For younger generation, Lewis an icon to emulate | July 20

We had a hero

We in the United States of America should long remember John Lewis, an American hero. India had Mahatma Gandhi, South Africa had Nelson Mandela, the world had Mother Teresa, and we have had John Lewis.

His ways of peaceful interaction with a country that has treated him with distain and many arrests, in which he was non-confrontational, should make us all stop and realize what it takes to make change in a new republic. We as a nation are not perfect and changes in response to civil rights have taken time, more than they should. My hope is that we as a nation recognize that change is necessary and good for all.

Frederick Willmot, Dunedin

Returning to the classroom

Commonsense mitigation

I am an educator and a single parent of a child with immuno-compromised medical conditions who is enrolled in Pinellas County Schools. I personally am a firm believer in educating our school-aged children in face-to-face settings. However, our present, unprecedented time is not the time to be in close contact with one another in our schools. At this time, we must not put our children and their families in harm’s way.

We can work together by demonstrating common sense mechanics and following expert directives. Wearing face-masks, self-quarantining for two weeks to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and continuing scientific-based, medical research to discover a vaccine are steadfast ways to ensure the health and welfare of our population at this time.

Kimberli South Torres, St. Petersburg

DeSantis approves plans for toll roads | July 6

Toll roads are the right move

Florida is such a unique and beautiful state, so it’s no wonder so many new residents are choosing to move here and call the Sunshine State home. But as Florida continues to grow, we must be smart and take steps now to prepare for the future needs of our state. Road congestion is already a concern, especially in our area, and if we do nothing, the issue will only continue to get worse.

That’s why I believe the M-CORES toll roads are so important. By being proactive and starting projects like this now, our state can grow in a more thoughtful manner. Because we are taking the time to look at programs like this now, the state is able to more carefully consider the potential environmental impacts of possible routes and look at ways to protect and even enhance affected areas.

Our precious natural resources and interesting wildlife are part of what makes Florida so special, and they should be protected, so I appreciate that our leaders are looking at how to carefully balance our state’s growth with preserving our environment. The M-CORES program is a perfect example of responsibly planning for future needs in a way that is sensitive to possible environmental impacts.

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Nina Torres, Lutz

Who is guarding President Trump?

Don’t fiddle while Rome burns

During the time of the Roman emperors, there was a unit that served to protect the emperor. They were known as the Praetorian Guard. Nero enjoyed their protection, even as he strummed his lyre during the burning of Rome. Many historians believe that Nero had the blaze set on his orders. But Nero at least had an end game. He wanted the burned out land to build his dream palace on.

President Donald Trump also has his Praetorian guards and it’s not the Secret Service, but most of the Republican senators and many governors. Like many of the Praetorians of ancient Rome, they, too, will come to regret their choice.

Allan Love, New Port Richey