Wednesday's letters: Florida proud, no to monarchy, mishandled documents

Floridians have reasons to be proud

During a visit to my home state of Wisconsin, my wife and I were shopping in a neat craft store.

We were talking with the store's owner when she suddenly asked, “And where do you live now?” When I answered “Florida,” the store owner raised both hands and backed away with a look of horror on her face.

We learned it was a lame attempt at humor, but it did show her liberal leanings.

Here are some facts:

• Florida recovered from the COVID pandemic quicker and better than almost any state. (The needs of the elderly were addressed first.)

• Florida's overall handling of the pandemic was common-sense in approach, and it did not rely on draconian, ham-handed government intervention.

• Folks are rushing here to buy homes and relocate.

• We have no state income tax, and taxes in general here are better than in many Northern states.

• We are a right-to-work state.

These are all reminders, I guess, of why we’re proud Floridians.

And we're not brainwashed by a progressive agenda.

More: How to send a letter to the editor

We’ve had both Democratic and Republican governance that has always “taken care of Florida people first.” I hope and pray it continues that way.

I give Florida an "A+" grade as a great state to live in!

Al E. Bavry, Sarasota

Prevent rise of monarchy in America

Now that the British are in a 10-day mourning period, we Americans are in a 10-day media blitz.

Yes, Queen Elizabeth II was an interesting and lovely head of state. But listening to the 24/7 news and accolades about the deceased queen, you would think we Americans are just about ready for a constitutional monarchy.

Former President Donald Trump already thought of himself and acted as a monarch and, apparently, his followers agreed with him. I think that after 212 years it’s time to ratify the Titles of Nobility Amendment –before another U.S. president claims to be empowered by God.

Tamas Frecska, Sarasota

Disturbing to see documents mishandled

My first job in the propulsion and guidance systems area for the manned space program required me to have a top security clearance, and to review very sensitive classified material in a secured double-locked room.

No notes or recordings were permitted.

That's why it is very disturbing to see how carelessly classified documents are being handled these days. If I had behaved in such a manner, there would have been severe consequences.

Lawrence Olson, Sarasota

Trump continues to escape justice

Donald Trump once said he could get away with shooting someone on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

He was basically telling us that laws that apply to normal people don’t apply to him.

That is exactly what Trump did when he took classified, secret and top secret documents back to Mar-a-Lago, his Palm Beach club. Whether his actions were the result of carelessness or an intentional act, so far he has been right about getting away with it. 

Any other person would have already been arrested and jailed as a threat to national security.

Trump was given more than one chance to return the documents, but he decided to totally disregard the opportunities he was given to make things right.

The Republicans who defend him are no better than Trump is. They know what he did was wrong but, fearing his wrath, they come up with ridiculous reasons to excuse his actions.

There is no hope for Trump's uninformed followers. They would follow him off a cliff and, in many cases, even get arrested following the orders of this miscreant.

This country has many problems, but Donald Trump’s hold on many Americans is one of the worst.

Felton Marans, Lakewood Ranch

No 9/11 story on Sept. 11 front page

On Sunday, Sept. 11, did the Herald-Tribune’s front page acknowledge the terrorist attacks? No.

What was more important? Tolls, Proud Boys and an ad for bath remodeling.

Disappointing.

Carole Nikla, Sarasota

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Many reasons to be Florida proud, no monarchy here