LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Term limits have been a failure in Florida

The letter to the editor in the Sun Sentinel on Sept. 8 (from Burt Long of Sunrise) in favor of four-year term limits for Congress and six-year term limits for senators did not persuade me.

The author cited Sens. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Chuck Schumer of New York as senators who deserve to be removed. But on the other hand, several giants of Congress such as Daniel Webster (1826-1850), Henry Clay (1831-1852), Tip O’Neill (1953-1987) and Everett Dirksen (1950-1974) all served for decades each.

The voters of Florida adopted term limits for state offices in 1992, which pushed many experienced leaders out of state government.

As a result, we have replaced leaders such as Reubin Askew, Lawton Chiles and Bob Graham with Anthony Sabatini, Frank Artiles, Joe Gruters, David Rivera, Randy Fine, Richard Corcoran and the ubiquitous DeSantis cabal.

What we need is for voters to limit the terms of people who are unfit to serve.

James L. Wilson, Plantation

The rule of law and speed

We need look no further than the car speeding up behind us or passing us at above the speed limit to see that we have a huge problem with respecting the “rule of law” in our country. The law is the societal glue that has held us together for a long time, but that glue is obviously losing its integrity — as can be seen on the highways.

When I was a kid, there was no better entertainment than sitting in the back seat and watching the speedometer as my Dad drove. As a physician, he understood that speeding can kill people. He knew that speed limits were set in any given spot because of the risks in that area and he had great respect for the safety of those around him. In other words, he cared.

When kids observe our speeds and compare that to posted limits that demonstrate speeding, as in breaking the law, they learn that laws don’t matter. Does anyone wonder whether such infractions could be connected to the not-so-crazy thought that our society is crumbling?

Glue counts! It starts in the back seat. Teach integrity. Obey all speed limits.

Rick Soskis, Havana, Fla.

The pot, kettle and Trump

Reading the Sept. 4 letter to the editor from Mark Goldstein had me scratching my head while looking over both shoulders to make sure I wasn’t being punked, too. I realize he’s an avid Trumper, but the last paragraph of his letter couldn’t have been more MAGA-diculous.

Wrapping up another anti-Biden rant, Goldstein wrote: “Can anyone seriously believe he’s up to the task? I’ll give the crazy people who voted for him the first time a pass, as so many had no idea of what they were getting. Now that we see what he has actually done and the condition of our country, there’s no excuse voting for him.”

Putting aside the whole pot and kettle thing, this is exactly what all sane Americans were saying as the 2020 presidential election approached and Trump’s Reign of Error neared its merciful demise.

Rita Ouellette, Margate

Of Lincoln and Kennedy

If the once-powerful Republican Party of Lincoln has devolved into nothingness, may I also remind the author that the Democratic Party of today nowhere resembles the Democratic Party Of Kennedy, either.

John Miller, Lighthouse Point

Kudos for Coco Gauff

I was so excited that Delray Beach teenager Coco Gauff won the Women’s Championship at the 2023 U.S. Open for her first Grand Slam title.

She defeated Aryna Sabalenka 2–6, 6–3, 6–2, to become the first American teenager to win the title since Serena Williams in 1999. What a match it was! I think Coco Gauff is one of the greatest female tennis players of all time. Congratulations, Coco!

Paul Bacon, Hallandale Beach