Not a sporting move
There are literally thousands of Big 10 fans who live full time, are snowbirds and visitors in Florida who want to watch the Big 10 sports on local TV.
You might have noticed the Big 10 network has been dropped in Florida and the rest of the Comcast programming states. Why? Comcast failed to negotiate a new contract with the Big 10.
If you want Big 10 sports back on Comcast programming then Big 10 fans make your voices heard to Comcast. They need to feel the power of the Big 10 fans to force Comcast to reopen programming negotiations. The SEC could be next.
Michael KIngery, Fort Myers
Cacioppi's 'final curtain' unfair
I have known Robert Cacioppi since 1991. I was one of the founding board of directors and it's treasurer. It seems that the decision to fire Robert has not been fairly thought out. To be a successful director one has to be critical. strict, forceful and sometimes unkind. The Wall Street Journal rated the theater "One of America's top repertory company for nine years." Recently Robert was honored with the Richard G Fallon Award for excellence in professional theater for his tenacity, vision, passion and leadership. I do believe all this should be considered before the ''final curtain".
Kenneth Nirenberg, Fort Myers
The latest news about Bob Cacciopo and FloridaRep is truly unfortunate. Bob did in fact build the foundation of a theater which has become a gem of the arts community here.
However, the recent letters from people saying they will no longer support the Rep are very upsetting. There have been many, many people who have poured their hearts and souls into the organization to build it to where it is today. Anyone who now chooses to turn their backs on Florida Rep and withdraw their support are being disrespectful to all of the people who have given so much to grow this organization.
The tens of thousands of people coming to view Rep performances every year have been a boost to the growth of our downtown area. As lovers of the arts let us band together to get through this transition and continue to grow our theater community.
Barbara Traum, Fort Myers
Who's entitled?
Trump’s record on entitlement programs is abysmal. He signed a tax bill that cuts funds for Medicare and Medicaid, food stamps, day care centers that help single mothers, and senior day care. So where Lou Walker (“Trump and the budget,” Mailbag, April 14). gets the idea that he has authorized “free social programs” is a mystery.
He also says it “took 15 months for Trump to become “part of the swamp”.
No. Trump went in with a swamp agenda that surpasses anything we have had in years. And the social programs his base thinks are "for deadbeats" are the very ones most of them have been relying on. His Cabinet appointees are destroying the agencies they lead, all part of Trump’s plan – say goodbye to clean water and air, say goodbye to protections from financial fraud on Wall Street, say goodbye to standards that keep us safe.
Yes, Walker is disappointed because the border wall hasn’t been built, and because “a tunnel in New York” will allow more illegals to come in. Trump has let him down. I’m so sad for him. And P.S., I can’t wait for Walker to get old enough to need social programs that, if Trump succeeds, are not there. Even Ayn Rand got on Medicaid when she was bankrupt and sick.
Harriet Stanton-Leaffer, Matlacha
Editorial not balanced
If there ever was doubt about the political position of this newspaper and its owner, USA TODAY, it was dispelled by your editorial on April 13 regarding Paul Ryan. To refer to the president as "a plutocratic populist devoid of respect for the rule of law, basic facts and competent government" truly expresses your opinion and makes laughable any attempt by this newspaper to present itself as fair and balanced in its reporting of world events involving the Trump administration.
Robert J. O'Hare, Estero