Unjust arrest could happen to any of us
A recent letter to the editor posits that ICE agents can ignore any law while pursuing illegal immigrants. That they can wear masks, display no visible credentials, and make arrests without evidence based solely on a person’s physical characteristics. In other words, all people who have brown or Black skin or speak with an accent can be arrested and detained simply because some people who look like them are criminals. To think otherwise displays an utter ignorance of democracy.
At the risk of displaying my own ignorance, here is a hypothetical: Some rich people achieved their wealth through criminal acts. Should we start arresting rich people and holding them until they prove all of their wealth was acquired legally? Are those who don’t agree with such arrests supporting theft and fraud? This is seemingly nonsensical, but as soon as we accept that the government can arrest someone based solely on their appearance (presumed guilty), and hold them until they prove their innocence, it can happen to any of us. It’s also the exact opposite of our rule of law.
Eric Bennett Windermere
Fight for precious freedoms
The sound beat in the march toward autocracy just got louder. A mere 72 hours after the attorney general announced that the government will punish users of “hate speech,” the head of the Federal Communications Commission advanced the assault on core protections guaranteed by the First Amendment — with threats of consequences if broadcast outlets were seen as violating “public interest” obligations. The FCC is effectively weaponizing its regulatory power to suppress dissent.
With the collapse of constitutionally protected rights accelerating at warp speed, the time may be ripe to heed the long-held view of Thomas Jefferson — for democratic principles to be enduring, sacrifices must be made in the struggle against tyranny.
The preservation of democracy is not a passive process. Resistance on a peaceful and massive scale may be the only way to ensure the republic’s survival even if “We the People” have to experience suffering in the short term.
Jim Paladino Tampa
Bondi didn’t stand up to Trump
When Donald Trump publicly ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to have the Department of Justice start prosecuting his perceived enemies, she had an easy way to demonstrate she stands for integrity and non-political fairness at the DOJ. Like her GOP predecessor, Jeff Sessions, she could have appointed an independent counsel to investigate these claims. Of course, she knew doing so would have caused her immediate termination by Trump. Without any apparent qualms, she did Trump’s bidding. When history looks back on Bondi’s legacy as Attorney General it will be that she was a mere tool for Trump. She should be ashamed to show the country that she has so little self-respect.
Brad Bole Orlando
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