A country for an old man

Biden cannot resist the River of Power | Column, Sept. 18

Recent published opinions by David Ignatius (last week) and Peggy Noonan (Monday) intensify the apparent desire by many that President Joe Biden should withdraw from the 2024 presidential election because of their understandable concern about his age. As a long-time supporter of the president, I disagree. The president should continue so long as he feels that he is both willing and able. At the same time, he should signal his willingness to publicly debate any Democrat who wishes to challenge him without fear of reprisal. This would serve several purposes.

First, it would allow him to showcase before the nation his continued intellect, passion and strength for all to see and to tamp down rumor and speculation. Second, if, God forbid, a serious setback in his ability to serve in 2024 and beyond were to occur, other possible and capable Democrats would have already introduced themselves to the electorate. Third, if a majority of the electorate want to avoid a Trump-Biden rematch, their voice could be heard. Finally, other Democrats may have new, fresh ideas that could be expressed publicly.

Bernard Fensterwald, Clearwater

Imagine their situation

A life sentence or leniency? | Sept. 17

Before people judge this man for shooting his wife, walk in someone’s shoes who care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. This disease ravages. Our loved one went from a man to a skeleton breathing. For a long time. No one wants to live languishing in a bed in diapers. Granted, playing God is not right either. Until we let people end their own life in their terms, don’t throw arrows.

Kathy Dreyer, Asheboro, North Carolina

What a fool I was

DeSantis’ undisclosed travel | Sept. 16

As a Pinellas County school administrator a number of years ago, I was required to fill out a disclosure form to report any conflicts that might occur in my personal investments to make sure my $4,000 expendable budget for 500 children and 65 staff members was appropriate. I dwelled over this for days, trying to imagine if there was anything I should report. After reading about Gov. Ron DeSantis’ action I thought what a fool I was. I’d like to get that reflection time back in my life. Do you suppose I might request compensation from his campaign?

William Brewer, Clearwater

Imagine the lives lost

Florida advises against vax, contradicting CDC | Sept. 14

Can you imagine how many lives would have been lost if no one followed the advice to get vaccines against polio? Measles? Chicken Pox? What about those who contract shingles? What about those with HIV? Maybe I should wish a pox on both Gov. Ron DeSantis and his surgeon general. Would they at least recommend a vaccine for that?

Harriet Browder, Clearwater

Indecisive aggression

Education chief says AP psych course meets law | Aug. 11

Sorry, what time period is this? I thought education was supposed to be constantly progressing, not moving backward. Last month, the Florida Department of Education announced that College Board’s AP Psychology course would be banned statewide due to certain chapters that discuss gender identity and sexuality. The course has been taught for 30 years with no concerns about its content. So why now has the department taken it upon themselves to regulate what students are able to learn? By taking this into consideration, along with the fact that the course is an optional elective, how can the Florida Department of Education argue that AP Psychology is indoctrinating children? Without warning, teachers were told that the course they had been teaching for years prior and had been planning for the entirety of their summer was being taken away. As important, students were told that a course they were hoping to take to improve their chances of getting into a quality university was no longer an option.

Today, although Florida law will still permit students to enroll in the course, the government’s indecisiveness sets a dangerous precedent in the realm of American educational policy. To ban and unban a course within several days demonstrates how quick government officials are to act on their own agendas –– and similarly, how unsure they really are. This political aggression, coupled with indecisiveness, takes a direct hit at hard working educators, curious students and the concept of learning as a whole.

Giselle Cardoso, Boca Raton

Thanks for those stories

“A rooftop crusade” and “Build the longest paved bike trail in the country” | Sept. 17

Thanks for these two inspiring articles in Sunday’s paper, “A rooftop crusade” and “Build the longest paved bike trail in the country.” Please have more positive articles that showcase individuals’ determination to improve society. I look forward to reading the outstanding reporting of the Tampa Bay Times.

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Beth Hensley, Clearwater