Tuesday's letters: Candidate no politician, crack down on guns, criticism for Biden

Vote for Singleton, candidates like her

A letter July 6 criticized School Board candidate Dawnyelle Singleton and other “politicians” who promote “hatred” (“Vote for Ziegler, candidates like her”).

Singleton is clearly not a politician: She attended our highly rated Sarasota district schools and Florida State University and works for a nonprofit that promotes strong families and education.

The writer also said “we don’t need” School Board candidates Lauren Kurnov and Nora Cietek, both teachers with many years of experience who are dedicated to public education.

More: How to send a letter to the editor

On the other hand, incumbent Bridget Ziegler, who is running for reelection, apparently doesn’t believe in the mission of the institution for which she works as she doesn’t even have her own children enrolled in our public schools.

Tim Enos is a retired school cop. Robyn Marinelli actually has experience as a teacher, most recently working for a local charter school.

My belief is that after free and fair elections, our public schools are our most cherished democratic institution, and we need candidates who fully support them.

Richard Lindner, North Port

Crack down on guns like Britain, Australia

Blah, blah, blah. I am sick of hearing the useless words: mental health, red flag laws, background checks, gun registration, secure storage and on and on.

The bottom line is that guns are too easily available.

This country has two choices. We can continue to live never knowing when or where we might be gunned down or we can do what Britain, Australia and New Zealand did after mass shooting incidents: Ban assault weapons and weapons of war, highly regulate the ability to purchase other firearms, impose secure storage laws, institute government gun buybacks, etc.

The counter argument will be that these measures won’t do anything because there are too many guns already in this country. My answer is that we must start to reverse the tide, even if it takes years to reduce gun availability.

It’s insanity to continue down the path we are on.

The preamble to the U.S. Constitution states that the Constitution was established to, among other things, “insure domestic Tranquility” and “promote the general Welfare.”

The proliferation of gun violence is antithetical to those goals. Why does the viewpoint of a vocal minority, touting the primacy of the Second Amendment, outweigh the viewpoint of the majority, who value their right to live a peaceful life?

The American public must become one-issue voters. Do not vote for any candidate who values guns more than life.

Michelle Golden, Sarasota

Decide what will sway your vote in midterms

The time has come to decide what is most important to you concerning our government.

We will, in November, choose which party will lead the nation. Will you follow your emotions or be levelheaded and decide on the facts as you see them?

On one hand, many people are very upset at the Supreme Court because of its ruling overturning Roe v. Wade. I understand that and believe that government should stay out of personal choices.

However, I cannot hold that as the most important thing to determine my vote. It comes down to “the economy, stupid,” as political consultant James Carville said. The current inflation, gas prices, etc., are a direct result of the Biden administration’s energy policies.

The regulations and rhetoric directed at the energy producers here in the U.S. are the main cause of our dire monetary predicament.

We have to vote out the extremes of both parties and vote in those candidates who are willing to compromise on the various issues that confront us. Therefore, I have joined the No Labels organization. It supports the moderate candidates, regardless of party, that can get something done for all citizens, not just a few.

Think of everything before you vote, but vote.

Marvin Glusman, Sarasota

America deserves better than Biden

It consistently amazes me reading anything from The New York Times. One example is "Biden swore to stay above the fray, but Democrats want a fighter,” a piece by Times reporter Michael Shear that appeared in the July 8 Herald-Tribune.

Our president is an embarrassment to the Democratic National Committee and all Americans.

This country and the “free” world deserve better.

Scott Stayart, Sarasota

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Several good choices for School Board; follow British on gun control