Letters to the Editor

We cannot turn the other cheek
Dear Editor:
I read Mr. Signaigo’s response to your Feb. 5 editorial, “Never Again?” I am puzzled by his obvious anger and unwillingness to acknowledge that the editorial was as timely today as it could have been in 1933, 1934, etc. 

Consider the possibilities had someone had been brave enough to write such an editorial back in that grim time before Hitler. 

Are we to stand by and watch it happen again?  

I cannot understand Mr. Signaigo’s anger and believe if that hostility were put to the good of all people, it might send our representatives in Washington the wake-up call they need. We simply cannot turn the other cheek ever again and watch until it is too late to do anything. Too much time and too many terrible events have already taken place and will continue. 

Seeing another Sept. 11 on our shores is within the realm of possibility and probability. We need to understand that as a people. 

Name calling and other negative remarks are not going to address the issue. The issue is to try to stop ISIS from growing out of control. It wants us all dead — just like Hitler wanted all the Jews dead. 

I would urge Mr. Signaigo to open his mind to the human condition; it includes every living person in this world, including him. 

None of us wants war. We had hoped that would never again happen. 

Sadly, this is not the case, as we are already engaged in a silent war, one that sees killing every single day. 

Write your congressmen and make your voice heard. That is where it will do the most good. 

This has gone far past Arab killing Arab. No one is bullying here. It is called writing and acting on your conscience. Mine says: “Bravo, Mr. Walsh,” and everyone else who responded to the positive nature of that editorial in their letters to the editor.

Dana Williams
Palm Coast

Event showcased community spirit
Dear Editor:
Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian held its fashion show this week (Feb. 9), and I was reminded what an amazing community we live in. Our attendees braved stormy weather, our volunteers worked tirelessly while raising money for Learn to Fish, a Bradenton mission, and local businesses donated generously. I want to thank Patchington of St. Armands Circle, Design 2000 of Whitney Beach Plaza, Willie Buchholz (Mary Kay), the Anna Maria Oyster Bar and Agnieszka Gruszecka, Sarasota Healing Arts. It’s a rare moment when 190 women can have so much fun while supporting such a worthwhile cause.

Patty Buck
Education and fellowship chairwoman, Christ Church

Dispatch is a matter of life and death
Dear Editor:
I was so glad to see that the residents of Longboat Key will soon learn about the plans for 911. It is of great concern to those of us who are elderly and live alone.  On Longboat, we do not have a doctor, a medical center or a hospital, but we do have the most competent EMTs. These men and women, who are also firefighters, are the best I have ever encountered.

Because LBK has so many elderly people (you say 11% over 85), this service means life or death to us. I cannot get cellphone service even with a booster, so my only means of communication to the outside world is my landline and 911. I want my calls to go directly to the EMTs at the fire stations on Longboat. If the police manage to have their calls go directly to them, why can’t the firefighters have the same?

I read about how much it will cost when we join an ever-growing number of towns and counties surrounding us in a large conglomerate where a call from Longboat may be answered in North Port or some area that knows nothing about our town. It scares me because we all know how long it takes some of those calls to be answered. If it is so expensive to join other towns, why not take that money and use it to develop our own system. In fact, I believe that a system that deals with life and death should come before any other in our priorities. I think it would be wonderful to beautify again our main street, but if it is a choice between that or saving lives, then taking care of people should come first.

Although I have an electronic system in my home that is connected to my son in Canada, who is a firefighter/EMT, he cannot call 911 because he is not living in the U.S. If he becomes concerned about our loss of communication and fears something has happened to me, all he can do is call the Fire Department. I’m sure there are many smart people on Longboat Key who could develop a system that would work for this wonderful place which is my home. If we already have such an effective group of firefighters/EMTs, why not support them with a good communication system here on Longboat Key.

Anne Arsenault
Longboat Key