A recent letter to the editor referred to Democrats as “losers” because of the government shutdown that has stopped food assistance and pay for the military and air traffic controllers.
But are Democrats the only ones needing SNAP benefits or serving in the military or flying domestic flights or working for the federal government? When the nation suffers, we all suffer, including Republicans who live in red states like Florida, and who struggle to make ends meet.
If the poor are losers, then more than half of the nation’s inhabitants qualify.
Phil Beasley, Plantation
No spot zoning in Hollywood
Hollywood residents — indeed, residents of any neighborhood — should be alarmed by the potential demolition of a single-family home in the 1400 block of Monroe Street. It is to be replaced by a nonresidential structure that’s not compatible in size or scope in this historic district.
If it’s approved, it would betray homeowners on the block, in the neighborhood and across our city by allowing spot rezoning.
It would endanger the trust residents place in city zoning codes that protect residential homes and businesses to plan for future needs to guarantee stability. Allowing this demolition, and the variances sought, is a potential disaster for all who count on the codes to be enforced.
More than 1,000 people have signed a petition agreeing this project does not fit with surrounding homes. Lighting and signage needed to support the facility are not compatible with a residential neighborhood. The potential danger from more traffic has not been assessed. The consequences of this spot rezoning are dire, and will set a precedent for Hollywood and cities across the county.
Siobhan McLaughlin, Hollywood
Editor’s Note: The Hollywood Historic Preservation Board is scheduled to decide this case at a hearing at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9 at City Hall. The proposal is to replace the home with a Jewish ritual bathhouse, a Mikvah.
Health care heist
With the cost of everything going up, the last thing families can afford is more expensive health care. But millions of families are about to learn that their health care costs have surged.
We’re in a health care emergency as a result of policy choices by Republican leaders in Congress. Over the summer, Trump and Republicans in Congress cut more than $1 trillion from Medicaid, ending coverage for 15 million people. Now they want to cut tax credits that lower health care costs for millions of working families, and 24 million face skyrocketing health care premiums.
While families brace for rising costs and less care, Republicans and their billionaire besties prioritize tax breaks for the wealthy. They have poured money into separating families, committing human rights abuses and terrifying hardworking immigrants — people essential to our health care workforce, our economy and our future. This is nothing short of a health care heist and a betrayal of American families.
Lisa Wigutoff, Fort Lauderdale
Apoplectic at CBS News
Bari Weiss, former editor of the Free Press, recently took charge of CBS News. At The Free Press, she insisted on a newsroom with Democrats, Republicans and (gasp!) independents or Libertarians.
Needless to say, occupants of the CBS newsroom are apoplectic that it might actually turn into an impartial journalistic outlet that reports the facts, instead of being another Pravda for the Democratic Party (which is what essentially all mainstream news outlets laughably masquerading as beacons of impartial journalism have become).
So, I have this question: How many non-Democrats work in the Sun Sentinel newsroom?
Richard Porter, Oakland Park
Tick, tick, tick …
On “60 Minutes,” President Trump insisted that Zohran Mamdani was not merely a socialist, but a communist.
Perhaps an intrepid reporter could ask Trump to explain the difference between socialism and communism. We would love to hear his response, and it would give him a great opportunity to display his superior cognitive abilities.
Marc Rohr, Plantation
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.
