Letters to the Editor

+ Let residents decide
Dear Editor:
There is no “war on women,” but it certainly seems there is a war by our media on becoming an informed citizen.

So much of the coverage of the Hobby Lobby Supreme Court ruling is incomplete as to be misleading.
No one and no ruling is depriving women of the availability of contraception (birth control) despite some simplistic headlines. Most contraceptives work by regulating/altering the menstrual cycle and preventing the production of an egg.

The four contraceptives involved in the Hobby Lobby case work by destroying an embryo. These forms of contraception are called abortifacients.

The plaintiffs in the Hobby Lobby case, as well as many others, believe that life begins at conception. Their objection is only to the abortifacients. They feel that this is destroying life and is contrary to a core religious belief of theirs.

The Supreme Court ruled that because of the “free exercise” clause of the First Amendment and the “least restrictive means” clause of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 that Hobby Lobby’s owners could not be compelled to violate their religious beliefs.

Sixteen other forms of contraception are available and not restricted in any way.

So when you hear a politician invoke this ruling and talk of “war on women” and “gender bigotry,” what they’re really telling you is that they think you are uninformed, not paying attention and very easily misled — a vote they can count on.

Tom Smith
Sarasota

+ Dedicated group helping beach-nesting birds
Dear editor:
I would like to thank the beachgoers who have become aware of the plight of our native beach birds and have respected that they need their own space if they’re going to continue to survive on Siesta beach.

These birds nest on the sand laying small eggs that are hard to see. The snowy plover chicks cannot fly for the first five or six weeks of their lives and are no bigger than a cotton ball moving around the beach catching insects to eat. Least tern chicks have it a little easier as the parents fish for them and deliver small fish to the nest. There is a dedicated group in our community giving their time and energy putting up barriers and watching over the nests and the chicks. This has helped with the survival rate tremendously, but the situation is still critical. Friendly dogs are a big threat, scaring off the parents, and the nest becomes exposed to temperature variations and predators. Nighttime activity on the beach has caused terrible losses with people tearing down barriers and destroying nests. I would hope that learning of the birds and their plight and taking a moment to see the beauty and balance that they offer would bring an end to such loss.

All are welcome, training provided. Email: [email protected]

Eileen Naaman
Siesta Key

+ Presbyterian Church’s boycott is disappointing
Dear Editor:
The biennial General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) has spoken and voted to divest from three American companies because of their sales to Israel, by the narrow margin of 310-303.

We at The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee are deeply disappointed, hurt and saddened by this decision. But we are not surprised, given the deep animus that a determined core group of church officials has demonstrated against both the Jewish people and the state of Israel. We hold the leadership of the Presbyterian Church (USA) accountable for squandering countless opportunities, not only to act responsibly to advance prospects for Middle East peace, but also to isolate and repudiate the radical, prejudiced voices in their denomination.

It is especially troubling and tragic to see the Presbyterian Church (USA) choose to reject partnership in favor of partisanship, ignoring the entreaties of every major organizational voice in the American Jewish community, including more than 1,700 religious leaders from the four movements and all 50 states. The publication of “Zionism Unsettled,” an anti-Jewish and anti-Israel congregational guide, connected the dots between this action and existential opposition to the Jewish state of Israel.

The purpose of this decision clearly isn’t to encourage a peaceful settlement. The only path to a just peace is a two-state solution. But boycott, divestment and sanctions are the tools of division and a one-state movement. Peace between Israel and an independent Palestinian state isn’t the goal. The elimination of the state of Israel is.

Let us not forget: This is the goal of a determined faction within the Presbyterian Church (USA) and is not universally shared. It also is important to remember that not all Presbyterian churches belong to this national group, nor are all Presbyterian congregations hostile to Israel. Many are supportive. For this, we are grateful.

We want to thank our Christian friends who continue to show support for Israel and understand the challenges facing the Jewish state. The assault on Israel’s legitimacy is growing every day. We are determined to stand against it — and deeply appreciate all who stand with us.

Howard Tevlowitz
Executive director, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

+ Clueless in Sarasota
Dear Editor:
This week (June 23) there was a public debate among the candidates for County Commission. One of those candidates is current City Commissioner Paul Caragiulo, who is a prime sponsor of the petition drive to create a “strong mayor” by changing the city charter.

One of the questions asked at the debate was whether they would support the idea of a mayor who was not “in the Sunshine.” Mr. Caragiulo was the first to respond. “No,” he said and then embellished it with, “How can you be in support of something that’s illegal?” Evidently, Mr. Caragiulo has not read the charter he so assiduously supports.

Of course, that is not as surprising as when Professor Martineau, the proposed charter’s main drafter, was asked at an earlier public forum whether the mayor was “in the Sunshine” when meeting with members of the City Commission. “Of course,” he replied. Evidently, Professor Martineau (of Cincinnati) has not read Florida’s Sunshine statute.

In fact, the proposed “elected strong mayor” is NOT in the Sunshine when meeting with City Commission members. But that’s not all. After putting the mayor in a position to make back room deals with commission members, the proposed charter makes the mayor untouchable. The mayor cannot be recalled. Florida statute provides only for recall of elected municipal officials who serve on governing boards. 

No Sunshine and no possibility of recall. Know the facts; go to Nobossmayor.com and read the Frequently Asked Questions. Share it with the next person who hands you a petition to support the “strong mayor.”

Apparently, they need it.

Curtiss Schantz
Sarasota