THE TOP STORIES LAST WEEK

SWAMP NOW A PIG STY Dick Batchelor,

The swamp is being drained one by one. Scott Pruitt, the previous EPA administrator had to leave under a cloud of abuse of power. The Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tom Price, left his position after wasting over $300,000 in travel money. Now the Secretary of the Interior, Ryan Zinke has had his case referred to the Justice Department for several conflicts of financial interest. Not to mention Wilbur Ross, Secretary of Commerce -- who is likely the next to leave under a cloud of failing to disclose conflicts. Actually, the swamp is now a pig sty. Same trough. Different hogs. Just some are better dressed.

HUGGING AND CRYING Rudolph C. Cleare,

There comes a time when the one thing that helps the most is to have one's very best friend hug you and let you cry for a minute. I think most Americans came to such a point after learning of bombs directed at multiple public figures, the murder of two women at a Kentucky grocery store (apparently because of their race) and the slaughter of 11 innocent Jews inside their Pittsburgh synagogue, all in the space of one week. On Oct. 30, some 1,300 people came from all over Central Florida to Orlando's Congregation of Reform Judaism to sit in solidarity with our Jewish sisters and brothers and hear Rabbi Steve Engel deliver a soul-stirring sermon that called out leaders of every stripe who refuse to speak the truth, who use careless speech to bruise or abase others, or who advance rhetoric that induces followers to adopt a hatred for enemies real or perceived. I felt our community hugging itself while he spoke.

SHORTSIGHTED TAX CUTS

Tom Dyer,

Like climate change, news about the federal debt is usually buried where it will be overlooked. But recent numbers are alarming. The U.S. budget deficit jumped to $779 billion this past fiscal year, up $110 billion and on track to pass $1 trillion by 2020. The government will borrow $1.3 trillion this year, more than double last year's tab. Total federal debt now approaches $22 trillion. Interest payments comprise 7 percent of federal spending. That'll go way up as interest rates increase. In a booming economy, the biggest culprit is recent corporate tax cuts. Shortsighted? You bet.

UGLY, UGLY AND UGLY Rogue Gallart,

Politics: Watching the commercials on TV and social media of all the mudslinging on this upcoming election…the theme seems to be “whatever it takes to win.” I think if the great Sergio Leone (director of "The Goo,d the Bad & the Uglyl") were alive today, this movie would be called “The Ugly, the Ugly & The Ugly.”

TREE OF LIFE SOLIDARITY David Kay,

Communities across the country and around the world came together in solidarity with Tree of Life - Or L'Simcha Congregation and the Pittsburgh Jewish community. In Orlando, over 1,200 people of all backgrounds gathered for a "Stop the Hate" program at a local synagogue. It was all beautiful, hopeful, and inspiring. Yet, in the current climate, anti-Semitism and other forms of hatefulness are on the rise. It's a chillingly familiar story in Jewish history, and one the Jewish community has no desire or intention to see repeated -- for any group or for any reason. We must not wait until the next tragedy before we all commit to walk the talk – and talk the talk – of mutual respect and love of neighbor. May the memory of the 11 who were taken from us be for a blessing.

ROBERT SCHELLHORN

T.J. Legacy-Cole, political organizer/community activist: State Attorney Aramis Ayala called for a review of any case packet in which Orlando Police Officer Robert Schellhorn is listed as witness. Ayala stated supervisor consultation regarding its credibility in cases where Schellhorn is the sole witness now requires mandatory state attorney or chief assistant approval. It's been reported Schellhorn was first on scene to attempt CPR on Lt. Debra Clayton after being shot by suspect Markeith Loyd in a Walmart parking lot. Schellhorn was disciplined for violating Orlando Police Department's social media policy, when he referred to African-Americans as "useless savages," a term used to dehumanize people of color. So one now begs the question as to whether or not Schellhorn followed protocol to administer CPR correctly to Clayton, an AfricanAmerican woman, or did his bias come into play?

Ricky Ly, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida launched a new product line called A Spoonful of Hope. The tomato basil soup, jars of honey, and cookies made from the best ingredients will be hitting Central Florida grocery stores and, for November, local area Four Rivers Smokehouse locations. It's a social entrepreneurship initiative begun by the local food bank in its efforts to fight hunger in our community, with profits going back to its culinary training program for financially struggling residents. As the holiday season approaches, it'll make a thoughtful gift for families and friends, while also giving back.

PITTSBURGH CONNECTION Ted Maines,

The shock wave we felt upon hearing about the shootings in Pittsburgh was amplified ten-fold when I found out that one of the victims, Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz, was Jerry, my sister's childhood friend. She stayed in touch with him over the years and saw him recently at a reunion. He was a compassionate physician who treated AIDS patients in the early years of the disease, never afraid of providing care or hugs to patients that others treated like pariahs. It was no longer a random hate crime; it became personal. RIP, Jerry, and a great big hug to everyone left behind, this week and always.

“NEVER AGAIN” Jeffrey Miller,

As a Jewish person, I was shaken to my core by the horrific murders in Pittsburgh. I hope we all were; a line has been crossed. Pittsburgh and other cites have responded with vigils and memorial services, much like several years ago here in Orlando. As a gay person, I attended those. I am tired of vigils and memorials. Words matter. Actions matter. "Never Again" means something. The leadership we crave through these dark times has disappeared. Instead, we have divisiveness, incitement, fear of the "other" and violence. I never thought I would see this day. Vote!

TRUTH VERSUS LIES Kathleen Oropeza,

Truth beats a lie every time. We've seen two ridiculous examples in recent days that impact all Floridians. First is the absurd notion that 14th Amendment “birthright citizenship” can be erased by presidential order. This is patently untrue, and it has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. Second is the claim that a Florida governor can impose a personal income tax on all of us. A Florida personal income tax must be decided by voters, which would no doubt result in an epic, bipartisan “No!” Lies are a political weapon. The truth is always there, for those willing to dig.

LEAVE ROOM FOR LIVING

Larry Pino,

After three hours of passing out candy Wednesday night to excited young people in colorful costumes, I finally came in, took a shower, and had the chance to catch up with the Today show airing a segment on “keeping your children safe,” including fire-resistant costumes, removing masks before crossing the street, keeping parents four to five feet behind at all times, and so forth and so on. I was reminded of the OSHA-compliant Cowboy, who was so padded – NFL football style – he was too heavy to actually ride the horse. It occurred to me that life in these complicated times has potentially become so safety conscious, there's no room left for living.

AS IF YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT Michael Slaymaker,

They first came for the transgender people by saying they couldn't serve in the military but I didn't speak up because I wasn't transgender. Then they came for the Jews and murdered 11 of them in a synagogue - but I didn't speak up because I am not Jewish. They sent bombs to politicians and media people they didn't like – but they didn't send a bomb to me. We learn from lessons along the way that we can't let things like this transpire without doing something. What are you going to do today? Voting is a good way to start doing something.