DeSantis’ actions echo ugly ancient history
Our governor, with the help of sycophantic legislators, is succeeding at becoming the new “pope” of Florida’s (and, he hopes, America’s) politics. His latest papal bull, banning the plain facts of history, some of which he thinks you and your children ought not to know, echoes the early church’s “Index Librorum Prohibitorum,” a 15th century list of banned books.
Using “woke” in place of “heresy” and “anathema,” he persecutes all who wish to think and act independently of his dogma. Instead of listening to and representing the majority of those he governs, his minority hierarchy of religious right wingers act as those of the Supreme Sacred Congregation of the Roman Inquisition, which sought out and punished all who didn’t toe the church’s line. At least, this modern version of intolerance is not as violent and murderous as that of past ages.
However, unless enough of us perceive the darkness and danger of repression, and rise at the voting booth to change the course of our society, to listen to and respect each other, and act in cooperation rather than conflict, as our forefathers intended when they wrote the Constitution, then we fulfill Pogo’s observation “We have met the enemy, and he is us.”
Until then, we must all hail and pay obeisance to “Ron The Inquisitor,” furtively sneaking access to the darker aspects of history to learn to avoid making the same mistakes.
The solution is simple:
Avoid letting your party, religion, clan or whatever do your thinking and decision-making. Instead, think critically and honestly for yourself. Ignore the ads and the polls. Be wary of the motives and accuracy of “information” sources, especially in this age of artificial intelligence. Hard work, but the alternative is the erosion of your freedom.
– J. Trigg Adams, Miami
HURRY UP, UNDERLINE
As months pass while Miami-Dade leaves Metromover elevators and escalators inoperative, County Hall should remember that for millions of visitors, this is the first face of Miami they see. It shouldn’t be a last impression, too.
The broken elevators and escalators also discourage residents from using the system. Perhaps when the Underline is complete, more people will commute by bicycle. They are faster and more reliable.
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– Terence Connor,
Coral Gables
THE ANTI-GOVERNOR
Kudos to Gov. Ron DeSantis as Disney cancels a $1 billion building project and the 2,000 jobs it would have brought.
Is the governor probusiness or just pro-DeSantis?
Of life’s ironies, Donald Trump calls his media outlet Truth Social. Meanwhile, our governor touts the courage to be free — unless you’re an LGBTQ citizen, a woman, a teacher, a student, African American, an immigrant, a local or federal government employee, Dr. Anthony Fauci, a duly elected prosecutor, a librarian, a parent and, of course, one of the state’s largest employers.
Who’s left to experience this “freedom” besides the governor?
– Leonard Rubinstein,
Aventura
MAJOR FRAUD
The May 4 Herald online story “Top SBA official oversaw PPP, then did work for one of its worst offenders,” is a dismaying account of how a former high-ranking U.S. Small
BOB MCFARLIN
Business Administration official, who was in charge of policing the muchneeded Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), left the agency to work for the largest PPP fraudster.
In December 2022, the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis issued a report detailing how two companies — Blueacorn and Womply — committed widespread PPP fraud. The report includes footage of Blueacorn’s CEO bragging, with a wad of cash, after receiving more than $1 billion in taxpayer money in fees to administer the program. Meanwhile, most of Womply’s $2 billion revenue in 2021 came from fees collected from PPP lenders for referring applications through its platform.
How is it, then, that former SBA Chief of Staff William Manger, who was responsible for the development, implementation, and execution of the PPP program, was able to work for Womply, too?
Our country has laws designed to prohibit such cozy relationships and
ALEX MENA
improprieties. SBA leadership must put up guardrails to handle the distribution of aid — and against cronyism. If we don’t learn from this incident, corruption will continue to spread.
– Frank de Varona,
West Miami
DESANTIS A RINO?
Well, there go 2,000 well-paying jobs and a $1 billion investment. Thank you, Gov. DeSantis. You are representing our great state honorably.
What job-producing corporation are you going after next? Are you sure you are a Republican?
– Juan Suarez, Pembroke Pines
DIFFICULT ACCESS
How does Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava justify the breakdown of access for the disabled and elderly at some Metromover stations?
The contracted vendor has been clear that the system is antiquated and replacement parts not available, but Levine Cava has no clear plan to resolve
DANA BANKER
this critical ADA issue.
Is the county still issuing ADA violations and enforcing the code for all non-complying locations?
Shame on her. Voters should remember this when she campaigns for reelection.
– Marie D. Valenti,
South Miami
FLORIDA’S DESPOT
I recall when Gov. Ron DeSantis was running for governor. He gave Cuba hell for doing exactly what he is doing now: banning books and trampling our freedoms. Go figure.
– Martin Lindo, Miami Gardens
BOOK REPORT
If there is a book you think should be banned, the first step should be to submit a 500-word report about the book itself to the local school board, along with another 250 words on why it should be banned. You will be graded for accuracy, grammar and spelling.
– Meg Livergood Gerrish,
Palmetto Bay
CLEARER TIMES
Perhaps it is age, language — or I need more linguistics study. The Herald’s May 19 story “Lawsuit reveals undisclosed side job for mayor of Miami,” was about Mayor Francis Suarez’s secret compensation from a developer doing business with the city.
Maybe we should call that what we used to call it: a payoff.
– Bruce Shpiner, Miami
WHAT’S UP, GOV?
Without question, Bugs Bunny is a cross-dressing rabbit who often smooches Elmer Fudd.
Gov. DeSantis has tossed more intolerant blows to Disney than many of us can stand.
With Warner Brothers — Bugs Bunny’s creator — safe in Southern California, I would be interested in knowing our governor’s attitude toward the delightful hare.
– Connie Goodman-Milone,
Miami