Hurricane Helene voted against Donald Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature — all deniers of climate change.
Helene was the strongest storm in wind and storm surge for a Big Bend that is no stranger to hurricanes. It may also be the most expensive hurricane ever for the U.S., ravaging vast sections of the Carolinas, Georgia and Tennessee.
If we want to keep living in Florida, we must rid ourselves of scientific illiterates who bailed out insurance companies while raising home insurance costs and passed a Don’t Say Climate law (HB 7071 in 2024) to hide the simple fact that climate change makes hurricanes bigger, stronger and more costly.
In this election, we can punish the climate deniers. If you vote for them, you own the consequences of the coming storms.
Amb. Frank McNeil (ret.), Boca Raton
Thwarting the will of voters
Why do we in Florida approve constitutional amendments with over 60% approval, only to have them undermined by a Republican governor and legislators? Isn’t it their job to work for us?
We see it again. Gov. Ron DeSantis and his goons are doing all they can to disrupt the vote on Amendment 4 on abortion rights. Abortion is between a woman and man. It’s the choice of a couple, as determined by their doctor.
When Rick Scott was governor in 2014, voters approved Amendment 1 to protect water and land, by a 75% bipartisan margin. It was supported by taxes on real estate transactions. The intent was to protect land and improve Florida’s natural environment. What should have been $300 million per year trickled down to less than 10%, and it took a lawsuit to force the Legislature to spend the money properly.
As Scott’s term as governor was ending and DeSantis was arriving in 2018, voters passed another Amendment 4 with overwhelming bipartisan support, to allow convicted felons to vote if they completed their sentences. Both governors and Republican lawmakers devised ways to thwart the voters.
Now, DeSantis, Scott and Republican legislators oppose abortion rights Amendment 4.
If a 60% supermajority approves the amendment, it would become Florida constitutional law. We can expect our elected leaders will find ways to not abide by it. Voters should decide — not politicians.
The GOP of Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, the Bushes and John McCain is gone. The new, Trumpian party claims election corruption if they don’t win, and supports QAnon’s conspiracy theories.
Are you more at ease with your kids and grandkids being raised with the ethics that raised you, or the world of Donald Trump, Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis? Had enough yet?
Bill Summerfield, Ocala
Jimmy Carter turns 100
Former President Jimmy Carter will not escape history.
Not only is he the oldest living U.S. president, he is the first one to reach the age of 100 — a tough act to follow.
Whatever Carter lacked in his one term as president (1977-81), he earned in the many accolades in his personal life. A legend in his own time, he has been an exceptional humanitarian and the epitome of a good Christian — an exemplary human being.
Just as he wanted, Carter has made his life count for something. As a humble servant to God, he never stopped loving and caring for others.
God bless America, and God bless Jimmy Carter.
JoAnn Lee Frank, Clearwater
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