Voice of the people: Belief in the goodness of people restored by kind act

Belief in the goodness of people restored by kind act

I ran over to the Publix on Spirit Lake Road in Winter Haven late one evening. While in the store an announcement came over the intercom. “Would the owner of a silver Toyota please come to the manager.” Yikes I thought … did someone hit my car? With great trepidation I approached the counter. After identifying myself as the owner, I was told that someone saw me drop “something” as I got out of my car. If I could identify the item, it would be returned. After being given a clue (money) I said $20?

Indeed, it was three twenties that had fallen out of my pocket as I pulled out my phone.

I was speechless to think that a stranger, in the dark, would come into Publix and return cold cash. I am touched by this person and would like to publicly thank him or her. He has again reinforced my belief in the goodness of people.

Publix employees were very helpful too. What a nice surprise.

I love living in Polk County!

Janet Delcastillo, Winter haven

Provide women with a safety net

The idea that everyone is either pro-life or pro-choice is in my mind not correct. I prefer to believe that everyone is pro-life. The Roe v. Wade decision became established law almost 50 years ago for good reason. I do not believe any woman of child bearing age would want to have an abortion. It does provide a safety net in case the need ever arises.

Reversing Roe v. Wade and banning abortion is a terrible decision. It says that women are second class citizens who have the right to vote but some other personal decisions are a bridge too far. Government reserves the right to make those decisions.

The "do-it-yourself" abortions will likely return. What could possibly go wrong? Providing women with a safety net seems like the best solution. Ask yourself - would a trapeze artist prefer to operate with or without a safety net if given the choice?

John Houle, Lakeland

Provide free birth control

The debate on abortion goes on and on. Every aspect of abortion has been repeated many times with one exception. Birth control. Why is this topic seldom discussed? As a former child abuse investigator, I have seen the results of no birth control.

This country is a leader in the industrialized world, so why do we not provide free birth control to women under 25 like England and France. Leaving the discussion to parents is not entirely successful according to statistics. It is 2022 not 1950.

Kay Shelby, Lakeland

Lock out the shooters

I know that the long answer to the school shootings is complex, but we need to do something now. Why can't we do what we all do in our homes - lock the doors. Designate one door to be used by all and lock the rest. Have someone control that one door. When all the students are in, lock the door. Stragglers, etc., can be let in as needed. We can at least try.

Jack Entrekin, Lakeland

Join the discussion

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This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Voice of the people: Belief in the goodness of people restored by kind act