Looking ahead to this week

Michael Dennis, M.D., chairman, Florida Atlantic University Schmidt College of Medicine

Making America great again internationally requires an integrated effort by our government representatives to negotiate from strength and goal-orientation — not just temporarily satisfy the POTUS personality. The recent Asian excursion is troublesome, especially in China. President Xi Jinping heaped flattery, made short-term trade concessions, was vague on North Korea. He is massively investing in clean power, and expanding in Asia’s active markets. We are promoting coal over clean power, and have abandoned the Trans-Pacific Partnership. China encourages technological advances; Trump refuses to appoint people to the Office of Science and Technology. The Chinese must be laughing in their jiao zi (dumplings).

Sandra Bernard-Bastien, chief communications officer, Children’s Services Council of Broward County

The military in Zimbabwe has taken control, putting President Robert Mugabe under house arrest and announcing the targeting of “criminals” around him. Their move follows the firing of the vice president, which made Mugabe’s wife the successor to her 93-year-old husband. The cementing of democracy across Africa has led to a regional and continent-wide aversion to violent takeovers, so the military is being very careful. Ruling since 1980, Mugabe was once viewed as a revolutionary hero, fighting white minority rule and expanding education so that 90 percent of the country is now literate. But no-one can hold on to power indefinitely.

Mitch Ceasar, former chairman, Broward Democratic Party

Next week Thanksgiving and the holidays will begin. It is a time to eat too much, relax and maybe fall asleep in a comfortable chair. It cannot be soon enough as I am exhausted from the daily political events. My wish is that we go an entire 24-hour period without “breaking news.” Perhaps we can enjoy family and friends without political discussions at the table. That would be a reason for all of us, regardless of party affiliation, to give thanks.

Anna Fusco, president, Broward Teachers Union

Congress is proposing a tax bill that is horrible for working class families, seniors, and Florida residents. Those making more than $500,000 will see cuts, while millions of working families will actually see increases. Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid will raise the Medicare eligibility age to 67. Deductions for natural disasters and high out-of-pocket medical expenses will disappear. Deductions by teachers of a small portion of money spent on supplies for students will be gone. If this concerns you, call the AFL-CIO’s Hotline at 844-899-9913. Follow prompts to connect to your representative in Congress. Take anction now!

Chip LaMarca, member, Broward County Commission

Gov. Rick Scott announced that he will propose $178 million in total funding to support active military, veterans and their families in Florida as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget. Broward County alone is home to approximately 127,000 veterans and dependents, and last year our Veterans Services Officers helped advocate for 1,400 of them, resulting in $11 million in approved claims. I am pleased to say that Florida continues to be one of the most military and veteran friendly states in our nation, and I look forward to continuing to support military, veterans and their families.

Irela Bagué, president, Bagué Group

The City of Miami and Miami Beach have new mayors. Interestingly, they both are sons of former mayors. Dan Gelber’s father, Seymour Gelber, was mayor of Miami Beach in the ‘90s and Francis Suarez’s father, Xavier Suarez, served as mayor of Miami in the mid ‘80s. A few decades do make a difference as the newly elected mayors are faced with some challenging issues; traffic congestion, lack of affordable housing and the threat of sea level rise, to name a few. This generation of leaders should revisit the past to help further enrich the future of their cities.

Robert Weinroth, council member, Boca Raton

Despite Gov. Rick Scott’s renewal of the opioid epidemic emergency declaration, making Florida eligible to draw upon $54 million in federal money over the next two years, and enactment of a new law increasing prison sentences for those caught with fentanyl, Floridians continue to die at an alarming rate. Statewide, opioid related deaths increased 35 percent last year and were a factor in 5,725 deaths. The opioid epidemic, which is overwhelming medical examiners throughout the state, is being driven by prescription pharmaceutical opioids. It is clear Congress must hold opioid manufacturers and distributors accountable for the carnage they have caused.

Mike Ryan, mayor, Sunrise

For some, Thanksgiving is defined by the grace bestowed through the birth of a child or the finding of a new love. Sometimes, when fate could have altered life dramatically, there was brilliant peace instead. A loved one’s or friend’s diagnosis will serve to remind us how every moment is so precious. Many will be separated, including those serving our country in distant lands, but thankful they are at least safe and hopeful for a safe return. Sadly, joyous moments will be punctuated by the painful recognition some are noticeably missing from holiday traditions. Find a reason to be thankful.