Trump puts his business ahead of U.S. interests, again

Re the Sept. 22 Miami Herald online story

“Trump registered his trademark in Cuba in 2008 to build hotels, casinos and golf courses:” This story, detailing the president’s pursuit of a trademark in 2008 for a future Trump Tower in Havana, among other potential investments, got the attention of my Miami-based Latino students.

They remember being taught that Trump’s November 2017 sanctions on Cuba curiously left untouched American hotel chains and airline investments.

In 2017, Trump promised not to touch existing American and Cuban-American business investments on the island. But in January 2020, he went back on this.

In June, it was announced that the Trump administration would not renew Marriott’s (now Starwood Hotel’s) license on its Havana property or its other planned hotels in Cuba, although it did not prohibit other American chains from getting a future license on the Marriott property.

Trump’s Rose Garden announcement on Sept. 23 to restrict travel to Cuba a bit further, as well as restrictions on Cuban rum and cigars.

Yet again, Trump shows us all his focus on electionyear public relations actions that protect his ability to benefit the Trump Organization during a second term.

Trump, putting his narrow business interests ahead of American interests — business or foreign policy — is obvious to my Latino students.

But why not the older generation as well?

– Jacqueline Mazza,

professor, Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies, Washington, D.C.

GIFT TAX

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s attempt to keep Michael Bloomberg from paying fines, fees and restitution owed by those released from prison is just another Republican attempt to disenfranchise them. Voters overwhelmingly approved restoring ex-felons’ voting rights, only to have it tweaked by a Republican governor and Legislature.

Any person can make a gift of $15,000 or less to anyone without filing a gift tax return to the IRS. I know this because I am a practicing certified public accountant, licensed in Florida since 1971.

What the recipient does with that money is no one’s business. If he or she wants to use that money to pay fines, costs and restitution in order to restore their voting privileges, it should not be the concern of Moody or her Republican cronies.

If some ex-felons choose to spend the money differently, then shame on them. Such a betrayal of Bloomberg’s generosity will rest on their consciences forever.

Our Republican-controlled state will do anything to prevent anyone from voting who don’t vote for their party. Pitiful.

– Jack Dresner, Miami

TO A FAULT

Re the Sept. 24 story “Is Bloomberg breaking law if he pays felons’ fines so they can vote?:” Since when is generosity unconstitutional?

– Beverley Kagan,

Miami Shores

A BETRAYAL

President Trump’s statement that he will accept the results of the election only if they meet his terms constitutes intent to overthrow the U.S. government. I think that’s treason.

– Bridget Lynch,

St. Petersburg

SAVE DEMOCRACY

Mail-in voting has been an integral part of our democracy for decades without any evidence of widespread fraud. Yet President Trump insists, without any evidence, that there will be unprecedented fraud, which will taint the Nov. 3 election results.

If that were true, then wouldn’t any concerned leader take steps to prevent it, as opposed to just whining about it?

How about beefing up our technology, funding the Postal Service and providing enhanced security?

But of course, then he would be unable to complain about the results. Once again, Trump is not concerned about democracy or the will of the people. He is only concerned about Trump.

– Michael Friend,

Kendall

SPEAKING UP

Every Thursday for several years, I have gotten together with a group of friends for happy hour. We are all Cuban American. I am the only one among them voting for Biden.

I love this country. My children and grandchildren have all been born here.

When I meet with my friends next time, I will not dismiss being called a communist for the sake of civility.

Thanks to Luis Santeiro’s Sept. 15 OpEd in the Miami Herald, and letters to the editor by Pedro A. Freyre, Maria Laurencio, et al, in support of Santeiro’s words, I will take a stand and speak up, if only for my own morality and conscience.

– Hermann Diehl,

Miami

BLOOMBERG’S AIM

Re the Sept. 24 story, “Is Bloomberg breaking law if he pays felons’ fines so they can vote?:” The article says that such an act by Michael Bloomberg can legally be construed as a quid pro quo. However, a quid pro quo does not need to be communicated between two parties to be proven. What proves it are the intentions that have already been stated by Bloomberg.

I do hope Bloomberg’s actions are investigated.

– Fernando Gallo,

– Kendall

A LESSON PLAN

On Sept. 28, Jews throughout the world will observe Yom Kippur, known as the Day of Atonement. This solemn day is one of reflection and atonement for behaviors injurious to others in either word or deed in the past year.

We acknowledge our shortcomings, apologize for our transgressions and pledge to be cognizant in the coming year of not repeating these harmful behaviors.

President Trump’s daughter Ivanka converted to Judaism. His son-in-law and grandchildren are Jewish. Perhaps they should educate the president in the philosophy of atonement and repentance. He has much to atone for with his disregard for other people, evidenced by his vitriolic rhetoric, his mocking behavior, his outright lies, his responsibility for encouraging divisiveness, chaos and violence, and sacrificing 200,000 American lives for his re-election bid.

Trump could benefit from Yom Kippur to reset his words and deeds.

If Ivanka truly has the ability to influence her father, this would be the perfect time.

– Sheila Gewirtzman,

Plantation

SENATE TURNABOUT

The Constitution requires the Senate to approve appointments to the Supreme Court. Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott need to be reminded that they represent all Floridians, not just Republicans.

In 2016, the Senate claimed to be guided by the principle that a Supreme Court justice should not be confirmed in an election year.

Rubio, among others forcefully defended this position.

Any attempt to contort themselves and disavow what they so recently been professed stands in stark contrast of the integrity and honor so recently professed.

– Michael Castelino,

Coral Springs

USHERED OUT

President Trump said that if he loses the election, he may not leave peacefully. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to see Joe Biden win the election, then see Trump escorted out of the White House by the Secret Service. Perhaps, in handcuffs.

– Ellen D. Coulton,

South Miami

CRAZY WEATHER

People who live on America’s two coastlines have something in common these days — crazy, extreme weather. From the east, you have probably seen terrifying photos of us out west fleeing homes during the worst wildfire season ever. From the west, we have been equally troubled by the parade of hurricanes and the losses so many have suffered.

Climate change has caused this fury. Americans on both coasts desperately need a president who will embrace the science and act aggressively on this crisis.

– Melinda Welsh, Davis, CA

VOTING DEADLINE

This year has been filled with turmoil and grief. Voting has become more important than ever, and the deadline to register, Oct. 5, is rapidly approaching.

Students make up a large and diverse group of eligible voters, but tend to be a small group of actual voters. Registering to vote and updating a voter’s information has never been easier. Simply visit studentvote.org.

We want the voice of the people to be heard the loudest it has ever been.

– Yosvany Cerro, Miami