Tuesday's letters: Flynn the patriot, Pelosi in leadership mode, democracy in balance

‘Extremism in the defense of liberty’

Regarding “Flynn goes local to spread Christian nationalism,” Oct. 20 by The Associated Press:

The author would be wise to note that the founders of our nation were once considered terrorists by the British. The author shows great bias in her representation of Michael Flynn, a patriot to many.

More: How to send a letter to the editor

As Barry Goldwater said, “Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.”

Parents were outraged that elected public officials were paying no attention to what their children were taught. Their reactions are true representative democracy at work. Flynn supported this.

As former President Barack Obama said, “Elections have consequences.”

With good fortune and common sense, the Biden regime will be largely rejected this November, too.

David R. Kraner, Palmetto

Understanding ‘Michael Flynn’s Holy War’

I was somewhat disappointed by the documentary “Michael Flynn’s Holy War,” broadcast Oct. 18 on PBS’ “Frontline.” I wondered, might there possibly be other PBS viewers who reacted negatively to some of the coverage of our lovely community?

Flynn, a retired three-star general, was recently sworn in as a member of the Sarasota GOP’s Executive Committee after moving to Englewood to expand his movement, which envisions Christianity as the basis for American life and institutions – and where the right to bear arms is paramount, abortion is illegal and people who disagree are vilified.

The documentary focused on what Flynn called “his operating base of souls,” the Hollow in rural Venice, which has become a center for far-right activities and rallies. What I also found alarming is that the Hollow has provided access to an unpermitted gun range and offered free shooting lessons to children as young as 6.

Quite a “Christian” contrast to the support and engagement by local mainline churches for programs instituted by the Sarasota Chapter of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.

Grace Ann Mosher, Sarasota

Biden no better than his predecessor

The public is bombarded with a lack of common sense from both parties:

• President Joe Biden bemoans the rise in oil and gas prices yet stops the Keystone pipeline from delivering oil from Canada.

He compounds that by promoting the Paris Agreement, which would adversely impact our energy industry. And he works feverishly to make another Iranian nuclear deal even as Iran continues its terrorism in Israel, Lebanon and Arab countries.

Inflationary spending legislation and an open border with Mexico crown this failing president.

• Former President Donald Trump has declared that, if reelected, he'll pardon the Jan. 6 insurrectionists responsible for riots, damage and deaths. He could have prevented the Capitol attack if he wanted to, but his ego – and maybe his mental well-being – demanded he allow it to go forward.

One of his final acts in office was taking classified documents that he knew belonged to the federal government. The man still acts like he’s above the law – and he still thinks that he “could shoot someone” on Fifth Avenue in New York City and get away with it. And Trump is a "law and order" guy? Please!

Thomas G. Moore, Bradenton

Jan. 6 video shows Pelosi in action

I recently watched some video footage from the House Jan. 6 committee hearings.

I am registered as a Democrat but have voted across party lines in the past. Like other Americans, I saw House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in full leadership mode trying to get help to the Capitol, which was under siege.

The right has done nothing but demonize and lie about a woman who clearly has America’s safety in mind. All while we had a president missing in action.

Until we can cleanse the GOP, which does not deal in reality, Americans will continue to suffer.

Stephen Sieg, Sarasota

In the midterms, vote your conscience

To which type of government do you aspire?  Do you wish to be governed by a party whose sole moral imperative is “win at any cost,” without regard to the price paid by the governed?

Do you wish to be exploited, cheated and lied to by those in power? Do you endorse the position that those in power should never be replaced by another party but should keep replicating themselves perpetually?

Do you believe in responsibility and transparency in government? Do you expect that your sense of morality will be honored and practiced or is it being threatened?

Regardless of your choice, you must vote your conscience. Do not lose your precious liberty by default. Vote as though your life depends upon it because it does, as does our democracy.

Paula Diana Scheiner, Sarasota

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: AP article about Flynn biased, democracy hangs in balance