Letters to the Editor, Jan. 16, 2024
Project 2025 threatens democracy
On the anniversary of the Capitol Insurrection, I am writing to bring attention to an issue of great significance that has been unfolding since before Jan. 6, 2021, and continues to pose a serious threat to the foundations of our democracy.
Project 2025, orchestrated by the Republican Party in collaboration with the Heritage Foundation, is a matter that deserves heightened awareness. Despite its, profound implications, it remains obscured due to the deliberate soft-pedaling by major news outlets, as requested by the GOP.
This project, if implemented, stands to dismantle the very checks and balances that have safeguarded our nation against authoritarianism. Its impact reaches far beyond partisan lines and should compel every rational voter, irrespective of political affiliation, to reconsider supporting any GOP presidential candidate.
At this critical juncture, our nation teeters on the brink of choosing between democracy and the looming shadow of a dictatorship. Project 2025, under the guise of protecting freedom, paradoxically strips away these very freedoms. It threatens to undermine the public’s trust in the integrity of free and fair elections.
As concerned citizens, it is imperative that we unite to raise awareness about the true implications of Project 2025 and work towards preserving the democratic values that define our great nation. The future of our democracy hinges on informed and vigilant citizens who are willing to stand against any encroachment that weakens the pillars of our democratic system.
I urge you to join in the effort to bring this matter to the forefront of public discourse, fostering a collective commitment to safeguarding the principles upon which our nation was founded.
Jane Schlechtweg, Collier County Democratic Executive Committee chair, Marco Island
Honor the Merchant Marine
As a Marco resident in 2019, I attended the Memorial Day Service at Veterans Park and was disturbed that the U.S. Merchant Marine was not recognized. These mariners on board U.S. merchant ships in WWII died at the rate of 1 in 26 which is the highest rate of casualties in any of the services. They received no GI Bill or VA benefits like the other services thereby enduring physical disabilities and PTSD on their own.
I was able to get the U.S. Merchant Marine recognized at the following year’s event, hosted by VFW 404, which saluted the role they played. However no flag or service song was presented like the other services. No recognition was made at subsequent events, however Space Force was added though they didn’t exist until 2019. As a Master Mariner in the Merchant Marine and a Naval officer, it was my honor to sail with many WWII merchant mariners through the ’70s and ’80s. Their stories of heroism are epic.
To this day, the U.S. Merchant Marine is the backbone of any military venture and yet lapses in recognition add to the injustice committed to some of the greatest patriots in our history.
The government bestowed veterans status on them in 1988 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022. Cape Coral recognizes them with a monument and flag flying proudly amongst the other services. C’mon VFW 404, the Merchant Marine deserves to have their flag and service song played at your events. Seafarers who performed so outstandingly in a time of need and sacrifice left a legacy and tradition which must be remembered and cherished.
Ralph Rohena, Marco Island
Marco water quality
'Downstream' water quality improvement projects attempt to mitigate the 'impacts' of pollution. This is where most of Florida money is spent to 'improve' water quality. Same for Marco Island. Marco water quality improvement projects attempt to treat the impact of pollution, and do not address the root cause. As one example, $17,000,000 for the San Marco Road culverts will not reduce any sources of pollution. Downstream projects are easy – there are no special interests to oppose the projects. Just taxpayers who do not understand what is going on. Gives the appearance of doing something with 'Other People’s Money (OPM).'
'Upstream' water quality improvement projects reduce or eliminate the actual sources of pollution. These projects reduce nutrient inputs to the ecosystems from the actual sources of pollution including agriculture and sewage treatment plants. Upgrading the Marco sewage treatment plant to reduce nutrient pollution is an example of an upstream project. These projects are a benefit to the environment. Upstream projects are hard – the special interests complain and make the politician’s life difficult. Nothing is accomplished. This is the Florida problem.
When the City of Marco Island is accused of doing 'nothing' to improve water quality on the island, this refers to an absence of 'upstream' pollution reductions. The city responds by saying that they are implementing 'many' projects to improve water quality. Of course, the city is referring to 'downstream' projects, where there are no actual pollution reductions.
Reducing nutrients at the source is more cost effective and efficient than restoring ecosystems after they have been impacted by nutrients. Politicians feel the need to appear to be doing 'something' about water quality, even though they are actually doing nothing at all. The public does not understand the difference.
Eugene Wordehoff, Ian McKeag, Collier Citizens Council
MoreLetters to the Editor, Dec. 29