Desantis signs fluoride ban | May 16th
Why stop by fluoride?
Our state legislature’s ban on fluoride in tap water has not progressed well for me. State Sen. Danny Alvarez said, “This is not about fluoride, it’s about your freedom.”
All words can be applied to chlorine with equal associations. Yes, chlorine is a chemical that smells funny in the swimming pool to neutralize the indiscretion of bathers.
Please dare the government to add chlorine to our drinking water to protect us from diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever! Some may prefer to seek “school immunity” to these diseases, despite the unreliable “science” saying this is impossible.
End chlorination is not a blue or red issue. That’s the green problem. Turn tap water into greenery with algae and pond scum to ensure that we are free Americans living in the “free state of Florida.”
Ed Shaffer, Baliko
Trump Starts to Turn America around | Letter, May 25th
Selective Memory
In response to a letter claiming that the Tampa Bay Times suffers from “Trump Madness Syndrome” due to its critical coverage of the former president, I would like to provide a slightly more realistic check to letter writers who appear to be suffering from selective memory syndrome. Trump “lowed egg prices,” “stop inflation,” and “lower gas prices,” are frankly alternative timelines. Prices already fall under the Biden administration before Trump’s second term had any impact. But certainly, let’s continue to pretend that it is due to his magical effects. And a “great” West Point speech? Nothing is said to be “inspiration” like random comments about the trophy wife. It’s truly a sparkling moment for the young people in our country.
Regarding the Bias accusation, the Tampa Bay Times reports the facts. If these facts do not fit a particular story, it is a sign that the problem is not a newspaper. It is in the echo chamber.
David Berg, Tampa
There are two ways to improve Florida’s split bear hunt | Column, May 22nd
Ignore science
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee (FWC) has taken a step closer to approving the bear hunt, despite the lack of solid scientific basis for it and apparently opposed by most Floridians. 75% of public comments opposed the hunt.
This decision contradicts the North American model of wildlife conservation, which calls for publicly supported science-based management. Instead, the FWC appears to be listening to a small group seeking a trophy hunt.
Even more troublesome is the approval of inhumane ways like hounds chase the bears and baits that dogs endure with food. These cruel tactics are banned in many other states and have no place in modern wildlife management.
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Floridians deserve a Wildlife Commission that respects science, reflects public values and treats animals humanely. The FWC decision fails on every count – and the public will not forget it.
Robyn L. Musto, Land O Lakes
St. Petersburg has 900 electric scooters for immediate rental. May 17th
e-bike Regulations
Florida currently has three levels of electric bike classification. Two are pedal assists. This means that the pedals and motors need to provide supplementary power. The third class includes a bike with a throttle and pedals, but does not require pedals for operation. According to the classification, all three are limited to 20 mph.
Three times in the past week, I have tracked teens on a throttle-type e-bike running through various parts of St. Pete from 7am to 8am, running down the sidewalk at 35mph. One was on the other side of the road, even on the sidewalk. Two of these were located in the north of 22nd Avenue between 58th and 34th Avenue, while the third was on 30th Avenue, roughly the same area. To me, they looked like they would go to school at 35 mph on the sidewalk.
St. Pete needs to deal with this issue before teens begin to cause serious accidents or before God forbids deaths, including themselves and pedestrians.
Tim Robinson, St. Petersburg
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Submit your letter at www.tampabay.com/opinion/submit-letter/. The letters are edited for clarity and length.
