No 'indoctrination' in schools
I am an educator. I teach AP Literature. My goal is to have students learn to think on their own. My goal is to have them read books, process information, and come up with their own conclusions. I'm not trying to brag, but I have been pretty successful at it.
Due to current legislation and a faction of people that challenges books, I can no longer teach "For Whom the Bell Tolls," "Brave New World," "Anna Karenina" (to be honest I never taught that one), "Catch 22," "Beloved," and so many others.
We have an election coming up where we will decide who will make up our school board for the next couple of years. I know Erick Carter. I taught his son. He is a good man and a great father. I have not met Ms. Lucarelli personally, but I have seen the commitment she has brought to CCPS. These people have served with dignity and always with the best intentions for the students and teachers.
I can't speak to the other candidates, as I do not know them. They very well could be brilliant individuals, but I do know they are standing on a platform of "stopping indoctrination." Please know, "indoctrination" simply does not happen in Collier Schools. Don't believe the hype. We are one of the most successful and most ethnically diverse school systems in the entire state. We are above the state average in reading despite having only 42.56% of students coming from English speaking homes. We are doing something right.
To be clear, I do not speak on behalf of CCPS. I speak as a father of two students who attend CCPS schools and as someone who has been in the classroom.
Please don't try to fix what isn't broken.
Frederic Laderer, Naples
Presidential choice
Political partisans have largely decided who they will vote for in November's presidential election, generally substituting party loyalty for facts. Those voters still undecided will likely determine who will be elected. An objective look at the two major candidates reveals a pyrrhic choice between a licentious liar and a mumbler bumbler. A better approach to voting is to carefully examine the kind of America the winning party, likely controlling Congress, promises us. One promises us an authoritarian government, with its candidate stating that he will be a dictator, his claims bolstered by his party's Project 2025 document stating how his party will make America an authoritarian country, its plans eerily similar to those of the early years of Nazi Germany. The other party promises unrealistic pie-in-the-sky social programs not likely to happen in currently politically divided America. Voting Republican will be a vote to move America closer to a quasi-fascist government. Voting Democratic will be a vote to retain the status-quo or possibly move America closer to a quasi-socialist government similar to those of some Scandinavian countries. Your vote, your choice.
Robert Hilliard, Sanibel
Bill Ribble for Lee schools
I want to briefly tell you why I enthusiastically endorse Bill Ribble and actively support his candidacy for Lee County School Board District 3. Bill Ribble has been serving on the Lee County School Board Strategic Planning Committee for the past six years where he is currently the vice-chair. While serving on the Village Council of Estero, Bill was instrumental in having the Village adopt Estero High School. This partnership had a very positive effect on the Village, parents, and students alike. As a corporate executive, he spearheaded the “adopt a school program,” donating in kind services, and needed school enhancements that their budgets could not afford. With his degree in Education and MBA, Bill Ribble is well qualified to bring a business acumen to Lee Schools. Teacher retention and fair compensation will be high on his priority list. He is passionately committed to ensuring that each student is provided a quality education in a safe environment where students can pursue a career in the trades or go on to higher education so that they will be equipped to be successful contributing members of society. So, I urge you to vote for Bill Ribble for Lee County School Board District 3 in the August 20 Primary Election.
Fred Forbes, Bonita Springs
Blazier for election integrity
It’s clear that Melissa Blazier is the best choice for Collier County Supervisor of Elections. It’s not just that she just successfully managed the City of Naples election, nor that she has over 18 years of experience, nor that she has ample certifications, nor that she knows Florida election law thoroughly, nor that she was taught by Jennifer Edwards, the best in the business.
The most compelling reason why Blazier should remain Collier County Supervisor of Elections is that she has actually demonstrated election integrity on the front lines when it counts. The others talk the talk but she actually walks the walk.
The most important example of her election integrity came on June 14 when Alfie Oakes failed to turn in his candidacy qualifying papers on time and in full. Blazier adhered to the law and disqualified him — regardless of his standing in the community and his denials, protests, insults and personal allegations against her. That’s what election integrity looks like.
If election integrity is the main issue in this election then there’s no contest and she should be elected on August 20, primary election day.
In the past, in normal times, election administration was something unquestioned, a sort of distant hum in the background, like air conditioning. But that’s no longer the case. Election integrity is not to be taken for granted. It’s precious. It’s threatened. Every voter in Collier County should know integrity when it stands before them — and in this place, at this time, Melissa Blazier is what integrity looks like.
David Silverberg, Naples
Inappropriate manipulation
I am writing to formally object to the recent actions taken by the Chairman of the Republican Party in Collier County, John Meo. It has come to my attention that the Democratic Party is being misused as a tool to further the election campaign of Dave Schaffel.The idea that the Democratic Party in Collier County has endorsed any candidate for the Supervisor of Elections is beyond ridiculous as Democrats have been disenfranchised by the Republican Party by having a ghost candidate file in that race.This inappropriate manipulation undermines the integrity of our democratic processes and misrepresents the values and objectives of our party. The Democratic Party stands for transparency, fairness, and genuine representation, and using our platform for partisan gain directly contradicts these principles.We urge the Republican Party in Collier County to cease this behavior immediately and respect the autonomy and mission of the Democratic Party. Our focus remains on advocating for policies and candidates that truly represent our community's interests and values.
Jane Schlechtweg, chair, Collier County Democratic Party
Not voting for Byron Donalds
When will people realize that Congressman Donalds is supporting Trump and MAGA for his own personal gain? In his Republican convention speech, he pushed education. One, he is looking to have his wife appointed education secretary. This will fast track her and his agenda for Christian charter schools that they both own. People, he did not qualify the last hurricane as a qualified disaster. His water agenda for using algae for biofuel is all show and no dough. His bill to have no tax on tips is not attainable. I will not vote for him.
Glen J. Sikorski, Fort Myers
Short-sighted and dangerous
The Republican proposals on national security and foreign affairs are short-sighted and dangerous.
Begin with their assumption: While proclaiming that the U.S. was never more respected than during the Trump presidency, in fact America's reputation abroad was the lowest during the Trump administration. Trump's undisguised admiration of dictators and strongmen, especially those who would praise him, was painful for the rest of the world to see. Putin and his ilk, of course, thought his assault on alliances and norms was wonderful.
Their transactional view of international relations shows a dismal lack of understanding of history, or the world. Alliances such as NATO and our cooperation with other nations adds immensely to our own security. Trump's public admiration of Putin's thuggish behavior, and J.D. Vance's open hostility to helping Ukraine defend itself from Russian aggression, encourage other nations to distance themselves from us politically, and economically. It now seems as though Taiwan may be on the chopping block as well.
I have served in combat, and also worked to pick up the pieces afterwards. Both are expensive in lives and treasure. Strengthening alliances and standing up to aggression when it starts increases our security and our national wellbeing.
Bruce Beardsley, Naples
Veterans Against Trump
Here I am a veteran called a "loser" and a "sucker" by a twice Impeached convicted felon, former president who has never served his country, only himself. There is a website called Veterans Against Trump for the man also known as the Liar In Chief.
Proud to have served this country as a captain in the U.S. Air Force.
Alice Mack, Fort Myers
Shooter had no apparent agenda
Donald Trump's would-be assassin was not a sharpshooter or CIA operative. He had no apparent agenda. He was a quiet loner and misfit. He was willing to die in order to be famous.
R.T. Becker, Fort Myers
Provide medical report
Please immediately demand that the RNC and former president Donald Trump provide a medical report from the doctor who treated him after the assassination attempt. This needs to be public knowledge as soon as possible.
Gerry Moriarty, Naples
Project 2025 is a disgrace
The GOP has a plan called Project 2025 to reorganize the federal government if Trump is elected president in November. One of the more outrageous claims made in this plan is that Medicare and Medicaid have accounted for ALL of the U.S.'s accrued national debt since 1967. They can't wait to gut those programs and magically restore those funds to the treasury.
From the intro to the General Welfare section, I quote: "The first year Medicare spending was visible on the books was 1967. From that point on through 2020 − according to the American Main Street Initiative's analysis of official federal tallies − Medicare and Medicaid combined cost $17.8 trillion, while our combined federal deficits over that same span were $17.9 trillion. In essence, our deficit problem is a Medicare and Medicaid problem."
There are no footnotes showing where either Project 2025 or the American Main Street Initiative got their figures, but we are meant to believe them merely because they say it's true. In logic, that's called a tautology and the great thing about a tautology is that it's always true. Well, I don't believe their logic.
And is it fair to blame seniors for the country's deficit since 1967? Let's see what other big expenses happened in that time frame: there was the Vietnam War (ended in 1975); the Cambodian war (1967-1975), the international intervention in Lebanon (1982-1984); invasion of Grenada (1986); bombing Libya (1986); the Tanker war (1987-1988); invasion of Panama (1989-1990); the Gulf War (1990-1991); Iraqi No-Fly operation (1991-2003); intervening into Somalia (1992-1995); The Bosnian and Croatian wars (1992-1995); policing Haiti (1994-1995); Kosovo war (1998-1999); Afghanistan (2001-2021); Yemen (2002-present); the Iraq war (2003-2011); Pakistan intervention (2004-2018); more involvement in Somalia's civil war (2007-present); Desert Shield for the Indian Ocean (2009-2016); Op. Observant Compass in Uganda (2011-2017); invasion of Iraq (2014-2021); and intervention into Syria's civil war (2014-present).
Whew, what a list. I haven't tried to list the cost of the billionaires' tax cuts under Reagan, Bush and Trump; or the cost of cleaning up after natural disasters; or the cost of paying off the national debt; or the cost of the civil service; or the cost of new roads, bridges and highways; or any of the other responsibilities of the federal government.
Prior to the passage of Medicare and Medicaid, seniors were by far the group most likely to be poor − estimated in 1965 as 1 in 3. Now only 1 in 10 seniors are likely to be poor. Medicare and Medicaid are successful anti-poverty programs that keep your grandparents, your parents, and eventually you out of the poorhouse. Project 2025 is a disgrace.
Elizabeth Rosenberg, Cape Coral
Rent rate cap won't work
It’s obvious to most Americans and even more so in Southwest Florida that residential rent rates are too high. As a 47-year Lee County Realtor I can assure that the rental rates do not match the economic demographic of our predominantly service sector economy. Actually for that matter it is well documented that nationwide rental rates are beyond reach for most households. That being said Joe Biden has offered a terrible and ill-conceived solution. He has announced a plan to cap rent rates at 5%. Like communism it sounds good but it doesn’t work. Let’s establish what contributed to the high rent rates. All the components of an investment analysis of a rental property are working against the landlord. Start with the hyperinflation of prices. Now add in the operational costs. The property owner is facing 7.5% borrowing costs, increased taxes, not to mention outlandish insurance rates. Sadly for the tenant all these costs are passed on. To cap the rates landlords can change is clearly a specious argument. Clearly if rate caps are put in place without consideration of operational costs, there is no reason to invest in residential income properties. Biden would be better served to work on lower interest rates and insurance costs to assist the American consumers
John McWilliams, Fort Myers
International travel with dogs
Following a dismal debate performance and a string of failed policies, we will soon find out whether Joe Biden survives the rabid attacks from within the Democratic Party. Even if he does, the Biden-Harris administration will have a tough time securing the vote of the 62 million households in America that own dogs once word gets out of Biden's onerous new policy regarding international travel with dogs.
As a result of new rules that took effect July 15, an American bringing their puppy back from a weekend trip from Detroit to Toronto will be harder than a suspected terrorist from Somalia illegally sneaking across the southern border. The rules require dogs and their owners to undergo a rigorous, lengthy, and costly CDC checklist. Your furry friend needs to be microchipped, rabies vaccinated, and have various bureaucratic forms prove it. These rules are not just for exotic breeders bringing dogs from foreign lands, but applied for any dog who leaves the U.S. when it seeks to return. In some instances a rabies titer test is required from a CDC-approved laboratory and a form filled out by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. Depending on your planned itinerary with your pooch, CDC team lead Emily Pieracci recommends starting the process 30-90 days in advance of travel.
As the CDC tightens its leash on dog importation, perhaps it’s time for the big-government Democrats to reconsider their priorities. While keeping rabies at bay is crucial, the irony of making it tougher for a dog to come home than for a foreign national with fentanyl or weapons to slip through the cracks isn’t lost on freedom-loving Americans. Dog-loving Americans should rise up at the polls come November 5 and make the numerous failed Biden-Harris policies come back to bite them.
Virginia Zemek, Fort Myers
Most Popular
Comments / 0