Raise your hand
Public education is the foundation of democracy and has been a great equalizing force in America. “We the People” is the government, funded by our tax dollars. That's the price we pay to live in a prosperous and well-educated community, whether we have children or not. Unfortunately, toxic politics has infiltrated what should be a nonpartisan effort. Education has become a commodity to be bought and sold.
In a system premised on taxpayer money, why is there a persistent practice of putting that money into the hands of private and religious organizations?
This undermines public education. School boards are expected to exercise appropriate oversight and quality control. Therein lies the problem. There is no accountability or responsibility.
This year, Miami-Dade School Districts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 are up for election. Check your voter registration, watch school board meetings, and decide who you want to be in charge of your local education wallet.
Esther de Varona
board member,
A Cuban-American woman who supports democracy,
coral gables
populist edict
I often read the opinions of Miami Herald columnist Fabiola Santiago. Because there's always some truth or insight in it and I like reading different perspectives. This time, my insight was into her contradictions, weak disclaimers, self-congratulations, and elitism in her Feb. 21 column, “We Don't Need Political 'Expert' Rideshare Drivers.”
She claims she is “tolerant” and “tolerant” and “works with politically engaged citizens.” But she is angry about an Uber driver who “politically attacks” her with “Florida Republican evangelism” and is part of a “species” who “indoctrinate” his passengers. They argue that there is, and therefore it must be “misguided.” She should also consider herself lucky that her driver gave her a great review and gave her a 25% tip for being a source of her own opinions. she claimed.
Some might say, “She's very Trump-like.”
Elias Saif
miami
shooting sports
Miami Herald sports columnist Greg Cote should, as he puts it, “stick to sports.” His entire Feb. 18 opinion read, “What if Patrick Mahomes had been shot?'' “KC Tragedy, Latest Harmful Memories,'' and “What if Patrick Mahomes Had Been Shot?'' and “What If Patrick Mahomes Had Been Shot?'' “KC Tragedy, Latest Harmful Memories'' of Teen Who Spent Out of Control at Kansas City Chiefs Celebration He consistently blamed “assault weapons'' as the cause of mass shootings by young people. However, “offensive weapons” were not included.
Perhaps Mr. Coats should admit that he wants all guns (including handguns) banned. The problem isn't the gun. Anyone who uses it illegally is a fool.
Kevin Pedersen
Palmetto Bay
unfair fare
Miami Herald columnist Fabiola Santiago's job is to consider politics, but not necessarily unilateral, liberal, anti-Republican politics.
In her Feb. 21 column, “We Don't Need Rideshare Drivers Who Are 'Experts' in Politics,” she complains about an Uber driver who said nice things about Donald Trump, but is always thorough when it comes to Republicans. categorically denies it. What a world-class hypocrite.
dave shovlin
key largo
long range shooting
Hats off to Herald Sports columnist Greg Cote for going beyond sports in his Feb. 18 column about the country's persistent gun violence. He's definitely right – many will criticize him for not sticking to the sport. His critics will also ignore statistics he cites showing that gun violence in this country is proportionately much higher than in other developed countries.
In addition to “thoughts and prayers,” legislators opposed to gun control have introduced bills that would strengthen schools and other public spaces and strengthen mental health care. Both are useful, but they ignore the overwhelming fact that the heart of the problem is easy access to assault rifles and devices that turn ordinary guns into rapid-fire weapons.
Someday, after so many senseless deaths, our politicians will come to their senses and do the right thing.
Sylvan Seidenman
miami
Order or go home?
Two years ago, Russia invaded Ukraine. When we rushed weapons to Ukraine, the Ukrainian military was able to retake much of what Russia had captured. After that, our support withered. The front line has stopped. The stalemate lasted for months. Now, the Russians are regaining the position. I blame the US House of Representatives Republicans for this.
They are using Ukraine aid as leverage to get what they want on our borders. This is completely wrong. Ukrainians are dying needlessly. If Ukraine loses, it will fight against Russia when it invades a NATO member state.
Democrats are just as bad.They know we have to control our borders, but apparently they're looking at future Democrats illegally entering the United States.
This nonsense has to stop. Support Ukraine and control its borders.
parks masterson
miami
Freud's gaffe?
I was appalled to read that parents were sent “parental permission” forms for their children to participate in “readings” of books written by African American authors. If a parent does not sign the form, the student will be “excluded from class during the activity.”
Was the form submitted because of the content of the book or because of the author? Why was it submitted in the first place?
As a former elementary school teacher, I read aloud to my third grade class every day during the school year. Reading aloud teaches students new vocabulary, improves comprehension and active listening, provides models for reading fluency, introduces children to quality literature and all genres, builds language skills, and It promotes a love of learning and literature and is not classified as an “activity.” ” The audacity to exclude students from reading aloud is appalling.
If I were still teaching, would I have to send out 180 permission slips to help my students learn valuable reading and writing skills?
helen robbins
miami shores
make the switch
Consider replacing Virginia Key's struggling Miami Sea Aquarium with the popular Goodyear blimp. From 1930 to 1978, the Goodyear Airship, based on Watson Island, served as a romantic symbol of Miami's tourist heritage. Interestingly, Goodyear Air Force Base's current 50-year lease for Pompano Beach Air Park expires in 2029.
Key Biscayne residents and others concerned about future congestion on Virginia Key will celebrate the airship's return. It is also appropriate to replace one long-standing tourism attribute with another.
bob ross
pine crest
high and low
A Feb. 11 Herald online article said the developer's rendering of “Miami's massive makeover? Proposing 5,000 affordable apartments in aging industrial area” is good enough, but why doesn't it mention the traffic flowing northbound and southbound onto I-95 from this area?
Developers never mention traffic. It just builds, builds, builds.
mike turkal
Palmetto Bay
not reach the goal
U.S. Representative Maria Elvira Salazar has introduced two bills: an immigration bill and an extension of the Migratory Bird Act. Neither of them was removed from the committee.
I'm sure she will be re-elected because she says good things, but she doesn't have my vote.
monica tracy
miami beach
beyond the goal
A Feb. 13 article about the Edison High School girls soccer team by Miami Herald sportswriter Andre Fernandez, “‘It Means Everything:’ Miami Edison girls’ dream season goes far beyond soccer success ' was the best article I've read in years.
Congratulations to all the players, coaches, staff and parents of this great team.
bill anthony
coral gables
mind-boggling
Who would have imagined that the sons and daughters of those who gave their lives to defeat Nazism would become supporters of that abhorrent philosophy in our country?
barry levy
miami
front runner
Following the turmoil and bitter firing of Coral Gables' city manager, Coral Gables now faces the daunting task of choosing a new manager.
As a long-time resident who has seen this process and outcome several times, I would like to thank the City Commissioners and the Mayor for their experience in municipal management, ideally as a county or city manager, and as a long-time South Florida resident. We strongly recommend that you seek a replacement with someone who has been with you for a long time. Someone with a well-developed sense of our community, politically astute, and able to handle the expected storms associated with the position. And because they need income, some people are interested not only in keeping their jobs, but also in performing well in order to get a significant raise.
Joe Carollo seems like the perfect candidate!
leo bueno
coral gables
