Columnist gave false information about FEMA aid to storm victims

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Column spreads disinformation about aid

Shame on the Sarasota Herald-Tribune for not correcting the disinformation implied about FEMA in its appalling October 23 guest column.”Why should women vote for Trump?.”

In addition to the ludicrous idea that female voters should find a sexual harasser named Donald Trump a credible presidential candidate, the guest columnist Trump-inspired lie that Hurricane Helene victims were offered “about $750” “After FEMA distributed billions of taxpayer dollars to noncitizens.”

Verification: The $750 provided to Helene victims was just one of the immediate, advance aid survivors could receive to meet basic needs such as food, water, and emergency supplies.

Survivors may also apply for additional forms of assistance, such as paying for temporary housing and home repairs, which can be worth thousands of dollars. In fact, the Biden-Harris administration oversaw: More than $45 million in aid provided To those directly affected by Hurricane Helene.

Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for FEMA cash assistance programs.

As a Florida newspaper, getting accurate information about hurricanes and disaster relief agencies like FEMA is especially important.

Laura Luckert, Venice

Walz, my teacher, an honest man

Tim Walz, whom I will always know as Mr. Walz, was my high school teacher.

Enrolling at Mankato West High School halfway through my sophomore year was challenging, but Mr. Walz remains a positive memory from that time.

He helped build sets for school plays, was a faculty sponsor for the Gay-Straight Alliance (of which I am a member), and went out of his way to wish me luck before the state speech contest.

I have come to know Mr. Walz, now Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, as a truly kind and decent person. Mr. Walz emphasizes what we have in common in both education and politics.

Mr. Walz’s delivery of cookies to the Republican Party tent at the Minnesota State Fair — along with the message “Cookies do not cross party lines” — reflects his commitment to civility and public service.

The same goes for this statement from Mr. Walz on a podcast: “You don’t need me to preach, you need to try to preach. … Try to help your neighbors.”

This type of advice is invaluable to our elected leaders.

Although we disagree on some issues, I have personally found Mr. Walz to lead with strong character, principles, and integrity. I look forward to Mr. Walz becoming “Vice President Walz” and continuing to prioritize bipartisan goals.

Kristen Knauf, Lakewood Ranch

Plant-based diet is safer and healthier than meat

There is something wrong with our food systems.

recent E. coli outbreak This condition, linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers, has led to illness, hospitalization and even death.

The CDC, FDA and other health agencies are investigating the freshly sliced ​​onions that came in the Quarter Pounder as a suspected source of contamination.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen outbreaks linked to meat-based products, and it highlights a larger issue with food safety in animal agriculture.

There is a better way.

By adopting a plant-based diet we can avoid these risks and enjoy delicious food that is both safe and ideal for human health, the planet and animals.

Now is the time to explore plant-based alternatives and make compassionate choices for a better future.

Charles Winn-Smith, Sarasota

USA should act harder against Israel

The article titled “Blinken meets with Netanyahu in Israel” published on October 23 shows once again that the Biden administration has no influence on Israel and its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel’s philosophy is “Give us your money and your weapons. You can keep your advice.”

Israel continues to kill Palestinian women and children in Gaza, and now civilians in Lebanon, using American bombs, missiles, tanks and warplanes.

America must end all financial, military and diplomatic aid to Israel and become an honest broker for peace in the Middle East.

Ray Gordon, Venice

It’s shocking to learn that veterans support Trump

I recently passed a house with a Veterans for Trump lawn sign. I must admit that I was stunned that such an organization existed.

Former President Donald Trump has vilified the military, both active and veteran, in so many ways that I don’t know how such an organization could even consider supporting him.

think about how Vietnam used “bone spurs” to avoid draft.

Consider his horrific statements about Senator John McCain.

Trump called the dead soldiers “suckers” and “losers.” He expressed disdain for wounded veterans and A ceremony was used at Arlington National Cemetery shooting a political commercial.

My veteran brothers, where did you go wrong to support this man?

James F. Tierney, Bradenton

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This article first appeared in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Letters: Women should not find Trump credible, column on aid is wrong