I put students first at USFSP | Sept. 24, Wisniewska column
USFSP matured under Wisniewska
As someone who has twice served as a University of South Florida St. Petersburg vice chancellor, most recently in an interim capacity under chancellor Sophia Wisniewska, I was shocked and dismayed to learn from your newspaper that she was asked to resign. The official notices that came out did not mention Sophia at all, let alone thank her for her countless contributions to USFSP. I would like to acknowledge her many accomplishments to both our university as well as the greater St. Petersburg community. To say she has worked tirelessly on our behalf would be a major understatement.
USFSP has matured through her leadership. With her direction and vision, several of our programs have achieved national recognition, and USFSP itself continues to rise in regional rankings. She kept students at the top of the agenda for the institution, initiating a major "Student Success" program that has begun to come to fruition. Where once we were the "backup" school, our freshmen now tell us that USFSP was their school of choice. Our retention and graduation rates are on the rise. Our fall-to-fall Academic Progress Rate jumped by 10 percentage points. Retention currently is up by about 6 percentage points.
Students consistently comment on the quality and accessibility of our faculty who have published research in the world's top journals, written textbooks used around the world, won many national awards and received research funding from most of the top federal agencies. Sophia has championed these accomplishments to the Tampa Bay community, which is becoming more aware of what an asset our faculty and students are to our region. It is said that great cities need great universities, and Sophia is to be credited for moving USFSP toward this goal. Sophia's departure is a great loss for St. Petersburg and USFSP.
V. Mark Durand, St. Petersburg
The writer is a professor of psychology at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg.
Electoral system saps power of Florida | Sept. 21, Romano column
A popular vote for president
John Romano provides an excellent explanation of the unfairness of the Electoral College. However, his column failed to offer a solution to the problem. The League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) has been advocating such a solution for over 40 years.
The league has supported the direct election of the president by popular vote since 1970. This position was taken to ensure equity for voters from all states — so your vote in Florida counts the same as a vote in Wyoming.
In 2010, the league's position was amended to support the National Popular Vote compact as another method of selecting the president until such time as the Electoral College is abolished. The Constitution allows each state to determine how to choose its electors. The compact would have states sign a binding pledge to cast their electoral votes for the popular vote winner. This compact would take effect only when signed by states representing 270 electoral votes, the number needed to elect a president. At present, 11 states with 165 electoral votes have agreed to the compact.
This is not a partisan issue. The National Popular Vote organization's advisory board and supporters includes prominent Republicans and Democrats. (See www.NationalPopularVote.com for details.)
The Electoral College was a compromise by the Founding Fathers between letting all white men vote and having the president selected by vote of Congress. The Electoral College is an anachronism that no longer serves democracy. It is time for the popular vote for president.
Sandra Sroka, Tampa
The writer is president of the League of Women Voters of Hillsborough County.
Wave of protest sweeps Bucs, NFL | Sept. 25
Watch his other hand
I do not agree with players not standing for the national anthem, but I respect their constitutional right to do so. It seems President Donald Trump never heard of Voltaire's famous quote: "I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." But when will the media stop falling for Trump's deliberate diversions such as this? Instead of a headline about the travel ban, the clean-up efforts in Puerto Rico or attempts to deny millions of people health care, we get headlines about Trump's childish feud with NFL players. The media fell for his daily diversions throughout the campaign, and now you've got him for four years. He's like the carnival con man who keeps your attention on his left hand while his right is picking your pocket. When will you learn?
Paul P. Carucci, Valrico
What makes a patriot
I don't think that waving the flag, saying the pledge of allegiance, or standing during the national anthem are indications of a good American or a patriot. Those things are too easily faked, too superficial, too facile. I believe that being a patriot is much more complex. An informed voter is more patriotic than a flag waver. A good neighbor who helps or serves in his community says more than words. People who are good parents and family members add to our national strength in practical ways. Those who have inclusive rather than divisive attitudes help our country, no matter their political views. Love of our nation goes deeper than external shows of momentary affection. Each person shows that fondness in differing ways and I believe in respecting those differences, as long as they are peaceful. I reserve my ire for things I believe are way more important, like the threat of nuclear war.
Joan Smith, Hudson
Sizzling reviews for a meatless burger | Sept. 21
Red meat for a vegan
A huge thanks to Laura Reiley for the great article on Impossible Burgers. Our family became vegan some 30 years ago thanks to local dietitian Myriam Parham, who educated us to question our food choices. In 1986, we threw out everything in our kitchen that contributed to animal suffering and have never looked back. We are plant-powered and going strong in our 70s. It is possible. And we love Impossible Burgers!
Tom and Jayn Meinhart, Clearwater Beach