Letters: Jacksonville Mayor Tommy Hazouri deserves lots of tributes

We, people with disabilities, the elderly, and alternative lifestyles, are very sad to learn that Tommy Hazouri passed away recently.

Tommy Hazouri, born and raised in Jacksonville, was elected 11 times and held four different local and state offices over nearly five decades. Tommy was always accessible and an advocate for us. We greatly appreciate Tommy’s work on behalf of all citizens in Jacksonville including our communities.

At the Panera in Mandarin, Tommy went to people who were sitting at tables and dining. He introduced himself and asked for suggestions pertaining to issues people were concerned about.  We were there and we know that Panera’s customers were very impressed and moved by Tommy’s willingness to listen and take action.

Tommy Hazouri’s openness and accessibility and his courage in tackling difficult problems are his legacies to Jacksonville. Tommy exemplified the best in public service something few politicians can emulate. The citizens of Jacksonville will respect and appreciate Tommy’s service for years to come. Tommy will be greatly missed but not forgotten.

Richard Seltzer, Jacksonville

FDA approvals for COVID vaccines are questionable

Joe Biden recently commented on Twitter: “We have made the vaccinations free, safe, and convenient. The vaccine has FDA approval.”

Not so fast Joe. Does the vaccine have FDA approval? Which vaccine? The one currently being administered in the U.S. or the “new” vax mentioned in the FDA’s Aug. 23, 2021, EUA reauthorization/extension letter?

The first Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is the one many Americans have taken at least one jab of and under Biden’s mandate undoubtedly will be used for second doses and those who have yet to be vaxxed. 

Unfortunately, this vax is still in clinical studies/trials and in August received a EUA reauthorization/extension. Therefore, the vaccine is not fully approved.

The second vaccine is called Comirnaty. According to the FDA letter, besides the name change, is composed of the same ingredients as the first Pfizer/BioNTech vax with “certain differences that do not impact safety or effectiveness.” Hhhmmm?

Now the sleight of hand by FDA and Pfizer/BioNTech. The Comirnaty vaccine is not sufficiently available in the U.S. So the FDA in their August 23rd EUA-reauthorization letter allows the use of the first not-fully-approved Pfizer/BioNTech vax in place of Comirnaty. 

Why? If both vaccines are inherently the same why not give full approval to both? Regardless, it is apparent that the EUA reauthorization/extension continues to insulate Pfizer/BioNTech from liability if injury/death occurs from either vax; with the first vax, there are plenty-675K adverse reactions/14500+ deaths.

There are other remedies available; Ivermectin/molnupiravir, Quercetin, and monoclonal-antibody-therapy. Let’s use ALL these assets to defeat COVID.

Frank Klonoski, Saint Simons Island, Ga.

Don't compare a peaceful protest to the capital insurrection

To the letter writer who had the audacity to compare a peaceful protest on the mayor's office to the capital insurrection on Jan. 6 is ludicrous. How many police officers were beaten, bear sprayed, or died at the Northside Coalition’s protest? I’m pretty sure the number was zero.

If you are inclined to have a protest and wave your treasonous flag and play your racist chant, so be it. As long as it’s peaceful I don’t think you will have a care in the world and most normal citizens will see it for what it is, hate-mongers trying to stay relevant.

Craig Fields, Neptune Beach

A divided country 

As a nation, we all reflected on the horror of Sept. 11, 2001, this past weekend.  We were reminded that as a nation, the event of 9/11, united us as a country. We should never forget this tragedy. In our darkest hour, our strength as one grew.   

I was disappointed in the NBC nightly news-editorial Saturday evening, indicating that the January event on the Capital divided our nation. Unfortunately, our nation has been divided since prior to the last Presidential election. Those governors and mayors who allowed protesters to burn, loot and destroy businesses, private homes, and cities are as much to blame.  

And until we acknowledge this injustice, we cannot move forward as the United States of America. Shame on the liberal media for implying that blame falls only on one event.

Dianne Roberts, Jacksonville

Wording matters in letters to a newspaper 

I don’t think the average newspaper reader would recognize the word "remonstrate" used by “Your Turn” 9/13 guest columnist. I doubt the people who have refrained from the vaccine advice even read the paper. Even with a master's degree, I had to Google it. When I hear “science says” I always wonder who that is, but I suspect it’s meant to reflect a liberal point of view (usually in the person of Demoncrat politicians or so-called expert).

Can you imagine if he replaced “one-eyed, red-headed politician” with “slant-eyed, kinky headed snake oil vendors” or similar denigrating language. I don’t think you would dare publish it!

Although I got both doses of the Pfizer vaccine, I don’t trust people who use “patriotism” to argue their point (including headline writers). It’s the same skepticism I have when a clerk tells me “thanks for your service." I’m sure that’s because the boss told her she had to do so. Professors from obscure institutions also fall into that category.

John F Klein, Orange Park