‘American Revolution’ has lessons
Recently, Ken Burns’ project “The American Revolution” was presented on public television. All Americans, young and old need to see this amazing and informative documentary, especially now, in this disturbing political climate. This program has shown the complexity, endurance, fortitude and sacrifice of those who brought forth this nation. Ken Burns and his researchers did not shy away from revealing how this war was as much a civil conflict as one against Great Britain.
The participation of African Americans and Native Americans was brought into focus and not sugarcoated. In my opinion, such revelations would likely be criticized by the Florida educational syndicate in Tallahassee as somehow disparaging our unique history. This conflict was brutal and devastating to all who participated. But from this would come a global change that represented freedom and equality and democracy that is still alive to this day. I plead for all Americans to take the time to see this during our 250th anniversary of our independence this coming year.
Thomas Sipprell Orlando
Who benefits from eliminating property tax?
I worked in the property tax field, in both the private and public sectors for 44 years. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work in multiple states including Florida.
No one enjoys paying taxes, but services need to have money to function. The advantage of property taxes is that they are budgeted, levied and collected locally. Anyone can attend budget hearings and property owners can appeal their values. There are laws and rules that govern the format of these functions. They both take time, effort and some expense, in the case of value appeals, if one hires a professional. But think of your chances to try to control any of the possible alternatives proposed to take the place of property tax.
Who would benefit the most from property taxes being eliminated or reduced? Corporations who buy large blocks of houses to lease out, commercial property owners, and landlords. I wonder if rents and prices would be reduced due to the change in their expense. Owners of second homes would benefit. New buyers would also benefit, although their assessed value would be capped in the future with a homestead.
Those of us who have had a homestead for any length of time would benefit the least.
It would be prudent to be cautious.
Gregory Epps New Smyrna Beach
Renters hurt by property-tax move
The Nov. 25 letter “Careful with property tax reform” is right on target. My main concern, as the writer points out, is that renters will pay a greater portion of their income to cover these lost taxes while homeowners’ lower property taxes will offset these costs. Another concern is that most likely more money will be going to the state government to be distributed rather than staying local where it belongs.
Randy Foster Orlando
Republicans ignoring values
Was I wrong (being taught) to believe that the Republican Party stood for states’ rights and smaller federal government? It appears as the federal government is expanding its power and control over the states with proposals such as: Stopping states from regulating artificial intelligence and usurping local law enforcement authority by deploying the military in many U.S. cities. Executive orders imposing taxes (tariffs) on the American people without the advice and consent of Congress. Increased deficits, reducing earned benefits like Social Security retirement while increasing costs for Medicare. Veterans care falling by the wayside. Are these really the values of the Republican Party? I sure didn’t think so.
S.M. Feiner Orlando
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