And they do. But they belong in a park, not in the median of a major east-west thoroughfare.

The city needs to remove those trees and build a ramp garage to eliminate the on-street parking to ease some of the downtown gridlock created by increasing density. This will also allow businesses along Las Olas to flourish.

Janet Jones, Fort Lauderdale

Focus on good design

Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk Center Garage, built with purpose, is perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing parking garage anywhere.

The city has a tradition of wrapping structured parking in habitable spaces where they face streets, which are public spaces. Where that’s not possible, garages may be camouflaged in exceptionally creative screening.

Architects, playing off each others’ designs, have developed a form of architectural ornamentation, or art form, unique to downtown Fort Lauderdale. With the bar set that high, I refuse to believe that these designs have been deemed suitable for the city’s most heavily used park — and parks, like streets, are public spaces.

What happened to the the city’s own high standards for private development?

Good design does not require more money; it requires more talent.

Randall Robinson, Fort Lauderdale

A pleasant surprise

In the first month of Ron DeSantis’ first term as governor, even though I did not vote for him in 2018, I applauded his commitment to protect Florida’s environment.

My hope that he was a moderately conservative and caring politician was dashed early on when he rejected federal funds for 800,000 Floridians who needed Medicaid coverage.

Hope does not always spring eternal. In the seven succeeding years, he has disappointed at every level of his stewardship of this state. The list is far too long to enumerate the failures and frequent examples of retribution, bias, bigotry, bullying and illegal methods.

Yet, in a recent Sun Sentinel story, I found a reason to commend our most unlikable governor. It was his pronouncement that he wants regulation of artificial intelligence by the Legislature and state administrative boards, a proposal that I fully support.

Maybe it’s the realization that Donald Trump has no interest in any regulation that burdens his big donors’ business models, be it cryptocurrency or AI.

Maybe DeSantis recognizes that a majority of Americans are fearful, or at least wary, of AI’s potential for harm, and he sees an opportunity to build his future political platform on it.

DeSantis has 12 months and one final regular legislative session to prove he can walk the walk.

David Kahn, Boca Raton

Bluestein and Bluestein

The paper recently posted two letters to the editor from men named Bluestein.

While I wholeheartedly agree with Lou Bluestein’s point (on the Heritage Foundation) and I rarely agree with Neal Bluestein, I must admit, the body of Neal’s letter met with my agreement, your “editor’s note” notwithstanding.

That is, until he strayed off topic and characterized the boat the U.S. double tapped as smuggling drugs.

The boat was in international waters off the Venezuelan coast and not headed to the U.S. It was far too small to carry both its load of passengers and a significant amount of drugs as well.

Why, I wonder, is the right wing of our country so bloodthirsty?

Bob Chaban, Boynton Beach

Please submit a letter to the editor by email to letterstotheeditor@sunsentinel.com or fill out the online form below. Letters may be up to 200 words and must be signed with your email address, city of residence and daytime phone number for verification. Letters will be edited for clarity and length. 

The network put the kibosh on this story for inexplicable reasons. This “60 Minutes” segment was canceled by Bari Weiss, editor-in-chief of CBS News. Just like the Nazis tried to hide sites in Germany during World War II, those concentration camps that ended up mass murdering six million Jews, this is no different, and the public does not know what’s really happening.

Why would CBS cover this up?

If you don’t see it, then it didn’t happen.

Linda Gefen, Boca Raton

Restore the subsidies

Now that we have reached the crisis stage in health care, it is past time for the president and his party to get serious about the poor state of health care in the richest country in the world.

Many Americans cringe as they reflect back to President Trump’s comments in the campaign when his reply to a question about health care was: “I have a concept of a plan.”

Trump has a deep-seated hatred for all things Obama, with Obamacare at the top of the list. The problem is, he and his cronies have offered absolutely nothing as an alternative.

At the end of 2025, enhanced federal subsidies were to terminate. Premiums will skyrocket. An estimated 4.8 million people will lose coverage completely and 22 million will see their premiums increase by an average of 114% or $1,016 a year. It is unconscionable that the wealthiest 25% of the population will get 60% of next year’s tax breaks under the “big beautiful bill.”

The time is long past due for Democrats and Republicans to sit down together and work out a bipartisan health care agreement that will help the American people in the long run. Maybe if we call it “Trumpcare,” it will pique the president’s interest.

Bruce J. Maltzman, Wellington

All the wrong energy

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts advocates a theory of Alexander Hamilton calling for an “energetic” presidency. Nothing wrong with that, but an aging, self-enriching former New York real-estate developer isn’t well-suited for such a job.

Some of us lose memory and patience as we age. We get frustrated — even angry. This is true of Trump, too. His military may not allow him to start a global war, but his energy is all depressing, negative and hurtful. Not enough Republicans would help get him out from under the 25th Amendment. Pass the anti-depressants.

Robert Cogan, Boynton Beach

It’s TRS, not TDS

Sun Sentinel reader Robert Bialer recently shared an exchange he had with a friend who accused him of having “TDS,” Trump Derangement Syndrome, to which he took great offense.

Mr. Bialer should explain to his friend that “TDS” applies to Trump’s supporters, not his detractors. The rest of us level-headed people who despise Trump and everything he represents are blessed with “TRS” — Trump Reality Syndrome.

Rita Ouellette, Margate

Please submit a letter to the editor by email to letterstotheeditor@sunsentinel.com or fill out the online form below. Letters may be up to 200 words and must be signed with your email address, city of residence and daytime phone number for verification. Letters will be edited for clarity and length. 

I refer to those willing to trade empathy and compassion for complacency. The ones who believed the hate raging against immigrants and the LGBTQ community and were fine with the demeaning treatment of women journalists.

More importantly, I’m thankful and wish to acknowledge the diverse group of academics, political leaders and everyday Americans — teachers, librarians, doctors, scientists, journalists and park rangers — who showed us how to protest.

They’re the heroes at the forefront of this resistance, fighting fascism and supporting science and truth. In the coming year, I want to be part of a resistance that opposes right-wing extremism and authoritarianism. I want to help squelch lies and disinformation and assist in spreading truth, compassion and love.

Rosemary Blumberg, Plantation

A guilty pleasure

Although I’m an oldster, I live an extremely active life. Time is precious to me. For guilty pleasure, like reading a book or painting to “steal” time out of the day. I’ve not watched TV news for years, as who knows what’s really correct? I record everything I watch, so I can fast forward through commercials — a waste of time.

But sitting down with my coffee every morning and my newspaper, I can take my eyeballs to the articles that interest me.

Many times I find an article about something I would never think to google, and it is very valuable to know about money, health, etc. I cut out interesting articles on science or animals to send in cards to my grandkids. The Sun Sentinel is my guilty pleasure!

Sandra Hill, Tamarac

The Epstein coverup

Anyone with half a functioning brain has figured out by now that no valuable information regarding the Epstein files will be released anytime soon. Unless Democrats take back both houses of Congress in 2026 and the Department of Injustice is dragged kicking and screaming before a Senate committee, there will be no meaningful insight into this hideous coverup.

All the breathless, inane coverage of “deadlines” to release the files means less than nothing. The goal of this regime is protecting Trump and other rich and powerful men involved in this nauseating scandal, no matter what.

So now we wait to see if voters are prepared to do the right thing. The old cry of “throw the bums out” could not be more relevant to these times, if justice is to see the light of day.

Linda Ribner, Lauderhill

For a floating holiday

Kudos to letter writer Freddie Dunn and seven-time Super Bowl champ Tom Brady for advocating President’s Day as a floating national holiday the day after the Super Bowl (Feb. 8, 2026).

With the holiday in mid-February anyway (Feb. 16, 2026), it makes perfect sense that it follows the big game, eliminating “Super Sick Monday” forever.

And it would save the U.S. tax revenue due to the lost productivity of hung-over workers who show up for work — if they show up.

Aside from being an efficient use of the calendar, it’s wildly popular with employers and employees alike. Doesn’t everyone like to have the next day off following a big party event?

President Trump, who prides himself on common sense, should see this as the quintessential no-brainer. It should take him five seconds to sign the executive order.

Ed Dignan, Boynton Beach

Please submit a letter to the editor by email to letterstotheeditor@sunsentinel.com or fill out the online form below. Letters may be up to 200 words and must be signed with your email address, city of residence and daytime phone number for verification. Letters will be edited for clarity and length. 

How long will the Broward County School Board wait until a really devastating financial (or otherwise) blunder occurs?

The board relies too heavily on its staff when making serious decisions and spending our hard-earned tax dollars. While it is necessary for staff to handle day-to-day administrative tasks, the buck stops with the superintendent and eventually the board (of nine elected officials).

The board must rely on competent staff and must trust their judgment, which lately has caused disastrous results and decisions.

It may be time to clean or tidy up the house, and perhaps President Ronald Reagan’s old adage of “Trust but verify” is apropos in these circumstances. I urge Broward voters during the next election cycle to elect school board candidates who possess financial, legal, and business literacy capable of managing a $5.4 billion business whose sole purpose is to educate our children.

Howard A. Tescher, Fort Lauderdale

Warming hearts everywhere

I never tire of reading the holiday editorial, “Yes, Virginia.”

This favorite of mine is guaranteed to warm your heart and get you in the Christmas spirit. Each time I read the 1897 letter to the editor to the New York Sun from a precocious 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon asking if there really is a Santa Claus, along with editorial writer Francis P. Church’s wise reply, I read it with relish.

Even though the editorial is 128 years old, the words are fresh and crisp, as though they had just been written and I was reading it for the first time. May this delightful piece of literature be passed down from generation to generation and enjoyed each year on Christmas.

Long live “Yes, Virginia.” And let us all keep on believing.

JoAnn Lee Frank, Clearwater

Praise for the bishops

How heartening that Florida’s Catholic bishops are seeking a halt to ICE deportations during the Christmas season.

Even though Christmas is not part of my religious tradition or observance, I have always thought the message of peace and goodwill to all offers an especially welcome light at a dark time of year.

And in a year when the current administration has been hard-hearted to far too many, I appreciate the moral stand the bishops are taking.

Merri Rosenberg, Boca Raton

DeSantis and the arts

As one of the many performers in Andrea Bocelli’s Dec. 21 performance at Kaseya Center in Miami, I would like to thank Gov. Ron DeSantis for attending and staying for the whole performance.

I was just wondering: If the governor has such a high opinion of the arts in Florida, why doesn’t he then restore all the money he vetoed and took away from the arts and arts education? He has to realize that without the arts in children’s lives, education is only halfway accomplished.

His war on public education has gone on for too long, and I’m afraid that if another Republican Trump crony is elected, we will see the demise of the public education system as we know it.

Seth Wexler, Plantation

Most Broward cities have their own police departments and are safe and have excellent response times. Fourteen of 31 Broward cities use BSO, according to the sheriff’s website.

The city hired a consultant to evaluate creating its own agency or staying with BSO. Services such as emergency 911 calls, SWAT teams, and helicopters are paid for through the county and will still be available either way.

Many people are not aware that the city owns its police and fire substations and fire trucks and ambulances used by BSO in our city. We’re responsible for all that equipment either way.

Ask city commissioners to wait until all of the relevant information is available and brought up at a public meeting. Your taxes may increase. As a former commissioner, I waited to hear all the facts before voting.

On the question of BSO’s future in Deerfield Beach, two commissioners jumped the gun (Ben Preston and Dan Shanetzky), and you should demand to know why.

Bernie Parness, Deerfield Beach

The writer is a former Deerfield Beach commissioner.

Is this a war crime?

Blowing up boats in the Caribbean has nothing to do with stemming the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. The boats may not be headed to the U.S., and the actions by our government may constitute war crimes.

Why kill everybody on the boats? Shouldn’t survivors be interrogated so information could be obtained about their operations and action could be taken against those running the narcotics trade — the kingpins?

Are we not interested in halting such operations? It’s time that the important task of preventing the influx of illegal drugs into the United States is handed back to professionals.

J.D. Hirschel, Highland Beach

A bike that’s not a bike

Electric bicycles are an important and positive part of our transportation landscape.

They make cycling accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Unfortunately, a growing number of high-powered electric vehicles are mislabeled and marketed as “e-bikes.”

They create risks, especially for children, and are causing a backlash against legitimate cyclists. It’s time to draw a clear line.

If a vehicle exceeds 750 watts, reaches speeds over 28 mph, operates primarily with a throttle or resembles a motorcycle or dirt bike, it’s not an e-bike. It’s an electric motorcycle — often called an e-moto.

These electric motorcycles are increasingly driven by underage riders, creating serious risks. They accelerate quickly, reach motorcycle-level speeds, may require licensing and registration, and are often illegally ridden on streets, sidewalks and bike paths. A helmet does not make a 40-mph electric motorcycle safe for a child.

Helmets should always be worn, especially by children and teens. Speed increases risks. Head injuries are the leading cause of serious cycling trauma.

E-bikes are not the problem; electric motorcycles, marketed as e-bikes, are. Parents deserve
clear information, communities deserve safe public spaces, and cyclists deserve not to be
blamed for machines that were never bicycles.

If it goes faster than 28 mph or exceeds 750 watts, it’s not an e-bike. It’s an electric motorcycle, and should be treated as one.

Richard Garrett, Bradenton

The writer is president of the Florida Bicycle Association.

A nation of immigrants

When letter writer Terrence O’Loughlin wrote that Archbishop Thomas Wenski is “simply wrong” about illegal entry into the U.S., Mr. O’Loughlin was — well, simply wrong.

Under federal law, 8 USC 1158, it is legal for immigrants to request asylum at the border. An immigration judge will hear their plea and decide whether to grant asylum.

Let us remember, we are a nation of immigrants (we called it a “melting pot” when I was in grade school). We ought not slam the door on persons seeking a better life here, just as our ancestors did before us.

Daniel M Cook, J.D., Boca Raton

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I guess the news from South Carolina (where flu cases are rising rapidly) hasn’t reached Tallahassee yet.

Please heed me, parents and anyone who has influence over parents and guardians of children.

I have had the measles, and it was everywhere from my intestines to my eyelids. It could have killed me. I missed 30 days of school. The misery of 75 years ago and the feel of cracking Calamine lotion on my skin is still fresh in my mind.

Protect your children.

Bill Gralnick, Boca Raton

Whitewashing history

Propagandists at the Heritage Foundation consider critical race theory (CRT) to be “ideological indoctrination.”

In fact, CRT is history. It is the actual history of the U.S.A., not a whitewashed, dishonest version. CRT is the truth. The Heritage Foundation representatives are the lying propagandists.

Lou Bluestein, Boynton Beach 

Abnormal behavior, period

When there are glaring issues with a president’s physical or mental condition, regardless of party, something must be done. Instead people are trying to excuse Donald Trump’s obvious decline by citing Joe Biden.

Biden’s health in office has nothing to do with Trump’s health issues. They’re real. Trump is more dangerous than he was the first time!

His nasty statements, childish name-calling, lack of knowledge of important areas (or a blatant disregard for our laws) and total lack of respect for others is disgraceful, and I believe in many areas, illegal, too. How is this possible in this country? Where are we headed?

Never in our history have we had a sitting president who exhibits his behavior.

When did it become OK for the leader of the U.S. to tell the world he’s seeking revenge on his political opponents? How childish, sensitive and vengeful can he be? Such traits in an adult are not normal.

Harriet Cohen, Tamarac 

Getting it backward

I call your editorial staff the Mariana Trench of journalism. When you think they can’t go lower, they take another step down. Your Dec. 6 editorial begged for clemency for men on death row because they served in the military — typical convoluted thinking of bleeding-heart liberals who always put the criminal ahead of the victim.

You cite Army Sgt. Jeffrey Hutchinson, executed in May. All the good sergeant did was kill his girlfriend and her three children. You quoted Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, which said: “The devastating murders for which Jeff was convicted do not erase the sacrifices he made for our nation.”

You’ve got it exactly backward. The sacrifices he made for our nation do not erase the fact that he took four innocent lives. Hutchinson got the punishment he deserved, and the family of the victims got the justice they deserved.

Funny, though: Our military “double taps” a boat, killing drug smugglers, and lefty loons are quick to call Secretary Hegseth a murderer. But a man kills a woman and her children in cold blood and he deserves our mercy. What planet did you pinheads fall from?

Neal Bluestein, Boca Raton 

(Editor’s Note: The Sun Sentinel Editorial Board opposes the death penalty. In Hutchinson’s case, we cited experts who doubted his mental competence because of PTSD and Gulf War illness. He refused to let his lawyers plead insanity.)

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This is what the holiday should be about — bringing joy to someone who needs it. Thanks to you — and Ben.

As a practicing Jew, one might think that I have little to do with Christmas. But our synagogue, Temple Beth El of Boca Raton, through its Giving Tree in cooperation with many social service agencies, provides many thousands of presents to about 2,000 adults and children this time of year.

Nearly all recipients are not Jewish, and for most of them, these are their only gifts. Hundreds of congregants and volunteers buy, wrap and deliver the gifts, all anonymously. The Christmas spirit is nonsectarian.

Allen P. Lev, Delray Beach

Warming hearts everywhere

I never tire of reading the holiday editorial, “Yes, Virginia.”

This favorite of mine is guaranteed to warm your heart and get you in the Christmas spirit. Each time I read the 1897 letter to the editor to the New York Sun from a precocious 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon asking if there really is a Santa Claus, along with editorial writer Francis P. Church’s wise reply, I read it with relish.

Even though the editorial is 128 years old, the words are fresh and crisp, as though they had just been written and I was reading it for the first time. May this delightful piece of literature be passed down from generation to generation and enjoyed each year on Christmas.

Long live “Yes, Virginia.” And let us all keep on believing.

JoAnn Lee Frank, Clearwater

Praise for the bishops

How heartening that Florida’s Catholic bishops are seeking a halt to ICE deportations during the Christmas season.

Even though Christmas is not part of my religious tradition or observance, I have always thought the message of peace and goodwill to all offers an especially welcome light at a dark time of year.

And in a year when the current administration has been hard-hearted to far too many, I appreciate the moral stand the bishops are taking.

Merri Rosenberg, Boca Raton

DeSantis and the arts

As one of the many performers in Andrea Bocelli’s Dec 21 performance at Kaseya Center in Miami, I would like to thank Gov. Ron DeSantis for attending and staying for the whole performance.

I was just wondering: If the governor has such a high opinion of the arts in Florida, why doesn’t he then restore all the money he vetoed and took away from the arts and arts education? He has to realize that without the arts in children’s lives, education is only halfway accomplished.

His war on public education has gone on for too long, and I’m afraid that if another Republican Trump crony is elected, we will see the demise of the public education system as we know it.

Seth Wexler, Plantation

Leave Las Olas alone

I must say, the black olive trees on Las Olas Boulevard are amazingly beautiful. Please do not remove them.

They have lush, glossy dark green leaves that stay year-round. This gives the boulevard a rich, verdant canopy. Please, no!

Dr. John D. Mudrock, Miami 

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Two similar properties in the same neighborhood are often taxed at greatly different amounts because of provisions in the Save Our Homes (SOH) law.

Why should this be? Why should someone buying a first home in Florida pay much higher taxes than someone who bought their home years ago?

And why should rental properties be taxed higher because of homestead exemptions and SOH provisions? After all, renters, who are usually poorer than homeowners, are paying these taxes indirectly in the form of higher rent.

Now, the state of Florida wants to eliminate non-school property taxes on homesteaded property, but not the same taxes for rental property. To make up for this loss of revenue, the sales tax will be raised, most likely.

How is this fair to renters, who will have to pay higher rents because their landlords do not get any of the same tax breaks, and who also will have to pay higher sales taxes, too?

Duncan Campbell, Pompano Beach

Oh, the absurdity

In the Sun Sentinel’s Dec. 5 edition, I noticed a photo with a sports story headlined “Welcome at the World Cup?”

A familiar-looking individual was wearing a red hat that read: “Trump was right about everything.” I nearly spat out my coffee at the sheer absurdity of that statement.

To add to this confusion, the side of the hat displayed “45-47.” A hyphen between two numbers typically indicates a range from and to — which raises a question: Was he skipping over the 46th president entirely? For the record, the 46th president was Joe Biden.

I can’t say I was surprised. The individual currently occupying the Oval Office makes a habit of misrepresenting facts, including his own record. It’s disheartening to see such misinformation on display as our country prepares to welcome athletes from around the globe. The “leader of the free world” should inspire confidence, not embarrassment.

David Emert, Wilton Manors

Deregulation robs us

Can any rocket-scientist MAGA supporters cite just one specific expense that has been lowered for the consumer by cutting regulations? No, they can’t.

Cutting regulations to consumers harms the environment. It brings no relief to consumers; only relief to the wealthy.

Wake up, America. You’re being robbed blind by the MAGA business model.

Don Whisman, Stuart

Deregulation works

Your recent editorial began with a wildly false premise: “America has deregulated airlines, railroads and broadcasting — with terrible and unanticipated consequences for us.”

A totally absurd statement. The airlines have never been as safe, or as inexpensive as they are today. Shipping costs by rail or truck are much faster and cheaper than at any point in our history. And we consumers have more choices to view or listen to the various media sources than anyone thought possible 30 years ago.

Deregulation absolutely works. It should be pursued with vigor.

Burt Long, Sunrise

Another Rob Reiner film

After the death of writer and director Rob Reiner, the media cited many of his films.

I found it interesting that “The American President” (1995), which starred Michael Douglas, Annette Bening, and Martin Sheen (who also played a president on NBC’s “The West Wing”) was rarely mentioned.

Steven Graves, Fort Lauderdale

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He speculates that the license plate lacks sufficient buyers because “Israel, the victim, has become Israel, the aggressor,” and that unlike Ukraine, “they haven’t decimated the Gaza strip and tens of thousands of non-combatant women and children.”

Unfortunately, rebutting these beliefs with facts is useless in dealing with people who would demonize the state of Israel and its actions while holding it to standards not applied to any other nation.

Mr. Kahn supports the Ukrainians because they are “fighting for their lives and sovereignty.” Perhaps he is clueless that Israelis have been fighting for their lives and sovereignty for not just a few years, but for the entirety of their 77-year existence.

By the way, I was unaware of this tag.

I enthusiastically recommend its purchase and will do so right away!

Jonathan Rubin, Deerfield Beach

No end to School Board chaos

Here we go again. Another front-page article on the adventures of the Keystone Kops — I mean the Broward County School Board.

Seriously, if private enterprise conducted business like the school district staff does, they would be unemployed quickly.

It seems like they can’t do anything right, and members of the board are like ostriches with their heads in the sand, popping up only to complain how misinformed they are.

The bottom line: Until members of district senior management, beginning with chief operations officer Wanda Paul, are replaced by competent individuals, we will continue to see chaos unfold with no end in sight.

Wayne Zimmerman, Pembroke Pines

For a more civil society

I miss a civil society. People used to talk things out. Not anymore — things are blown up. The East Room of the White House was blown up before any debate or discussion of “the people’s house,” paid for with American tax dollars.

We have a Speaker of the House who doesn’t speak. He has to be informed on current events because he doesn’t seem to have the time to know what’s happening around him. He sent Congress home for half the session so there would be no debate over health care subsidies or the dreaded Epstein files.

We have a president and Defense secretary playing video games with boats at sea that they blow up because they say they can, whether they had drugs or not. Meanwhile, the president pardoned an ex-Honduran president, guilty of taking bribes from drug smugglers who brought 400 tons of cocaine into the U.S., claiming the man shouldn’t have to serve that long a sentence. It makes no sense.

We need a more civil society.

Mark Walker, Boca Raton

What would you expect?

Why would we expect anything else out of Donald Trump’s mouth but meanness and hate? (“Trump’s vile words provde Reiner was right,” editorial, Dec. 20).

Expecting him to act presidential with a level of decorum is best forgotten when listening to him.

As my father would say, if you don’t have anything nice to say, close your mouth!

Karyn Rhodes Dornfield, Boca Raton

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There’s widespread uncertainty about public safety. Recent active shooter incidents and large public protests increase our desire to stay at home. Also, inflation will likely cause a reduction in Christmas gift purchases.

We should focus, then, on what truly matters for an enjoyable holiday. Visiting outdoor displays, viewing holiday performances and attending religious services will increase your joy of the holiday. Gather with family members to exchange gifts and, if possible, dine together.

If possible, assist those in need and remember all who are no longer present in our lives.

Then the holiday spirit of “Peace on Earth” may be present in all our lives.

Bob Sweeney, Warwick, R.I.

The power of togetherness

Christmas Day holds religious and cultural significance for many. It’s a time to celebrate the joy, love and peace of the season.

Whether it’s through giving to others, sharing a festive meal or spending time with loved ones, Christmas is a reminder of the power of togetherness and the spirit of giving.

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate.

Paul Bacon, Hallandale Beach

To better enjoy the holidays with family and friends, which I believe is in sync with his pledge of making America greater than ever, President Trump signed an executive order giving federal employees both Christmas Eve day and Dec. 26 off from work.

Since he’s in such a festive mood, I would like to bring to his attention another holiday issue that needs to be addressed. It’s the day after the Super Bowl, often called “Super Sick Monday.” It’s one of the most inefficient work days of the year.

Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady recently said that the day after the big game should be a holiday to let people better enjoy this mid-winter sporting event that unites people of all political stripes. As Trump wrote in his brilliant 1987 autobiography, “The Art of the Deal,” “often times, the simplest approach is the most effective.”

The easiest way to achieve this objective is for the president to sign an executive order making President’s Day a floating holiday that automatically follows the date of the Super Bowl. And if Tom Brady likes the idea, how bad can it be?

Freddie Dunn, Glen Burnie, Md.

Remember those we lost

This is supposed to be a festive time of the year.

College students finishing final exams before their winter break and looking forward to going home to be with family and friends. Jewish families celebrating the happy, festive holiday of Hanukkah.

But students and families at Brown University in Providence, R.I., will never be the same as two students died and many more were injured. Then, during a Jewish celebration of Hanukkah in Sydney, Australia, 11 people were killed in gun violence.

When will it end? May their memories be a blessing.

Barbara Morris, Boca Raton

End the impasse

Citizen alert: Health care is a humanitarian right and it’s the responsibility of our elected officials. Please tell your representative in D.C. to fix this impasse. We must wake up!

Harriet Mathis, Fort Lauderdale

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