Drinking in orbit

Reclaimed water redux | Feb. 1

In an interview with CNN a few days ago, NASA astronaut Steve Swanson spoke about how he would drink recycled Russian urine on the International Space Station back in 2014. “We actually recycle the cosmonauts’ urine to get more water for our side to drink,” he told CNN. Astronauts noted that having to recycle urine between nations purely to stay alive symbolized just how different life is up there compared to Earth. “Now that’s transcending politics,” he said. “It’s survival.”

Astronaut Swanson is still hale, hearty and healthy despite drinking recycled waste water from the bowels of Russian and American bladders even after eight years away from the International Space Station. So, if they can do it in outer space, what makes you think it can’t be done in Tampa?

Peter Barton, St. Petersburg

For, not against

A form of discrimination | Letter, Jan. 31

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “discrimination” as unfair treatment against a group of people, “sexism” as discrimination or prejudice against a gender, and “derogatory” as something disparaging against someone.

Promising to nominate a Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court is an act for someone (literally for an entire group of people). Naming a Black woman to the court is an act for adding representation for a group of Americans who currently aren’t represented at all. It has nothing to do with white men and it certainly isn’t discrimination, sexist or derogatory against them.

Linda Cobbe, Temple Terrace

In the wrong hands

Largo man angered by noise shot at tree trimmer in cherry picker, police say | Jan. 31

This is exactly why not “everyone” in the United States should own a gun. I have had enough of the social media tweets that send “thoughts and prayers” after the fact.

Neil J. Armstrong, Bradenton

What we needed

Amy Schneider’s gift to America was bringing her whole self to ‘Jeopardy!’ | Column, Feb. 1

Jeopardy!’s Amy Schneider was special. She was definitely a breath of fresh air so sorely needed these days. Somehow I believe we will see more of Amy.

Marc Yacht, Hudson