Tuesday's letters: McCarthy two-faced, bank commendable, Thiessen off base, more

McCarthy hypocritical about Jan. 6 attack

It was no surprise that House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy refused to meet with the Jan. 6 House committee, but to say that the investigation is illegitimate and an “abuse of power” is patently false and hypocritical.

Let us not forget that a Republican-led House conducted five committee investigations over two years of former Secretary of State and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s possible role in the Benghazi terrorist attack, with no findings of guilt.

On Fox News, McCarthy told Sean Hannity that “the investigation was part of a strategy to fight and win” (the 2016 presidential election).

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Let us also not forget that an angry McCarthy spoke in the House immediately following the Jan. 6 insurrection, stating that the president held some responsibility for it.

More than 150 Capitol and D.C. police were attacked by MAGA terrorists, with one dying, four committing suicide and scores suffering PTSD or resigning. This was a horrific assault on not only the Capitol, but our democracy and the orderly transfer of presidential power.

If this is not a legitimate investigation, pray tell what is.

Geraldine Bernier, Sarasota

Bank invests in underserved Newtown

Last week, the First Home Bank opened its doors in Sarasota’s Newtown community.

The bank’s investment in this traditionally Black community and financially underserved market is commendable. Others, including Bank of America, have invested in programs promoting business diversity, as has the Sarasota Chamber.

As Black History Month approaches, we should remember that the precursors of our largest banks and insurance companies, with assets in the several trillions of dollars, made their money in the slave trade when it was America’s largest market. Human property was insured, and banks sold slaves collected as collateral on loans in default.

To a large degree, the United States became a world power on the economic engine of Black labor. There is justice in reinvesting these assets in this community today.

Mike Weddle, MD, Venice

Spend state money on emission control

The Legislature began its 2022 session last week. There has been a lot of publicity devoted to all the planned infrastructure programs, including roads and bridges, and investing in energy, water and environmental issues. These are important and needed projects.

More: When Florida lawmakers gather, watch for stories within the story

However, there is also a need to invest in the well-being of the community by establishing emission control and vehicle inspection. There is nothing more distressing and unhealthy than driving down the road and having to close your windows because of fumes from passing cars, not to mention how the emissions poison the environment.

It’s time for legislators to pass programs that benefit all citizens, instead of focusing their political ambitions on right-wing supporters who demand economic benefits.

Sally Coler, Sarasota

Thiessen off base in abusing teachers

There is no logical reason why you would let Washington Post columnist Marc Thiessen continue to bash teachers in Chicago. As a retired teacher, I can tell you he is way off base about teachers’ loyalty to the kids.

Just getting to school in Chicago is a dangerous journey, let alone worrying about gunfire and COVID!

He needs to go look for himself instead of hiding out in Washington.

Michael Hicks, Lakewood Ranch

(Editor's note: We are rerunning the letter below because of an editing error.)

Politicians should listen to the people

I was disappointed to hear that Siesta Key won’t be allowed to vote to incorporate (“Siesta Key incorporation dies,” Jan. 5).

Not only will residents be unable to protect their quality of life, but this issue is emblematic of bigger problems in our area and in the state. The wishes of the people aren’t taking precedence.

The people want responsible development and less traffic. We want the environment to be protected so seagrass isn’t dying, causing record numbers of manatee deaths. We don’t want gopher tortoises, whose burrows provide homes for numerous species, to take a back seat to developers.

The people want our water sources protected, and we don’t want businesses like Mosaic being allowed to expand so they can continue to mismanage their toxic wastewater and pollute our waterways. We certainly don’t want their radioactive discharge injected into deep water wells.

Time and time again our public officials promote policies that allow developers and businesses to run roughshod over their constituents.

But enough is enough: It’s time to vote out the politicians who’ve been in office too long and vote for new officials who will honor the wishes of the people. Please follow what is happening at the local and state level and consider running for office if you want to remedy the situation.

Laraine Bortner, Venice

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Minority leader two-faced, bank invests in Newtown