Wednesday's letters: Sarasota Memorial becomes prized target, GOP must tackle red tide
Threats part of campaign to bring down SMH
Threats against Sarasota Memorial Hospital doctors and staff are just another attempt to privatize a valuable asset of our community.
While there are a few who may be aggrieved, because of its intrinsic value, the hospital has become a prized target of the greedy, power mongers, unscrupulous wealthy individuals and hedge fund managers who are now sweeping through Sarasota County.
Story: Workers receive death threats after COVID-19 report
More: How to send a letter to the editor
The performance of SMH and its employees has been exemplary and effective in combating the local pandemic and providing other essential medical care.
The hospital expanded its reach to South County, where a privately run hospital folded its tent, demonstrating an effect of private ownership.
Privatization is a hallmark of the greed that is sweeping our nation at the expense of the public good.
Related: Michael Flynn pushes far right takeover of Sarasota GOP
Michael Flynn, Donald Trump’s former national security adviser, is part of a group that wants to take away SMH’s taxing authority. He should be ashamed of himself as he pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his connections with Russia – and now wants to sink his claws into a hallmark of good medicine in America.
Peter Calarco, Venice
GOP has dropped ball on red tide
Since the atrocity of 2018, red tide has bloomed on and off along the Southwest Florida coast. The Republicans in our Legislature have been consistently off in addressing the root causes of Karenia brevis and regulating them.
They have not addressed septic tanks, sewer infrastructure, runoff from fertilizer and overdevelopment or all the other things that feed the nutrients into an explosion.
When will our leaders act? The GOP used to be the party of conservation. Now it is the party of environmental negligence.
More: What to know about red tide in Sarasota, Manatee
If we lose tourists, costing our economy money, will you then act, Rep. Fiona MacFarland, Sen. Joe Gruters and all who hide behind the pseudo-conservative curtain of deregulation?
Lou Grossman, Sarasota
SCF changes tune about art exhibit
I was dismayed to read the March 1 letter from the vice president of the State College of Florida Foundation board (“SCF found art ‘inappropriate’ for kids”).
Referring to SCF’s demand that three of the art pieces from the Embracing our Differences exhibit be removed in order for the exhibit to held at the college, Laura Bassler Cota denied that SCF’s decision had anything to do with equity, inclusion or diversity.
Really? The college’s own director of communications, Jamie Smith, told the press that SCF disagreed with a quote about diversity and inclusion that accompanied one of the pieces. The quote came from a fifth-grader from India.
More: Exhibit leaders, SCF continue to clash over display
More: Art exhibit canceled after objections from SCF
Smith stated that the college has a different definition of diversity and inclusion.
“We wanted it to be based on what we define as diversity and inclusion.” So SCF has the corner on the market of defining these terms?
The child’s quote: “Diversity and inclusion are like the needle and thread that stitch together a harmonious fabric of peace for humankind.”
And that’s objectionable to SCF?
Shame on Cota for denying the college’s official position. And shame on the college for succumbing to the governor’s war on even mentioning the words diversity, equity and inclusion.
Joan Lowery, Sarasota
Back Ukraine, defending democracy for all
I read with sadness the predictable story in the Herald-Tribune recently regarding how American support for Ukraine has slipped across all categories, from weapons to funds to sanctions.
Yet the Ukrainians stand tall and continue to fight against Russia in one of history’s most courageous battles for freedom. They are defending democracy – for all of us – against unbridled despotism.
And our me-first-ness and waning attention span come just as the latest despicable war crime is reported: Russia has developed a technique to send a timed second shell after the first one in order to kill the bravest of brave, first responders: doctors, nurses and medics.
In fact, one such casualty was an American hero named Pete Reed, a volunteer medic.
Trust me, folks, not only is Vladimir Putin betting we are too soft and selfish for the long haul, but China is also watching to see who we are at this point in history.
Roland Dupree, Venice
Women pursuing careers in construction
March 5-11 is Women in Construction Week and now more than ever, women are learning that a career in construction offers unique benefits and opportunities.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the share of women in construction is the highest on record.
ABC Florida East Coast Chapter's is especially proud to have its first female board chair this year, Annie Mecias-Murphy with JA&M Developing LLC.
Why are more women pursuing a career in construction? One, construction pays well for everyone, regardless of gender. Average hourly earnings in construction are nearly $3 higher per hour than all other private industries.
Two, construction offers advancement and career mobility, from executives and project managers to building inspectors and craft professionals.
Three, a career in construction is fulfilling. Construction workers find purpose in building America, from megaprojects and manufacturing plants to airports and hospitals.
Construction employs nearly 8 million people, and it plays a vital role in providing fulfilling, advancing and financially rewarding career opportunities for women.
Peter Dyga, CEO, Associated Builders and Contractors Florida East Coast Chapter, Coconut Creek
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Making death threats to bring down SMH, stand up for Ukraine
