Alex Benefield, an instructor at Boyd Anderson High School, was convicted of two counts of dog fighting in federal court and received two years of probation.
This is in itself a cause for outrage. But what really disturbs me is that he’s a teacher of children. What message does this send to our youth — that torturing and killing animals for sport is OK?
As reported in the paper, the principal and others at the school wrote letters of recommendation and pleaded that he be spared prison because he mentors children.
Excuse me?
You reported that federal agents found 36 pit bulls in cages, many of them injured. Read the criminal complaint. He proudly stated he had a dog that had killed and eaten five others. And the Broward County School Board feels it’s appropriate for him to teach children?
This man is a monster who does not need to infect our children with his callous disregard for living things. We have enough negative influences on our youth.
Philip Singer, Gainesville
Not right to kill bears
It is not right to kill bears. They deserve to live like anything else.
People have pushed the bears off their land to build this or that. They have no place to go.
There are habitats for the Florida panther; why not for bears? People are cruel and gun-happy.
I pray to God that this killing stops. I have a lot of friends who think the same way. This so uncalled for. I pray that President Trump will do something about this.
Rita Blake, LaBelle, Fla.
Why that tag won’t sell
You published a news story on the lack of sales of the Florida license plate that proclaims support for Israel.
Many of us (including yours truly) were unaware of the availability of a Florida tag that declares support for a foreign nation, and a controversial nation at that.
Why is this tag even still around?
As reported, it’s in jeopardy of being eliminated because of a lack of buyers. Could it be because Israel, the victim, has become Israel, the aggressor?
If Florida wants to proclaim support for a foreign nation, how about the ravaged Ukraine? The Ukrainians have been fighting for their lives and sovereignty. They haven’t decimated the Gaza strip and tens of thousands of non-combatant women and children.
A tag that would be more appropriate, and timely, would read “Florida Stands with the Jewish People.” What are the chances?
David Kahn, Boca Raton
Comparing sports coverage
I agree with the writer’s letter regarding the Sun Sentinel vs. Miami Herald coverage of Broward County events, but saying the Herald sports page is superior to the Sun Sentinel’s except for Ira Winderman’s Heat coverage is totally off-base.
Herald columnists Barry Jackson and Omar Kelly are very good.
But they’re not any better than Dave Hyde, Chris Perkins or David Furones at the Sun Sentinel.
They tell it like it is, and are great writers.
Gino SantaLucia, Plantation
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