Wildlife commission has lost its way
Thank you to reporter Jeff Schweers and columnist Scott Maxwell (“Creepy and improper. Florida officials investigate citizen critics, July 23) for recounting the stunning loss of trust that has been building with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC). For many the agency has lost its way (unless your public comments serve to restrict gopher tortoises, or applaud bear hunts or cheer for a high-speed roadway carved through conservation lands).
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Now this agency has flagrantly tossed its ethical guardrails over the side by allegedly spying on those with whom they disagree. Is this the new “Free-Fall State of Florida” where citizenns exercising their right to free speech and the right to petition one’s government are the target of covert profiling? Corruption takes hold like a spreading toxic mold when those in power hope citizens and voters will allow the quashing and intimidation of honest debate and critical thinking. Let’s surprise them. Say “No more.”
— CJ Williams, Winter Park
Maxwell’s work is exceptional
Congratulations to Scott Maxwell on his well-deserved Society of Professional Journalists award for General Column Writing. His factual, honest, no-nonsense and consistently exceptional work is deeply appreciated. He reminds us that there are still thoughtful, principled journalists who aren’t afraid to tell it like it is. Congratulations, Scott — and keep up the outstanding work!
— Katie Sanchez, Orlando
Criticize Israel, don’t destroy it
For more than 60 years I have called myself a Democrat. Of course, there have been issues such as the war in Vietnam where I strenuously disagreed with the party, but for the most part I have been proud to call myself a Democrat, the party committed to fulfilling the promise of America’s founding documents to provide for the life, liberty, peace and prosperity of our people free from prejudice and bigotry and without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin and sexual preferences. But what has happened to my party?
As proud Democrats we are deeply opposed to our county’s present government, yet we loudly affirm our deep love for our country. Those views are not inconsistent. We recognize that an administration is temporary, and America’s greatness, while scarred by the present government, should not diminish the significance of our past and the promise of our future.
Just as an American can love the U.S. while detesting its government, so can any reasonable person say the same with regard to Israel. I am very unhappy with the actions of the present Israeli government but that does not mean that the country should be wiped from the face of the Earth. My love for the state of Israel continues unabated. Unfortunately, many who call themselves Democrats seem unable to make this distinction. They call for “the Earth to the sea,” thus demolishing the state of Israel.
They fuel the ravaging anti-semitism spreading throughout the western world. Most of those who call themselves Social Democrats should be ashamed of their political hypocrisy, and I cannot consider them to be members of my Democratic party.
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What has happened to my party?
— Mark O. Cooper, Altamonte Springs
A key vulnerability
The United States deserves better than a president who treats war as a political tool without a clear strategy or accountability. Trump’s decision to drag the nation into another conflict has, in my view, put both our security and our economy at greater risk.
The Department of Defense appears to be operating without coherent leadership or a real plan for ending this mess. Our servicemembers deserve competent command, clear objectives, and an exit strategy. Due to this war of choice, the consequences for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and for regional stability could strengthen Iran while making America look weak and indecisive.
Even more troubling are the ethical questions surrounding this administration. Reports that Trump’s sons have benefited from investments tied to defense companies with Pentagon contracts create the appearance of blatant conflicts of interest. It is unacceptable for those closest to the president to profit while American troops bear the burden of war.
America’s strength depends on trust, integrity, and accountability. That means enforceable ethics rules, transparent financial disclosures, independent inspectors general, strong congressional oversight, and an executive branch that respects the law. Firing watchdogs and resisting oversight only weakens the nation.
If we want America to be strong again, we must restore honesty, accountability, and leadership worthy of the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform. Without those principles, America is not stronger it is more vulnerable.
— Joy DeBusk, West Melbourne
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