Letters to the editor for Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Limit terms, campaign contributions

SW Florida is truly blessed with coastlines, waterways, wetlands and wildlife. Sadly, these natural resources are imperiled as detailed in Sunday's News-Press article linking Florida's elected officials and the sugar industry as major players contributing to the worsening harm to the Caloosahatchee, coastal estuaries and the Gulf of Mexico ("Discharges from lake remain source of damage to Florida waterways" by Ray Judah).  When politicians are largely dependent upon substantial financial support for their re-election efforts from Big Business, their decision-making is more likely to align itself with the wishes of corporate America as opposed to the public good.  Polluted water run-off from fertilizer applications in sugar cane fields continues to wreak havoc with the Lake Okeechobee slough.  According to former Commissioner Judah, the current construction effort to restore the Everglades (Everglades Agricultural Area spillway/reservoir) will only store some 10% of the excessive release of water from Lake Okeechobee during the wet season. Despite the voting public's staunch support of protecting Florida's water quality, elected politicians continue to follow the substantial campaign funding sources, i.e., Big Sugar, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Political Action Committees (PACS).

There is a way to stem the flow of chemicals and fertilizers from poisoning the waterways: enact laws that impose term limits on elected officials and limit individual and corporate campaign contributions to $100 each.  Unfortunately, such a scenario is only likely to occur when the Caloosahatchee freezes over.

James L. DeBoy, Fort Myers

Clean Water amendment

Are you tired of blue/green algae and red tide fouling our canals, lakes, and beaches? Are you worried about your family’s health as a consequence? But, don’t existing laws already protect our waterways? The answer is yes-ish. However, for every law that purports to protect our waters, there are many exclusions — mostly based on the assertion that without these exclusions the result would be detrimental to the economy. But whose economy are we talking about? Clearly developers and large agricultural corporations benefit from skirting these laws. But do we, as citizens, ever realize any of this "economic benefit"?

You may say, “I don’t like what’s been happening, but what can I do?” Actually, there is something — you can sign a petition to add an amendment to the Florida State Constitution which gives its citizens the right to clean waters. If 900,000 citizens submit their petitions it can be added as a yes/no vote on the 2026 state election ballot. Currently, a nonprofit group called The Right to Clean Waters is obtaining signatures across the state on a petition (also available at floridarighttocleanwater.org), to add this amendment to the Florida Constitution.

But, how is an amendment any stronger than existing laws? Basically, no law that conflicts with the Constitution (including as amended) is valid. Effectively, if the Clean Water amendment is passed, Florida citizens would have the power to enforce current water quality standards, as well as to challenge any law that may limit protection of our natural resources of water.

Rita Bortell, North Fort Myers

Governmental overreach

Initial approval has now been given by the Cape Coral City Council to a pending upcoming “moratorium” on new car washes and new self-storage facilities​. The proposed ordinance ​will flash-freeze any proposed challenges to existing facilities.In other words, unless the challengers have some real staying power (i.e., lots of money they don’t mind burning while waiting), the​y are gonna wither and die on the vine.Th​is imposed cost is really a punitive sanction on legitimate new businesses​, because only the owners of existing businesses would benefit from this naked political interference in the Free Market.In other words, turf protection.​ Don Corleone himself couldn't do it any better.The city has no legitimate interest in interfering with attempts to provide commercial services like this to prospective customers. These new businesses are to be built in ​already-designated commercial zones​. They will prosper or die, depending on whether they serve the needs of the public.​ This is an economic decision to be made by consumers. Not by elected politicians.I suppose that the buildings for storage facilities and car washes will never be confused with architectural masterpieces, like Gothic cathedrals or the Eiffel Tower. If that is what the Council is concerned about here, they are in the wrong business.​You wanna see world-class architecture? Take a vacation in Paris.This is a classic example of governmental overreach at the local level. It must be stopped.​ The mindset of the councilors here is, ummm, "problematic." We can do better.Larry Gillis, Cape Coral

This is paradise?

Calling S.W. Florida "paradise" is probably the fakest and most hypocritical news The News-Press has ever printed as illustrated by their two conflicting Sunday front page articles. One article uses the misnomer paradise to describe more pollution creating development, while the other article points out that the water in paradise is laced with poop and pollution to the point that the water is not safe for human activity.  And this is what The News Press, or anyone, calls paradise?

Perhaps we should start calling S.W. Florida "poopadise" to more accurately describe how polluted this area actually is. Quite frankly using the word paradise is nothing short of tourism, real estate and retirement fraud and should be prosecuted as such. Sadly, using the word paradise to describe S.W. Florida is just a big fat lie.

David Liebenguth, Fort Myers

Two tiers of justice?

Recently one of the usual suspects right-wing letter writers asked to have it explained why "Trump was indicted for having classified documents and Biden was not."  The answer is, for the same reason Mike Pence wasn't, although the writer never mentioned Pence's name.  I wonder why that was.

Next, the writer wonders about the difference between "cooperation" and "obstruction."  It's obvious that this writer gets their information from taking notes while watching Fox News.  (You know, the people paying a $750,000,000+ judgment for lying.)  So, Biden's cooperation is whatever the folks who made the rules say it is.  (And btw, why didn't the writer ask about Pence's cooperation?)  As for Trump's obstruction, that is an allegation.  A court of law will determine if he's guilty, using the law and the facts.

I would ask the writer aforementioned if you were charged with a crime of which you believed "I did nothing wrong," (sound familiar?), wouldn't you move heaven and earth to get to court to prove it?  It seems Trump has a different strategy, one of delay, delay, delay.  You have to ask yourself why.  I think it's similar to Trump saying back in 2018 "You see, the mob takes the Fifth," before invoking it himself over 400 times.

And finally, the writer wants to know about the two tiers of justice that "many feel" needs to be answered.  On that, I'd say they're right. Trump has been handled with kid gloves since all these indictments started.  If the writer or I had been charged like Trump has, we'd already be in the slammer.

Ken Brindle, Cape Coral

Golfer denied visa

A recent opinion writer was wondering why golfer Angel Cabrera was denied entry to the U.S. The writer snarkily stated why doesn't he use the "secret liberal passage" to gain entry. It seems the writer only uses one source for his information, which I guess is a lot easier than actually using his noggin to get the actual facts himself. Angel was denied entry because of multiple cases of domestic violence and was incarcerated for a total of two years in both Argentina and Brazil. Maybe the writer would have preferred we let this criminal cross our border without a visa?

L. OBrien, Fort Myers

Florida's education curriculum

In answer to a letter writer who offered an analogy about slaves and Nelson Mandela.Nelson Mandela CHOSE to write his autobiography while in prison.The "slaves developed skills, which in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit" were FORCED to learn these trades, which primarily consisted of picking sugar cane.Let's offer the analogy of "Twelve Years A Slave," an autobiography written by a free Black man, who was kidnapped in New York and sold into slavery in New Orleans.  Solomon Northup was an accomplished violinist with a wife and three children. He ended up working in sugar cane fields for 12 years as a laborer, versus his chosen career as a violinist. This certainly wasn't a skill he wished to learn or "could be applied for personal benefit."The whole story needs to be told.  Watch the movie (2013) or read the autobiography (1853), and you'll see why people are upset about the language and the intent of Florida's new education curriculum.  We "dishonor these people," if we don't accept the reality of the cruelty and dehumanization which existed with slavery.And by the way, you'll notice, my comments don't come with disparaging name calling. Our country would be better off if opinions could be voiced amicably.Chris Friedrichs, Fort Myers

No party affiliation

Sometimes a letter writer will bring up a subject that should be discussed and debated.  Party registration and primaries and ones registered NPA (No Party Affiliation) is one such subject.  I feel the purpose of an election and its system is to elect an individual who will represent the majority and work to accomplish what is best for the whole population.  As it stands now; registered Republicans are 38.7% of the registered voters, Democrats are 32.5%, and NPA are 26.3%.  The claim is voters are disenfranchising themselves by registering NPA.  No, they are expressing their concern and frustration with the parties and the candidates that they nominate. There are 3,933,602 people who are eligible to vote but have chosen to not even register to vote.  They are the ones who have chosen to disenfranchise themselves.  How many times have you heard a candidate campaign with extreme rhetoric to win the primary and then tone it down and move to the center to win the general election.  If we had an open primary where someone registered NPA could go on primary day and vote with their party of choice that day, candidates would be forced to actually say what they believe in and what their goals while in office would be.  We would all benefit and the state would benefit.  An open primary would be an interesting debate.  However, I am not delusional.  The only time our politicians become bipartisan is on this subject. Republicans and Democrats are both LOUDLY opposed to this idea.

Harold McFarland, North Fort Myers

Collier Senior Center offerings

This World Health Day, April 7,  Collier Senior Center-Golden Gate calls your attention to seniors’ right to health!

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine details that nearly 25% of adults 65 years and older are socially isolated, seriously increasing their risk of: Premature death from all causes (rivaling smoking, obesity and inactivity); Dementia by 50%;  Stroke by 32%; Heart disease by 29%; Depression, anxiety and suicide; Among heart failure patients: death (four times greater), emergency room visits by 57%, hospitalization by 68%.

You deserve better! Which is why Collier Senior Center offerings are designed to enhance the quality of life of older adults and caregivers physically, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually and socially.

If you (or someone you love) are feeling isolated, depressed or alone, we invite you to find belonging, peace of mind and wellbeing in UPSLIDE. Since January 2020, the program’s individual counseling sessions and Friends Connections support group have provided safety, hope and community to more than 155 women and men.

Along with our ongoing nutrition programs, arts and crafts, fitness classes, health fairs, celebrations and more, Collier Senior Center is empowering you to maintain your health and independence. In fact, here in our vibrant, diverse, caring space, your health is not only your right, but our priority!

Join us Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 4898 Coronado Parkway, Naples, to celebrate your health, your rights, your life! Learn more: 239. 252.4541, or at CollierSeniorCenter.org.

Esther Lully, MSML, director, Collier Senior Center—Golden Gate

Vietnam War Veterans Day

As a Vietnam veteran I remember each day of service and the oath given to serve our country.  My service in Vietnam during 1967-1968 brings constant memories. It is not only what occurred in Vietnam, it is the days after, and what I have learned.  My belief that the opposite of conflict is peace, and countries must strive for peace without physical aggression. Our country is democratic with the principles of equality and liberty. Our country helps other countries with the same belief that freedom, and human rights are paramount. March 29 is National Vietnam War Veterans Day for remembering the service of all and their outcomes of death, and health issues before our exit (Vietnam,1973), and after. I have learned from the Pentagon Papers (Daniel Ellsberg) which exposed that the American public was misled, and the war was extended. This was at a cost of thousands of military and civilian deaths. The division between North and South in Vietnam found China supplying the North with troops and supplies, and the Soviet Union (Russia) supplying tanks and heavy weapons (missiles). The U.S. and allies assisted the South over many years. My respect is for all veterans, our military, our Veterans Administration (VA), and especially the generation of World War II and the unity in service by our military, civilians and allies.  The goal needs to be for reaching peace at home, and worldwide.

Louis Cohen (Koltun), Vietnam Veterans of America member, Naples

Disturbed and reptilian

I'm going to speak directly to a segment of the population that has been far too quiet recently: normal, "traditional" American Republicans and Conservatives. I know you're out there, and I know you're way too smart not to have noticed Trump's manifest human inferiority. If you think you can use him to implement your particular agenda and control or ignore his baser instincts, you might find German history between the two wars instructive. A psychopathic, clownish buffoon with a cultish, minority following was enabled in his quest for power by naive "normal" conservative elements in German society. And we all know how that turned out.There is nothing "normal" about the coming election. We on the left and right can work out our philosophical and policy differences after we've preserved our republic by sending Trump back to "reality" TV, the only place where his particular "talents" make sense. You cannot control this man. He is dangerously disturbed and reptilian in his single-minded pursuit of personal gratification. If you help him to regain nearly unlimited power, he will abuse it; and we will all live to regret it together. Our American "house" is a small "d" democratic republic, and your Bibles are clear on the subject: "He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind."

Geremy Spampinato, Naples

Move country forward

You know the story. Trump university, steaks , vodka, cancer charity, casinos, Trump shuttle airline, they all went into the toilet either through bankruptcies or legal action. He was a successful actor on a television reality show but it was just a show. Kinda like his presidency until he failed his first crisis. A Black man handed him the Golden Ticket much like Fred Trump did until he screwed it up. And he continues to lie, distort, lie some more at his rallies. But the sickest part is his J6 choir, singing like they were heroes when they were dupes, criminals and hoping to be exonerated by the lead criminal himself. He still has many flying monkeys, Marjorie, Matt, Lauren, Byron left to crap on democracy and doing nothing moving the country forward. Maybe November will bring a much needed change for women’s rights, reasonable gun regulation, and a firm border policy.

Laurence Jacks, Estero

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Letters to the editor for Wednesday, March 27, 2024