Book bans

Florida schools got hundreds of book complaints — mostly from 2 people | Aug. 24

It was heartening to read that in most Florida counties parents aren’t interested in banning books from schools. It suggests that most parents are simply interested in parenting their children well — allowing them to be open to different experiences and points of view and being there to answer questions or provide help in understanding the world in which we live. On the flip side, it was infuriating to think that our leaders have developed a system that so few people — two people accounting for most book ban requests — can pervert.

Now, with recent decisions by state school officials, these people can cost our schools more money if they are not happy with the outcome of their ludicrous book ban requests. That tilts the scales toward school districts banning the books as requested so that they don’t have to pay for a costly review process. With public schools already hemorrhaging funds as more people accept government handouts for private school, we have to guard against frivolous expenses that arise based on baseless complaints of very few people. More importantly, are we willing to keep supporting legislators who cannot seem to write laws that reflect the wishes of the majority of Floridians?

Brad Rosenheim, St. Petersburg

More book banning

Florida schools got hundreds of book complaints — mostly from 2 people | Aug. 24

How can only two people have that much influence over the books read in schools throughout the state? How can two people decide what is best for thousands of students? And how can two people determine what is best for parents throughout Florida?

If these people do not want their children to read these particular books, they can notify their school. The request can be placed in the child’s profile and they will not be allowed to check the books out from their school media center.

Meanwhile, stop letting two people make decisions for my children and grandchildren.

Marilyn S. Warner, Clearwater

Social Security

Here’s a simple fix for saving Social Security | Column, Aug. 24

I wholeheartedly agree with the letter writer about fixing Social Security. If you are earning money, you should pay Social Security taxes on that income. Eliminate the cap on wage earnings. The cap of $160,200 is ridiculously low. This idea should have bipartisan support as it would fix Social Security for all Americans. This is a no-brainer, but maybe it’s too logical for Congress.

Antoinette Finch, Temple Terrace