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Monday's letters: Protect Floridians' right to privacy

 
Published March 16, 2018

People push for changes at Constitution hearing | March 14

Protect Florida's right to privacy

I attended the Constitution Revision Commission's public hearing at USF St. Petersburg last week. I was there because I thought it was important to have my voice heard. I spoke out against Proposal 22, regarding changes to our state Constitution's privacy clause. This proposal is not under active consideration, however it could be resurrected by a vote of the commission and there are no more public hearings to allow Floridians to speak out against it.

The current language of our privacy clause protects information as well as behavior. The proposed change would limit the right to privacy to information only. The intent of this change is a thinly veiled attempt at limiting a woman's right to choose, but Floridians need to be aware that our present privacy clause protects far more than just information, which is what the proposal's proponents argue is all that a right to privacy should protect. In addition to protecting our rights to make personal medical decisions, including reproductive health and end-of-life decisions, it also protects us from government meddling into how we raise our children; our educational choices for them; and what we do in the privacy of our homes and backyards.

Proposal 22 seeks to limit Floridians' right to privacy, thereby stripping away everyday protections Floridians take for granted. There is no reasonable argument in favor of limiting our right to privacy. I urge all Floridians who want to keep the broad protections of our present privacy clause to contact the commissioners. They can be reached at https://www.flcrc.gov/Commissioners.

Stacey Kroto, Pinellas Park

Cosmic curiosity unlimited by ALS
March 15

Notable dates in science

The article notes that Stephen Hawking was born 300 years to the day after Galileo's death but fails to note that he died exactly 139 years to the day after Albert Einstein's birth (March 14, 1879).

Kenneth Barnes, St. Petersburg

Don't put up walls around black culture
March 15, commentary

Talent will shine through

Leonard Pitts' article was very interesting and balanced. Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. One still has to have real talent in order to be appreciated. As an African-American, I can appreciate good and high-energy performances, and Bruno Mars delivers on both points.

Ernie Coney, St. Petersburg

Democrat holds slim lead | March 15

Blueprint for fall elections

Conor Lamb's victory in Pennsylvania should serve as a model of political positioning for the Democratic Party. Lamb was circumspect when speaking about controversial issues. On the matter of abortion, he said he was personally opposed to abortion but respected the right of a woman to choose. He avoided anti-Trump rhetoric and gave voice to the prevailing values of his district. His was a politically savvy campaign in that it did not pander to the far left but kept to the center-right where most of his constituents are.

Democrats in the midterm elections are well advised to take heed.

Ernest Bartow, St. Petersburg