Aquarium
Re “Virginia Beach leaders push pause on private operation of aquarium — for now” (July 17): The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center has been a cherished part of my life since I moved to the Hampton Roads area. It’s a community attraction perfect for a rainy day, a valuable educational institution and a leading center for global environmental conservation. I proudly bring my out-of-town guests to visit and have made personal donations to support the aquarium’s mission, which is not all about profit.
I am deeply ashamed to call City Council members Rosemary Wilson and Worth Remick my representatives, specifically given Wilson’s recent comments about the aquarium.
Recently she stated we are pausing the alternative ownership discussion “right now,” implying she plans to revisit it after reelection. How does the beloved institution deserve such political manipulation?
The aquarium attracts tourists, generates donations and enhances the city’s reputation. If the concern is direct tax revenue, then we should say goodbye to the U.S. Navy, which also doesn’t pay city taxes but significantly boosts and enhances the local economy.
The idea of selling the aquarium or letting someone else take over is deplorable. How did that work out for the new sports center? We should invest in the aquarium and take pride in this wonderful asset, rather than disparage it. The city should continue to own and operate the aquarium and work with the nonprofit foundation as it has for nearly 40 years. I will not be voting for anyone who treats our community treasure so poorly.
Olivia C. Luke, Virginia Beach
The truth
Re “Rep. Kiggans lowers the ethical bar to raise money for reelection” (July 17): I have worked with the elderly many times over the years and can affirm that Congresswoman Jen Kiggans didn’t make a “diagnosis,” although she did accurately point out to voters the undeniable truth about President Joe Biden’s deteriorating cognitive health.
Try however one might, there is simply no way any media outlet can continue to hide the truth about the confused, disoriented and frail octogenarian who is our current president.
The president’s cognitive decline is something our media has been downplaying for a number of years. Now that the truth has been shown to the entire world (including our enemies), the above editorial criticizing Kiggans is a sad attempt at gaslighting for the media’s failure to cover the president, opting instead to cover for him.
I would also be remiss if I didn’t point toward the many so-called “experts” that CNN and MSNBC paraded before viewers over the years, attempting to “diagnose” former President Donald Trump with some mental deficiency, not for political fundraising, but for ratings.
Jimmy Frost, Virginia Beach
Tax plastic
July is the month that has been designated plastic-free month. This is a powerful global challenge. I have communicated this message to many people. There are individuals, groups and businesses that are accepting this challenge.
It cannot be done on one level. It is a commitment not only for individuals, but also for the government to step up to. A good start would be to place a tax on plastic. Let’s fulfilled the dreams of many who want to, initially, curtail the use of single-use plastics. Then let’s catapult from that.
Sandra Hall, Virginia Beach
Shooter
It is amazing to me so much time and conversation is spent trying to figure out the shooter’s motive. Hello, he was 20 years old. It has been pounded into our heads that brain development isn’t complete until age 25 or so. That has got to be especially evident because fraternity hazing is an ongoing issue.
Diane Aldridge, Hampton
