Letters to the editor for Wednesday, February 23, 2022 – News-Press

Letter writers| Fort Myers News-Press

Florida House Bill 1557 titled Parental Rights In Education sounds benign doesn't it? However, part of the intent of the bill is to shut down discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms. Why are we being asked to treat these subjects as shameful or offensive? Why are we asked to single out a group of people who can't and shouldn't have to change who they are? An open discussion of differences done in a supportive atmosphere free from judgment will foster empathy, tolerance and compassion, not derision.

Donald Howard, Naples

The Parental Rights in Educationbill is what a writer is referring to in his emotional appeal to have it defeated.

Having taught high school he is very erudite. However, I suspect that he has been co-opted and mentored by the LGBT+ lobby.

This legislation is in no way forcing a bias in our school system nor would it ban the word gay,It simply would protect children from teachers and other school officials who seek to indoctrinate them with gender ideology and pushing discussions on sexual orientation. It would also require schools to be transparent and get permission from any health services their child receives.

The writer's appeal to reject the bill because its passage would permit bullying or diminisha respectful classroom environment is indeed a straw man argument. These are disciplinary problems.

This bill is not two steps backward but a great leap forward in re-engaging parents in the education of their children.

Rev.Michael P. Orsi, Naples

Swearing in under oath in a courtroom or before Congress seems to be the kryptonite of the Trump cultists. Donald Trump stated that only guilty individuals take the Fifth Amendment. His son Eric took the Fifth Amendment more than500 times under oath when testifying about Trumps business practices. Based on a recent court ruling, Mr. Trump and his other two children may themselves soon get the chance to validate Trumps belief that only guilty parties take the Fifth. I hope good citizens takenotice, but rest assured, should Mr. Trump and his offspring invoke the Fifth Amendment or give self-incriminating testimony, you will not hear of it on the Fox network. During Hillary Clintons more than11 hours of under oath televised testimony before the Republican-led Benghazi witch hunt,she never took the Fifth Amendment once. Hmmm. Now those Republicans known to be involved in planning to overturn the 2020 presidential election are running for the hills rather than face having to defend their actions leading up to and on the day that will truly live in infamy in this countrys history. They could of course take the Tucker Carlson approach as his lawyer stipulated in court that no one can literally believe the facts that Carlson tells them.Problem is, it does not appear other Trump cultists were listening.

Thomas Minor, Colonel, USMC (retired), Bonita Springs

A gubernatorial candidate in Wisconsin along with others in a number of states are trying to decertify the electoral votes awarded to President Biden in an attempt to reinstall Donald Trump as president. There is no pathway in the law or Constitution for this to occur and yet they persist. Question: Why are these persons not being charged with sedition and/or insurrection? They are actively trying to overthrow the current government of the United States, which is a crime. Charge them. Prosecute them. Enough of this nonsense. More than60 lawsuits and not one person has offered ANY legally sufficient proof of fraud affecting the outcome of the last presidential election. Time to move on. Put a stop to the nonsense now!

Bruce Goldstein,Ave Maria

The Florida House budget proposal punishes 12 counties to the tune of $200 million for requiring face masks last year -- a district-wide policy that defied Gov.DeSantis' executive order banning such mandates. Be reminded that the federal agency Centers for Disease Control (CDC), President Biden's administration and the mainstream medical community all strongly endorsed the wearing of face masks in 2021.

The affected 12 districts followed science. These 12 superintendents demonstrated leadership, courage and rational thinking -- attributes that education seeks to instill in its students.The 12 counties placed greater importance upon safeguarding the welfare of their children, staff and larger community rather than succumbing to political whim that endangered the public good. If the House budget retains this egregiously punitivescheme, those county schoolchildrenwill bear the brunt of House members' spiteful retribution.

James L. DeBoy, Fort Myers

In arecent letter, the writer states that he, and millions of like-minded people, are speaking up for babies whose mothers are seeking an abortion. I would strongly suggest that he imagine what the future holds for unwanted children.

I worked in British prisons for 20 years and met countless inmates who blamed their miserable childhoods for leading them into drugs and/or crime.

Being an unwanted child in any circumstances causes immeasurable heartache. It leads to feelings of loneliness, sorrow and a sense of not being worthy. Unwanted children are often victims of abuse and neglect, leading to further emotional damage.

No matter what the law says, women will continue to find ways to end unwanted pregnancies. It's a devastating decision to have to make, but it's usually the best decision for both mother and child. The very least we can do is ensure these women get the support and health care they need.

What those of us who support a womans right to choose wantis for every child to be a wanted child.

Nina Mold, Naples

Sometimes you read news that really irritates you but you let it go.Well this morning I just couldn't just let it go, News-Press Feb. 19 article on Florida budget -- naming a new bill,quoting, "And since Republicans control the House, it is formally named the Budgeting for Inflation that Drives Elevated Needs, or BIDEN Fund."

Grow up, Republicans, and acquire some class!

Arlene S. McCarthy, North FortMyers

The TSA has seen a large rise in guns found in carry-on luggage and is seeking ways to prevent this. Enforcement of the penalty for doing so is all over the place. People who carry guns have a huge responsibility and if they lack the ability to keep track of their guns, there should be huge penalties.

I propose a new federal law: no pleading ignorance, no copping to a lesser charge or hand slapping. First offense: gun is surrendered and destroyed. A $10,000 fine. If fine is not paid in 30 days, offender is placed on a no fly list. Second offense, $15,000 fine, gun surrendered and destroyed and offender is placed on an automatic no fly list for six months even after the fine is paid.

Once the word gets out about this new law and a few idiots get busted, the incidents at the airports will plummet.

Denni Brown, Bonita Springs

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Letters to the editor for Wednesday, February 23, 2022 - News-Press