful explanation for American exceptionalism was written by the author of “Freedom produces new ideas, inventions,” a letter published March 23.
Her letter was so profound, I cut it out and shared it with my family and friends.
Question is, though, can we keep this freedom?
Butch Brown, Bradenton
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Bonnie just the beginning of exhausting six weeks of storms
