Free to be a horse

The wildest ride | Nov. 12

I’ve never felt compelled to write a letter to a paper in my life, but as a fellow “horse girl” who has never understood what compels me to love these incredible creatures, I had to. My riding helmet is off to Justine Griffin (for the record, no relation). For a nonprofessional rider with a demanding career, it takes a lot of time and sacrifice to retrain any horse — let alone a thoroughbred. I’m thrilled that one with a past like Wyatt’s ended up with someone so caring and patient, and so knowledgeable on how to handle such a difficult mount. He’s received the greatest gift any abused or overworked animal could get: the freedom to be a horse again. I wish her and her beautiful boy all the best. If only all thoroughbreds could experience such love and acceptance. They deserve it.

Kim Griffin, St. Petersburg

Money and power

Why are US politicians so old | Perspective, Nov. 12

The writer made a few valid points about our politicians’ need to hang around well past their prime, a few being the same things most working people experience: identity or denial. Either one of these would seem logical if most of our elected representatives actually did more good than harm. Power and money are the main reasons they stay, and every year many of them get more brazen about telling us that in plain English. It’s ironic that she chose six perfect examples of that to attach to her article, yet it will still not get the voters to open their eyes and get more involved in trying to put new people in office who might do something worth being there.

James Jones, Tampa

A one-state solution

Medics, patients stuck as battles rage around hospitals in Gaza City | Nov. 14

There is only one solution that will work for Israel and Palestine and that is to create one state in which land is shared and democracy for both peoples abides. Without this solution, the struggle continues indefinitely.

The Rev. Lois Rogers-Watson, Palm Harbor

A surgical strike

Medics, patients stuck as battles rage around hospitals in Gaza City | Nov. 14

Can anyone explain to me why Israel cannot, with its superior military force, secure the hospitals in Gaza and allow direct medical aid while at the same time search and destroy the Hamas entities within those areas with specialized teams? It requires a “surgical” approach but is certainly possible, isn’t it? Wouldn’t that show the world that, though the conflict in Gaza is complicated, innovated thinking can result in a more positive impact on non-combatants?

Ken Ihlo, Sun City Center