After reading Paul Novack’s essay in the Sun Sentinel about the “crisis” with a shortage of Florida Highway Patrol troopers, I can’t help but to ask about our governor’s unrelenting need to send 100 troopers to Texas to help his fellow Gov. Greg Abbott control the “rioting mobs” of “illegal immigrants” crossing the border.
I wonder how much money that has cost Floridians in addition to further shorting FHP staff members, who would normally be on our state’s roads.
Or perhaps chartering more planes and buses to transport the masses of “illegal immigrants” to various cities in the U.S. Or how about the costs associated with resurrecting, training and equipping (for some level of combat) the governor’s very own State Guard militia.
It seems to me that this is just the start that demonstrates where our governor’s emphasis is. It certainly appears that this governor has squandered millions on his own ego as opposed to properly staffing the FHP — not only for our safety, but for the troopers’ safety as well.
Paul De Young, Pembroke Pines
Marijuana misinformation
Bruce Grant’s recent Another Viewpoint essay, “Setting the record straight on marijuana,” purports to rectify false beliefs about the drug (in relation to the upcoming statewide vote on Amendment 3).
Yet his last paragraph includes this: “The same damages we suffer from alcohol abuse will come with marijuana abuse …”
This is laughable propaganda that Grant is spreading. Any cursory research reveals that such a statement is indefensible rubbish.
Marty Kane, M.D., Delray Beach
Joy versus mean
It was such a happy moment to see Kamala Harris and Tim Walz together on the campaign trail, for all the voters in the audience and for those of us watching on TV.
I am sick and tired of seeing Donald Trump’s mean face and all his racist comments regarding Harris. Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, are the epitome of women-haters.
Hey, Donald, what is the fear here? Must be V.P. Harris and her running mate, Walz.
It will be a great feat for all of the women in this country in November to get our freedom back — with or without our cats.
Angelina Cimmino, Delray Beach
In politics, words matter
We hear violent and aggressive terminology by politicians and TV commentators on almost a daily basis.
Terms such as attack, fight, combat, battle, torpedo and punch back are used with regularity without recognition of their violent association.
The language we use, especially by those in positions of power and influence, plays a role in shaping societal attitudes and behaviors. The use of violent and aggressive language in political discourse and media can contribute to a normalization of such behavior and potentially influence individuals to act out violently.
This matters because language has the power to shape perceptions, beliefs and actions.
It’s important for all of us to be mindful of the language we use and its potential impact on others.
By refraining from using aggressive and violent language, we contribute to creating a more peaceful and respectful society. It’s our collective responsibility to be aware of the words we choose and the messages we convey, as they can have far-reaching effects on the well-being of our communities.
Irwin Rosenzweig, Boynton Beach
The writer is a retired assistant professor at Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tenn.
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