Start at home

Watching al-Qaida chief’s “pattern of life” key to his death | Aug. 3

The death of al-Qaida’s leader, Ayman al-Zawahri, makes the world safer. However, this nation must look harder at its home-grown terrorists living among us and our own citizens. It is astonishing that hate groups flourish in the United States with little accountability. Organizations that would clearly destroy our democracy walk free. More than a year and a half after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, no indictments have been made of those who enabled the rioters. We need to prioritize the cleanup of our own house. Now that would be impressive.

Marc Yacht, Hudson

Grew a spine

Watching al-Qaida chief’s “pattern of life” key to his death | Aug. 3

Congratulations to President Joe Biden for finally growing a backbone and making the right decision to take out al-Qaida’s leader Ayman al-Zawahri. But don’t forget: In 2021, a botched drone strike didn’t kill a terrorist but rather 10 innocent people — including seven children — in a huge blunder in Kabul. Before that, back in 2011, he was skeptical of giving the go-ahead for the raid to take out Osama bin Laden when President Barack Obama went around the room to poll high-level officials at a White House meeting.

John Spengler, Spring Hill

Crossdressing, mixed signals

DeSantis administration targets Miami bar | July 31

The state of Florida recently filed a complaint against a Miami bar’s weekend drag show brunches claiming that they expose minors to “sexually explicit drag shows.” So if the governor is so worried about men dressing as women, is he going to try to stop the musical comedy “Nunsense: A-Men,” which is currently playing at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa?

R.O. Plummer, Palm Harbor

Godspeed, Brett Phillips

Rays drop Brett Phillips after trading for outfielder Jose Siri | Aug. 2

Thank you Brett Phillips for the youthful excitement and enthusiasm you brought to the Tampa Bay Rays. In an era of high-priced, spoiled athletes, you were a regular guy playing a game you love.

Rich Lynch, North Redington Beach