E-bike safety
Not sure why there is so much discussion about these E-bikes. Surely having a throttled bike that does not need to be pedaled is far different than a pedal bike. The law should make all E-bikes have a governor on them that limits a person to 20 mph. Once above that the E-bike is no longer a bike. Throttled bikes should need to be used only in bike lanes and on the roadways. Pedal assist should be able to use both especially for the elderly.
John Regina, Fort Myers Beach
Credit card service fees
Greed! As restaurants in Naples continue to become more and more expensive, we now find many are adding a “service fee” of 3% – 4% to customer’s checks for the “honor” of using credit cards in lieu of cash to pay their check. Additionally, the “service fee” is frequently not disclosed on their respective websites. So now we are paying an additional 9-10% per check when including the 6% Florida sales tax. Most credit card companies will negotiate as to what their fees will be and most charge less than 3 or 4% to use their cards. California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts and Oklahoma prohibit adding service fees for use of credit cards in lieu of cash.
To me restaurant service fees are just another way for restaurants to squeeze more money out of customers. Unfortunately, I’m sure this practice is hurting the server’s tips as well as driving customers to other more reasonably priced restaurants with no service fees. Restaurants should either “suck it up” or include the service charge in the menu pricing as they have done in the past.
Pete Schmidt, Naples
Protecting panthers
I am a boy scout with Troop 2001. This letter is about protecting Florida panthers. In my opinion, we should build more overpasses and improve roadways so that they are not directly exposed to nature. Reduce speed limits in areas where panthers and other animals are commonly hit. Or make barriers and obstructions preventing animals to have access to roads to prevent more tragic animal deaths.
John Ritter, Ave Maria
Silence of legal community
We are in the early stages of an authoritarian makeover by the current president, and it appears this country’s lawyers are doing their best to ignore the constitutional law and ethics they were taught in law school. Trump’s attack on the legal system is core to his authoritarian measures. He seeks the removal of any judge that rules against his edicts and is issuing unprecedented Executive Orders that would bar those opposing him from obtaining the best legal assistance. His attacks on the legal system are shocking and “rephrehesible” as found by U.S. District judge John Bates.
I didn’t graduate from a fancy Ivy League school, but my studies at the University of Tennessee School of Law impressed upon me the fundamental understanding of the importance that all sides get fair and proper legal representation. That includes an impoverished criminal defendant as well as a federal prosecutor investigating and prosecuting political crimes. Trump is attempting to intimidate and harass top law firms to prevent them from supporting and assisting any challenge to his past illegal behavior or his current despotic orders. And the legal community is uncomfortably silent, except for the few big firms that refuse to capitulate.
It is astonishing and incomprehensible that my fellow lawyers, trained in the law schools throughout this country, will sit back quietly while our legal system and Constitution are ravaged by this current president. Whether one is conservative or liberal, the forceful attacks on our constitutional form of government are unmistakable and must be opposed.
Louis S. Erickson, Esq., Naples
Abduction of grad student
I was horrified to learn yesterday that several masked hoodlums accosted a Muslim woman from Turkey on a sidewalk, a graduate student at Tufts University (my alma mater), placed her in shackles and flew her 1,358 miles to Louisiana. It turned out to be ICE who abducted her. Unlike police in uniform with names on their badges, they did not take her to a local office, read her constitutional rights, and interview her. Instead, they subjected her to cruel and illegal punishment, a shameful, dishonorable, violation of our Constitution and basic human decency. I trust you will join me in opposing such disgusting antisocial behavior.
Rev. Peter T. Richardson, Naples
Stamp Out Hunger
It’s important for the community we serve to know that letter carriers, postal workers and managers care about our local community. We have made it possible that any post office in Naples and Marco Island has a place to donate food at any time you visit the office from now until May 10.
Millions of Americans live from one day to the next uncertain where they’ll get their next meal. Nearly two million people in Florida experience food scarcity according to the U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey. This is a sad statistic that helps reinforce the importance of our annual national Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, to be held this year on Saturday, May 10.
Letter carriers see many of these folks along our routes each day. Our food drive can make a positive difference in the lives of those who have been dealing with difficult circumstances in their life. You can play a major role in reducing food insecurity in our community. All the donations received from Naples and Marco Island residents will stay in Collier County.
If you’re leaving to go back home prior to that date, please leave your food at the mailbox for your letter carrier or you can drop it off at the Post Office. Those who wish to help in a bigger way by volunteering their time the day of the event or with donations of any sort, including checks made out to Meals of Hope, or local markets who would like to kick start the drive with a few thousands cans of food please contact Julyvette Pacheco, Community Outreach Manager, at Meals of Hope and say “I want to Stamp Out Hunger.” The Meals of Hope location can be found at 2221 Corporation Blvd., Naples FL 34109 239-596-8990 Ext.104. You can help now or on May 10. We, as your Postal family say thank you for any help you can provide to those in need in our local communities.
Al Micieli, Naples
Stop Trump’s authoritarianism
I am deeply concerned about our country’s direction.
Under Trump, funds for cancer research, food banks, teacher training and veterans are being slashed without regard for consequences. Judges have blocked many cuts pending full court hearings, noting Congress has the power to appropriate federal dollars. Many of us agree there’s bloat, but cuts should be made with precision and congressional approval. Additionally, the current Cabinet is composed of unqualified amateurs who threaten our country by propagating falsehoods about vaccines, utilizing insecure networks to communicate classified battle plans and have been hired to do the bidding of the administration at the expense of the law and Constitution.
Aside from the tariffs imposed on friends and foe alike, Trump is threatening to invade sovereign nations like Greenland and Canada who have been our staunch allies. This threatens a world order that his been in place for 80 years and undermines our core principles of freedom and democracy.
I hope everyone who cherishes democracy will work together to stop Trump’s authoritarianism. Please join the April 5 “Hands Off!” rallies in Naples and nationwide. Contact elected officials, subscribe to fact-based journalism, and donate to groups fighting for civil rights. Our freedom is at stake.
Joan Crofton, Naples
Echoes of ‘1984’
After 68 years, I am now reading “1984” by George Orwell and it should be required reading for every U.S. citizen. Hopefully it hasn’t been banned yet. It is porn. It mentions sex! I find it amazing that these religious zealots, as kids, were, like most of us, looking in libraries for books talking about sex and exploring each other in drive-ins and woods. Just being normal kids, as every generation has done before them. As much as they’d like to dictate morals, hormones and curiosity will always win out now and did so then.
But, I digress. In “1984” the characters live in repressed times and they get all their news and history from the Ministry of Truth. Its sole purpose it to rewrite history to match the stories being told to the people on TV broadcasts. If people question what is true, their only recourse is to check with the ministry, which has rewritten the history and people believe the lies because it is said to be the truth.
Such is now happening thanks to Trump and his minions. Any history that portrays whites in a bad light in any way is being stricken from museums and even from the Pentagon. From the Code Talkers to Jackie Robinson, to the two guys at the flag raising at Iwo Jima! Slavery history will soon be erased in schools ’cause it makes white people sad and feel guilty. It should. We as a nation should “own” our history, good or bad. Admit our mistakes and try to do better and revel in our triumphs.
Dennis Brown, Bonita Springs
Exploitation of youth workers
If you think teens in Florida are protected from draconian child labor laws popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, then read the pending “Employment of Minors” bill HB1225/SB918. If passed, it would allow employers to schedule any 16- and 17-year-olds, and 14- and 15-year-olds who have graduated high school or who are home schooled or virtual schooled for unlimited hours and days without breaks during the school year. This means teens could work any time, day or night, seven days a week, without breaks.
If passed, this would undo decades of protection for Florida teens while increasing exploitation of youth workers. If you agree this is an attempt to swap deported immigrant laborers with child labor, contact your Florida senator and representatives. Tell them VOTE NO on HB1225/SB918. Our kids deserve better.
Libbie Bramson, Naples
Boater bills, water quality
Two new boater bills, Senate bill 1388 and House bill 1001, have been proposed by Governor DeSantis and supported by the Florida Legislature. They are a threat to water quality and potential damage to a Treasure Coast conservation area by gas- and diesel-powered boats.
Floridians made it clear by protests a short while ago that we did not want development and golf courses damaging Florida’s nature filled parks. We, also, value the beauty and health of our waterways and want them protected from damage. These bills are not “Freedom” initiatives. They are “Waterway Damage” initiatives.
Dorothy S. Kuzneski, Naples
Rescuing Social Security
The Social Security System is once again being targeted by the Republicans. They have been trying to kill Social Security for over 80 years. Now is their opportunity since they claim SS will be broke in a few years and their modus operandi is to slash employees and spending. Dare we suggest increasing revenue?
In 2025 you will pay SS taxes on $175,100 of income. If this is your income or less, you will pay this tax until Dec. 31. Now consider the income of your favorite NFL player or coach. His SS tax will be paid in full halfway through the first quarter of the first game played in the new year. Likewise for your millionaire friend who will have met his tax limit before finishing his first cup of coffee. And the Republicans in the House of Representatives cannot figure out how to increase revenue?
Why not have two levels of Social Security taxation? The first $100K would be taxed, and then a break in taxation. The SS tax would then be reinstated, say at the $400K level, perhaps to $5 million, for example. Even this formula has the rate of taxation so much higher for the lesser paid individuals.
Don’t hold your breath. The GOP would rather see Social Security quietly pass away and offer you their “thoughts and prayers.”
Bob Ford, Fort Myers
Appreciation for Canadian friends
A recent letter writer from Canada expressed concern about “the general silence from the rest of America“ in response to Trump’s declaration of making Canada our 51st state. Most informed Americans are well aware of the friendship and support our countries have enjoyed for many years and value this important relationship. The “silence” that Canadians interpret as non-support is fear.
Those of us who have followed the rise of power and control that Trump has seized feel overwhelmed by events and changes that threaten our laws, our values, and our pride as a nation that cherishes friendship with many countries. When we look at our American institutions that are in danger of being demolished or are crumbling under Trump and Musk’s misguided DOGE: National Security, Justice, Healthcare, Education, Science, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Diversity, Immigration, we are frightened. We hold our breath not knowing what else will be announced when Trump needs his next headline. Americans are in fear of losing their way of life and many feel helpless in responding to these threats. Canadians should not mistake “silence” for approval of Trump’s agenda.
The politicians in Florida ignore the fact that Canadians are an important source of revenue for the state of Florida. It is unfortunate that the governor who is more focused on his own political future cannot be a voice in support of, and appreciation for, our Canadian friends, many of whom own property, pay taxes, and support local businesses.
Americans feel frustration and despair, and while we do not agree that Canada should be our 51st state, we feel powerless in the face of so much chaos. Our “silence” is not affirmation. We value our Canadian friends.
Mary Doolin, Naples
Attacks on Tesla
I am patiently waiting for a letter from a progressive reader which, instead of expressing hatred and disdain for President Trump and/or Elon Musk, explains in simple terms why it makes sense for those who disagree with these gentlemen to firebomb Tesla dealerships and make death threats. While you’re at it, please include a sentence or two to enlighten those of us who believe in law and order as to why only a handful of Democrat congresspersons have condemned such actions. Thanks in advance, although I’m not holding my breath.
Dave Bridgeman, Alva
Undermining global standing
Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda, once seen as a bold strategy to protect U.S. interests, has become a liability that threatens America’s global standing and the values of many of his supporters, particularly Christians. By alienating allies, dismantling international agreements, and weakening institutions, Trump has empowered non-Christian nations while diminishing the global influence of Christian values.
His foreign policy has strained relations with key allies in Europe and the West — regions where Christianity has historically shaped governance and culture. Actions like withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord and criticizing NATO have weakened alliances with predominantly Christian nations. Meanwhile, Trump’s overtures to authoritarian regimes such as China and Russia have shifted global power toward nations where Christianity holds little sway, undermining religious freedoms and moral norms on the global stage.
Economically, Trump’s isolationist policies, including trade wars and withdrawal from multilateral agreements, have disrupted U.S. industries and strengthened competitors like China. This shift reduces the ability of Western economies to fund humanitarian aid and Christian missions abroad. Domestically, cuts to agencies like USAID have hampered Christian-led charitable efforts.
Environmental rollbacks further harm vulnerable populations, particularly in developing nations where Christian missions play a vital role. By retreating from global leadership, Trump risks marginalizing Christian perspectives worldwide.
Trump’s “America First” agenda has isolated the U.S., weakened alliances, and empowered adversaries — leaving Christians less secure in a world where their values are increasingly sidelined. True leadership requires cooperation with allies who share America’s foundational principles.
Paul Howard, Naples
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Letters to the editor for Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Reporting by Letter writers / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
