Biden generous with taxpayers’ money LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

DeSantis gets away with dumping immigrants

In 2022, the frauds committed by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ people induced 50 immigrants to board a plane in Texas believing they were going to be provided jobs and housing in some large cities, only to be dumped in Martha’s Vineyard with nothing.

The April 3 Herald-Tribune reported that DeSantis and seven other defendants had been dismissed from the lawsuit brought by those defrauded. So the charter airline company is the only one still on the hook?

The economics of it: DeSantis used $2.2 million of our tax money to transport those 50 immigrants. That’s $44,000 each.

Imagine what could be done with that $44,000 for each immigrant – help them with housing, hire legal assistance to get a work visa, enroll in and pay Social Security and Medicare while they repair our bridges, etc.

In 2022, the Legislature approved $12 million of our tax money to be used transporting immigrants from south to north.

When the Republicans have a choice between doing something constructive and humanitarian with our tax money or doing something hateful and disruptive, we unfortunately know which path they will choose.

Gene Dillahunty, Venice

Please, turn down the music

I’ve noticed a prevalent practice of playing loud music in restaurants, coffee shops, etc.

While the intention may be to create an upbeat atmosphere, the unintended consequence is often an unpleasant and unhealthy dining experience.

Numerous studies have shown the adverse effects of loud music on our well-being. Beyond the obvious challenge of trying to hold a conversation amid a cacophony of sound, research suggests that dining in noisy environments triggers a stress response in the body, leading to heightened alertness, and correlates with increased calorie consumption, contributing to weight retention and other health concerns.

As members of this community, we have a shared responsibility to foster environments that promote not only a good culinary experience but also well-being. As it now stands, one would be hard-pressed to find a quiet, relaxing, dining experience in Sarasota.

I implore restaurant owners to consider the impact of their music volume and choices on their patrons and to prioritize creating spaces where people can dine, converse and connect without the intrusion of excessive noise.

Darlene Coleman, Sarasota

Student loan forgiveness by President Joe Biden is wrong in so many ways. He does not have the right to demand that taxpayers pay off the poor financial decisions of anyone.

It is a slap in the face for the millions of students who have paid loans for their education.

Biden’s generosity with our tax dollars is no doubt an attempt to buy the votes of young people. The poll numbers indicate the public’s opinion of his leadership, sad as it has been.

His desperate loan forgiveness move will more than likely cost him votes with the general public.

Charles Dawson, Venice