Fluorination of Florida
Florida bill targets fluoride | March 20th
Making fluoride illegal in urban waters is about the most engrossing idea that it will come out of our nut council for many years. I remember when the first popularity of fluoride in the 1950s and 1960s, when dentists were surprised by the number of children without cavity. The fluoride in our water is a medical miracle and miracle. For most of human history, infected teeth meant a scary extraction at best and death at worst. Growing up at home in well water – no fluoride – I destined to a life of expensive and often painful dental procedures. If I spent money on my dental care by my parents, the US military, myself, I would now be a wealthy man.
Pete Wilford, holiday
Florida and fraud
Florida Seniors have many scam targets | March 15th
As a Florida, I love how our state gets high for beautiful beaches and winning sports teams. However, according to the Federal Trade Commission, Florida is number one in scams, with fraudsters stealing millions using cryptocurrency ATMs.
There are crypto ATMs everywhere, especially gas stations, bars, supermarkets, and more, across Tampa and St. Petersburg. Most experienced crypto investors use mobile phones and laptops rather than these machines. Based on data from the Trade Commission and FBI, many crypto ATM customers are victims of fraud, often over the age of 60.
I have met victims of cryptocurrency fraud and know when Florida victims deposit between $30,000 and $40,000 at a time in a crypto ATM. Felons who commit these frauds are using crypto ATMs as “bagmen” to collect malicious profits.
Meanwhile, the businesses behind Crypto ATMs are making huge profits without state regulations or consumer protection standards. Under current law, operators can charge 25% or more in our state transaction fees, and are registered as limited liability companies that must be done in Florida.
Let’s do something about it! The Florida Legislature is considering a bill to regulate these machines. Please reach out to lawmakers and ask them to support House Bill 319 and Senate Bill 292.
Bill Hermann, St. Petersburg
A more perfect union
Former USF diversity officer resigns after comment March 20th
In a more complete union, we are educated, liberated and inclusive. We believe in human rights, women’s rights, and equal rights. We understand that in protecting and nourishing the planets that gave us life, we will not perish, but will flourish. We are not ignorance or fear, but we are open-minded and achieve a difference. We respect creativity, strengthened and advanced by empirical science. We fight hard for a world that is free from illness and hunger. We value our country, including our neighbors and allies overseas. These truths may be self-evident, but when they are at risk of extinction, they are worth repeating.
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Georgie Anne Weatherby, St. Petersburg
Is that an improvement?
Fla. Graduation is rising, but metrics are dim March 23rd
Ah, yes, another victory over Florida’s education system. High school graduation rates are rising. Break the confetti! But before we celebrate, let’s look beyond the glossy headlines. These “improved” numbers can be found to be thanks to convenient, simple alternative exams that effectively transform your diploma into a participating trophy. But hey, who needs the rigour of academics when you can lower the bar?
It is the latest in the shipwreck of Florida’s Slow Motion Train, the Storm of Public Education System, and the disaster that led the Jeb Bush administration to take action, and is eagerly continued by the current anti-eyed governor and his legislative cheerleaders. Instead of actually improving education, for example by strengthening graduation requirements and providing real support to struggling students, our leaders chose a much easier approach to make passing easier. The problem has been solved!
Of course, the Maga crowd looks at the headline, pumps fists and declares that the GOP is doing a great job. On the other hand, we are ignorant that does not prepare our students for the real world. But as long as the numbers are visible, who cares about the future?
David Berg, Tampa
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Submit your letter at www.tampabay.com/opinion/submit-letter/. The letters are edited for clarity and length.
