Readers comment on Title IX, abortion, Jan. 6 and kidney stones
We've come a long way
I was impressed by the section on Title IX in Sunday's Sun. Certainly, the late Ruth Alexander was a tremendous factor in the implementation of the policies here in Gainesville.
We have come a long way in women's sports, but in other areas as well. We see these policies reflected in enrollment in our medical and dental schools in the United States. Over half of the students selected are women.
My personal concern — and hope — is that we select the best and brightest, no matter what race, sex or financial need. We have come a long way in 50 years in many areas and ways.
Barbara Collett, Gainesville
More letters:
Readers comment on increasing density in Gainesville, political vandalism and more
Readers comment on the meaning of freedom and local political candidates
Readers comment on Gainesville architecture, gentrification and more
Informed decisions
In Florida, our constitution guarantees us a right to privacy. Despite that guarantee, our ability to make our own health care decisions is currently under attack.
With the implementation of Florida’s 15-week abortion ban, the state is insisting that it knows better than you or I when it comes to our health. This is categorically false. With the assistance of health care professionals, we make informed decisions in order to realize the best outcomes for our individual circumstances.
If someone is married and looking to build a family, then carrying a pregnancy to term is a wonderful, fulfilling decision. However, if they’re a 19-year-old college student with three years of college left, an unwanted pregnancy can completely ruin their future. Broad laws can never properly meet the health care needs of an entire state’s population, and each of us has a right to make our own choices about our own futures.
If we allow the government to start making these decisions for us, we invite them to make more in the future. Even though this law doesn’t impact me directly, I know that if we allow this, it’s only a matter of time until they pass something that does.
Wesley Madyda, Gainesville
Denial of truth
I saw a friend a few days ago who lamented on how the liberal news media was spreading misinformation. After telling me President Donald Trump won in a landslide, he asserted there was no insurrection. Those people were bussed in by the FBI. He saw pictures of the buses on the internet. I asked if he was watching the hearings and he said, “Liz Chaney is a traitor.”
The problem was his assertion regarding the liberal media. What we know about the events of Jan. 6 do not come from liberal pundits or liberal journalists. What we have come to understand comes from Trump’s own most-trusted supporters, the very people he himself chose to surround himself with.
Much of it only came when they were subpoenaed under oath to testify, many reluctantly. These facts proved to be damning. My friend is not an outlier; 30% to 40% share similar views.
Historian John Meacham said recently that if we as a nation do not accept the facts of what happened on and about Jan. 6, we will not only be lost as a people, but can easily lose the American experiment in a democratic system. Historically, denial of truth and facts has been the fuel for the emergence of fascism.
Jeffrey Rubin, Micanopy
Kidney stone belt
Kidney stones are more prevalent in the southeastern U.S. due to environmental and social factors. Higher temperatures provoke excessive perspiration in people living in the region, which depletes the body of water and concentrates the body's urine, leading to stone formation. As global warming surges, this “kidney stone belt” will continue to grow.
Additionally, diet plays an important role in the prevalence of kidney stones. High salt diets cause the body to excrete more calcium in the urine. Termed “hypercalciuria,” this leads to the precipitation of calcium stones. The Southern diet unfortunately is filled with many salty foods, such as fried chicken and French fries, contributing to stone formation.
Southeastern U.S. citizens should be cognizant of the growing prevalence of kidney stones. Once one kidney stone forms, you are more susceptible to forming another; therefore, prevention is key.
Although Southerners can’t change the weather, dietary changes that limit consumption of sodium is a factor that lowers your risk. Fried chicken and French fries may sound delicious, but they should be limited and substituted with healthier options such as fruit salads or avocado on a slice of whole wheat toast.
Emily Astarita, Mikayla Dorminey, Ryan Grabau, Kyle Ockerman, Eric Panther and Michelle Waples, medical students, University of F
Join the conversation
Share your opinion by sending a letter to the editor (up to 200 words) to letters@gainesville.com. Letters must include the writer's full name and city of residence. Additional guidelines for submitting letters and longer guest columns can be found at bit.ly/sunopinionguidelines.
Journalism matters. Your support matters.
Get a digital subscription to the Gainesville Sun. Includes must-see content on Gainesville.com and Gatorsports.com, breaking news and updates on all your devices, and access to the eEdition. Visit www.gainesville.com/subscribenow to sign up.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Letters on Title IX, abortion, Jan. 6 and kidney stones
