GOP creating secret police
First, understand that the word “agitator” is now a Republican code word for a citizen standing up for their rights, in my opinion. Next, understand that if it weren’t for people with cellphones we would have never known about the killing of George Floyd at the hands of police, or about the extent of the ICE atrocities, including the killing of two American citizens, which some Republicans are still spinning to this day, despite what I see as overwhelming video evidence.
Which is why this Halo Law is so important to Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia and other Republican leaders (“Is Florida’s Halo Law obstructing immigration oversight?” Feb. 6). It appears they want to make sure that law enforcement can operate secretly and without accountability. I believe they want an army of secret police who can violate civil rights, abuse, beat, even kill without transparency or accountability. And make no doubt about it, whether we’re talking about ICE or local law enforcement, if there’s no transparency, no accountability, that makes them a secret police organization.
— Alan J. Beam, Orlando
Trump’s actions are more than petty
A recent letter to the editor (“Both parties are rudderless,” Feb. 12) had me literally laughing out loud from its false equivalencies. The minimization of Trump’s transgressions as “petty cruelties” and “gentle corruption” is blatantly dishonest, in my opinion. Yes, they are too numerous to mention and no, they are far from “petty” and “gentle.”
Ditto for the dishonesty of Democrats’ supposedly bad behavior. In my view, I don’t believe they have ever wanted to defund the police. Their current budget stonewall is specifically for the ICE terrorists who they believe are in violation of the Constitution.
They don’t excuse the criminals and felons among undocumented immigrants. They are right that CO2 is killing the planet. They are also right that we allow the richest among us to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. And as I see it, they definitely demand fidelity to our constitutional republic while Captain Queeg mans the tiller.
— Tony Macchia, Maitland
Bad Bunny review showed leftward bias
The editorial board’s evaluation of the Super Bowl halftime show (“Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime used joy to conquer fear,“ Feb. 10) certainly got it wrong, according to many national reviews. The Sentinel continues to lean far to the left instead of reporting the news and events from a moderate position. The NFL seems to be of the same persuasion. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell should be replaced.
— Wilbur Davis, Winter Park
Danger ahead
With dismay, we see and hear on TV what our president says: the cruel comments, the bizarre speeches, his boasting. He tells the poor and disenfranchised that his tariffs are making America rich again. Really? What has it meant for them? Are prices down? Is health insurance affordable to those who desperately need it? While campaigning, he said, “I am your retribution.” Perhaps it was his retribution he meant — getting even for the election he lost in 2020, attempting to bring down anyone who dares to cross him.
As U.S. president, Donald Trump controls formidable power and uses it to threaten other countries, in my view. He says he can do whatever he wants. He flips his decisions this way and that, keeping our country — and the world — off balance. He refuses to obey laws and grabs great wealth for himself. I see him rebuilding Washington, D.C., into some sort of Trumpopolis, with his name on everything. He seems intent on creating a larger-than-life legacy for himself. Eager sycophants run behind him to carry out his directives and repeat his absurdities. Now, Trump pressures them to take over elections, especially in blue states. I believe they will try.
America faces a clear and present danger, to borrow Tom Clancy’s title. Without action, we won’t survive three more years of this madcap administration. It’s up to us, the people, to stop Trump’s excessive actions by voting in all elections from now through 2028.
— Jean Duhon Hanson, Dundee
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