Florida criminalizes homelessness. California’s compassionate approach may cost less | Opinion

Homeless response

On the same day California Gov. Gavin Newsome led an effort resulting in passage of Proposition 1, which allocates $6.4 billion to construct homeless housing along with funding for mental health care and drug treatment, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law House Bill 1365, which prohibits municipalities from allowing people to sleep or camp in public places.

Studies have consistently shown for years that Florida’s criminalization of homelessness is far more expensive than California’s compassionate approach.

Doug Mayer,

president,

Stone Soup Development,

Coral Gables

Radio waves

I am sorry that a lawsuit is being brought against my all-time favorite radio station, WLRN. I should have voiced my concern earlier when I read that “Sundial” had been discontinued and that its host, Carlos Frias and his two producers, had been dismissed.

Many entities have joined Florida’s misguided governor and the Republican-led legislature to wipe out diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). I would not have thought WLRN would join that bandwagon — which the station has vehemently denied.

As a member of a minority group, I know how it feels to be shut out. I hope this matter can be amicably resolved and WLRN can once again broadcast “Sundial.” I hope other “sustaining” members will let their voices be heard.

Ollie Daniels,

Pembroke Pines

Left or right?

Re: Andres Oppenheimer’s March 31 opinion, “Milei’s diplomatic clash with Colombia was part of a feud. My interview was just the trigger.” Oppenheimer’s left-right lens needs adjusting.

Where do we put “a pro-Trump libertarian” like Steve Bannon or Argentina’s President Javier Milei on the political spectrum? If Milei is left and Bannon is right, how can both be proponents of Hungarian dictator Victor Orban, the darling of the American right, who is hostile to democratic principles, condemns immigrants, rigs elections and courts and has nationalized Hungary’s natural gas industry?

What do we label Orban, Milei or Bannon? And is democracy left or right wing?

Historically, leftists supported the expansion of political freedoms, favoring the once excluded. The right favored the exclusive rule of kings. Hitler’s national socialist party favored traditional German male hierarchy, made peace with the Catholic Center Party, outlawed labor unions and supported excessive profit-taking. Hitler was on both sides of the political spectrum.

Today, fresh thinkers are advocating new terms, “inclusion and exclusion,” to replace “left and right.”

Excluding means limiting discussions of, or actions taken, to eliminate discrimination based on race, sex, class, religion or culture. Also excluded is the opposition from political participation, and condemning “other” religions and cultures. Censorship is exclusionary, including art, literature, journalism, sociology, history and music.

Inclusion means expanding rights, allowing freedom of movement between national boundaries, growing civil and human rights, favoring free speech, while promoting representative governments. No person can be excluded because of race, sex, gender affiliation, or cultural differences. Inclusion means open access to cultural enrichment, enlightened ideals and the freedom to exchange art, music, newspapers and literature.

Does Florida’s government exclude those who want to expand democratic ideals, including all those who were left out at one time or another? Does it define democracy as an exclusive right by rejecting an inclusive compromise?

Phil Beasley,

Plantation

Spirit of radio

“Young Ron” Brewer, a longtime South Florida radio personality, made a massive impact along with his longtime morning show partner Paul Castronovo, first on the former WSHE, then on Big 105.9 (WBGG).

Young Ron passed away on April 4. I’m so sorry that he’s gone. My condolences to Castronovo.

Paul Bacon,

Hallandale Beach

Scott’s values

In his April 7 Miami Herald online op-ed, “Floridians have a chance to stand up for democracy,” Sen. Rick Scott tried to convince readers he is a defender of democracy and freedom. In reality, he was an insurrectionist who tried to overthrow the results of the 2020 election after all states certified their votes. He has endorsed Donald Trump for president knowing Trump has close ties to Russia and has openly planned to be a dictator after re-election.

Scott has voted against funding to Ukraine, Taiwan and Israel and against helping our own border patrol. If re-elected, Scott wants to end Social Security, Medicare and the public school system. Apparently, he thinks those programs are too “socialist.” He opposes a woman’s right to medical privacy.

Under Democrat leadership, the United States has record job growth, record low unemployment, record stock market growth and no riots in the streets. Former Rep. Debbie Murcasel-Powell will protect democracy and freedom while being a much better senator than Scott ever could.

Daniel Spotts,

Ocean Ridge

Safe clipping

If news reports are accurate, “millions” of Americans are taking GLP-1 type drugs (like Ozempic) to enhance their weight loss efforts. A prescription is required based on a diagnosis of diabetes, obesity, hypertension or some combination of same. The cost varies upon insurance coverage or self-pay.

However, one needs patience and information on disposal of injection pens. When my sharps container was full after three months, I sought to dispose of it safely and legally. Not so easily done! Three pharmacies, a police department, a fire station and a Google search left me still holding the proverbial bag.

Thanks to Captain Joe Locke of Bay Harbor Islands Police, I learned that the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County operates four take-back “Sharps Disposal” locations, one of which is at Little Haiti Health Center. There, a hazmat technician flashed a huge red plastic bag and instructed me to place the container within.

Apparently, people have been disposing of used sharps in household trash. Miami-Dade County offered another and safer solution. The county, however, really must do a better job of publicizing this information.

Norma A. Orovitz,

Bay Harbor Islands

Promoting nice

I have found an interesting way to promote courteous driving in Miami. I purchased a digital sign on Amazon.com that I then placed on the inside rear window of my SUV.

When a driver allows me into a lane or does anything else that helps me, I simply push a button and the battery operated digital sign flashes the word “Thanks” for 10 seconds.

This is such a nice way to let people know you appreciated them being courteous and might make others be more courteous. This might bring more awareness to drivers on our roads.

Morey Moss,

Miami

Maritime liability

The April 7 story, “Bridge collapse could be largest financial maritime loss,” addresses one issue arising from the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.

The container ship MV Dali, which rammed the bridge, is owned, managed and registered in Singapore and employs officers and crews from India. The vessel is representative of a worldwide trend referred to politely in business parlance as “open registry,” but characterized commonly and more accurately as “flag of convenience” shipping — distinguished by the easy exploitation of cheap multinational labor, homeporting overseas, maximum profit and minimal if any regulation.

This international trade practice began after World War II, when Texaco opened a tanker port in Monrovia, Liberia, then spread quickly to Panama and other Third World countries. Today, many U.S. businesses own or charter such ships that carry nearly all our imports and exports.

The encouraging news is that these ships are not called upon by the U.S. Department of Defense to serve in national security emergencies. However, four government-owned ships — all standing by and staffed by civilian American merchant mariners — were among the ships unable to depart Baltimore through the blocked channel.

As for potentially passing the cost of bridge reconstruction to the Dali’s owner and manager, the 1851 Limitation of Liability Act can take years to plod through and settlement precedents indicate inadequate financial penalty.

Paul Doell,

Hollywood