Feel empowered to vote
Immigration has long been a part of our story. My parents and I came to the United States from Vietnam in 2007 in search of a better future than our home country could offer. I was barely one year old when we arrived, so this country is the only home I have ever truly known. I am grateful to live in Orlando, a city brimming with diversity. This allowed me to connect early on with classmates who had also immigrated at a young age, and a vibrant Vietnamese American community that strengthened my appreciation for heritage and culture.
One of my proudest moments finally came when I was able to cast my ballot in the 2024 presidential election. I felt as if I were honoring my parents’ journey by using my voice in such a vital moment in our country. Unfortunately, in recent presidential elections, about one in three eligible U.S. voters did not vote. Even worse, in midterm elections, roughly over half of eligible voters stay home. When we don’t vote, we are silencing our own voices.
This past September for National Voter Registration Day, local community members alongside AAPI Coming Together held a sign making session in the Orlando Mills 50 District and a peaceful “March on Mills” to let our community know that voting matters. As the November and midterm elections approach, I hope more people in the community feel empowered to participate and be the voice that others do not have. Indeed our vote, our voice, is one of the most powerful things one can possess.
Ngan Tran Orlando
Not everyone, everywhere is dancing in the streets
At last, Hamas freed the hostages! Israelis cheer Donald Trump as the one who made it happen. They dance in the streets in celebration! We share in their joy.
It’s ironic though, while the “peacemaker” travels around the world stopping wars, he’s busy starting wars in the United States of America, our country, this democracy he swore to lead and protect according to the laws of the Constitution. Legal protestors against what he’s doing are among his many targets. He’s creating chaos and using that as an excuse to send in ICE and National Guard troops to stop crime where there is very little. He and Noem sent a helicopter to terrorize residents in an apartment building in Chicago. In the middle of the night, ICE pulled children and adults out into the streets and arrested them. Later most were released for lack of charges. Trump continues to claim Portland is burning to the ground. Really? We the People wonder, does he not know what he’s doing, or is there an ulterior motive?
There is no dancing in the streets of Chicago, Los Angeles, Memphis, Portland, or anywhere else in America for fear citizens might be assaulted by masked men.
Jean Duhon Hanson Dundee
Democrats need young leaders
Complaining about the dictatorial and authoritarian nature of the Trump administration is a proven losing strategy for Democratic candidates. The last election was a demonstration that this tactic does not work despite its seeming truthfulness. Trump won on promises that could not be kept, like lowering the cost of living among others which haven’t materialized.
Democrats need a younger, charismatic, new-generation leader who focuses on the opportunity of a better future for all Americans. The old guard of elected Democrats are more interested in keeping their own jobs rather than leading the way for more and better jobs for working Americans. Otherwise. the Republicans will continue their hold on power and increasingly dictate their vision of our country, with or without our constitutional democracy.
S.M. Feiner Orlando
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.
