Voice of the People (July 14, 2024): Presidential immunity ruling is a danger to America
‘We The People’ are no more
It took months for the Supreme Court to decide how best to help Donald Trump wiggle out of the crime for his coup attempt. Finally, six of the nine justices hit on a perfect solution. So long as any president is in office, he’s immune from any accountability, such as going after his opponents.
It’s rich that this ruling came down as Americans celebrated the 4th. While we had parades, waved flags and shot firecrackers, how many of us remembered why? Two hundred fifty years ago, we fought a war and won our freedom from the grasp of an English king.
Scratch that holiday. July 1st is the new one—the day we lost our freedom. The Supremes gave it away to please one man, a criminal with a mean streak and a screw loose, who already has a king-wish and might be elected president again by his subjects.
Since a president is now immune from anything he does in office, I’d really like to see President Joe Biden use that power to remove those six justices, replace them with non-political judges, and rescind the ruling. It would be a necessary official act to save our country.
Jean Duhon Hanson, Dundee
Voice of the People (July 7, 2024):Is this the best of our choices?
‘It Can’t Happen Here’? Think again
July 4, 1776, the birth of the great American experiment in building a democratic republic. July 1, 2024, the death of the founding principle of equal justice under the law.
Dealt by a Supreme Court no longer bound by the rule of law or any code of ethics. Now openly partisan. Two hundred thirty-eight years of precedent thrown out.
Have a Happy Fourth. Celebrate your freedoms because we are losing them one by one. Chipped away by people and groups who claim to stand for Liberty and Freedom who are only interested in their own (not yours and mine).
I think I'll go read a banned book while I still can. Perhaps Sinclair Lewis' "It Can't Happen Here," a fictional account of the rise of America's first dictator. Perhaps that is where the quote "When fascism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross" comes from. Perhaps not. Still true.
Karen Tiano, Winter Haven
Voice of the People (June 23, 2023):US Supreme Court has lost its integrity
Thank you, Sam Killebrew, for helping pet owners
Florida pet owners have a reason to celebrate, since the Providing Equity in Telehealth Services Act went into effect July 1. The new bipartisan law enables Florida veterinarians to treat more pets remotely through telemedicine, making veterinary care more accessible.
Previously, Florida law prevented veterinarians from treating pets they hadn’t examined in person – an often-insurmountable obstacle for owners who face barriers to care like affordability or transportation. For owners of large dogs, horses or fearful pets, a trip to the clinic can be a struggle. Research indicates that as many as 40% of pets do not regularly see a veterinarian, and a veterinarian shortage is exacerbating the problem.
Fortunately, the PETS Act broadens the availability of telehealth so veterinarians can see more patients without logistical or geographical restraint. Pet owners will have more convenient and less stressful options.
The PETS Act was the final bill Polk County Rep. Sam Killebrew passed in the Legislature. He has long been a champion for animal welfare, sponsoring legislation to expand pet-friendly emergency shelters, ensure pets can be included in domestic violence protective orders and veterinarians can report suspected animal cruelty, and remove regulatory barriers for spay/neuter veterinarians.
Jen Hobgood, ASPCA Government Relations Southern Division
Voice of the People (June 30, 2024):Vote for Florida's right to privacy
Biden’s accomplishments overshadow one debate
We have a president who has created over 15.6 million jobs (eight times more than the last three Republican presidents combined); enacted gun safety legislation; lowered the cost of prescription drugs; enacted an infrastructure package to rebuild this country and much more.
In spite of all he has accomplished, some newspaper editors and others have called for him to step down. Why? Because he did not have a strong presence in a debate.
His opponent, in that same debate, told lie after lie after lie. When he served as president, his main claim to fame was that he assembled a mob and sent them to attack our Capitol building to disrupt the election process. He was hoping to steal the election. The result was that people were killed and numerous others injured for life.
Have those same editors and others spoken out about that candidate being unfit for office? No! Their silence is deafening. At the least, they should be condemning his lies, his danger to our democracy, and his calls for violence and revenge on his so-called “enemies.”
I suggest those editors and others should look inward and decide what they want for our country’s future.
Charles Warren, Bartow
Voice of the People (June 16, 2024):Marco Rubio ditches his integrity for Trump
Will Biden be ready for next debate?
From a rematch of the 2020 Debates, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump participated in the 2024 CNN Presidential Debate on June 27.
Biden’s voice was mild, but he spoke about trends and issues that occurred during his presidency. He spoke about the economy, border control, women’s healthcare, infrastructure concerns and public safety. But if you participated in three events before a debate, you too will be slow with your thought processing, your communication and speaking skills will be delayed.
If this is the truth about Biden, participating in three events before the very first 2024 Presidential Debate, he will need to be much more refreshed before the next debate. We will see what occurs in the next debate.
Trump’s tone was strong. He spoke on what he believes in and what he did during his presidency. From his point of view, he spoke about the economy, border control, women’s healthcare, infrastructure concerns and public safety.
The second debate is scheduled for Sept. 10. We will see what the final countdown will be.
Shandale Terrell, Lakeland
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