An everyday leader
Bob Graham’s legacy in Tampa Bay, from the Skyway to “work days” | April 17
Florida governor and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham. Hereditary multi-millionaire. Harvard egghead. Policy wonk. Often the first person at work and the last to leave. What made Graham different is that, in politics and public service, he knew what he lacked — the experience of being an average Floridian. So he went to work. People might have sneered at his “work days” as a mere campaign gimmick. But he shoveled elephant excrement at Busch Gardens, bagged groceries at Publix, handled garbage in the humid Florida heat. And he listened to the people he met. After he cleaned and dusted the residence of an elderly woman living alone and checked on her supplies, she told him, “You’ve been so nice to me. I hope you become president.” He didn’t achieve that. But humble service was its own reward.
Jim Harper, Tampa
A Florida man
Bob Graham’s legacy in Tampa Bay, from the Skyway to “work days” | April 17
This life-long Republican will miss the late Bob Graham. I voted for him in every election because of his moderate positions, his genuine concern about Florida and its residents and his “people” sense. He gave elected officials and other politicians a mirror to judge themselves, and his presence in today’s politics would be soothing. If there is an afterlife for elected politicians, Gov. Graham will be there. He was a Florida man.
James Gillespie, St. Petersburg
The Golden Rule
Bob Graham’s legacy in Tampa Bay, from the Skyway to “work days” | April 17
In tribute to the memory of a true leader, I can state without hesitation that Sen. Bob Graham was loved by many. His devotion to the future of Florida was reciprocated in so many examples of his visionary leadership. Bob Graham’s heralded workdays brought so many of us to feel that here was a leader who could learn from the common folk. His genuine respect for the everyday toils of his fellow Floridians, no matter their station in life, inspired greatness by example. Among all of Bob Graham’s attributes, I cannot imagine a greater one than his modesty. He gave us the gift of the importance of the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have others do onto you.
Jack Levine, Tallahassee
What was, what is
Should I move to a blue state? | Column, April 17
I enjoyed Stephanie Hayes’ “Should I move ...?” advice column. Great thoughts. I would like to add a couple more. I raised four children in Miami and Lantana during the 1960s and ‘70s. It was a time of change, integration. My kids were bused to a minority-dominated school, and I was fine with that. I believed that would advance the cause of equality.
Fast forward to now. Every day poses new threats to our rights here in Florida: women’s health, voting rights, local control of public schools, the right to take rest/water breaks for workers. So even at my age I have considered emigrating to a blue state. But the draconian measures instituted by Gov. Ron DeSantis and his Republican majority in the Legislature threaten our entire country. From the chaos in the U.S. House to the partisan Supreme Court, we can’t run away from it. We have to get involved.
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Explore all your optionsRegistering and voting our values is the first step. It is not a privilege; it is a responsibility. We have to stay informed — reading an independent newspaper, watching PBS news reports, knowing who our public officials are and contacting them. They need to hear from us. That especially includes city and county officials like the school board and county commissioners.
Believe me, I understand how busy a young family is. I know there are not enough minutes in the day. But what happens now will shape this state and country for your children’s future. Let’s not leave them a train wreck.
Fern Williams, Zephyrhills
Not our role
Parties agree: No stadium deal | April 16
As chairperson of the Pinellas County Democratic Party, I’m compelled to address this article. The Pinellas County Democratic Party has one crucial role: “...to support and elect Democrats in local and statewide elections while being proponents for Democratic values and positions.” We do not take official positions on development projects such as the Tropicana Field redevelopment, as these do not fall within our primary mission.
While Democratic clubs within Pinellas play a significant role in fostering local activism and participation, they do not speak for the county party as a whole. Individuals within these clubs are encouraged to express their views, but these should not be mistaken as the collective voice of the Pinellas County Democratic Party.
We are proud of the robust dialogue that our clubs and members engage in concerning local issues; however, it is vital to remember that these discussions are personal and not reflective of the party’s stance.
Jennifer Griffith
The writer is chairperson of the Pinellas County Democratic Party.
Right side of history
House’s Ukraine aid package | April 18
Now that Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has strong support from President Joe Biden, he must know his speakership may be coming to an end. Many Republican members are against providing funding for Ukraine, mainly because it would look like a “win” for Biden. But the alternative could look much worse. For Vladimir Putin, Ukraine is a proxy war against the United States. Putin wants Biden to lose, and they want Biden to be seen to lose as well. Ukraine has become a battlefield now for America and America’s own future. Thankfully, at least for now, Mike Johnson is on the right side of history even though it might cost him his job.
George Chase, St. Pete Beach
It’s hot out there
DeSantis signs bill preventing cities from requiring heat safety protections for workers | April 12
Perhaps Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida legislators need to get outside more often. Last summer saw temperatures soar to life-threatening heights for outdoor workers. It is unconscionable — in fact, cruel — for the governor to sign legislation that prohibits local governments from requiring heat protection for these workers. This is yet another example of the prevalence of state preemptions of local ordinances that municipalities put in place to protect their residents. Maybe the governor fears calling attention to those who suffer from climate change.
Anne Burnham, Palm Harbor
Speech is free
Judge: Pronoun law violates teacher’s rights | April 11
It’s often noted that those who claim to be “conservative” stray from the narrow path on the right. This is very evident in Florida where conservatives seem to have lost their way by criminalizing speech. The most recent example is the “pronoun law,” which limited a teacher’s right to choose which pronoun to use for self-reference in their classrooms. Some may argue the state has a right to dictate activities in public classrooms, but this is hard to defend under the intent of the First Amendment. In any case, a true conservative would never advocate for restrictions on free speech, even if the speech in question was disagreeable. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker called the law into question and issued a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement. Advocates claim their intent is to shield students from inappropriate topics, but the bigger threat is teaching them that the definition of free speech is only in the minds of legislators. When you think about it, that is anything but conservative.
Jon Crawfurd, Gulfport
Not an open border
Her name was Laken | Letter, April 14
A recent letter along with a multitude of right-wing media and politicians keep referring to the U.S. as having open borders. The claim so improbable to me that I looked up the issue on PolitiFact and found a multitude of well-documented rulings that show, beyond a doubt, that the United States does not have open borders. In fact, I don’t know a single person, Democrat or otherwise, who wants or supports an open border. Unfortunately, the right wing is too entrenched in scaring voters by incessantly repeating that false claim. Also, for the record, it is legal to cross the border to request asylum.
Bob Lasher, Clearwater
Roofs over their heads
Celebrate Earth Day around Tampa Bay | April 10
St. Petersburg includes sustainability as part of its city planning to create a quality and growth focused city for residents. Numerous actions have been implemented to make sustainable switches throughout the city. St. Pete has climate action goals such as transitioning to 100% clean and renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gases by 2050, and conserving natural environments to tackle climate change. As the effects of climate change become more prominent, one of its main effects is starting to become more common: severe weather changes and hurricanes. Hurricanes are a major concern in Florida cities. With St. Pete being surrounded by water, this risk increases as sea levels are rising. During severe weather occurrences, certain populations are more vulnerable and at risk, for example, homeless people. Homeless people are disproportionally affected by severe weather caused by climate change. They do not have places to seek shelter in dangerous weather. This can cause injuries, illnesses and even fatalities. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the Tampa-St. Pete area has an extremely high rate of homelessness, at one point worst in the nation, at 57 homeless for every 10,000 residents. Providing sustainable housing and betterment opportunities for homeless people should be at the top of the list of the city’s goals. In caring for residents of the city, we can’t forget about the residents that don’t have a property address attached to them. Ensuring everyone in the city has safe, affordable, and sustainable housing will eliminate a major health disparity that climate change perpetuates.
Nilufar Aliyeva, Lutz
