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Not fit for family viewing! Sounds like the quotes Ive been reading from Gov. Ron DeSantis and his Republican colleagues in the Legislature. Theyve been warning us of dangers to children if the little ones catch glimpses of drag queens dancing and waving at them from floats in Florida pride parades.

But the above quote isnt recent. It dates way back to 1954. Ed Sullivan was reacting to requests that he book 21-year-old Elvis Presley on his variety show. Just as with our governor today, Sullivan was deeply concerned about the unhealthy effects some of Elvis dance moves might have on the sexual development of Americas children.

Eventually Sullivan did book Elvis. To limit possible damage to children viewing at home, CBS directed its cameras to censor any shots of The Kings gyrating hips. But, as with the recent Drag Queen Christmas Show at Orlandos Plaza Live, children were not banned from the studio audience. So they could see it all. Fortunately, no long-term damage was reported.

Clive Thomas Orlando

Legislators who authored the bill to cap contributions by city-owned utilities to city budgets in the interest of fairness to customers who live outside municipal boundaries could have three possible motives:

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First could be an impulse to be fair to customers outside the city, who do not benefit directly from city amenities or services. However, many from outlying areas visit or work in the city that owns the utility serving them, and enjoy them while there. Capping contributions could raise taxes on residents to cover shortfalls while having neither benefit nor penalty for non-residents. Fairness sounds good, but much recent legislation lacks fairness entirely.

Second, the motivation could be both economic and political. Developers may choose a city-owned utility for new neighborhoods because rates are reasonable, service dependable, and the city willing to connect. For-profit companies would be happy to service these customers instead. With the cap in place, the city might not be as willing a partner. Did for-profit actors contact legislative friends for help?

Third would be a baldly political motive. Since cities often vote Democratic, punishing them by punching holes in their budgets, forcing higher taxes on their blue-aligned residents, would fit the regrettable current of Florida politics.

City-owned utilities generally have good track records and satisfied customers both inside and outside city limits. Unlike for-profit companies, they must answer directly to local officials rather than stockholders in other states. Follow the rule of If it aint broke, dont fix it and bury this bill.

Robert S. Carr Orlando

A commentary that appeared in Sundays Orlando Sentinel (LGBTQ+ students face terrifying reality as school boards get partisan) is alarming and very accurate. The student who wrote it, Will Larkins, is telling the truth when it comes to this sinister group of charlatans. The Christian right has seemingly been empowered by the Republican Party to strike down and erase what they dont like in public schools. None of what they do has anything to do with protecting children but has everything to do with pushing their narrative and religious beliefs on others. Does this sound familiar? Dont let this happen to your kids. Stop the madness, stand up and push back. Your public schools need your help now more than ever.

PJ Whelan Orlando

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Drag shows only the latest unnecessary censorship | Letters - Orlando Sentinel