Why do we allow pet dogs in restaurants and supermarkets?

No dogs, please

Growing up in New Jersey in the last half of the 20th century, the only dogs allowed in restaurants accompanied blind patrons.

Today in Florida, I see dogs not only in restaurants but in grocery stores, bars, department stores and many other locations. Most of these pets do not appear to be happy in these settings. Many of the people with these pets aren’t even paying attention to the pet or the pet’s reactions to strangers and strange places.

It’s about time that dogs are banned from stores, all kinds of stores. I have had dogs for most of my 69 years and never would I consider bring one shopping. Aside from how unsanitary it is, many people are afraid of dogs. What about them and their emotional needs? Or don’t they count?

It is unsanitary, unsafe and unsettling for the dogs and other patrons.

David Reines, Port Richey

Israel attacks Iran’s capital | June 13

No nukes

I hope Israel’s attack will not lead to a broader war in the Middle East, one that might involve U.S. troops. In any event, the reporting in our country has been deplorable. Not one article I’ve read or report I’ve listened to from television or radio news programming has mentioned that Israel already has nuclear weapons and that the United States government and private citizens were involved in Israel’s development of nuclear weapons.

So, we have the spectacle of a nuclear power taking a high-handed stance that another country should not be allowed to have nuclear weapons. Of course, the proper position to take is not to argue that Iran should be allowed to have nuclear weapons. The proper position should be that neither Israel nor Iran should have nuclear weapons, and the United States and it’s European allies should broker the end of those weapons in both countries.

Robert Monroe , Tampa

Moving away | Letters, June 13

Getting hotter

To the letter writer who prefers an occasional hurricane to “six months of misery” in Pennsylvania’s winter: What about the six months of misery in the Florida heat? We are getting more 90+ degree days. On those days, there’s no pleasant outdoor activity unless you’re in the water. Winters are great here. But the summers? I’ve had it.

Jay Bettsack, Tampa

Tampa Bay residents gather in 1,000s at ‘No Kings’ protests across region | June 15

Selective protest

Where were these protesters when:

1. President Barack Obama used an executive order to create the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, laws.

1. Obama deported more immigrants than ever before and was nicknamed “Deporter-in-Chief.”
2. President Joe Biden used an executive order to forgive tens of billions of dollars in federal college loans.

I guess those executive orders and presidential actions don’t count.

Tom Craig, Riverview

Tampa Bay Times brings newsroom to Armature Works with News & Brews events | May 27

News and Brews

I would like to thank Assistant Managing Editor Allison Ross and Senior Politics Reporter Kirby Wilson for listening to me rant and rave at the Times’ recent News and Brews event at Armature Works in Tampa. It’s a wonderful event to hear from readers, and it’s necessary for those who don’t have internet access or other technological means.

I’m crazy enough to push my club, the North Tampa Dems, in person. I’m crazy enough to give free water at the No Kings rally. I’m crazy enough to toot my own horn, because I care. I’m a union man, we do things a little differently, but effectively.

We want everyone to chill and achieve whatever the American Dream is for them. Thank you, Tampa Bay Times, for continuing to give voice to the public.

Jose ‘Choo-Choo’ Nunez, Tampa

Federal PLA mandate still on the books | June 12

Reverse Biden’s mandate

Florida’s construction workforce is the best in America. Over 97% of our builders work non-union, delivering world-class projects every day. That’s why the Trump administration’s decision to continue Biden’s failed project labor agreement mandate on federal construction projects over $35 million is a serious mistake.

This Biden-era policy favors Big Labor, effectively shutting out Florida’s skilled non-union contractors from competing for major federal work. The very people who built Florida’s infrastructure are being blocked from helping rebuild America. That’s not America First. That’s Washington picking winners and losers.

The government admits these mandates drive up costs by at least 10%, meaning taxpayers get fewer roads, bridges and military facilities for more money. The only ones benefiting are union bosses who bankroll these policies.

President Donald Trump promised to cut waste, put American workers first, and break Washington’s insider games. This policy does the opposite. It hands Big Labor a monopoly and sidelines Florida contractors who’ve built this economy.

If we want to strengthen America’s infrastructure, secure our border and rebuild our military, we need every qualified contractor working. It’s time for the Trump administration to reverse course, scrap Biden’s project labor agreement mandate, and restore fair competition. Florida’s workers are ready. Let them build.

Steve Cona III, Tampa

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