South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Let’s do a mitzvah for Meyers Leonard
We should give Heat player Meyers Leonard the benefit of the doubt, accept his apology and move on. [“Heat condemn Meyers Leonard for anti-Jewish slur uttered during video-game play, center apologizes,” March 9] I am Jewish and heard numerous antisemitic comments from my fellow enlisted men who were unaware of my religion while serving in the Army. One day I was called to go to Seoul to participate in Passover services and my “Jewishness” became common knowledge. After that, the only change was the guys stopped using those slurs (at least in front of me). We continued to be comrades in arms.
My point is, many people use these slurs more out of ignorance than any intention to hurt someone’s feelings. Meyers Leonard is a young guy, much like the guys I served with. Hopefully, he has learned his lesson and will be a better person moving on. Let’s give him a chance.
Scott Shampaner, Coral Springs
Lauren Book, member, Florida Senate. In the military and in accordance with international law, solitary confinement can be considered a form of torture. So why do we allow this type of punishment for disabled students in our schools? I am fighting to prevent our schools from using either isolation or physical restraints for students with disabilities. Even though most schools do it right, this is one of those common-sense measures that when most people hear it wonder why it isn’t already against the law. Our students — especially those with disabilities or exceptionalities — deserve to be safe and treated with respect at all times, no exceptions.
Traci Callari, President, Broward League of Cities; Hollywood commissioner. As we cross the one-year mark since the onset of the pandemic, we are just now beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. Vaccine supplies and distribution channels will continue to expand throughout Broward County and our roles as local elected leaders will begin to evolve to a post-COVID status. With public health and safety at the forefront, we will also need to prioritize our local economic recovery efforts. I look forward to working as a united Broward with our county and state leaders to ensure our 31 cities continue to balance action with caution.
Gary Farmer, member, Florida Senate .I recently called for a federal investigation into allegations of vaccine favoritism on the part of Gov. DeSantis. Reports have shown that communities of wealthy individuals were given priority access to vaccines in exchange for substantial donations to DeSantis’ political committee. This quid pro quo resulted in DeSantis’ wealthy donors receiving vaccines well before most seniors could even get in line. Following these initial reports, text messages have surfaced that provide more evidence of a direct effort by the governor to politicize the distribution of vaccines. I sincerely hope that newly confirmed Attorney General Merrick Garland will hold the governor accountable.
Belinda Keiser, vice chancellor, Keiser University. Results of a recent statewide poll confirm more than 90% of Floridians agree every child should be taught to swim. Thanks to the leadership of Rep. Dan Daley and Sen. Lori Berman, there is a proposal that would require school boards to ask parents of kindergarten children if they have given their child swim lessons. If not, the school board will provide five local resources for parents to consider. While this legislation is not a mandate requiring swim lessons, it will hopefully motivate parents to make it happen. Swimming is a basic life skill, as well as a sport.
Ina Lee, owner, Travelhost Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale. The tourism industry, which is our No. 1 economic engine, is recovering as more people flock here from across the country. As people get vaccinated, the pent-up demand for travel and our open-air environment make South Florida a prime destination. Summer, which is normally our slower season, is trending strong as well. Even smaller meetings are returning, although the large conventions and cruise travel will be slower to recover. Forecasts are that it will be well into 2023 and 2024 until we match our pre-COVID metrics. However, our upward trend is welcome news for not only the industry but also the workers who depend on the industry.
Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines. Many residents don’t like red light cameras and there are pros and cons about cities using them. Having acknowledged that, there are now House and Senate proposals that would allow cities to install school-zone traffic cameras. They would penalize drivers who are photographed traveling more than 10 mph over school zones’ speed limits. Money collected would be dispersed to Florida funds, local hospitals, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and local governments, as decided in the legislation. Our children need protection, but I’m not sure this is the way to go in doing so. I look forward to the debate.
Barbara Sharief, member, Broward County Commission. We know hospitals and emergency rooms are overburdened with COVID-19 patients causing people who are experiencing mild symptoms to be sent home without proper treatment because they are not considered sick enough, or there are not enough beds. Unfortunately, this is sorely affecting minority communities. As a nursing professional, I believe hospitals must be more aggressive in treating patients with less symptoms so that we can keep them out of the hospital and reduce the spread of this virus. Resources and training must be focused on this issue, so it doesn’t continue affecting our minority communities.
Gregory Stuart, executive director, Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization. As the pandemic has impacted our lives in ways that we never imagined, many of us have struggled to find social interaction outside our homes while maintaining safety guidelines. Physical outdoor activity promotes social interaction and a healthy lifestyle and allows for the following of social distancing requirements to stay safe. As a result, many people have turned to walking and cycling. Celebrating Florida’s Biking Month, the Broward MPO is hosting the first Virtual Let’s Go Biking challenge to encourage those who live, work and play in Broward to hop on their bikes and get active. You can take part in the virtual challenge throughout March by visiting browardmpo.org/let-s-go-biking.
In the Florida frenzy to get vaccinated, many have forgotten about a sizable contingent of people who are steering clear of the shots.
Their reasons span the gamut, from distrust of government to a rushed manufacturing process to concerns about pain and long-term bodily impairment.
It’s hard to know how many are out there. A January poll showed 40% of Americans say they will get the vaccine and 23% probably will. A political split was prominent: Half of Democrats said they would definitely get a vaccine, while only 25% of Republicans were equally committed.
Resistance is diminishing as more Americans get their injections and show few ill effects, said Dr. Andrea Klemes, chief medical officer at MDVIP, a national physicians’ network with headquarters in Boca Raton.
“The latest data shows that overall vaccine reluctance is decreasing, with more Americans saying they plan to get a vaccine, which is good news,” Klemes said. “There are differences across demographics, with lower-income and younger adults, for instance, who are more hesitant. Efforts will need to be ramped up to reach these demo
graphic groups as vaccines become more readily available.”
In the meantime, members of the Sun-Sentinel’s COVID-19 Vaccine Reader Panel are doing their part. Some say they have been challenging their anti-vaccination relatives and acquaintances.
“I have had very frank and honest discussions with a few friends and relatives who either refuse to get vaccinated or are contemplating but haven’t fully committed to get vaccinated,” said Joycelyn Patrick of Delray Beach. “I have a dear cousin who told me that she is afraid of the vaccine. So after my second shot, I called her to let her know that both shots were painless. That was almost a month ago, but she still is not convinced. I also have a close friend who absolutely refuses to get vaccinated because he doesn’t believe there’s been enough research on the long-term effects. Of course, I have heard, more than a few times, reference to the infamous Tuskegee study. I have suggested that this vaccine should not be compared to the Tuskegee study as one has nothing to do with the other.”
The Tuskegee Syphilis Study, conducted by federal health authorities between
1932 and 1972, sought to study untreated syphilis in
400 Black sharecroppers from Alabama. They were promised free medical care but were never informed of their diagnoses, and 128 died from the disease or related complications. The incident has left many in the African-American community skeptical of government health care.
For others, there’s a contemporary political angle to the refusal to vaccinate.
“I have encountered several people who qualify for the vaccine but refuse to take it. They are hardcore Trump followers who believe all this talk of vaccines and masks are part
of the left-wing conspiracy to steal the election from Donald Trump,” said Phil San Filippo of Boca Raton. “I pointed out that vaccine development had started under President Trump and the Biden administration has simply developed a mechanism to make it easier to get the vaccine. As bizarre as it seems, there are some who are willing to sacrifice their own physical well-being as well as their loved ones.”
It’s true that the vaccines came into the public domain with unprecedented speed. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, most vaccines take about 73 months from their earliest clinical trials to distribution. The COVID-19 vaccines took only 14 months, making some suspicious of their efficacy.
Despite this quick development, there’s universal agreement about their safety. All are higher than 85% effective in keeping recipients out of the hospital and preventing death from COVID-related illnesses.
Still, some say there’s no use engaging in factual discussions.
“After four years of arguing with Trump supporters, I no longer discuss issues with people who have
unreasonable stands. It’s just too stressful,” said Andrea Williams of Weston.
Then there are those who were hesitant themselves to get vaccinated, but decided to go for it.
“I must admit at first I was very reluctant to take the COVID vaccine. I really had planned to wait until summer or fall 2021,” said Sandra Weatherspoon of Delray Beach. “After several family members became ill with the virus, I changed my mind. I decided it wasn’t worth the risk not to get vaccinated.”
As for Weatherspoon’s vaccine-reluctant friends, they are using her as their test case.
“I do have friends that are still hesitant about taking the vaccine. They believe it is still in the trial stages and will wait and see what happens with those of us that have been vaccinated. They want a definite guarantee that the vaccine prevents COVID, which is not possible.”
Bonnie Rowley of Siesta Key said she only got the shots because she feels they will become mandatory soon for travelers.
“I’m one of the skeptics,” she said. “I only did it because I think it will be forced on us soon, especially
if we want to travel. Several friends had COVID, with no symptoms, but were sick after the vaccine. If it were up to me, I’d take my chances without it.”
Here’s what other panelists said:
Robin Miller, Lake Worth: “I’ve been vaccinated, but my family members who are not in high-risk categories are not getting the vaccine. Let’s face it, we are all guinea pigs for Big Pharma. If I were low risk, I’d think about waiting until more info on efficacy with variants and risks of vaccine reactions long- and short-term.”
Bill Cipriano, Royal Palm Beach: “My wife’s three sisters and one brother, who all live in Arizona, are split on getting it. Her brother and one of her sisters have gotten both shots, however the other two are not going to get it. They both don’t trust it and believe COVID will be gone by summer. We told them that they are not welcome to visit us unless they are vaccinated. Hopefully that will change their minds.”
Yvonne Odom, Delray Beach:
“My husband and I were both vaccinated. My sister hesitated only for a moment as she wanted ‘to see what
happened’ to others. But now I believe that more of my friends are taking it as it becomes available. (We are all over 70.) Why others may not be getting it? Availability and using the computer to get an appointment. Trust may be an issue also because in the back of the minds of older African-Americans are the reminders of experiments made on us ( i.e. Tuskegee).”
Diane Wilson, Bonita Springs: “We had dinner just last week with a couple in their 80s and a couple in their 60s. The wife of the 80s couple is a retired nurse. She said she is not getting vaccinated because she doesn’t trust the vaccines; they haven’t been around long enough. The couple in their 60s haven’t decided yet. All we felt we could do was encourage them to think of the consequences if they get the virus; both have medical issues and we lost a mutual friend to the virus. We briefly mentioned it at dinner in the context of being relieved we had both shots, then left it alone. All four are intelligent adults and it’s their choice.”
Cindy Williamson Lapp, Fort Lauderdale:
“I have been vaccinated. I was one of those people who was on the fence and my theory was I’d rather have my daughters and grandchildren get it first because they have a lot longer to live than I do. My doctor brought it up and I told him my reasons. He totally convinced me to get the shots and why. I have had three family members get COVID and it’s not worth taking a risk.”
Mikealan Okeefe, Sarasota: “I believe that getting vaccinated is a personal choice. But in a situation like this, where a personal choice can influence whether or not humanity as a whole is free from a pandemic, then is it really a personal choice or is it a personal duty?
Everyone that I’ve spoken with in my community and family has said that if this is going to be eradicated that they had to do their civil duty and get vaccinated. The people that I know that were on the fence have been persuaded because they feel like if the elderly population can handle it that it’s most likely safe. They were taking a wait-and-see attitude.”
Larry Weisman, Delray Beach:
“We have people in our neighborhood who harangue us about the ‘fake’ coronavirus and mask wearing. In between rants about the demise of Dr. Seuss and Pepe Le Pew, they declare they will not get the shot because of something-something-Big Pharma-something. They’re fortunate to live in a community where people tried desperately to register for vaccinations and waited in long lines to get them. They share now in a lower risk thanks to others for whom they have contempt.”
Harriet Kutner, Boynton Beach: “We are about to have a new kind of conversation: who had the vaccination, and who doesn’t want to take the vaccination. Our club house is closed. If it does open soon, how do you determine who should go in, and how do you deal with the people who have not had the injection? Everything has changed, normal life will never be the same. For me, this is difficult, but these are the conversations we have to have now.”