Believe Trump? Seriously?
John L. Evans’ letter in Friday’s Sentinel (“Take Trump seriously”), encourages us to listen to what Donald Trump says with a grain (or a block) of salt, while also taking him seriously. While this apparent conundrum is making my brain hurt, it also gives me hope.
According to the letter-writer’s formula, now, when Trump says, for instance, that voter fraud is rampant in America, I can surmise that he’s only kidding. And when he asserts, as he did in his State of the Union speech, that “we’re winning” like no one has ever seen, I can stop fretting about how that proposition could possibly even be understood (what, exactly are we winning?), and look at it as the work of a master craftsman making magic with his lilting prose.
The U.S. taking possession of Greenland? Just a poke in the ribs. Insisting that his “own morality” is the only check on his power? Akin to an off-color limerick. Somali immigrants in Minnesota devouring residents’ cats and dogs? Surely he didn’t expect us to believe that. Whatever comes out of his mouth should be considered alternative facts, to be trusted or not, depending on how finely-tuned one is with Trump’s subtle intelligence.
So, can we look forward to welcoming Canadians as our fellow citizens very soon? Will physicians begin treating COVID sufferers with injections of bleach? Stay tuned: Trump will soon let us know for certain. Seriously.
— Russ Kesler, Orlando
World Cup soccer? Why not Orlando?
An idea worth exploring: If FIFA has any safety concerns about the three scheduled World Cup 2026 sites in Mexico, why not invite them to consider bringing additional matches to Orlando?
In 1994, Orlando proved itself on the world stage. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution called it “the best venue in the best World Cup ever.” The Wall Street Journal remarked, “The United Nations should send observers to see how it’s done.” Even the Netherlands Consul General observed that “World Cup Orlando became a party promoting soccer and mutual understanding.”
We welcomed the world then with professionalism, security and goodwill, including memorable moments like the Orlando Police Department exchanging hats with international counterparts as a symbol of friendship.
Today, Camping World Stadium is even more experienced, regularly hosting large-scale international soccer events. Orlando continues to welcome millions of visitors each year with world-class hospitality and public safety. And with Brightline high-speed rail now connecting Orlando to Miami, already preparing for 2026 matches, and our new global flights to Orlando International Airport, our infrastructure is even stronger.
Orlando has done it before. We could do it again.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
— Joanie Schirm, Orlando
Joanie Schirm was the chair of World Cup Orlando 1994.
Why did UF hire Uthmeier?
Regarding Attorney General James Uthmeier’s new $100,000-a-year job at the University of Florida, the UF law school is also guilty for giving him the lucrative teaching contract. I have not seen any implication of the law school, yet it takes two to tango and it is important to tell the whole story.
— Michael Waranch, Orlando
Climate editorial leaned too far left
Once again, the editorial staffs of the Sentinel and Sun Sentinel have produced a document, “Americans lose their right to breathe freely” (Feb. 24) that cements your woke, left-wing opinion page. You call Trump “a willful ignoramus” while decrying his role in the “global warming and destructive heat waves.” How ironic that the piece appears as millions of Americans are freezing, without power, and New York City’s mayor is paying citizens to shovel snow.
As for the government’s retreat on electric vehicles, who knows why Americans won’t buy an EV unless the government hands them $7,500? Maybe they just prefer gas-powered cars. But, heck, up the handout to $15,000 and maybe even I will try one out!
— Barry Render, Winter Park
Not what Founding Fathers had in mind
In this 250th year of our country, I reflect on the thoughts of our Founding Fathers:
“The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.” — James Madison
I believe the red flags of tyranny are present now. This president doesn’t attempt to hide his gluttony for power and wealth. Our Founding Fathers warned us about this. The concentration of power in one person, the undermining of elections, disregarding the rule of law, the weakening checks and balances, and replacing constitutional loyalty with personal loyalty. All are in play in this administration.
In the president’s State of the Union speech, I believe he blatantly used divisive rhetoric and personal attacks on Democrats, inciting the divisiveness that authoritarians embrace. The “us” and “them” message does not make us stronger, but weaker to enemies looking to take advantage of a country in chaos.
“It is your business to rise up and preserve the Union and liberty, for yourselves and not for me.” — Abraham Lincoln
— Joy DeBusk, West Melbourne
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