Tuesday's letters: Quality of life suffers, virtues of adoption, Trump's latest run

As Sarasota grows, quality of life suffers

“Tourism is the No. 1 industry in Florida … the health of our tourism economy is directly related to the health of our economy as a whole,” said Visit Florida's CEO.

Unfortunately, all this growth does not often correlate to the health of the residents who actually live here. For the longtime residents who moved to Sarasota for the warmth and to live in a quiet, small city, we witness daily all the revenue flooding in.

Not so long ago this time of year was considered “down time.” Instead, now there is bumper-to-bumper traffic, difficulty finding a space to park and a long wait to get a doctor’s appointment. Finding affordable housing is nearly impossible.

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The old adage applies: “The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.”

Those working in the tourist industry or in real estate may be thriving. But for the rest of us, things are getting harder. With this ever-growing, overloaded population, our quality of life has diminished.

And, one wonders, can the infrastructure hold together? Even the hospitals are saying they don’t know how they can accommodate the population growth this winter.

More is not always better.

Angelena Craig, Sarasota

With adoption, a marvelous, mixed family

On Nov. 17, a column ran that touted the virtues of adopting children (“Adopting a child is a powerful act of love and care”). I agree with the sentiments wholeheartedly.

However, I would like to add a caveat. Fifty-eight years ago in Palo Alto, California, my husband and I discussed what we wanted and hoped for in a future family. We were concerned about population control but wanted at least four children.

Our answer: adoption. However, we alternated between having our own biological children and adopting. Soon, we had six in total.

They have all been marvelous – funny, compassionate and loaded with skills and talents neither of us possess. Kudos to the judges, social workers and biological parents who helped us create a family full of laughter and love. We are the lucky ones!

 Pamela Williams, Bradenton

Trump running for himself, not his country

An article in the paper Nov. 17 quoted the GOP chairman of Palm Beach County as saying Donald Trump is “… not afraid to stick up and take the hits.”

I agree that he sticks up. However, what he sticks up for is what’s best for Trump and not what is best for this country. Rather than taking hits, the only thing I’ve observed Trump do is place blame on everyone else and point his finger in every direction but inward.

The grind of the last two years of his continued lies and narcissistic rants – and the sophomoric insults he directs at anything and anyone he sees as against him – has worn me out.

There was a glimmer of hope in the results of the recent midterm elections and in the lukewarm response to Trump’s announcement last week that he’s running in 2024.

Hopefully, for this country, more public servants who represent us will find their common sense, ethical values and dedication to protecting and defending the Constitution.

Dianne Robertson, Sarasota

Would Trump swear to protect Constitution?

Visualize Donald Trump repeating these words at his inauguration, if he were to be elected president in 2024:

“I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

Seriously?

Bob Clark, Venice

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota grows but quality of life suffers, virtues of adoption