Democrats should tone down the Trump rhetoric | Letters

Not buying it

The rhetoric of Harris and Biden isn’t what’s sparking political violence | Column, Sept. 19

Jonah Goldberg’s column left out a few facts: Since 2016, the Democratic Party has constantly compared Donald Trump to Hitler and falsely accused him of Russian collusion using a dossier they knew was nothing but lies. They have repeatedly told the public that he is an existential threat to democracy who must be stopped “at all costs.” This year, President Joe Biden said we need to put a bullseye on him.

If you keep telling people these things, some of them are going to start taking you seriously and try to do something about it. The rhetoric of the Democratic Party is aimed at one individual and is deeply personal, whereas Trump’s rhetoric is an attack on the Democratic Party’s policies and how they are hurting our nation. Also, there is a big difference between rhetoric and rhetoric that incites violence.

Goldberg’s attempt to link the comments that were made about pets being eaten by Haitians to this assassination attempt is a farce. Finally, only Republicans have been shot or shot at. That should tell you who’s rhetoric is inciting violence.

Mark Khan, Tampa

A better path

Hillsborough County State Attorneys trade barbs at forum | Sept. 19

Regarding Andrew Warren and his bid to be state attorney, I believe discretion to prosecute on the part of the state attorney’s office pertains to the abundance and quality of the evidence in a particular case and not the prosecutor’s view of the law transgressed. By signing the anti-abortion statement in 2022, Warren essentially affirmed that he would not prosecute cases in violation of the Florida statute controlling abortions. He was the only Florida State Attorney to sign that pledge. That would make it so the law would not be enforced evenly and fairly throughout our state. The correct and honorable course of action Warren should have taken was to resign in protest and pursue a position in the Florida Legislature where he might be able to redress what he feels to be an unjust law.

Thomas M. Davison, Brandon

A deep injustice

Hillsborough County State Attorneys trade barbs at forum | Sept. 19

Andrew Warren was removed from office by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022. It was a slap in the face to democracy and the Hillsborough voters who elected him twice. The same day, DeSantis appointed Suzy Lopez to replace Warren, an arrangement DeSantis obviously planned in the shadows before Warren’s firing. Lopez never should have agreed to be a part of this nasty plot. A federal judge has ruled that Warren’s firing was unconstitutional and illegal, and despite DeSantis’ protests, obviously so from the beginning.

Every breath DeSantis and his defenders and minions have expelled defending this plot has been a further slap to public trust. Warren took an appeal to the 11th Circuit Court, which found no fault with the lower court’s appraisal of DeSantis’ malfeasance and sent it back to the lower court for further consideration, where it has now sat for six months — an inexplicable injustice to Warren.

The Florida Supreme Court also received Warren’s claims but ruled that he had unreasonably delayed in seeking their review and so turned him away — an absolutely absurd but predictable outcome from that court.

Warren’s education and experience bespeaks a truly enlightened approach to his work, far too enlightened for the unimprovable philistine occupying our governor’s mansion and his associated schemers around the state. Every puny attack from Lopez is another shovelful as she digs her way to the core of this injustice.

Stephen Douglas, St. Petersburg

Better off in 4 Years?

Are we better off than we were four years ago? Four years ago, I thought no U.S. president would try to seize power by force when the electorate voted him out. Four years ago, we were still spending tens of billions of dollars building a symbolic, ineffective border wall that didn’t actually do anything to address illegal immigration instead of spending that money securing our supply chains. Four years ago, we were still trying to use way too many tariffs to centrally control the global market.

Michael J. Cooper, Tampa

DeSantis double standard

Critics see DeSantis double-standard in Florida abortion petition case | Sept. 22

Why should we be surprised or shocked at Gov. Ron DeSantis’ double standard in handling Amendment 4? He favors transparency in government unless it’s a matter of disclosing his calendar or choosing university presidents. He favors conservation unless he is trading valuable, preserved land for less valuable tracts. He believes in democracy, except when he blocks the restoration of ex-felons’ voting rights, delays the implementation of medical marijuana, or unilaterally decides to replace duly elected local prosecutors.

He abhors waste in government unless the state is paying exorbitant salaries to a political crony with no background in education to oversee New College. He attacks local school board members but leaves in place a Moms for Liberty member with highly questionable morals.

The list could go on, but it all boils down to duplicity — a quality that seems meaningless to today’s voters.

Stephen Philips, St. Petersburg

Love the good news

Tragedy struck for Catholic newlyweds. Months later, a miracle? | Sept. 22

Every day, my husband and I read the paper and discuss something good that we have read. Good news is uplifting. Sadly, most days, the paper is full of non-good news. So when I saw the front page on Sunday I became excited. The miracle story was a perfect Sunday read.

I had tears in my eyes from the start, I got goosebumps just thinking about what I just read. The love pouring from this article was heaven-sent. I asked for good news. This is good news at its best. For only God can turn a tragedy into a miracle. Believe it or not. He was listening. Thank you for finding this good news and sharing it with us all. It may not have been what I was praying for, but it was just what I needed. More good news, please.

Ann VanTassel, Dawson, GA