Washington’s words resonate
On Sept. 19, 1796, George Washington’s farewell address was published. In it, he spoke of his concerns for the future of our new nation: “Observe good faith toward all nations… cultivate peace and harmony with all.” Good advice that we have not been doing well with lately.
And another comment that I think is particularly important at this moment in our history: He warned us that political parties could become “potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, unprincipled men” would “subvert the power of the people and usurp for themselves the reins of government,” ultimately destroying the system that had elevated them.
We are there now, in this moment in our history. Will we let all the patriots who fought and died in our Revolutionary War, will we let all those who died to eradicate slavery from our country, will we let all the GIs who perished on the beaches of Normandy, who gave their lives in the hope for a better future for our country and for their children and their children’s children, all die in vain for one man or one party’s ambition? Hell no!
Glen Kendrick Orlando
Florida doesn’t need open carry
Florida does not need open carry. Gun owners already have the right to own and legally conceal a firearm in public. There is no reason to intimidate or create fear by openly carrying a weapon into Publix, Costco, banks or anywhere else. And yes — people will feel fear, because we’ve seen far too many gun deaths caused by immaturity, road rage, poor judgment and macho bravado.
Open carry doesn’t increase safety; it only appeases those obsessed with guns. Meanwhile, politicians want to lower the age of gun ownership and reduce training requirements. How much more reckless can we get — prioritizing “gun rights” over the most basic human right: the right to live without fear of being shot?
Katie Sanchez Orlando
Don’t touch property tax
Sunday’s editorial (“Massive tax cut may look good, but Floridians should be wary”) made an excellent argument to maintain property taxes as they are currently structured. Given the ongoing pursuit by our state “leadership” of “woke” and unconstitutional constraints, I would never support transitioning more power from our local responsive teams to Tallahassee.
Tom McGovern Orlando
Kimmel exemplifies free speech
If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen, as President Harry Truman once said. But media censorship during Constitution Week (“Hundreds of stars sign letter defending free speech after Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension,” Sept. 22)? I think everyone in both government and corporate America from the president down needs to read the Constitution again. From the time of Rome, comedians have poked fun at governments, and sometimes made some very cogent observations. If we don’t like what they say, we don’t have to listen. But I, like many who have served in the military, will defend their right to say it.
Camille Levee St. Cloud
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