Another win for the billionaires
Does anyone find it interesting that after a number of the more greedy billionaires move to Florida to their exclusive, well-guarded, very expensive private island homes, the governor and his cronies proposed greatly reducing property taxes on homesteaded homes with the goal of ending property taxes altogether on homes? Do billionaires t care about any community but their own? Many likely have their own private security force and, I suspect, their own private fire and EMS services and trash removal service. So if you lose your services, tough, you should have been as rich as them. And I bet it was just pocket change for them to buy the political clout (i.e. politicians) to get the proposal on the next ballot. Since many voters will vote against their best interest when they’re told to, I expect it will pass.
— John Goonson, Satellite Beach
Global health requires foreign aid
There are numerous critiques surrounding foreign aid, with one of the largest claims being that it is an “irresponsible” charity from the U.S. This is a harmful label as it actively downplays the role strategic foreign aid plays in protecting American interests.
The budget for foreign aid is already relatively small, taking up less than 1% of the total federal budget. It is a small investment that has a huge impact on protecting American businesses and containing deadly diseases. A prominent example of this would be the reappearance of Ebola. The disease is spreading rapidly, with a total of 223 lives already ended abroad. It is a common belief amongst skeptics that what happens beyond our borders isn’t our responsibility. However, every day that the virus intensifies is an increased risk to American lives. An American doctor has already fallen victim to this disease.
In addition to Ebola, the New World Screwworm is making an increased appearance as well. It is threatening the lives of Americans as the screwworm fly reached Texas after the Administration dismantled a USAID program designed to monitor the spread of the disease in Central America. As a result, cattle ranchers are at risk of losing $2.1 billion.
By utilizing foreign assistance, we are able to protect both American businesses and consumers. Rep. Darren Soto and Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody should urge the OMB to expel appropriated foreign aid funds to contain global health crises before they cause further harm.
— Sho Cam, Orlando
Sho Cam is a student and a member of the Alliance for American Leadership, which is sending a group to Washington, D.C., this week to urge Congress to act.
Trump ruins everything
I don’t buy the notion of Trump Derangement Syndrome. After all, this guy’s policies have threatened world peace, terrorized immigrants, driven up the cost of living, sickened children by casting doubt on vaccines and even soured America’s 250th birthday.
He’s torn down half the White House and held a Roman circus on its lawn all while pocketing billions for himself and family as, in my opinion, the most corrupt president ever. He has relentlessly divided us. He won’t stop.
It’s not TDS. It’s TRE: Trump Ruins Everything.
— Mark Skoneki, Orlando
Mark Skoneki is a retired Sentinel editor.
Trump’s plot twists are exhausting
Have you ever been to a movie, read a book or read a newspaper article in which you could not figure out the main idea or anything else about what you read or saw? I think this very well describes the present administration, as the plot changes from one day to the next.
When the main character is asked questions by news reporters, and the response is “I don’t know anything about that” or other dodges, you might recall, in the scene just a short time ago, he opposed the particular issue he was asked about.
My only response is, wait for the rerun and then maybe you’ll get a clear answer.
— Joy Peeler, Mount Dora
You can submit a letter to the editor by sending it by email to insight@orlandosentinel.com or by filling out the form below. Letters are limited to less than 250 words and must be signed (no pseudonyms nor initials).You must include your email address, address with city and daytime phone number for verification. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length.
