Wednesday's letters: Return to Roe, too many vagrants, unqualified teachers, more

Ways to correct reversal of Roe v. Wade

The catastrophic 18th amendment outlawing intoxicating liquors in the United States was enacted in 1919 and by popular demand repealed in l933 by the 21st Amendment.

The similarly catastrophic reversal this year of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, recognizing a constitutional right to abortion, need not endure as long as Prohibition.  Among other mitigating measures are the following.

First, but unlikely, the Supreme Court as currently constituted could recognize its error and revive Roe v. Wade upon convening this fall.

Second, also unlikely, a sufficient number of sensible, fair-minded justices could be immediately added to the court legislatively to free it from control by the current rabidly ideological majority.

Third, and quite likely, an aroused electorate, appalled by the individual and social harms already resulting from reversal of Roe v. Wade, could demand and obtain enactment of legislation establishing a federal right to abortion.

Unfortunately, during whatever period of time women are denied access to legal abortion, a great many will consequently suffer great harm and many will die, along with their fetuses.

Surely that already emerging reality will not be permitted to last any longer than absolutely necessary.

Harry W. Quillian, Bradenton

Do-gooders enable vagrants to take over

We have lived in Venice for six years. Love it! Unfortunately, storm clouds are brewing, thanks to the proliferation of young men who are vagrants.

Our oldest daughter lives in Bangor, Maine. The city has a beautiful library. Unfortunately, she and her husband can no longer take the children there as the library is overrun with vagrants.

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A niece lives in Venice, California: vagrants have taken over the library and the beaches there.

We live near the library in downtown Venice, and vagrants are now taking over our library, too! They park their bikes and stay inside all day except to go outside to smoke. There are young children in the library.

Do-gooders are enabling vagrants instead of helping them. Please don’t turn Venice, Florida, into Venice, California!

John Roche, Venice

Bizarre to allow unqualified vets to teach

“No degree?” Did I read this article correctly? If you have four years of military service, you and your spouse are eligible to teach in the Sarasota public schools (July 24)?

When did the three R’s become four R’s? Reading, ’riting, ’rithmetic and now rifle cleaning?

This is bizarre. I highly value and respect our military veterans, and I am truly grateful for their service. But I don’t expect or want them to teach in our public schools unless they are college-educated and certified in K-12 education.

Claudia McCann, Nokomis

Trump should be barred from federal office

After the House committee hearing July 21, I find it inconceivable that anyone could imagine the former president was ever fit for office.

Donald Trump clearly showed that his presidential responsibilities were irrelevant. He had no problem encouraging a specific attack on his loyal vice president for resisting his seditious schemes.

Trump is likely to soon announce his candidacy for president in 2024 – not to serve the country, but to complicate pursuit of him in various pending legal actions. He is a crystal-clear threat to American democracy and our nearly 250 years of constitutional rule.

He deserves to be charged, found guilty and barred from ever holding any federal office again for these disreputable actions.

Derry Beck, Sarasota

Change your diet to reduce global warming

Record heat waves in America and Europe endanger millions, as wildfires rage, in a brutal manifestation of man-induced global warming.

Each of us can reduce our personal contribution by cutting back on animal foods, which account for a whopping portion of greenhouse gases.

Carbon dioxide is released when forests are burned to create animal pastures. Methane and nitrous oxide are released from the digestive tracts of cows and sheep and from animal waste pits.

In an environmentally sustainable world, vegetables, fruits and grains must replace animal food products in our diet, just as wind, solar and other renewable energy sources replace fossil fuels.

The next trip to our favorite supermarket provides a great opportunity to explore the delicious, healthful, eco-friendly plant-based meat and ice cream products in the frozen food section.

Charles Winn-Smith, Sarasota

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Americans must pursue efforts to address Roe v. Wade reversal