Wednesday's letters: Remembering Judge DeFuria, bemoaning bias, tossing Flynn

DeFuria ordered support for abuse victims

Thank you for the article on the passing of Rick DeFuria (“Former SNN news anchor, Sarasota Circuit Judge Rick DeFuria dies,” Sept. 15).

On Feb. 22, 2012, the Child Protection Center appeared before Judge DeFuria regarding a “Motion to Use Therapy Animal” in a case against a child molester.

My German shepherd and I were one of the original handler-dog pairs in CPC’s P.A.W.S. program (Pet Advocates Working in the Suncoast). We worked in conjunction with the state attorney’s office to provide support to child victims of sex abuse.

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We asked DeFuria for permission to be present in all court proceedings in the 12th Judicial Circuit as child advocates under Florida Statutes 92.55(4).

Judge DeFuria signed the order on state’s “Motion to Use Therapy Animal” on March 12, 2012.  This was a very important order that opened the door for many successful court cases wherein the young victims were empowered by the P.A.W.S. dogs to testify against their abusers in open court.

Eileen M. Fitzgerald, Sarasota

Biased coverage on Martha's Vineyard flights

The Sarasota Herald-Tribune felt that flying a small number of undocumented immigrants to Massachusetts was so important that it warranted Page One coverage (“DeSantis sends 50 migrants to Martha’s Vineyard, lashing out against President Biden’s border policy,” Sept. 16).

When the Biden administration took to flying undocumented immigrants to the Jacksonville airport under the cover of darkness, did your editors feel that that also warranted front-page coverage? Maybe, but I must have missed it.

Of course, anytime something is critical of Gov. Ron DeSantis, it shows up on the front page.

Richard Curcio, Venice

Florida governor lacks humanity

This is my first-ever Letter to the Editor.

I am so incensed by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ behavior and use of taxpayer money (“Unexpected Arrival” and “Migrants Arrive ‘Shellshocked and Afraid,’” Sept 16) that I felt I must write.

My husband and I are Florida residents as well as 40-year Martha’s Vineyard homeowners. I was so impressed to see Vineyarders step up to aid the undocumented immigrants and make them feel welcome.

On the other hand, I am ashamed that our governor feels the need to follow in the footsteps of others like Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Where is his humanity?

Wendy M. Ulrich, Sarasota

Family planning avoids births, abortions

U.S. Rep. Greg Steube’s guest column Sept. 16, “Stop the money to stop the madness of dog-testing,” is worthy of support. Defund spending by the National Institutes of Health on live animal research. This practice is cruel.

But here is another cruelty. Imagine a household where there is an unwanted baby. That child might very well be subjected to the ravages of poverty, neglect, poor nutrition, inadequate housing, violence from the streets or violence in the home. This also is cruelty.

The positive effects of the timing and number of children on the child, as well as the family and the community, can be tremendous.

This topic is covered in Melinda Gates’ book, “The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World.” Family planning helps families to rise up from poverty and all its cruel effects.

NIH money should go toward research on the effects of birth control, family leave, day care and early childhood education on poverty levels.

No one is "for" abortion; everyone is "for" life. Family planning research can make the difference between a good life and a cruel one.

Claudia McCann, Nokomis

Throw Flynn out of Sarasota County

Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn is a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about talking to the Russians.

Former President Donald Trump, who has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, pardoned Flynn.

If Flynn was still in the military, he would be serving hard labor in a military prison. He was removed by two presidents.

Why is this traitor involved in the Sarasota County Republican Party?

It amazes me that many who served in the military actually attend events where Flynn is a speaker.

Wake up.

Call Flynn out and get him out of Sarasota County. He is not a patriot; he is a felon.

Joseph Marra, Venice

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: DeFuria supported abuse victims, family planning avoids abortions