THE TOP STORIES LAST WEEK

Jussie Smollett case

Rudolph C. Cleare,

The case of Jussie Smollett should cause serious alarm for every single one of us who spend time bemoaning the decline of truthfulness, integrity and decency. Inasmuch as we assail the Trump administration for pushing narratives based in alternative facts, it behooves us to recognize that people all across the social landscape are beginning to rely on the usefulness of duplicity, dishonesty and outright lying as tools to advance their individual agenda. What good comes of it? If the charges against him prove true, this young man’s conduct ought to be condemned, and he should be punished.

Broadway in Orlando

Tom Dyer,

The 2018-19 Fairwinds Broadway in Orlando series at the Dr. Phillips Center has delighted local theatergoers. “Hamilton” just closed a triumphant three-week run, and sold-out hits “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Come From Away” are in the wings. So some were disappointed when a less-ambitious 2019-20 season was announced last week. Highlights include Disney’s “Aladdin,” the Tina Fey-penned “Mean Girls,” and the acclaimed Lincoln Center revival of “My Fair Lady.” But sought-after shows like “The SpongeBob Musical,” “Once on This Island,” and “The Band’s Visit,” which won 10 Tony Awards in 2017, didn’t make the list.

Discussions on socialism

John L. Evans Jr.,

Much ado about socialism these days and the foreseeable future. Haven’t we been down this road before in political discussions, over the decades? Yes, the left will roll their eyes when comparisons are made to the likes of Cuba, Venezuela, and North Korea. They will try to direct the conversation to Sweden, the presumed panacea. When this occurs, ask the following questions. Why are you so enthralled about a country with such staggering homogeneity, or lack of diversity? If so swell, why aren’t people trying to move there in droves? Why, if socialist, does the country supply tax cuts to spur entrepreneurship? Lastly, can you point to one major innovation that has emerged from there? Never mind Venezuela.

Common Core in Florida

David Kay,

Gov. Ron DeSantis says Common Core is done in Florida (although, as Scott Maxwell pointed out last week, Gov. Scott said the same thing six years ago). Florida’s public schools have been mired in the lower half of the national rankings for years. Yes, Common Core has its problems. Getting rid of it may satisfy its critics, but that alone won’t improve our schools or ensure our children are prepared for life in the 21st century. Having sensible educational standards, reasonable ways of measuring progress, and a supportive system for teachers and students seems obvious enough. Hopefully, our elected officials in Tallahassee will finally see the forest for the trees.

Millennials in China

Ricky Ly, The Orlando Area Committee on Foreign Relations hosted Zak Dychtwald, the author of the new book “Young China.” While we fret over the eating and buying habits of our own millennials, China has around 400 million millennials, five times more than the 80 million we have here in America. These millennials grew up seeing massive growth in their lifetimes — the transformation of a China awakening from the Cultural Revolution and embracing more of the free market which helped lift hundreds of millions out of poverty into the middle class. Instead of seeing China as an adversary, perhaps we can see each other as partners in building a global community in a mutually beneficial way through economic and cultural exchange.

Debate on arming teachers

A.J. Marsden,

A poll conducted by Florida Atlantic University revealed that only 37 percent of Florida voters support arming teachers with guns in schools. Yet, despite the clear public opposition, Florida’s Senate Education Committee still endorsed a bill to permit teachers after training to carry a gun in school. Not surprisingly, it is the National Rifle Association leading the charge with its vice president Wayne LaPierre declaring that “we must immediately harden our schools.” We are slowly turning our schools into prisons. Let’s stop and consider the unintended consequences such a reactionary move inevitably will wreak on our children.