Letters to the Editor, July 2

On the right side of history

Medical marijuana has been legalized by the state of Florida and Collier County.  And now, thanks to five of our city councilors – Sam Young, Jared Grifoni, Larry Honig, Charlette Roman and Victor Rios – Marco Island will have an approved and legal dispensary from which to purchase medical marijuana.

 Marco Island has one of the most elderly demographics in the U.S. with a median age of 64.7 years old. I hope that those speaking against a local medical cannabis treatment center, that are convenient to our beloved grandparents and great-grandparents are ok with them dying to appease their selfish "not in my backyard" policies. 

I want all residents, who currently and/or in the future may need it, to be able to stay in their own neighborhood with specialists they're familiar with to help them make decisions on what is right for them. They deserve personalized, small-town care to discuss their needs and options face-to-face with professionals, just as they do with their health care providers and pharmacists. They should not be forced to travel or rely on mail-order deliveries to secure medical marijuana.   

The councilors who voted to approve this measure are all truly on the right side of history and I’m proud to have you as representatives. Your consideration for the needs of the sick and elderly on Marco Island will save lives. This should be the primary concern of everyone in this community.

Susan G. Leslie, Marco Island

Immigration

Why do people come to America? If not to honor our flag, if not to dress as Americans, if not to honor our traditions and if not to speak English.

It seems more and more that the people coming here from other countries, to get away from the oppression of those countries, want us to change our ways so that they can fit in. Why come here; I don't get it. Everyone seems to be able to say this.

We speak English, we love our flag, not yours; come and celebrate with us and leave your country behind. Become an American.

Rozine Grey, Marco Island

Immigrants being demonized?

A letter recently condemned policies from Democratic presidential aspirants during the debates. Coddling immigrants, free stuff for everybody — where is the work ethic, he ranted.

If he is not an American Indian, his people came from another country. They probably struggled to make it, and had all the advantages we provide to newcomers. His elitism is amazing. Non-white newcomers are unwelcome. His  grand assumptions about their worth are based on what? President Trump’s racism?

Those seeking asylum are fleeing horrendous conditions. Drug lords are recruiting their children, and families who refuse are murdered.

Most of us are the children of immigrants. The humane welcome we give to those who are desperate is not something we should stop because a racist is now president.  Children in detention at the border are denied basic human comforts. Those “caring” for them are forbidden to touch them, hug them, offer emotional support.

The legend on the Statue of Liberty – “Give us your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” speaks to our humanity.

Under Trump, we are abandoning our principles.  The people he appeals to love his message: Their lives are miserable because of minorities.  They deserve to be heard, to have their issues addressed, but they should not have the power to demonize others to excuse their failures.

Harriet Stanton-Leaffer, Matlacha

A veggie July Fourth

Here are the 10 reasons for barbecuing veggie burgers and hot dogs this Independence Day, rather than ground-up animal body parts:

Focusing on traffic and fireworks safety, rather than food safety.

Giving your eyes a break from reading government food warning labels.

Not sweating nasty E. coli and salmonella bugs if temperature is too low.

Not sweating cancer-causing compounds if barbecue temperature is too high.

Not wondering about what's really in that burger or hot dog you're chewing.

Giving your body a holiday from saturated fat, cholesterol and hormones.

Not sweating the animal cruelty and environmental devastation guilt trips.

Not having to explain to your kids why we feed Rex and eat Babe.

Distinguishing your Independence Day menu from your friends and neighbors.

Celebrating a day of independence from the meat industry.

Nick Dalloway, Naples