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Thursday's letters: Don't subvert the clear intent of Amendment 4's rights restoration

 
Published March 20, 2019

Bill could limit felon vote | March 20

Voters' intent on rights was clear

The people of Florida have overwhelmingly decided that felons, with specific exclusions, will have their voting rights restored once they have fulfilled their obligations to society. Some legislators, having underestimated the popularity of this decision, are once again trying to undermine the will of the people with what is essentially a poll tax on felons who have met their obligations and should have their voting rights restored. We, the voters, have already decided the issue, and legislators cannot wiggle out of that fact. The amendment as written and voted upon is unambiguous. If lawmakers did their jobs as well as we did in passing this measure, we'd solve a lot more of Florida's problems.

Jami Lee, Hudson

Thwarting the voters' will

The Florida House is pushing for a bill that would place another obstacle in the way of felons who have recently had their voting rights restored. This is just another example of our Legislature's arrogance and contempt for the voter. On this point: Lawmakers have ignored or undermined the people's will on conservation (Amendment 1), against gerrymandering (the "Fair Districts" amendments) and medical marijuana (Amendment 2). The people have made it clear how they feel. Why is it that we voters are so much better than the people we elect?

Dan Greene, Weeki Wachee

Scruggs re-elected to St. Petersburg NAACP | March 20

No turmoil in chapter

The St. Petersburg branch of the NAACP is not in turmoil. Non-active NAACP members wanted me, as branch president, to abdicate the NAACP's mission in favor of political posturing. When that didn't occur, people who were not actively involved in the St. Petersburg branch attempted to stack the membership rolls in 2018 and disrupt the October general membership meetings, with the goal of impacting the outcome of the branch elections. Their efforts failed.

The branch has enjoyed positive accomplishments ranging from maintaining annual branch compliance, supporting small and black-owned businesses, hosting two successful Freedom Fund Celebrations, launching a major advocacy campaign with the goal of ensuring black children can read proficiently by 2020 and beyond, becoming frequent advocates for children and employees within the Pinellas County School System, other municipal organizations and advocating on behalf of veterans. The branch has been led by a team of dedicated individuals who have been committed to the NAACP's mission. With the election behind us, the leadership and members vow to keep our mission on course, expand our community relationships, and welcome all who wish to join with us in the important and exciting work ahead.

Maria L. Scruggs, St. Petersburg

The author is president of the St. Petersburg Branch of the NAACP.

Rubio stands up to Trump | Editorial, March 16

Let the Constitution prevail

I thank Sen. Marco Rubio for voting to rescind President Donald Trump's emergency declaration on the southern border. I now ask the senator to vote to override the president's veto. We must let the Constitution prevail and give back the power of the purse to Congress.

Liz Gutierrez, Spring Hill