LETTERS

Wednesday’s letters: Russian bounties, public education, fraud settlement, more

Staff Writer
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Sarasota Herald-Tribune

If Russia paid bounties, buck stops with Trump

According to recent news reports, the internal investigation into Luckin Coffee’s accounting concluded the Chinese company’s chairman knew, or should have known, about more than $300 million in fraudulent transactions. Charles Lu was therefore found culpable.

Similarly, President Donald Trump knew, or should have known, about intelligence indicating that Russia offered bounties to the Taliban to kill U.S. soldiers.

Of course, we all know that Trump — who has an affinity with Russian strongman Vladimir Putin — does not want to know.

John M. Hament, Sarasota

Are teachers, parents ready to reopen schools?

You have published info that our governor is set on reopening Florida schools as scheduled, in August. While his plan has its merits, it would be interesting to learn how parents, teachers and families of both feel about this subject.

While the governor, School Board members and school officials may be safely cloistered away in offices, teachers and children face open classrooms, walking together and close proximity in every respect.

Desks and computers will need to be continually washed and sanitized if safety is to be assured. Our smallest children will certainly never understand "distancing.” How will such be regulated on buses, as well as in classrooms?

Please do not rely on mailed-in answers, but instead call or send emails to get “real” answers.

Do teachers feel safety can be achieved? Are they comfortable returning to schools or do they feel overwhelmed by all of this?

While jobs are important, is the safety of those learning, as well as those teaching, of even greater importance?

Dee Webber, assistant director, Brothers and Sisters Doing the Right Thing, Sarasota

Vote for candidates who back public education

The first free taxpayer-supported school in what became America was started in Massachusetts in 1635. This system has produced our presidents, generals, Nobel-winning scientists and leaders in every institution that has made this country great for nearly three centuries.

It is now under assault. A minority segment of the population wants to take public taxpayer funds for use in alternate, narrowly focused schooling that approaches educational theocracy.

Two Sarasota County School Board candidates oppose this and need your support as they support public education. Tom Edwards and David Graham will keep your local schools functioning as they should, and not deprive them of the needed funds that would be siphoned off by others.

It’s time to stand up for the democratic system that has stood the test of time — public taxpayer-supported education.

Richard Coburn, Venice

Story on fraud settlement misrepresents doctor

This letter is to clarify the extreme misrepresentation of Dr. Robert Snyder in “Local doctor settles claims,” on July 2.

We have known Robert for over 30 years and are certain that anyone who knows him will attest to his indisputable character. He is a man of great integrity and true kindness who exhibits a compassionate and caring nature for his patients.

He has over 30 years of experience providing the highest level of health care to thousands of people.

In addition, he has been a stalwart of the community through his generosity and ethical conduct. We were extremely disappointed that the article depicted Dr. Snyder in a manner extremely foreign to his actual character and nature.

Tom Coundit and Lee Kotwicki, Sarasota

Votes reversed: Buchanan opposes infrastructure

The Herald-Tribune blew it in “How They Voted,” in the July 5 paper, reporting on the U.S. House vote on HR 2, the infrastructure bill. This important bill, passed 233-188, was supported by the Democrats and opposed by the Republicans.

The Herald-Tribune had most of the votes reversed — in reality, Reps. Vern Buchanan and Greg Steube voted against the bill, not in favor — and should publish a retraction in a prominent place.

At this important time leading to the August primary and November election, it is important that voters get truthful information on how our representatives vote on certain bills.

In this regard, I note that not only did Buchanan vote against the infrastructure bill, he opposed improvements in consumers' access to their credit scores and a bill lowering the cost of prescription drugs.

In these and other House bills, Buchanan voted against the interests of his constituents.

Robert J. Catineau, Sarasota

Perhaps Mexican leaderwill bring money for wall

Mexico's president is to make a state visit to the United States this week. How big a check will he be handing to President Donald Trump?

For those with poor memories, our president said many times that Mexico was going to pay for Trump’s wall on the Mexican border. Somehow, I doubt if any money will change hands.

Lawrence Bagnoli, Sarasota