Letters to the editor for Sunday, March 23, 2025
Our readers share their opinions on a variety of topics
- Some Fort Myers residents argue against a proposed partnership between local police and ICE, citing concerns about racism and potential misuse of power.
- Other residents express support for the measure, believing it will increase safety and target criminals.
- Additional letters discuss a range of political topics, including immigration policy, freedom of speech, and the Trump administration.
Letters to the editor should be 250 words or less. Include your name and city or community of residence. Guest opinions should be 600 words or less and include a brief summary of the author’s credentials relevant to the topic. Guest opinions may include a head shot of the author. For the Fort Myers News-Press, email submissions to mailbag@news-press.com and for the Naples Daily News to letters@naplesnews.com
Fort Myers doesn’t need ICE
In response to the recent City Council meeting. I think it’s important to stand up at a local level when things aren’t right. I’m not confident that our police force wouldn’t take advantage of ICE’s broad language and lax training. We live in a very safe community and adding some terrible ICE program isn’t going to make it safer. We already have metal detectors at most of the schools and our police department has several robot dogs/tactical vehicles/ etc. The ICE program is nothing more than thinly veiled racism aimed towards our Spanish population. We can decide as a community what we need and Fort Myers doesn’t need ICE.
Christina Penuel, Fort Myers
Three courageous ladies
Courage is a rare trait to be found in today’s political universe especially amongst Republican men from Washington to Lee County. We have seen it all the way down from DeSantis to Rubio to Scott, and to the lower echelons like Donalds and including local officials. Enter three dauntless women with the backbone so lacking in the men voicing opposition to another chaotic measure emanating from Washington that would have local police joining forces with ICE in disrupting so many innocent people's lives in the guise of going after criminals in our midst.
No one argues against removing criminals from our streets; but like so many of the misguided actions of the current administration, typically the decimating of agencies haphazardly in search of minuscule fraud they will surely botch this one up royally resulting in adverse consequences for the whole county. Americans are beginning to understand the meaning of “Caveat Emptor” and their buyer's remorse might lead them to join forces with these three courageous ladies on the City Council.
Fred Jodice, North Fort Myers
We need refugees
No one wakes up one morning and decides it would be fun to leave everything they have known to go live in a tent in the desert. They just want to live.
My husband’s mother and brother made that impossible decision during WWII and left their beautiful Adriatic Island to escape the atrocities committed by the Axis forces to live in a refugee camp in Egypt for two years before emigrating to the U.S. at the end of the war. During this time, his father left the ship he crewed and joined the American Army, earning his citizenship.
As a citizen he was able to sponsor his family into the U.S. They all contributed greatly to our society. His father became an expert rigger at Inland Steel, being the person they called when no one else could solve a problem. His brother, dropped into 5th grade not speaking a word of English and years behind in his education, became an engineer, working in the Space Program from Mercury through the Space Shuttle. His mother became known for being a wonderful hostess and taking baked goods to everyone in need.
This is an example of how much a refugee family can contribute to our society. Sadly, our country is now turning away most refugees. They need to be welcomed and supported as they adjust to life in the U.S. away from the trauma they have survived.
Lisa Medanic, Naples
Say no to silencing citizens
Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka and State Senator Jonathan Martin want to silence our voices and make it nearly impossible for citizens to bring important issues to the ballot. HB 1205/SB 7016, sponsored by Jenna will create new barriers to citizen-led amendments because she is afraid of the process that has allowed Floridians to pass laws when politicians like Jenna and Jonathan refuse to act!
Florida already has one of the hardest amendment processes in the nation requiring nearly 1 million signatures to get on the ballot, and a 60% vote to pass. HB 1205/SB 7016 will make it even harder because out of touch politicians don’t want us to have a say.
Call and email State Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka and State Senator Jonathan Martin to tell them to vote NO on HB 1205/SB 7016.
Our democracy belongs to the people not the politicians!
Daniel Becker, Fort Myers
Treatment of immigrants
The recent Venezuelan deportations have raised serious concerns about the treatment of immigrants in the United States, regardless of their legal status. The actions taken have sparked widespread debate and criticism, highlighting the complex interplay between immigration policy, human rights, and the rule of law.
The sheer scale of these deportations, coupled with reports of due process violations, suggests a troubling disregard for fundamental human rights. The Trump administration's approach, characterized by seemingly arbitrary decisions and a willingness to disregard court orders, has eroded public trust and fueled anxieties within immigrant communities. The accusations of fabricated narratives and the dissemination of misinformation further exacerbate these concerns.
The question of accountability is paramount. The actions of government officials must be subject to rigorous scrutiny and, where appropriate, legal repercussions. A thorough, independent investigation into these deportations is essential to determine whether all applicable laws and regulations were followed, and to ensure that such actions are not repeated. The principle of due process, a cornerstone of American jurisprudence, must be upheld for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. We need to have a serious discussion about the ethical and legal implications of these policies and strive for a more humane and just immigration system.
Kathleen Kretzer, Fort Myers
Voice of America
It’s bittersweet to read of the demise of the Voice of America (VOA). As one of the thousands of alumni employees, as a college student, of the venerable 83-year-old news organization whose broadcasting reached some 350 million listeners weekly in 148 countries, it’s disturbing that this vehicle for providing a non-partisan American viewpoint on current affairs to so many individuals around the globe lacking access to impartial reporting, especially in authoritarian-run countries, is being dismantled as part of the Trump administration’s search-and-destroy mission. But distress about the silencing of the Voice, a casualty of Elon Musk’s chainsaw approach to public service, is mollified by the de-commissioning of its executioner, the inimitable Kari Lake, the world class, two-time losing election denier and President Trump sycophant from Arizona. The announced nominee to head the organization three months ago before the shuttering this week would assuredly have converted the respected organization into a partisan mouthpiece shilling for her benefactor, President Trump. That would have resulted in a loss of credibility for this country instead of a loss of VOA’s lease on life; it may be a worthwhile trade-off if Lake were in charge. Better to have it buried than have her run it into the ground. In her typically graceless manner, Lake, a former Fox News TV anchor, deemed the Voice a “giant rot” that was “not salvageable.”As the old saying goes, it takes one to know one.
Marshall H. Tanick, Naples
Join political awakening
Now is the time for all good people to come to the aid of our country. We are beginning to see the awakening of so many of all political inclinations in the streets and at town hall meetings expressing their legitimate concerns. Now is the time to join with them and remind their representatives that we didn’t vote for them to be yes-men bowing to the whims of one man who fancies himself a king. Join them in letters to the editors and letters to your congressmen in both the Senate and House. Join with them in peaceful demonstrations with signs and symbols of freedom. Now is the time for those who have not yet been snared in this cult that would blur their vision to reawaken and stand tall to these ongoing distractions. Harden your resolve to fight back to restore truth and trust in our institutions and rid their halls of the unfit operatives who have been installed to render them obsolete. Now is the time for all good people to come to the aid of our country.
June Oneill, Fort Myers and Portsmouth, NH
Let Trump do his best
I was hoping that I would not have to write any more letters supporting President Trump, however based upon the vile letters in Suday's mailbag it looks like I still need to express my thoughts. First off Trump won the election. The Democrats' approval rating is down to 25% and dropping daily. All they can talk about is Trump. There is no proven Democratic leader nor thoughts on how to improve America. I say again let Trump do his best to bring an end to waste and fraud, close the border, stop Biden's wars and bring business back to America. If you don’t like what he does in the next four years cleaning up the Biden administration's mess then vote him out. In the meantime, give up the madness of your vile letters that don’t make much sense and embarrassing the Democrat Party.
Jim McMenamy, Fort Myers
That's derangement
So recently, one of the usual right-wing suspects opined that due to the number of letters in this column, he was considering going to medical school to specialize in "Trump Derangement Syndrome" because he would have "no problem finding work."
Well, that's for darn sure. When 2 out of every 3 voters here in SWFL vote for a 34-times convicted felon to be POTUS, that's derangement. When those same folks vote for someone who as a sitting POTUS loses re-election and then tries to stage a coup to stay in power, THAT is definitely derangement, and the list goes on.
Oh, but wait you say, that's not the original definition of TDS. That's right, but then neither is the definition of "woke" the right likes to throw around the original definition either. Sauce for the goose, sauce for the gander, you know.
Ken Brindle, Cape Coral
Overused phrase
Today's USA Today supplement contains these words: "Trump has, without evidence, accused Khalil of supporting Palestinian militant group Hamas." The phrase, "without evidence" is a bit overused in The News-Press and USA Today. Khalil was protesting Israel's war against Hamas in a public place, the Columbia University campus. If he's against Israel, he's for Hamas. A second-grade student could easily make this connection; apparently, it's too complex for USA Today.
Dave Bridgeman, Alva
Beyond angry
Accountability, responsibility!! Who is in charge? The former insurance commissioner of the State of Florida decided that the red flags that he saw in the report regarding insurance carriers in our state did not warrant his immediate attention? Is there staff at this agency who is responsible for sharing information with the legislators and their staff? Could it be that "friends" of the former commissioner were relieved that the information stayed silent so they could reap the rewards in high amounts? It is my understanding that our elected officials work for ALL the people of the state, and not just those who share the same political agenda. Did our legislators not see or bother to inquire about this particular problem? I believe that they have staff to look out for issues that are important to the residents who live here!
I am beyond angry that people who lost so much from our weather issues, who have lost their homes, their ability to make a living, and will never recoup from these events, are continuing to suffer as "stockholders" and insurance affiliates have reaped benefits that could provide help to so many.Whatever political party you belong to, all of the residents here matter. Stop looking at just your party. Sometimes looking "outside the box" and not playing, "follow the leader" will help those whose voice is lost in our current power play.
Barbara Herstig, Naples
See the hypocrisy
MAGA Mike penned a letter offering to go to med school and specializing in Trump Derangement Syndrome which is not yet in DSM-5. Coincidentally Justin Eichorn, a family values state senator from MN, sponsored a bill that would classify TDS as a mental illness in keeping with MAGA Mike's suggestion. But it’s going to have to wait. Justin was arrested in a police sting operation when he was accused of going to meet a teenage girl for sex. Anyone else see the hypocrisy or another ill-defined mental illness? Asking for a nation in serious trouble?
Laurence Jacks, Estero
We are basically alone
Trump and his sycophantic assistants have promised to end the war in Ukraine on day one. Unlike his ability to beat up on weak transgender people he is finding more difficult adversaries are resisting the art of the deal. Putin had a talk with Trump and refused a ceasefire that Ukraine had accepted. To give a big finger to Trump he promised to refrain from bombing Ukraine infrastructure but the next day he bombed at least one. So much for Trump's deals. Much worse is that the parties involved are not negotiating with each other only through Trump. Meanwhile the Europeans see that we are unreliable partners and are separating from us. With the loss of Canada and Mexico as partners who are we left with, Hungary, Argentina, Israel, all authoritarian regimes and a few other inconsequential entities. We have lost our power across the world we are basically alone.
Benjamin Glick, Naples
Manure keeps piling up
A recent letter to the editor described the current administration this way: When a clown moves into a palace he doesn’t become king, the palace becomes a circus. So far as I can tell that is a modification of a Turkish saying which in translation is: When an ox moves up into the palace, he doesn’t become king, the palace becomes a barn. This is succinctly apt since to it one can add: and the manure keeps piling up.
Don Barry, Naples
The Trump effect
If you voted for Trump, I hope you like higher prices, a rising deficit, a shrinking investment portfolio, and a shredded safety net.
Marc Bellagamba, Fort Myers
Daily power grabs
In 1887 British Catholic historian Lord Acton astutely proclaimed: "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Ladies and gentlemen, if our congressional Republicans continue to remain silent in the face of daily power grabs by Trump and his Project 2025 collaborators, there will be fewer and fewer constitutional guardrails protecting our rights and three branches of government from their real and concealed desires.
I dread a future when we might look back and ask, too late, what happened?
Ted Barto, Naples
Checks, balances in free fall
Most assuredly, criminal gang members, who are undocumented, should be deported to their home countries; however, the process for doing so must follow the rule of law. If/when a president's administration surreptitiously evades or willingly defies a judge's emergency restraining order to end a particular practice, then the means are flawed and thus, the ends are tainted. Furthermore, the mere appearance of judicial decisions being cast aside by the executive (or legislative) branch creates a disequilibrium among those three branches of government. What I find especially alarming about this executive takeover is the response of Border Czar Tom Homan who exclaimed, "I don't care what judges think (decide?)" Not to be outdone by Homan's rant, senior White House aide Stephen Miller asserted that the federal judge had no authority to block Trump's deportation agenda citing the 1798 Alien Enemies Act which is invoked during a war (only Congress can declare war which it has not). Regrettably, Judge Boasberg's poignant response best captures this moment in our history upon his hearing of the Trump administration disregarding his judicial order: "My orders don't seem to carry much weight." Those once cherished historical checks and balances that have defined American government are in free fall.
James L. DeBoy, Fort Myers
Dismantling higher education
Citing the Columbia University’s alleged inaction against antisemitic incidents and its handling of pro-Palestinian protests on campus, the Trump administration has canceled $400M in grants to the school and issued an ultimatum to place several departments under “academic receivership.”
New York is America’s largest Jewish population center. Many Columbia, faculty and staff are Jewish. Undoubtably, many of them have been offended and scared by the pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Similarly, advocates of Palestinian rights have been hurt and pained by the actions of Netanyahu administration and its American supporters. Both perspectives have legitimacy.
The attack on Columbia and higher education more broadly is injurious to America’s strategic advantages on the world stage. In the field of medical science alone, achievement by members of Columbia’s community have been and are remarkable. For example, Dr. Baruch Blumberg, a Columbia alumnus, discovered the Hepatitis B virus and developed its first vaccine, preventing millions of deaths.
The term “Anti-Semitism” was coined by a proto-Nazi in 1879. It was directed specifically toward Jews. Like Hitler, he saw them as racially inferior. A few days ago, Mr. Trump said that Senator Chuck Schumer, a Jew and a staunch advocate of Israel’s right to exist “used to be Jewish. He’s not Jewish anymore. He’s a Palestinian.” On Rosh Hashanah, a celebration of the Jewish New Year, in 2023, Trump described liberal Jews as “crappy Jews.”
Those statements are anti-Semitic. This is the leader of a political party dedicated to controlling and/or dismantling extraordinary educational institutions. Why?!
Michael Sales, Naples
The Trump kind of rich
Mr. Trump could be heard on TV recently defending his dumb tariffs (Wall Street Journal words, not mine) by saying he, Mr. Trump, would make us all rich. No thank you Mr. Trump, I do not want your kind of “rich.” Beyond our health, which indeed is our greatest rich, I want to be materially well-off enough to take care of my needs and the needs of my family and to be of help to others. I want to have genuine, not transactional friends. I want to have love in my heart and not hate, for ALL my fellow human beings, regardless of race, creed, color, religion, national origin or sexual orientation. I want to act on that love and not just mouth it. I want to have family and friends who love and care for me, not for what I can do for them, but because I am a good human being who treats other human beings as I want to be treated and am therefore deserving of their love. I want to be a principled human being who stands for and will forcefully fight for what is right and for justice, regardless of whether it fattens my bank account, gets me votes or a promotion or makes me popular with any political mob. I do not want to be a person who puts a dollar sign on everything and value on nothing. I want the Good Lord to keep me aware of His warning about putting too much focus on laying up treasures on this earth. This is how I measure my richness, Mr. Trump. This is how I wake up each day with a smile on my face, eagerly anticipating another opportunity, as the Marines taught me, “to do great things.” Tell me how you and MAGA measure your richness, Mr. Trump. On second thought, don’t. You have already shown and told the entire world.
Thomas Minor, Bonita Springs
Parade of bogeymen
Fox News has created a perpetual parade of bogeymen. Black. Gay. Trans. Brown. Muslim. Woke. Canadian. Mexican. Allies. Girls. Libs. Fear is a powerful motivator. The less truth you know the scarier the bogeyman. Ask a four-year-old with a bogeyman under the bed.
Fox says BOOOO! Immediate quivering for forty years. So powerful and profitable are these lies that Fox billionaire swine were eager to settle a lawsuit (and may again do the same if they can’t buy it for cheaper out of court) about lies for three quarters of a BILLION dollars.
Fox bogeymen liars convinced the inane magats that a criminal, felon, epoch liar, extortionist, thief, rapist, crook, six time bankrupt business failure, that allowed a successful economy to fall to a pandemic disease because he was afraid it would spoil his chances to remain president. He chose his own power grab obsession over the lives of 1.1 million American souls and watched unemployment, inflation stemming from global distribution, GDP, the stock market and the economy crash. Created derision over wearing a simple safety mask and chaos regarding the medical miracles known as vaccines. The effective use of bogeymen to keep the inane in infinite nail biting fear.
The billionaires wanted an oligarchy. The evangelicals wanted a theocracy. Putin wanted an American servant. SCOTUS wanted to get fatter. The onion skinned liar got his chance to get even. Voters wanted a tough guy. Americans deserve the government they elect, Thomas Jefferson.
Peter Karastamatis, Fort Myers
The America I want
I don't want to live in Hungary, or Turkey, or India and certainly not Russia. I want to live in an America that offers freedom of speech and religion, that has a democracy of checks and balances at the government level, that treats everyone equally, offers support for the most vulnerable among us and welcomes the poor, huddled masses escaping oppressive regimes. I want to vote for elected officials who look after my interests, not their own. I want corruption, greed and grift to be cleansed from our government. And I don't want to be forced to take a loyalty oath in order to have these.
This is the America I thought I had. I'm not so sure now.
Jennifer Walker, Naples
Morally wrong deportation
Many being deported under the current administration’s mass deportation program do not have criminal records. This is part of an immigration program gone wrong. Just how far wrong it has gone is shown by the recent detention by ICE of Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil. His case raises questions about the deportation risks faced even by lawful permanent residents.
Khalil, who led Columbia University protests in 2024 against Israel’s war in Gaza, is a green card holder and as such is a lawful permanent resident. Also he has no criminal record. Immigration attorneys say the administration’s basis for trying to deport Khalil is highly unusual, that in almost all such cases there is some type of criminal conviction.
Khalil is married to an American citizen who is 8 months pregnant. 98 members of Jewish Voice for Peace were arrested in Trump Tower for protesting his detention and attempted deportation.
The USA must get its immigration policy back on track. We must again look at comprehensive immigration reform. Part of this needed reform relates to the inhumane and morally wrong deportation of so many upstanding undocumented persons. I belong to an Immigration Mission team that supports the following statement, “We believe that deserving undocumented persons that demonstrably contribute to our society deserve a path to citizenship.”
Herman C. Lawson, Naples