Replace state money with New College endowment

NCF endowment could replace state funds

The only hope for New College is to create an endowment sufficient for divorce from state funds.

Warren Buffett, in his recent annual shareholder meeting, told about an early investor in Berkshire Hathaway who had just given $1 billion to the Albert Einstein School of Medicine so students would no longer have to pay tuition.

If the alums cannot raise enough through donations, they should hire a professional fundraiser to approach the Bill Gates Foundation, Melinda Gates, Steve Jobs widow, Jeff Bezos ex-wife or Warren Buffett.  Any one of those could create a large enough endowment to eliminate the need for state funds and it would be pocket change. 

Then the college could say goodbye to President Richard Corcoran, Christopher Rufo and the other jerks on the board appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.  Name a few buildings after whoever creates the endowment.

Bruce W. Pitzer, Sarasota

Ethics law restricts our freedom

So let’s be clear.

When the media does an exhaustive investigation into alleged wrongdoing by a public official, the state is not required to investigate the alleged wrongdoing, corruption or misbehavior, as stated in a new law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Whom is he protecting in political office? Almost everyone, under this outrageous new law.

This governor feels he has the right to limit the freedoms that Floridians have always had. The new law makes it nearly impossible for the average citizen, and even the media, to question the actions of public officials.

Think of all the scandals that were uncovered by hearsay and reporting, and then investigated.

The new law takes away the freedom of the people. The question is why?

Rich Unger, Sarasota

Letter all wrong about Trump

The critical letter June 26 concerning former President Donald Trump begs a reply (“Trump’s beliefs contrary to rule of law”). 

The letter chastised Trump’s “exhortations of violence.” But Trump’s tweets to thousands on Jan. 6, 2021, as revealed by Elon Musk, called for people to respect law enforcement and avoid violence – and to ensure their voices were heard in a peaceful and patriotic manner.

The letter also accused Trump of antisemitism: Please see the Abraham Accords – and note that Trump’s son-in-law, Jared, is Jewish and his daughter, Ivanka, converted to Judaism.

The letter disparaged Trump’s supporters as naive and working-class with no knowledge of NATO. Many presidents have politely asked all NATO countries to contribute their pledged amounts for their defense without compliance by several. Trump simply let it be known if you don’t fulfill your defense pledge, don’t expect the U.S. to be there if you are besieged. 

Finally, Trump did acknowledge Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un as intelligent, tough leaders; it is foolhardy and unacceptable to disregard the assets of your opposition. 

Richard Paolillo, Nokomis

Biden has energy, ability for second term

I moved into an independent senior facility (it also provides assisted living and nursing) two and a half years ago. The average age of the residents was about 88 years old.

The mental acuity of most residents is still at a high level. The level of activities that stimulates their minds and their bodies certainly helps.

In my opinion, a man 81 years old is certainly capable of being president. President Joe Biden has shown that he has the ability and the energy through his experience and accomplishments to serve another term.

Howard Bloom, Sarasota

Write to us: How to send a letter to the editor