The top stories last week

Mitchell W. Berger, founder and co-chair, Berger Singerman

North Korea threatens regional and world stability, and while a 15 to 0 vote in the U.N. Security Counsel strengthens the world’s resolve to deal with the rogue regime, a comprehensive policy must be put in place by the United States to lead the world to concerted action. A combination of increased sanctions, diplomacy and strengthening allied military resolve, led by the United States, may lead us to a similar solution that was achieved with Iran. Let us hope so.

Pastor D.H. Dawkins Sr., Praise Tabernacle International

The constant threats from North Korea were met head-on by the ready response of President Trump. The rhetoric of his response resembled that of former President Eisenhower and many others. However, this kind of necessary presidential verbal assertion is unsettling in the context of such an untrusted administration. George Hanbury, president, Nova Southeastern University

A shark dragged behind a boat. Another one shot with a handgun. I’ve seen these viral videos and, like you, am sickened. There is no reason for someone to do this to a shark — or any other animal. NSU’s Guy Harvey Research Institute scientists have been studying sharks for many years and the one constant they have discovered is that sharks are vital to the overall health of our oceans. If you catch one, please release it. These apex predators need to be respected and revered, not feared and exploited.

Earl Maucker, commissioner, Lighthouse Point; former editor, Sun Sentinel

The widely publicized crackdown on those leaking information from government sources should bother every one of us. While those who break the law should understand the consequences, threatening reporters does not serve the public’s interest. Even locally, institutions like the school district, hospital district, sheriff ’s office, county and other government entities has its share of leakers. Unfortunately, public officials sometimes suppress information that should be made public. When that happens, intelligence leaked from inside sources can protect the public’s right to be informed. Leaking information to reporters has been around since the founding of the republic.

Ted Deutch, member, U.S. House of Representatives

This week marks 82 years since President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. Today, it remains one of the most successful and popular government programs. Yet despite his campaign promises to the contrary, President Trump seems open to cutting Social Security benefits, pulling the rug out from under millions of seniors, survivors, and disabled Americans. Recently I reintroduced legislation to extend the Social Security Trust Fund’s solvency for decades and boost benefits to keep pace with rising costs. President Trump needs to recommit to strengthening Social Security, and promise to never put it on the chopping block.

Tracey Grossman, chairperson, Florida Anti-Defamation League

It has been two weeks since the president tweeted about disallowing transgender Americans from serving in the military (posted on the anniversary of President Truman’s 1948 Executive Action to desegregate the military). Officials have weighed in that the tweet does not amount to policy. The fact that this has fallen out of the headlines is problematic. This is blatant discrimination, and many have attempted to justify it. Let’s be clear — this is a permutation of hate, no different than racism or anti-Semitism. The concerns of those who profess bigotry must not be our society’s — or our military’s — moral compass.

Sheldon Harr, founding rabbi emeritus, Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El

There was an important editorial in this newspaper this past Thursday, which brought to light the fact that terrorists from the West Bank and Gaza are literally rewarded for their despicable acts. After an act of terrorism, depending on its severity to Israeli citizens, there are payments to either the terrorist or his/her family into the thousands of dollars each month. These are rewards for their actions in the name of God or in support of the disruption and ultimate destruction of Israel. These are American dollars! Foreign aid is important. Misdirected foreign aid is not only wrong but it is immoral.

Chip LaMarca, member, Broward County Commission

Recently, I had the opportunity to join nearly 100 elected county officials and attend the Florida County Commissioner’s Conference held at the White House. This provided Florida counties with an opportunity to meet with members of the president’s administration to discuss various issues. More than 80 percent of the Sunshine State’s counties attended the seven-hour marathon session, where we met senior-level officials from more than a dozen executive-branch agencies. I had the opportunity to participate in a small meeting with the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Political Affairs to discuss issues more specific to Broward County and funding for local projects. You’re either at the table or you’re on the menu.

Tom Shea, president, Right Management

Why is South Florida’s middle class struggling, despite our region’s dynamic growth? Economic news tells the story, with productivity up 72 percent since 1979, while real wages rose only slightly and costs climbed. Pay finally ticked up in 2016, but hasn’t narrowed the wide gap between high- and lowskilled workers. With companies facing a Skills Revolution that demands acquiring skills faster, to get by — and thrive — every worker must dive into opportunities to always keep learning new skills. Everyone should know their “Learnability Quotient.”

Robert Weinroth, council member, Boca Raton

This week I had to shake my head as I read a note I received. It announced the week of August 6th was designated, “Stop on Red Week.” Really? Have we truly arrived at the point where we have to have a week where we make a special effort to obey traffic signals? Do people run red lights? Unfortunately the answer is yes and so municipalities like Boynton Beach have made the decision to reactivate their red-light cameras. But, honestly, the thought of heralding a special week to obey traffic signals is a pretty sad commentary on our behavior.