Scott risks FEMA funds | March 20
Rising sea levels can't be ignored
This article, along with the accompanying one describing the refusal of the state's chief of emergency management to acknowledge climate change, should alarm all Floridians. Once again, in Florida, ideology trumps reason.
The February 2015 issue of National Geographic featured an article on the projected future impacts of climate change and sea level rise on coastal Florida. The article notes: "Miami and its suburbs face a bigger financial risk from flooding in 2050 than any other urban area in the world." Significant sea level rise is projected for the entire state, with a map of projected sea level encroachment indicating appreciable shore retreat along the Gulf Coast.
Several federal agencies have programs focused on coastal and environmental resilience, as do some Florida counties. Whether or not Gov. Rick Scott and his minions cling to the Republican mantra of disconnecting climate change from human activity, the reality of what is already happening cannot be denied: We are at risk and the risk is accelerating.
It is criminally irresponsible for the state to not acknowledge and prepare for these risks.
Don Wright, Inglis
Campus guns bill advances | March 17
Reckless and risky
Guns on college campuses? What insanity would allow this? Those who have attended college know how immature many students are. Uncontrolled drinking and drug use are common. Testosterone-fueled emotions lead to fights, often at highly attended events like dances, basketball and football games. Drug use and drinking reduce already minimal inhibitions. And now the National Rifle Association-loving Florida Legislature wants to put guns into the hands of these immature adults?
The decadeslong College Alcohol Study by the Harvard School of Public Health has confirmed what anyone with common sense already knows. As the frequency of gun ownership increases, so does the frequency of bad behaviors such as DUI and property damage. Of those injured after drinking, 20 percent were in fights. And of course: "College campuses are populated by individuals at high risk for unintentional and violent injury." Any sensible adult knows this.
More guns on college campuses will only lead to more shootings, injuries and deaths.
Paul P. Carlucci, Valrico
Texting while driving
Make it a primary offense
The Florida Legislature needs to make texting while driving a primary offense. Police can pull drivers over for not wearing a seat belt, erratic driving, speeding, etc., as long as the officer sees it. There's no reason someone who is holding a cellphone and looking down while driving shouldn't be pulled over and ticketed. Texting while driving continues to be one of the most dangerous acts a driver can be cited for. It needs to be more strongly enforced to prevent accidents and deaths.
David Lubin, Tampa
School testing
Open other career paths
Did the Legislature ever stop to think about what it could do to improve the future chances for students who have talents that are unrelated to academics? Sitting in our schools are many children who are fully capable of being productive citizens but will not graduate under the current system of requirements.
Instead of concerning themselves with issues of testing, dress code and the start of the school year, they should look at alternatives to assist these future citizens achieve success in nontraditional settings. Expand funding to the job corps program beginning at the secondary level.
Carol Hesz, Hudson