Forced to treat unvaxxed kids? | Sept. 28
Only in the so-called “Free State of Florida” could freedom be redefined this way. Our anti-science governor, his surgeon general and the obedient minions in the Legislature are now cooking up a plan to force pediatricians to treat unvaccinated children. First, they proudly made Florida the only state to give parents the “freedom” to skip lifesaving vaccines. Now these same champions of “choice” want to strip physicians of the freedom to keep their waiting rooms from becoming germ buffets.
Parental choice? Sacred. Medical choice? Not a chance. In Tallahassee, freedom apparently means parents get to gamble with public health while doctors are ordered to play along. Maybe next, they’ll require surgeons to operate blindfolded. After all, why let pesky medical training interfere with politics?
David Burg, Tampa
Forced to treat unvaxxed kids? | Sept. 28
In a recent edition of the Times, the president of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics is quoted as saying that “seeing unvaccinated patients requires special precautions.”
In fairly unusual situations where a patient presents with an easily identifiable contagious disease, “special” or “targeted” precautions are appropriate. However, in most cases, it can not readily be determined if a patient is carrying a contagious disease. For this reason, about 40 years ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention introduced the concept and practice of “Universal Precautions.”
Although it rapidly became associated with a specific set of tactics (gloves, masks, and other precautions), it was a concept and a strategy. Specifically, if it cannot be readily determined whether a patient is carrying a contagious disease, it must be assumed that the patient is, and all precautions must be taken.
While observing Universal Precautions is not legally required, it almost immediately became the “standard of care” in medical and similar settings. They were described as “simple, unobtrusive, inexpensive and readily adopted.”
Because a pediatrician sees many patients who may potentially carry a contagious disease, and because it is rarely possible to determine rapidly and simply whether a patient is unvaccinated, “special” precautions are not necessary. Those precautions should be applied to all patients.
Steven Fein, D.D.S., Land O’ Lakes
Florida leaders must lower the temperature after Charlie Kirk’s death | Column, Sept. 22
In response the guest column urging Florida leaders to lower the temperature after Charlie Kirk’s death, I offer this suggestion: turn to another channel; however, do not turn off the conversation.
The deeper issue is more pervasive and more dangerous. The president’s recent remarks suggesting that the Federal Communications Commission should deny licenses to media outlets critical of him are not mere political theater. They represent a direct threat to the constitutional principles of free speech and a free press. We cannot afford to be passive consumers of outrage.
Turning to another channel means refusing to reward sensationalism with our attention. It also means turning toward credible journalism that informs rather than inflames. Outlets like the Tampa Bay Times play a vital role in holding power accountable and fostering civic dialogue. We must support them by reading, subscribing, sharing and defending their independence.
We must also speak up. Write to your representatives. Advocate for policies that protect press freedom. Challenge efforts to intimidate or silence dissent. Democracy does not thrive on silence. Democracy thrives on principled engagement.
So yes, turn to another channel. But keep the signal strong. Our freedom depends on it.
Tom Feaster, Tampa
Florida wins if Trump protects the country’s forage fish | Column, Sept. 26
Thanks to guest columnist Jim McDuffie for bringing the issue of forage fish to our attention. I’ve no doubt his concerns are valid and that the issue deserves attention. I’m surprised, however, that he feels the need to direct this issue to the president of the United States and that the most reasonable method of addressing his concerns is a presidential executive order.
Not so long ago, the typical approach would be to ask the Legislature to pass appropriate laws or to contact the agencies responsible for addressing environmental concerns. Is this requirement for presidential action the new American normal? Are our legislatures so hamstrung by the political process that they cannot address even the most mundane of bipartisan issues? Has the staff of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service been so depleted that they can’t address this reasonable concern? Has our 249-year-old democracy devolved to the point where only a supreme leader can resolve issues on behalf of the citizenry?
If so, it’s way past time to reinstate the basics of American democracy.
Jon Crawfurd, Gulfport
If we cut property taxes, what will make up the difference | Sept. 17
Local leaders want state funds for a science center. Hurricane victims want federal aid, even if they didn’t have insurance. Every city wants money for subsidized housing. The list never stops.
Where does the money come from? The thing that none of the takers want … taxes.
We can’t have it both ways.
Carl Zielonka, Tampa
‘Sawtooth’ Pinellas beach renourishment could leave some homes at risk | Sept. 24
Beach erosion is only going to get worse for those few who own beachfront property. It’s a waste of taxpayer money to fight the ever-worsening hurricanes that are part of living in this particular danger zone. Perhaps it’s time to stop spending foolish money on renourishing beaches in front of private properties and let the beaches revert to their origins. Those beachfront owners can live inshore like the rest of us. This is costing us money and resources and will cost us even more if the 2024 hurricane season is any hint of our future.
Bruce Fournier, St. Petersburg
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