LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Poor drivers endanger other drivers

A letter Feb. 4, “Sarasota’s dangerous drivers have made walking a health hazard,” addresses only one aspect of dangerous driving in Sarasota. Poor drivers here are a threat to pedestrians, but also to other drivers.

Why do the majority of Florida drivers fail to use directional signals when changing lanes or turning?

Why, when entering a main road from a side street or highway entrance ramp, do so many Florida drivers insist on immediately crossing all lanes to the far left one (of course without signaling), rather than enter into the far right lane as safety demands?

And why do so many Florida drivers insist on driving below the posted speed limit in the left lane while refusing to move right?

And don’t get me started about the idiots who have no idea how to enter a roundabout!

I’ve driven in some 35 states, and without a doubt, drivers here are the worst.

Eric Waller, Sarasota

Nothing funny about homophobia

There is nothing clever or creative about David Rancourt’s offensive comedy act, as described in the Feb. 3 article “Video shows New College dean doing ‘homophobic’ comedy set,” whether depicted as a “work of art” or another art form.

Freedom of speech, maybe, but as the dean of students for New College of Florida, how the subject was conceived by him, presumably sanctioned by New College leadership, or delivered publicly, is unfathomable.

Joking about a hate crime is neither funny nor “artistic expression.”

How is degrading a segment of New College’s student body by the dean of students appropriate?

I find it hard to understand how the content was OK’d by NCF President Richard Corcoran.

Corcoran’s lack of credentials to preside over an educational institution must explain his ignorance.

Furthermore, New College spokesperson Nathan March’s response – that those objecting to the jokes are part of “cancel culture” – is ridiculous.

Rancourt’s content truly exposes the dangers of the transformation of New College’s leadership by our governor. So very sad.

Patti Lee, Lakewood Ranch

Kudos to Ziegler for staying on board

Bravo to Sarasota County School Board Member Bridget Ziegler for holding fast in her efforts to prevent racist DEI policies from existing in our kids’ classrooms.

The recent uproar in the media over her private sex life gave the leftist activists, who are disrupting the School Board meetings, an opportunity to attempt to remove her from her position.

I wonder how many of these activists are local and how many have kids in our public schools.

Chico Kieswetter, Sarasota

Florida favors militia over health care

Republican leaders in Florida persist in refusing to provide health care coverage to 2.5 million of its citizens.

Fortunately, they can find over $100 million to support Gov. Ron DeSantis’ militia, which is so important to Florida and its citizens’ welfare that the governor can send two-thirds of it to Texas.

Paul L. Weiner, Sarasota

Don’t vote for hypocritical Republicans

I can’t be the only one who understands and despises the hypocrisy of those Republicans who:

1. Defy the U.S. Supreme Court order that allows the federal government to remove the razor wire on the southern border.

2. Send more troops to the border to install more razor wire to restrict the “invasion” of migrants.

3. Are willing to sabotage a border agreement that would restrict the “invasion” of migrants because it will make President Joe Biden look good.

They would like to have it both ways, so please stop voting for these hypocrites!

Vanessa Wassenar, Venice

Leaders prevent Russians from prospering

The country is abundant in agriculture, vibrant history, many natural resources and a proud culture.

Why is it that some of the inhabitants wish to cause such havoc with our world? Could it be that 20% of the people are governing the other 80% to satisfy their own needs?

I don’t know, but the first soldiers to enter Ukraine were really surprised at how prosperous the “enemy” was!

It is too bad that all of these Russians are living under such a sad political rule. Why couldn’t they learn from the “success” of Ukraine, rather than cause such bloodshed?

Much of the world is walking on pins and needles, hoping for a humane settlement, even lending untold support to the Ukrainians.

They did not ask for this disaster, but as you can see, they are willing to fight for their deserved freedom! And even ours!

David Murray, Sarasota

ERIC GARWOOD/COMMUNITY NEWS COLLABORATIVE Over 20 roundabouts already have been constructed in Sarasota and Manatee counties and more are planned. Unfortunately, many drivers don't know how to navigate the circles safely. This roundabout is at 10th Street and South Tamiami Trail.

MIKE LANG Sarasota County School Board member Bridget Ziegler listens to public comments Dec. 12 after her fellow school board members approved a resolution calling on her to resign.