Disturbing pictures

I am appalled that Orlando Sentinel editors thought it was necessary to include multiple photos of a horrific crash scene on the front page of Saturday’s paper (“‘Horrific’ Altamonte crash kills 2”).

Have the editors never lost a loved one to a horrific crash? If they had, they would not have included these photos with the article. What purpose do frontpage crash photos serve other than to cause even more pain and suffering for the surviving family and friends? The Sentinel needs to take a course in respect, dignity and tact.

Syra Cockrell

UCF’s close call

The Orlando Sentinel coverage of University of Central Florida football this season has been stellar, as have the opinions expressed by columnists about Coach George O’Leary and his dual role as coach and athletic director.

I recall a time when UCF football almost went out of business. It was in the early ’80s, and I was the director of development for the UCF Foundation. Then President Trevor Colbourn, who started the program, walked into my office and sat down.

He said, “Jim, I can’t meet payroll for the football team next week. What am I going to do?” While I was not responsible for athletic fundraising, only academic, I was puzzled as to why he came to me. IDEAL LETTERS SUBMISSIONS

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So I suggested he pick up the phone and call Wayne Densch of Densch Beer Distributing in Sanford, who was a supporter. I told Colbourn to invite him out for a drink and tell him the challenge he was facing. Colbourn didn’t say a word and walked out of my office, and I thought I was in real trouble.

Three days later, he came back to my office, reached in his pocket and pulled out a check from Densch and said to me, “Anybody else you think I should have a drink with?”

That was the first time Densch saved the program. Although UCF is having a losing season, at least today it can meet payroll. Go, Knights!

Jim Donovan

Serious or clownish?

Jack Ohman’s political cartoon and Art Hillman’s letter to the editor on Friday’s Opinion pages show the difference between the Democrats and Republicans in this election cycle. Some are evidently aghast that Sen. Bernie Sanders did not attempt to go after Hillary Clinton on the made-up email controversy.

Sanders understands, as do many Americans, that this is a political hit job. The Democrats are interested in policy discussions, not flamethrowing. They are interested in governing, not obstructing. They are passionate about inclusion, not exclusion or keeping people from the polls.

Some just can’t get it through their heads, it seems, that Sanders and Clinton are rivals for the Democratic nomination, not mortal enemies. This is refreshing in this day and age. So let the Republicans bash each other. Let them make bigoted and insensitive remarks about their countrymen. The Democrats will continue to discuss the great issues of the day and stay away from flamethrowing.

One party is serious; the other, a clown show with a wealthy man as its barker.

Arnie Zelkovitz

Orlando

DeBary

Orlando

Avert water crisis

Why aren’t we developing a desalinization plant now, while there is time to stave off the predicted water shortages in the near future? The technology is here (look at Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates). The building of these facilities now would ensure sufficient water for many cities across the U.S.

William A. Finsterer

Winter Springs