Voice of the people: Don't punish society for the actions of criminals
Don't punish society for the actions of criminals
In response to the guest columnist Shandale Terrell's recent comments, I have to agree ["Lawmakers must enact legislation to end reckless possession of firearms," July 3]. As a result of mass shootings, we must do something. That is pretty much the end of my agreement with Terrell.
Terrell states that the AR-15, a military grade assault weapon, should not be available to civilians. The AR-15 only has the appearance of a military weapon; it is not and has not been the weapon of choice for our military. Is the AR-15 an assault weapon? Only when used to assault someone or something. Statistics point out that more people are killed by hands and feet (assault hands and feet) than by the AR-15. It is painfully obvious that the AR-15 is not the problem.
When a driver deliberately drove into a crowd of people on a city street, there was no call to ban cars, the assault weapon of choice for that particular criminal. To paraphrase Ronald Reagan, "we need to hold the criminals accountable for their actions and not punish society." If you are a biblical person, you'll note that Cain slew Abel with the jawbone of an ass. David slew Goliath with a rock. There has been no call to ban jawbones or rocks. Let's look for the root of the problem and not punish society for the actions of a criminal.
Mel Percy, Lake Wales
Why vote in the August primary?
Students deserve to have School Board members focused on creating the conditions where all students can excel regardless of what they look like or where they come from. Unfortunately, this August there are some School Board candidates who are more interested in pushing a partisan political agenda, than quality education. When educators, parents and community members join together with a focus on student needs, we can elect School Board members who prioritize safe, welcoming schools where all students and staff are given the support they need to thrive. Research our School Board candidates and vote for those who support public education.
As our School Board races are decided in the primary, it is essential that every citizen vote in this year’s primary elections. Vote by mail ballots will start being mailed out in just two weeks. If you have not done so already, visit our Polk County Supervisor of Elections website www.polkelections.com to request your vote by mail ballot as soon as possible, so you can return it in plenty of time before our primary election on Aug. 23.
Bernice S. Warren, Bartow
Get electric buses rolling in Polk County
Polk County has a fleet of 511 school buses, traveling approximately 61,000 miles per day which equates to driving around the equator of the earth a little more than two times every day of the school year.
In Florida electric school buses are on the rise. The EPA is offering $500 million through the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates for zero-emission and low-emission school bus rebates.
Previously, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection awarded a total of $57 million to Florida school districts. Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties have been approved for 50 new buses; Broward will get 60. Pinellas and Manatee counties will get 20 new buses; Sarasota County will get 12 and Orange County will get 6.
Let’s see some of those electric buses rolling in Polk County!
Mary Linn, Electrification Coalition Florida/George campaign organizer, Orlando
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This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Voice of the people: Don't punish society for the actions of criminals
