All voters will benefit with open primaries

Re the Aug. 27 op-ed “Florida doesn’t need open primaries. Vote No on Amendment 3:” Writers Susan Smith and Elizabeth Strom once again demonstrated the lengths the major political parties will go to maintain their grip on elections.

In Miami-Dade County, more than 31 percent of voters have registered as NPA (no party affiliation). Without open primaries, these voters have basically voided their right to participate in the most important of civic activities and in most of the partisan primary races. With open primaries, all voters have the opportunity to vote.

The discussion of “jungle primaries” presents an unfair assessment of the outcome of open primaries. First, it does not exclude 3 out of 10 voters from exercising their right to vote due simply to not registering with a political party.

In Florida, the candidate reaching plurality in the party primary is declared the winner and moves on to the general election. But in a multiperson party primary, a candidate with less than 50 percent of the vote can move on to the general election. In some instances, individuals who win the party primary are elected to office due to the lack of an opposing candidate in the other party.

Some believe partisan primary elections will reduce the enthusiasm created by the two-party system. However, in the proposed amendment there are no provisions prohibiting candidates from identifying themselves as Democrats or Republicans. Candidates can be endorsed by the parties, which can raise money for them and will be identified on the ballot by party designation if they so choose.

Our recent mayoral election shows that the lack of a party-identified candidate did not diminish the enthusiasm for those running. It time for Florida to allow all registered voters to participate in primary elections to insure that real choice is available.

– Daniel Brady,

Miami Shores

ENVIRONMENTAL ICON

Re the Aug. 28 online story “Lloyd Miller, who fought to create and protect Biscayne National Park, dies at 100:” We have lost not just a champion but a pioneer in the environmental movement. Lloyd was a kind and wise mentor and friend to many. His honest persuasiveness and tireless dedication leaves a blueprint for all of us to follow.

In his memory, we should all pledge, in big and small ways, to respect and safeguard this marvelous earth that God has given us.

– Harvey Ruvin,

Miami Beach

PROMISE THE MOON

In 2016, then candidate Donald Trump ran as a Washington outsider who was going to drain the swamp. He made some bold promises.

He promised to “build the wall” and Mexico would pay for it. However, only five miles of new border wall has been built (about 120 miles of wall was replaced, not built) costing more than $15 billion, zero of which has been paid by our neighbors to the south.

He promised to immediately repeal and replace the ACA (Obamacare). Thankfully for 20 million Americans, it is still around, but Trump has yet to offer any replacement option.

Lastly, Trump promised 4 percent economic growth per year. The stock market is booming, but it’s still not indicative of economic growth. The country has not nearly reached that economic threshold in 2020, with its historic unemployment and a business downturn not seen since the Great Depression almost a century ago.

After hearing the rhetoric and the promises made during last week’s Republican National Convention, I am a bit weary of any promises made by President Trump.

– Richard Bellon,

Miami

POOR INVESTMENT

This week, millions of dollars were spent to stage Republican convention events from the White House.

Who footed the bill? Were our tax dollars spent on preparations, security, etc.?

If so, I want a refund. Our tax dollars should not be used to support the campaign of any political party. This week it was taken away from me, and I want it back.

– George Minski, North Miami Beach

LIMITED OPTIONS

Re the Aug. 27 letter “Missing ingredient:” I agree with the writer that “No politician is perfect; sometimes it is a case of voting for the lesser of two evils.”

This apparently is as good a reason as any for voting for Joe Biden and all too common with our money-based system of producing candidates.

With literally millions of citizens potentially eligible for the job, Trump and Biden are the best we can come up with?

I often wonder why we can’t be presented with a better-of-two-goods choice.

– John Goehl, Biscayne Park

TUNING IN

Evidently, professional baseball and basketball players who opted not to play their games on Aug. 27 must be Republicans. In addition to calling attention to the cause of social justice, by virtue of no games being broadcast, folks around the country were more likely to tune in to the final evening of the Republican National Convention.

Perhaps the highly paid players were showing their appreciation for the major federal tax cuts they received from the Trump administration!

– Dave Oliver, Miami Lakes

RIP, GOP

On Aug. 24, the Republican National Committee wrote the obituary for the Republican Party. The party, formed in 1858, died of unnatural clauses. The RNC formally approved the surrender to Trumpism by adopting a statement that it had no party platform for the 2020 election.

Rather, it would support whatever idea Donald Trump espoused, even as it changed from day to day. No message of hope and progress. No list of their goals for the coming four years. No thoughts about how to improve the life of citizens. No mention of the virus, as it is a hoax that will shortly go away. No tribute to American exceptionalism.

Like most people, I grew up with the old two-party system.

Although I leaned Democrat, I respected many of the ideals of the Republican Party, like smaller, more efficient government, moving the decision process closer to the people, opportunity for all, and self-reliance.

Adios, my old friends. Real Americans will miss you.

– Henry Marks,

West Kendall

ANGER AND SYMPATHY

When I hear about all the Black lives lost for no reason, it breaks my heart. I think of all the families and friends, mothers, fathers and loved ones who are affected by the loss.

I put myself in their place, and it’s unbearable. I can’t imagine how it must feel to fear for your life just because your skin is darker than some others. I listen to the stories, and I cry. I am outraged.

You don’t have to be Black to be outraged, you just have to have a heart.

– Donna Falana,

South Miami

NOT FOR ME

After watching the GOP convention, it is clear that Trump and his GOP consider Obamacare, Social Security, Medicare, the postal service, environmental protection and restrictions for combating COVID-19 to be socialism. They are trying to eliminate or privatize all.

The Trump GOP also is okay with separating children from their parents and placing them in cages, using the military to attack peaceful demonstrators, and corrupting the Constitution and the rule of law.

Thankfully, many Republicans are supporting Biden for his moderate bipartisan approach and honest, thoughtful, science-based leadership.

– Richard M. Steinbook,

Miami

ANGRY PROTESTERS

As though the murder of George Floyd were not shocking enough, the recent senseless and brutal shooting of Jacob Blake further demonstrates the systemic racism that pervades our nation, and the desperate need to make reforms.

Reform will be neither easy nor rapid, but under the leadership of Biden and Harris, first steps will be taken and a solid foundation laid.

Under President Trump, the problem will only get worse. Unfortunately, videos of angry protesters storming government buildings, torching auto dealerships, looting shops and harassing diners in restaurants merely inflames Trump’s racist base and almost guarantees four more years of his autocracy.

– Patrick Alexander,

Coral Gables

FAILURE

If a socialist is someone who promises goodies for free, what do you call someone who promises to build a big, beautiful wall that Mexico will pay for?

What if the promise isn’t kept?

– Dan Lundberg,

North Miami

WHEN THIS VIRUS IS OVER, I STILL WANT SOME OF Y’ALL TO STAY AWAY FROM ME.

Leslie Jones