THE TOP STORIES LAST WEEK

Health is economic driver

Carlos Carbonell, CEO/Founder

Echo: Tech Strategy & Apps: Democrats in the U.S. Senate introduced a bill to allow 50-65-year-olds to buy in to Medicare. On its face, this proposal might seem a more reasonable step forward than singlepayer plans being pushed by the Ocasio-Cortez-wing of the left, it’s actually just “Medicare for All”-lite and could have disastrous, unintended consequences in Central Florida. Healthcare is a huge economic driver in our community. As an example, in Rep. Stephanie Murphy’s District 7 (where I live), 15 percent of jobs — employing over 52,000 people — are in “Healthcare and Social Assistance” per the census. Bipartisan consensus is needed to fix and improve our health-care system.

Glimpses of political alignment

John L. Evans Jr., consulting unit chief for a global investment firm;

former congressional staffer: Something might be rotten in the state of Denmark, but something is peculiar and delightful and wholly welcome in our Sunshine State. Longtime liberal friends of mine are saying things — are you sitting down? — that are positive about our newly minted Republican governor. Even Scott Maxwell published a piece not negative about our 40-year-old leader. Good heavens, something is pleasant in the state of Florida. Glimpses of political alignment. Sensible, clear-eyed plans and action in the spaces of environment and education, are serving our statewide dialogue well. We are elevating. Fleeting gubernatorial honeymoon, or here to stay? We’ll know soon.

Lobby for love, acceptance

Mark Freid, immediate past president, Holocaust Center: I’m a firm believer that most of the hateful comments on social media and in response to digital articles are trolls, hermits and bots and should be ignored 99 percent of the time, but I loved that Martha Sugalski used a hateful, xenophobic remark on her Instagram page to lobby for love, acceptance and bilingual education. I want to say that it’s small efforts like these that will change hearts and minds, but then again, since Sugalski’s retort has amassed hundreds of positive comments of its own, maybe this isn’t such a small effort after all. In any case, it’s outspoken acts of love like Sugalski’s that make me proud of our community and the values we stand for.

Defining ‘wall’

Rogue Gallart, president, Central

Florida Disability Chamber: Wall, a noun … as per the Cambridge Dictionary, one of the meanings is, “A way of feeling or behaving that completely prevents two groups of people from communicating with or understanding each other.” The Berlin Wall, which was a guarded concrete barrier that physically and ideologically divided Berlin from 1961 to 1989. Of course, there is also another meaning as per Donald Trump … “Keeping us safe.” But, perhaps, I will use the best example … Pink Floyd’s epic masterpiece … The Wall. A crowning accomplishment of the rise and fall of a rock star who secluded himself in a wall and it backfired. Walls are built to separate people and cultures mentally and physically.

Redding’s Grammy honor

Glenton Gilzean Jr., president/ CEO, Central Florida Urban League:

You might have missed the brief moment at last Sunday’s Grammy Awards where Orlando’s own Dr. Jeffrey Redding appeared on the screen. Dr. Redding, a graduate of Jones High School and currently a teacher at West Orange High School, was awarded the 2019 Grammy Music Educator Award, which is given to one teacher for his or her role in shaping students’ lives through music. Incorporating music and song in our curricula is critical for the development of our youth. Music education opens up the world to our youth, it allows them to express their feelings, learn about different cultures and perhaps even discover hidden talents when handed an instrument. As Friedrich Nietzsche said, “Without music, life would be a mistake.” Congratulations to Dr. Redding, an honor well deserved!

Border-wall funding

Ric Keller, lawyer, former member

of Congress: A sober person would be confused about funding for the border wall. Nancy Pelosi predicted that Congress wouldn’t pay any money and it wouldn’t be built. Wrong. Congress just reached a deal to pay $1.375 billion toward the wall, and new construction has already started along the Texas border. A new poll shows it’s supported by 55 percent of Florida voters. President Trump mentioned the word “border” 14 times during the State of the Union speech, and college kids playing drinking games had to do 14 shots of tequila. Apparently, they’re the only ones left who still believe Mexico is paying for it.