Don’t forget the true meaning of sports | Opinion

School spirit

In Greg Cote’s March 19 column, “It’s March Madness: Welcome to the best 3 weeks in U.S. sports,” he, like the coaches of seven national programs who rejected invitations to play in the National Invitation Tournament (after not getting bids for the NCAA), lost track of the true meaning of the spirit of college athletics.

Tens of thousands of college athletes are on rosters to play football, basketball, baseball, soccer and myriad other sports. Most of these students will not have scholarships, won’t receive NIL [name, image, likeness] money and may never play their sport professionally. For them, it is the joy of wearing the uniform, representing their school and playing the sport they have loved since they were kids.

The NIT may be a second-tier tournament, but what does it say to the students at the schools that refused the invite? That they are losers or that the coach doesn’t want to have their program in the “loser” tournament?

Students are in college to learn and this is an opportunity to teach them how to manage adversity. It is also an opportunity to celebrate by participating in a post-season tournament. Nothing replaces the experience of competition and school pride.

I’m pretty sure the winning NIT team will be very proud of its achievement. I’m sure the players who were not given the same opportunity would have as well.

Mitchell Schlesinger,

Miami

Meiner’s mantra

At a signing ceremony with Gov. Ron DeSantis for a law forcing homeless people into camps, Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner said, “Law and order reigns supreme here.” The mayor’s oft-stated mantra appears to be his sole focus. Yet, for his constituents, “law and order” is seemingly applied selectively.

Beach police drive recklessly, racing at high speeds across causeways, changing lanes without signals, weaving across lanes and around cars. They too frequently speed on city roads, run red lights and fail to yield to pedestrians in cross walks.

Meiner and others trumpet the phrase “law and order,” yet they seem not to mind when those tasked with enforcing the law do not always obey it. Perhaps the mayor, by constantly focusing on this mantra, is giving police the improper impression they are above law and order. Perhaps, too, Meiner will quit pretending the mantra will shield him when he literally stands behind the governor and his inhumane policies.

Jack Lord,

Miami Beach

Climate discourse

Climate issues are as pressing now, if not more so, then most everything else the Miami Herald publishes. It must get more coverage. The Herald must do its part, locally, to curb adverse climate change. The United States Congress must also enact more climate-related legislation.

I hope this rallies the Herald to increase its coverage of climate-related issues and rallies others to get involved.

Matthew Vecchione,

Fort Lauderdale

MIA is broken

Enough is enough with conditions at Miami International Airport. I am a frequent traveler and on my latest trip, the Skytrain in Concourse D was still broken. The moving walkways to the parking garages are broken. The elevators in the parking garage are broken.

Golf carts for those who need it were few in sight and those that were in use were constantly beeping and nearly running people over. Finally, the very long lines at TSA checkpoints.

It is a disgrace.

Bill Anthony,

Coral Gables

Day of infamy

Carl Leubsdorf’s March 19 op-ed, “Thinking about the most important days in U.S. history,” chastised ex-President Donald Trump for elevating the day after Election Day as “the most important day in our nation’s history.” Leubsdorf cited numerous dates, from Independence Day to Selma to 9/11, as taking precedence.

Unfortunately, Trump may be right. If he gets elected, Nov. 5, 2024, may signify the end of democracy in this republic after almost 250 years. The date would make Pearl Harbor and the mob attack on the U.S. Capitol look insignificant by comparison.

Jeff Spiero,

Hollywood

Offending name

Please don’t refer to Florida as MAGA country. I’m a born and raised native Floridian and I’m insulted by the thought of my home state being called as such.

Donald Trump is an embarrassment not only to our beautiful state but also to our nation. There are many Democrats and independents out here screaming for other choices.

Mary Lieberman,

Deerfield Beach

Mental health

I am writing to you as a concerned social work student from Barry University to express my deep interest regarding mental health and its impact on our communities. I believe it is crucial to address the growing demand for mental health support and the challenges faced by individuals seeking assistance.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable surge in the demand for mental health services globally. Social workers play a vital role in providing support, counseling and connecting individuals with appropriate resources. However, there are significant gaps that need to be addressed.

One of the key challenges we face is the lack of mental health literacy within our communities.

Many individuals are unaware of the signs and symptoms of mental illness, leading to delayed or inadequate treatment. There also is a pressing need for better integration of mental health services into various social work settings.

I urge the Miami Herald Newspaper to continue highlighting the importance of mental health advocacy.

Krystall Horne,

Miramar

Vexing words

A film director, Jonathan Glazer, is being raked through the coals for controversial comments he made while accepting an Oscar Award for his film, “Zone Of Interest.” It is a career-defining moment, whether one agrees or disagrees with him.

Former President Donald Trump makes an ignorant and outrageous comment about Jews who vote for Democrats, yet he likely could be re-elected president.

What is wrong with this picture?

Alex Jimenez,

Winter Park

Vote anyway

My parents never really talk about politics in our household because they don’t see the point. However, before my civics class two years ago, I never understood the importance of casting a vote or of understanding elected officials’ goals.

Even though I can’t vote, as a 15-year-old environmentalist and activist, I try to encourage everyone who can to do so because our future depends on it. Younger voters oftentimes don’t see a purpose, when in reality, their voice matters the most.

Today’s youth will eventually take on the jobs, responsibilities and positions that adults now have. Unless we are represented in politics, we run the risk of having irrelevant policies that don’t further our agendas. At the same time, our environment is facing a massive crisis, making it vital that we vote for policymakers who have sustainable legislation in mind.

With the recent elections in Pembroke Pines and Lauderhill and future elections in November, I strongly encourage youth who are old enough to cast their ballot, even if they think it doesn’t matter.

Anagha Iyer,

chair,

Broward Sierra Group, junior team,

Miramar

No vote, no nation

There are Republicans who still believe they and this country would be better off bringing back a former failed president who, among innumerable faults and failings, promises a “bloodbath” if he is not elected in November.

If a legitimate Republican voter, after witnessing what Trump has done to the party, still believes the country would we better off with someone who has deluded voters into believing his lies, then the nation is in far worse peril than anyone could ever imagine.

These same voters will continue, well after Trump is gone and forgotten, to support more crazed candidates prepared to bring down the government. It’s a frightening thought.

Legitimate, longtime-voting Republicans must prevent this by voting against a Trump presidency, even if it means voting for Joe Biden.

David Kahn,

Palm Beach County