Performances generate positive vibe
In late April, my wife and I found ourselves with tickets to two weekend performances in Sarasota.
The first was the Sailor Circus. We had not been for several years. It is called “The Greatest Little Show on Earth,” and for good reason. The young performers were stunning.
Slim, strong and flexible, they tumbled, walked tight, and not so tight, wires, rode bicycles (five on one bike!) and unicycles and even flew on the flying trapeze, catching one another in midair!
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They were talented, disciplined, confident young people, just what one would hope for.
The next day found us at the Westcoast Black Theater Troupe, experiencing “Broadway in Black.”
Men and women danced and sang and moved beautifully across the stage. They were disciplined, spirited, smiling and amazingly strong and agile. They had learned the music, the step, the words! I found myself clapping, standing and even singing along. Wonderful!
Doubtless, some of the performers were Black, some were Jewish, some Republican, some Democrat, some gay, whatever. The point is, they all had one thing in common. They were all wonderful human beings.
Please, let’s focus on the positive in our beautiful community!
Henry Danielson, Englewood
Biased against Republicans
Why is it that any “controversial” action by a conservative immediately is labeled “divisive”? However, if Democrats enact or push toward any position or policy the headlines likely include “Republicans blocking …”
Your paper in my estimation is extremely liberal, and I don’t read it with the exception of news you can’t slant like shootings, car accidents and weather.
And yes, “COEXIST” is a political statement, primarily used as an automobile bumper sticker for those with a somewhat far left worldview that, although well intentioned, is a naive prod that hints at world peace.
Sadly, the Vladimir Putins of the world are more prevalent than anyone cares to think. Humans love to kill and destroy each other.
I live in a brutal, nasty unkind world that seemingly is getting worse. Just read the headlines.
Tim Fortier, Bradenton Beach
Couple spread donations all around
I was stunned reading in the Herald-Tribune of the amazing philanthropy by Joe and Mary Kay Henson, i.e., $100 to all 669 nonprofits participating in the 2022 Giving Challenge (“Giving Challenge raises $16M,” April 29).
Simply amazing. Thank you!
Kudos also to the Patterson Foundation and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County – they are truly a partnership made in heaven.
Richard M. Pelton, board chair, Paradise Center for Healthy Living, Longboat Key
Anyone and everyone could be ‘carrying’
Gov. Ron DeSantis has vowed to sign a bill allowing Floridians to “open carry” without a permit. That’s right, you would be able to carry a gun with no annoying permits or gun laws in the “new Alabama.”
Florida is beyond being the new Alabama or Mississippi. It is the new Deadsville.
Can anyone imagine what might happen if there was a controversial decision or play at a sports event and someone yells “clear the bleachers.”
Road rage? No problem, just pull out your trusty firearm and empty it at a car filled with helpless children.
Florida’s governor is like a child seeking national media attention. He will get it with his murderous attacks on the rights of law-abiding citizens.
Thomas L. Moses, Sarasota
CORRECTION
This letter ran May 2 with an incorrect headline.
Liberal Democrat seeks old-time Republican
I’m looking for a meaningful relationship. One where I can engage with conservative Republicans about things that really matter.
I want to discuss affordable housing for the hardworking folks in the service sector, who look after us fortunate retirees.
But these newfangled Republicans have no time for that. They’re too busy protecting us from nonexistent voter fraud.
As a liberal Democrat, I’d like an honest dialogue with an old-fashioned Republican who recognizes that the end of the Civil War, 157 years ago, did not solve any and all racial inequities in this country.
But the culture warriors are preoccupied with protecting our kids from something that has never been taught to kids, is not being taught to kids and was never designed to be taught to kids.
I’d love to debate fiscal policy with a business-friendly, small government Republican who can acknowledge the liar in Palm Beach for the liar that he is.
But I guess that just isn’t gonna happen. Too bad. I could develop a genuine affection for an old-fashioned Republican, even if and when we disagreed.
But today’s Republicans have no time for such nonsense. After all, times a wastin’, and there are books to ban.
Ken Sidlow, Nokomis
