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Florida schools attacked by the GOP
The Republicans’ assault on our schools continues unabated.
During the pandemic it became a political hot button issue for them. They wanted schools to ban the wearing of masks, which was the next best thing to vaccinations to keep children and school personnel safe.
We all know by now the governor’s take on mask wearing. In his view, it’s no longer optional, it’s taboo.
More:How to write a letter to the editor
Republicans came up with the idea that critical race theory should be banned from schools in order to fulfill their wish to bully schools. Ignore the fact that it was never taught there to begin with.
However, in the event that schools might be interested in doing so, we must pass a law to prohibit it.
Finally, the Republican-led Legislature passed a “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which Gov. Ron DeSantis is undoubtedly waiting with bated breath to sign (“‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill awaits Gov. DeSantis’ approval,” March 9).
What’s next? A law defining the type of religion that we are allowed to practice. Or the type of foods we are allowed?
Or, how about a law that only Republicans can vote? They have already passed this one!
Steven Berry, Sarasota
Blame the oil companies for the rise in gas prices
I drove past my local station on March 7. The cost of gas was $3.59 a gallon. It was $3.99 by the time I got home that evening.
The price was $4.19 the next morning, less then 12 hours later.
Now this can’t be blamed on the president, the conflict in Ukraine, or even Russia. Only 8% of America’s crude oil came from Russia last year.
Who can we look to if we’re going to place the blame on someone? What about the oil companies?
Exxon Mobil reported a $23 billion profit last year. Yet all these oil companies will come out with the hype about a shortage or anything else to make more profit.
Don’t be fooled. It’s a moneymaking scheme that we have no control over.
Gregory Sarra, Bradenton
Editor’s note: On March 8, the president ordered a ban on the import of Russian oil, liquefied natural gas and coal. Gas prices are expected further to rise.
Inflation is caused by the climate crisis
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, America was hit by 20 extreme climate events last year. These included floods, fires, snowstorms and hurricanes. Fiveteen million homes suffered damage worth $56.92billion. One in 10 families needed to move. Housing costs increased due to wildfires causing the loss of timber.
Time Magazine reported that climate events increase costs by disrupting supply chains at the source.
The best way to reduce the climate crisis’s causes is to charge carbon at its source. This would stimulate the fossil fuel industry into creating other forms of energy. To offset the costs, American families would receive a dividend.
This market approach has been studied by more than 3500 economists. It is the fastest way of reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. According to the International Monetary Fund, this market approach is the most efficient and powerful because it allows households and firms to find the lowest-cost methods to reduce energy consumption and switch to cleaner, greener alternatives.
John Swisher (Sarasota)
Stop Putin before it’s too late
Shame, shame and shame on the United Nations (NATO) and the USA. How can we just sit back and watch what is happening in Ukraine without doing anything to stop it?
Our president says we can’t get involved because we would have to go to war with Russian forces. Does anyone think Vladimir Putin will stop with only Ukraine? He wants the old Russian Empire to be returned.
Do we forget that the Nazis started with only one country at a given time? By the way, that guy looking over Putin’s shoulder, he is also watching us because he wants Taiwan, and right now he has a big smile on his face.
We have been in too many wars that didn’t matter. This one does, and we will be remembered because of it!
Don Criola, Venice
Send money to Ukraine if you want to harm Russia
Suspending our relationship with Sarasota’s sister city in Russia is not the best way to punish Vladimir Putin for starting his unprovoked war on Ukraine and its civilian population (“Sarasota suspends its sister city relationship with Vladimir, Russia,” March 8).
If the city of Sarasota wants to send a strong message to the Russian president, we should “put our money where our mouth is.” The city of Sarasota should write a check for humanitarian aid for the people of Ukraine, buy the weapons and ammunition that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is asking for to defeat the invading Russian army, or both.
I’ve already sent my check in. The city of Sarasota must do the same.
Steve Scott, Sarasota
