Hooray for coyotes

Thank goodness coyotes have come to Brevard County. We finally have a native predator capable of limiting the non-native, invasive feral or free ranging (owned but spending time outdoors) cat infestation in our county.

Feral cats are ranked by the CDC as the No. 1 rabies risk in the U.S. and they are the primary invasive predator devastating native wildlife. Coyotes are an ecological godsend to our area. Feral cats transmit diseases such as toxoplasmosis, bartonellosis and salmonellosis. Although dogs cause more bite events than cats, cat bites have a much higher infection rate than dog bites. Infection from dog bites is is 2 percent to 5 percent, while cats are 30 percent to 50 percent. Research by Mayo Clinic indicates 30 perecnt of humans bitten in the hand by cats required hospitalization and two thirds of those required surgery to address an infection. Numerous scientific research studies of feral cat population control using TNR (trap, neuter, release/return) programs prove it rarely reduces the feral cat population. For these reasons, coyotes may be one answer to reduce both native wildlife population destruction and a public health hazard.

If you own a cat, be sure to obey the Brevard County animal ordinances, which require cats, like dogs, to be under your control at all times — either kept on your property or on a leash. To prevent transmission of disease, obey the law prohibiting defecation or urination on public or private property.

Ray Walton, Palm Bay

Let's reflect on word 'immigrant' 

I was thinking about the word “immigrant” in another context from what we’re seeing in the news now and one thing led to another.

While there’s controversy over who actually “discovered” America, there’s no controversy that our ancestors decided this was a swell place to live and put down roots. True, those many years ago there was no “path to citizenship” so just being here sufficed.  In 1776 the United States was officially founded and in 1790 Congress passed the Naturalization Act which stated that if you lived in this country for two years and in your state of residence for a year, you could apply for citizenship.

What I’m wondering is: From the time our ancestors arrived until 1776, would they be called immigrants or conquerors? After 1776, would their actions be considered  eradication?  

I recall reading about the Trail of Tears (part of President Jackson’s Indian Removal Act) and what it did to the Cherokee people, and I still remember the emotions I felt at that time. It’s hard to believe that in our history we had an Indian Removal Act, isn’t it?  But, what’s ironic to me is that the pictures of the Trail of Tears which I saw so long ago remind me today of the pictures of the immigrant children being separated from their families. Actually, the word really shouldn’t be “separated," it’s more like “torn," isn’t it?

There were lessons to be learned from this part of our history and we failed to pass the course.

Christine Kane, Cocoa

'Free shipping' claim won't fly

Many products that are advertised on TV for purchase by internet say the “shipping is free." Nothing could be further from the truth. If that were the case then we should be thanking our UPS or FedEx driver for the free shipping of each delivery.

Shipping companies determine charges based upon weight, size and distance. It costs significantly more to ship the same item from California to Florida than it does to Missouri. In my view, it should be illegal for a company to advertise that shipping is free.  It is included in the cost of the product and we pay for it. 

John Beeson, Cocoa Beach

Honor those we've lost by uniting

Coverage of the anniversary of 9/11 on TV this past week brought back the fears I had that day.

Two family members, my brother and my nephew, were directly affected.

My nephew was running late that morning because he had a doctor appointment in New Jersey where he was living. He caught a later ferry across the Hudson River that day, and saw the first plane hit his tower. The ferry immediately turned around.

My brother worked in a building next to one of the towers and workers were evacuated as soon as the second plane hit the second tower. He was escorted down the street by firefighters. On 9/11 this year, while I watched recaps of coverage of the attacks, my brother's face appeared on my TV. It was a strong reminder of that day for me.

That day, first responders, men and women of all races, religions and political affiliations worked together tirelessly to save people and bring comfort to everyone. Real heroes, to say the least.

In 2018, everyone is fighting with each other. Republicans are trying to get things done in Congress but are challenged every step of the way, by the Democrats. Non-Republicans have the right to voice opinions of new laws, nominations or progress or the president's non-progress. But it seems it never stops. While they don't like the non-politician who became president, he's in office.

We need to start serving the country and work together, as we did on 9/11. Put our country first.

Bruce Mochwart, Melbourne


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