Standing up for democracy, LGBTQ rights
What a pleasant surprise it was to see such a huge turnout at the June 14 Sarasota “No Kings” anti-Trump rally and the LGBTQ Pride banner event, which immediately followed the rally.
It’s always moving and impressive to see the 700-foot Pride banner carried across the Ringling Bridge.
President Donald Trump may choose to ignore the nationwide protest rallies, but other Republican politicians, such as members of Congress and governors, will take note as they want to get reelected.
It was especially nice to see so many young people participate in both events. We baby boomers are still out there protesting, even though much of our lives are now in the rearview mirror.
Young people have so much to lose and need to hit the streets like we did when we protested the Vietnam War and fought for civil rights.
They have their whole lives ahead of them and it would be nice to know that they will get to lead their lives in a democracy and not a fascist state.
Dan M. Warren, Sarasota
Nationwide protests pivotal for country
On June 14, there were organized, peaceful “No Kings” protests all over the country, possibly the largest such protests against a sitting president in U.S. history.
Our local Southwest Florida rallies consisted of thousands of people concerned about the illegal and unconstitutional actions of the current administration.
The June 14 rally was different than other recent events at the same locations, not just in size but in the age and diversity of participants.
Photos and videos from across the nation displayed on reputable social media sites such as Threads and Bluesky reflect that June 14 was a pivotal day for our country.
The millions of us who participated in these rallies can no longer be dismissed as a small group of “crazy communist liberals.”
The momentum of this current movement reflects that a significant percentage of us are willing to stand up and be counted.
Our democracy, founded on the U.S. Constitution and rule of law, is worthy of our efforts to stand with our neighbors on a street corner to oppose authoritarian rule.
William Welsch, Punta Gorda
Demonstrations disrespectful of military
As a retired military officer, I think I speak for all veterans when I say that the “No Kings” protests that coincided with the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary were proof that liberals have no respect for our military.
To foul the air June 14 with their chants and posters showed all who have ever worn a U.S. uniform, all who have been sent overseas, all who have endured combat and all who have been wounded – as well as all who have died in service of these liberals – that they are not worthy of all we have endured.
To my brothers in arms in the Army, this Marine says “Duty, Honor, Country” is who you are.
Be proud of your service and don’t let the noise from these protesters take from your day of remembrance and glory of your service.
Col. John W. Saputo, USMC, retired, Sarasota
GOP condemns riots, but what about Jan. 6?
Hypocrisy is alive and well in Florida.
Gov. Ron DeSantis and his cronies are coming down hard on what they call “rioting,” but I don’t recall them condemning the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol rioters.
Let’s be clear that silencing some voices and not others is not only un-American but will lead to all dissent eventually being stifled.
That means your voice as well as mine.
Karen R. Koenig, Sarasota
Wrong to denigrate expansive education
When I went to Penn – the University of Pennsylvania – one bonus was playing on a soccer team of foreign students.
When my daughter went there, the international student body had increased to 15%.
And when I attended one of Penn’s graduate programs, there was a stimulating student diversity.
Now, Penn’s president has stated that the university will lose millions of dollars in science and medical research, “thanks” to our federal government. Locally, we know a recent Harvard grad who will go to graduate school – in Canada!
Thus, it remains wrongheaded for our president and governor, both of whom are Ivy League grads, to denigrate the importance of an education that is liberating and expansive.
The pendulum always swings.
And there are already signs that scores of universities will reconfirm their diversity and embrace the complexity of our modern world.
Mack Goode, Sarasota
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota stood up, spoke out on No Kings Day | Letters
Reporting by Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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