Letters to the Editor for Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Improving the Naples Pedestrian/Bicycle Corridor
My wife and I live in the Royal Harbor / Sandpiper Street area across the bay from Old Naples. We often like to bike to the beach or play tennis at Cambier Park, but the part of that ride along US 41 on the Gordon River (between the Naples Bay Resort and Tin City) is really quite unpleasant. The pedestrian/bicycle space is extremely tight (as narrow as about 5 feet in sections), and especially with the increase in motorized bicycles, it can also be quite dangerous. We very much hope that city planners could consider a significant widening and upgrading of this corridor, at least on the southwest side of US 41, where the majority of pedestrian and bicycle traffic seems to be.
We love Naples and think the city in general does a great job of welcoming residents and visitors. We believe that an improvement to this pedestrian/bicycle corridor would make Naples even more welcoming to many people. If you agree, please contact the traffic department of the city of Naples.
Gove Effinger, Napoli
DeSantis as the authoritarian leader of Hungary
Notoriously authoritarian Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban was recently re-elected. In the CNN article, I read: “Orban gained tight control over Hungary’s judicial, media and educational institutions during his 12 years in power. He pushed for legislation targeting migrants and the LGBTQ community, and spoke of his intention to build an “illiberal” state within the EU. A referendum was also held on Orban’s controversial proposal that would ban educational materials and programs for children deemed to promote homosexuality and gender reassignment.
The similarities between Orban and our Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis, are downright chilling. DeSantis is considered by many to be our next president. Do we really want to join Hungary and its Prime Minister Orban? This is not the America I have thought of in the past as the world’s shining example of democracy and freedom.
Louis Erickson, Napoli
Use your vote to control growth
The destruction of mangroves near San Carlos Island, as reported in The News-Press, shows the sad direction in which Lee County is headed. Our county being one of the fastest growing counties in the country, people who come here have to live somewhere. Unsurprisingly, the developers are responding to this request. Many properties previously issued by permits will now be developed. Given that voters continue to elect county commissioners who encourage and praise such growth, we can only assume that residents here like what’s going on. That empty space in front of your house that lets you see the beautiful sunset? Faded away. Get used to it, Lee County, because it’s our future. If you don’t like the decisions made, you have to change the decision makers, according to Senator Marco Rubio. If Lee residents want more of the same, keep voting for more of the same.
Charlotte Newton, Women for a Better Lee, Fort Myers
Conservative deviation, dishonesty
The conservative obsession with Hunter Biden is a delightful example of misappropriation and dishonesty.
Ivanka worked at the White House. Her husband worked at the White House.
Ivanka received 20 marks from China during her work. To the White House.
Donald Trump received 30 trademarks from China while he was president.
Ivanka received $100 million for her charity from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates while working in the White House.
Donald Trump visited his own properties 400 times to the tune of 7 million taxpayer dollars while he was president.
Ivanka and Jared Kushner earned $640 million working in the White House.
So let’s talk about Hunter’s nepotism.
Bill LinehanNaples
Stop the madness in November
Donald Trump as President was arrogant, abrasive, narcissistic, obnoxious and showed a complete lack of personal diplomacy. That being said, many of his programs have been successful and had a positive effect on American life, many of which were eliminated by Biden on his first day in office. Biden, on the other hand, is confused and has a real problem telling the truth. Fifteen months into his term, Biden has the miserable poll ratings he deserves. Consider the issues: inflation and crime out of control, the border, oil dependence on foreign sources, the Afghan mess and leaving Americans behind, rebuilding a better DOA, waiting too long to support Ukraine and of course Kamala Harris. I am very concerned about America today and how Biden and the radical left are trying to destroy the very fabric of our country. Just think of the future and the America we will leave to our children and grandchildren. We can start stopping all this madness in November.
Bill Surgner, Napoli
Biden our weak so-called leader
The April 4 headline is about Russian atrocities in Ukraine. There is only one person to blame for this and that is our so-called weak leader, President Biden. He failed to supply enough arms to Ukraine as the Russians gathered troops and weapons for months on the border and, even worse, he did not allow the deployment of fighter jets to Ukraine. from Poland and did not authorize a no-fly zone.
And here in the United States, we have the highest prices for food and gasoline, and empty shelves. How anyone can vote for a Democrat again is beyond reasonable comprehension.
Michael Adler, Miromar Lakes
Part of the alt-right conspiracy
There is an alternate universe where many Americans reside as evidenced by the Letters to the Editor. A writer has claimed that Biden has declared himself the leader of a new world order. And started playing the old risk game in its own world order. In fact, it’s part of the alt-right conspiracy that plays nightly on Fox Entertainment. Biden was addressing corporate CEOs at a roundtable in March and said the United States must lead the new world order. Another writer castigated the Kavanaugh Supreme Court hearing and bad Democrats were so mean to him. After all, he’s only been accused of sexual assault, crying and blaming the far left and of course the classic phrase “I like beer.” Judge Jackson took the heat in stride and acted, well, like a judge. I must love these letters.
Laurence Jacks, Estero
Learn more about Adolph Rupp’s story
A recent letter writer said Adolph Rupp initially ‘refused to play his scheduled game due to the presence of a black player on the St. John’s team’ in reference to longtime coach Frank McGuire . There is much more to this story. Anyone who knew Rupp will admit that he would never “refuse” to play anyone. No one has any idea what was actually said in that phone conversation, but Rupp denied ever making such a statement. What is definitely true is that Rupp arranged for the St. John’s team to stay at the Lafayette Hotel, one of the top two hotels in Lexington at the time. He also called the Lexington Herald Leader’s office and asked them to write a column asking fans to be “tolerant and hospitable to Solly Walker”. There were no incidents before, during and after the game and Walker reportedly received a standing ovation during the game. McGuire and Rupp were lifelong friends.
Paul Fowler, Bonita Springs