Split Oak issue needs full commitment
I wish to thank Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad for her explanation of why she felt compelled to demand independent legal representation concerning Split Oak, also addressing what was, in my opinion, the illegal acquisition of Eagles Nest property, which was never part of this land grab (“This is about more than a forest,” Feb. 4). The need for good counsel on this complicated issue is vital. County representation represents county issues — always has and always will. It seems like voter mandates are obviously written on quicksand and never accepted when voted on. I am glad Mayor Jerry Demings decided to allow this to go forward, even if he doesn’t accept the need to say “stop” to growth that does not follow sustainable practices pertaining to our unique environment in Central Florida. I would urge all commissioners to obtain partners in this battle in future confrontations, such as the Nature Conservancy in Florida. which has an excellent track record on having land set aside for conservation.
— Thomas Sipprell, Orlando
Keep drivers tests in English
There are approximately 7,100 to 7,168 known living languages currently spoken in the world, according to Ethnologue. I doubt we have that many languages in Florida, but what we do have are road signs and laws written in English. If you can’t read the signs or the laws you should not be driving (Letter to the editor: “Drivers test limits violate civil rights,” Feb. 4). Sorry, but driving is a privilege, not a right.
— Debora Dunbar, Casselberry
We must build upon Dr. King’s dream
As Americans pause to celebrate the legacy, contributions and achievements of African Americans both past and present during the 100th anniversary celebration of Black History Month, the focus has centered on the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his dream for this country and people.
While reflecting on the challenges of our current environment, I thought that we may need to amend King’s dream in order to call out and resolve these challenges.
King was a drum major for justice, yet we are surrounded by injustices on a daily basis. We bear witness to American citizens, either by birth or naturalization, being killed for standing up for the inhumane treatment of others. He was a devoted father believing in the sanctity of family, yet we see children torn away from their parents or afraid to attend school for fear that when they return their parents will be gone. King believed in the Constitution and rule of law serving as a legal and moral compass addressing the importance of adhering to these laws and govern us as human beings. Today we see the Constitution ignored and the rule of law substituted with self-interest, personal gains, retribution and power.
While King’s dream serves as the framework for building a democratic society for all people we must strive to support and expand that framework to meet today’s challenges in order to retain our democratic values.
— Patricia Jackson, Groveland
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