Communism teaching violates freedom of religion
I read through some of the Heritage Foundation’s anti-communism “education” courses the governor has mandated that our schools teach (“Florida OKs communism standards, Heritage Foundation pledge,” Nov. 14). Tying the Enlightenment ideals to communism? Really? This is just another attempt to force religion, specifically Christian nationalism, into public schools. Leave it to the DeSantis administration to promote the superstitions of the Dark Ages over the reason of the Enlightenment.
Forcing a state religion, which this seems to do, is just like the state propaganda of Stalin and Mao.
Can we please elect leaders who tackle the problems of Florida: insurance, housing, wages, infrastructure, etc.? The current leadership is too caught up in other people’s personal business and are not doing the job of government.
Beth Tuura Orlando
Communism teaching provides knowledge
I wholeheartedly support the decision by the Florida Legislature and the State Board of Education to require instruction on the dangers and evils of communism, as well as the enduring benefits of American patriotism and freedom. This is not about pushing a particular party line; it is about giving our young people the historical knowledge and civic understanding necessary to preserve the liberties we often take for granted.
Communism is not an abstract theory — it is a political system that has left a trail of devastation wherever it has been implemented. From the Soviet Union, to Maoist China, to Cuba, to North Korea, communist regimes have produced mass starvation, suppression of free speech, religious persecution and the imprisonment or death of millions who simply desired to live freely. A generation that does not learn these lessons risks repeating them. Teaching the truth about communism is not fearmongering — it is responsible education grounded in undeniable historical fact.
Equally important is instructing students on the blessings of American freedom. Our Constitution, free elections, rule of law, and protection of individual rights have fostered unparalleled opportunity and prosperity. Millions across the world still dream of coming to this nation because of the freedoms we enjoy every day. If we do not pass down an appreciation for these principles, we risk losing them.
Schools should prepare students not only for careers, but also for citizenship. By teaching both the dangers of totalitarian ideologies and the benefits of liberty, Florida is equipping the next generation with the wisdom to safeguard the freedoms America was built upon. This is a step in the right direction — one that strengthens, rather than divides, our society.
Roger Agness Orlando
Cannabis is good medicine
In a recent InsideSources column, the president and CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana claimed that “9% of all veterans who died of suicide in 2022 had cannabis use disorder,” implying that using marijuana was a causal factor in suicidal behavior by veterans (“Cannabis is not medicine and never has been,” Nov. 16). However, the report that claim was based upon is not available in any public peer-reviewed journal. While data do exist that indicate veterans with cannabis use disorder are at a greater risk of suicide than the general population, these data indicate a correlational relationship — not causal.
So veterans who are suicidal are more likely to smoke weed — not a big surprise since it can alleviate depressive symptoms. Even more significant are the results found in one VA study that 15.5% of veterans who died from suicide had a tobacco use disorder — a much higher rate than the rate for cannabis use disorder. Again, the data are correlational, but it just goes to show how people with an axe to grind can always find a tree to chop.
The truth is that cannabis is good medicine. I am a clinical psychologist who, after 14 years of taking antidepressants that screwed up my sex drive, and caused me to gain 100 pounds and develop diabetes, began smoking medical marijuana while living in California. I only wish I could have done so sooner.
David Smiley Orlando
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