Here’s why I read the Sports section | Letters

Why I read sports

Tampa Bay Times wins top honors in Florida journalism | July 28

There is a reason why I read the Sports page first and it is not because I am a sports fanatic. Some of the best, well-written articles are in the Sports section. I loved how columnist John Roman paid homage to Bucs quarterback Tom Brady retiring. It greatly moved me. It was a brilliant story.

Romano helped take the sting of Randy Arozarena being traded by elucidating why it was done. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but it allowed me to keep watching the Rays.

The whole Sports section deserves recognition.

Holly Haley, New Port Richey

Bashing women

JD Vance doubles down on ‘childless cat ladies’ dig | July 26

After JD Vance’s remark about “childless cat ladies,” he assured us that he has nothing against cats. Nevertheless, he certainly appears to have a lot against women.

Bruce LeBaron, St. Petersburg

Advocating for senior health

At the Florida Silver Haired Legislature, we are dedicated to the well-being of seniors across Florida. We have long endorsed health care programs that enable seniors to customize their coverage to fit their needs. Medicare Advantage offers a compelling option, better health outcomes, financial security and a customizable health care experience to meet our needs.

Many seniors find the health care space intimidating as they age. However, for those enrolled in Medicare Advantage, that is not the case. With an easy-to-navigate structure, accessible providers and a focus on preventative care, this program ensures that seniors can improve their quality of life as they age.

The impact of Medicare Advantage is far-reaching. This program offers top-notch care and access to supplemental benefits, with a cap on out-of-pocket costs, making it a valued choice for diverse and low-income beneficiaries. Affordability is a key component. For many who are living off retirement or other fixed incomes, this is a game-changer, allowing them to get the care they need without worrying about stretching their finances.

Earlier this year, cuts were proposed to this vital program. We were fortunate that two of our Central Florida representatives, Rep. Gus Bilirakis and Rep. Darren Soto, stood up for Florida seniors and advocated for Medicare Advantage. We need this continued support now more than ever to fight on our behalf and ensure our benefits and premiums remain stable. Please keep fighting for all those who depend on it for quality services, access to care and affordable value.

Ernie Bach, Largo

Time for a change

Hillsborough, Pinellas scores rise in new Florida school grades | July 24

I was disappointed to see that Gulf Middle School, where I have volunteered for the past many years, received a D grade yet again. Having never seen a more dedicated, patient and truly teamwork-oriented group of professionals led by a hands-on principal, I question the merits of the grading system. Gulf is a Title One school, meaning 75% of the students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. I have encountered students in the foster care system, students who live in cars with their family, and students with significant disabilities. I have seen teachers help students with physical disabilities pick out clothing in our clothes closet, divvy out donated funds to those who cannot afford to purchase even one book at a book fair, and those who donate their time to make things like a dance and Halloween fun. I have seen a school nurse in tears when she brought a student into the closet for clothing because he had absolutely nothing. Yet with all of their needs, they find their budget continually decreased.

I can’t help but be angry at a state government that feels it’s more important to waste our taxpayer dollars on frivolous lawsuits and place restrictions on teachers where problems don’t exist. Not to mention our disgraceful last place in the nation for the average teacher pay. We desperately need to do better. Our future depends on it.

Mary Miller, New Port Richey

Secular spreading of division

A split on school religion | July 26

Whether it be the Islamic communities of Michigan, the Bible Belt of the South or the Jewish boroughs of New York, religion influences our students’ lives and their schools, and for the secular naysayers to scream divisive is darn near laughable. The religion of secularism has been near mandatory curriculum for the last decade. Let’s talk about divisive. Thou shalt not use the wrong pronoun. Or honor thy transgender neighbors. Lest not forget the sin of white privilege and systemic racism.

Is the injection of “Love thy neighbor as you love yourself” really such an awful thing to carry into our classrooms? As our schools drift further away from education and more toward institutions of social cultivation, we Floridians might stop for a moment and thank Gov. Ron DeSantis for having the courage to stand for morality instead of bowing to social convention.

Mark Campbell, St. Petersburg

They know better than you

A split on school religion | July 26

If you want your child to attend a school that teaches Judeo-Christian values as part of its curriculum, then take your yearly stipend of about $8,500 in taxpayer money and send them to a private school, or better yet, homeschool them. That probably won’t happen, because what the anti-woke Florida governor, his acolytes in the Legislature and the rest of the MAGA crowd really want to do is impose their will on you and your child.

David Burg, Tampa

Very thin blue line

I read where Donald Trump just received the endorsement of the National Association of Police Organizations. I am appalled by the hypocrisy of this endorsement. Trump is a convicted felon and accused sexual assaulter who cheated on his wife when she was three months pregnant. Worst of all, he let insurrectionists beat up uniformed police officers trying to save lives at the Capitol. How can they say with a straight face, “Support the blue line” when they don’t respect it? I have lost respect for law enforcement.

Fred Grunewald, Land O’ Lakes

Yes on Amendment 4

This November’s elections are very important, especially for young women. By voting yes for Amendment 4, we can reverse the dangerous abortion ban signed earlier this year by Florida’s governor. It makes no sense that mainly old men sitting up in Tallahassee have control of our bodies and are taking away our rights. The issue is so much more than about “choice.” It’s about privacy, personal freedom and health care. As a young woman, hospital caregiver and member of a health care workers union, and most importantly someone who believes politicians and government shouldn’t be interfering in our most personal decisions, I’m voting yes for Amendment 4.

Karlie Cole, St. Petersburg