Students under fire for intolerance
What a bitter irony for New College as president Richard Corcoranwhich was selected by Gov. Ron DeSantis to rid that institution of diverse viewpoints, promises to punish students for the “intolerance of diverse viewpoints in contemporary society.” (Herald-Tribune, May 30)
“That illiberal attitude has not and will not dominate New College,” he wrote to justify punishing those who protested a right-wing commencement speaker at their May 17 graduation ceremony.
I, like the graduating students of New College, feel helpless in the face of our governor’s overreach and his opportunistic power grab, trampling teachers, administrators and students.
What can those students do other than express their resistance?
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President Corcoran’s $1 million compensation package is proof that New College is indeed controlled by illiberal views, and that we, Florida taxpayers, are being forced to fund his ideological regime.
Grow up, Mr. Corcoran. Stop whining about bigotry when people don’t appreciate your ugly, heavy-handed tactics. Collect your generous rewards and bonuses and let them comfort you when those annoying students disturb your peace.
What audacity they have to complain while you are dismantling the foundations of free inquiry and social progress at New College!
Steven Phillips, Sarasota
Overdevelopment burdens the groundwater table
The bad news: As the leader of a project in my condominium association, I have had reason to speak with representatives from the Sarasota County NEST program and the University of Florida, as well as several pond management contractors.
Unfortunately, they all shared the same warning: that overdevelopment in the area is taxing our water table and is not sustainable.
The good news: I recently had the pleasure of meeting Shari Thornton, an independent candidate for Sarasota County Commissioner, District 3. When I brought up the water table issue, Shari knew exactly what I was talking about.
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Stopping overdevelopment in our province is her most important platform. She listed a number of infrastructure challenges resulting from overdevelopment, as well as the consequences we are already seeing: the destruction of the historic and peaceful charm we all love about our area.
She also shared something I hadn’t even thought about: tax dollars subsidize private development.
Let’s save our tax dollars, our environment and the charm that makes this area so special!
Jason Gallourakis, Venice
Rehabilitation centers fall short in the quality of care
Hospital stays often result in patients being transferred to rehabilitation centers, which are often part of retirement homes and nursing homes.
There are about 50 in the Sarasota area with ratings from 1 to 5 stars. Having stayed in both a 3-star and a 5-star hotel, I can tell you that the difference is stark. If you can, choose a 5-star hotel with a therapy pool.
What to pay attention to:
Medication: Pills should be checked daily. Because rehabilitation centers do not have pharmacies, delays may occur.
Food. Trucks drive there every day, so the availability of food is often uncertain.
Therapy: Therapists often don’t have schedules, so it can be difficult to find a time. You should continue your treatment.
Nurses: Highly sought after and difficult to find.
Doctors: Count on about 2 minutes per week.
CNAs and support staff: Communication is often difficult because many employees come from other countries and are not trained to be service-oriented. Courtesy, empathy, politeness, kindness and good manners are hard to find.
Nursing home facilities and rehabilitation centers need much more funding and a professional training agenda to achieve their elder care goals. I would advise anyone coming in to make sure there is a patient advocate.
Sally Coler, Sarasota
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Student protesters punished for ‘illiberal attitude’ at graduation
