Learning about the solar eclipse (and special sunglasses) | Opinion

Eclipse elixir

I wasn’t paying much attention to news about Monday’s solar eclipse until the day before, while listening and participating in the free multimedia concert by the Alhambra Orchestra, in collaboration with the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, at the Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center in Cutler Bay.

Cosmic background was all around us from the moment Alec Warren, director of the Frost Planetarium, checked in for takeoff with conductor Daniel Andai, as we sat waiting for the music and the journey to start.

The treat of great music and performance paired with informative science and good-humored presentation was crowned with the offer of a pair of special sunglasses (courtesy of the science museum) through which to look at the eclipse.

I thank the Alhambra Orchestra and everyone involved in the process.

Clara Vertes,

Miami

Winning scenario

The Miami Herald’s April 7 cover story, “Rigged,” about a Florida lawyer who writes the rules to win condo auctions, was awesome reporting. This is how Russian oligarchs make their fortunes.

I had no idea the same strategies were at play within our own legal system and fully sanctioned by the courts. Keep following the money.

Tad Cliplef,

Miami Beach

America’s healthcare

The headline on Rocio Guerra’s April 7 op-ed, “Cuba’s healthcare system doesn’t work. A grassroots network helps,” makes me wonder if he has ever noticed that the healthcare system in the United States doesn’t work, either.

When so much of our population can’t afford health care insurance, then we have a problem. Instead of being concerned about other countries, the writer should try and find solutions to our own problems.

Seth Wexler,

Plantation

Extremism will fail

Not satisfied with a 15-week abortion ban, the Florida Legislature, at Gov. Ron DeSantis’ behest, passed a six-week ban, which will take effect May 1. In the meantime, abortion is now on the ballot for November, which makes the latest ban even more toxic to defend.

It’s not a stretch to assume such extremism will encourage a pro-Amendment 4 vote.

David C. Hancock,

Coconut Grove

What to recycle

I have had several discussions with friends about what can and cannot be recycled in Miami.

The Miami Herald should write an article clarifying this issue. It would be very helpful.

Sandra Hayes,

Miami

Abortion amendment

Smart anti-abortion supporters will vote for the amendment in November. They realize that six weeks forces expectant women to make a quick decision and take the pill before it’s too late to make a thoughtful decision.

To be clear, six weeks means more, not fewer, abortions.

John B. McCaughan,

Miami Shores

Area of study

By National Education Association definition, “Community Schools are public schools that provide services and support that fit each neighborhood’s needs, created and run by the people who know our children best — all working together.”

Sadly, local schools are often battlegrounds over race, culture and class in America. With the “school choice” movement undermining funding of public schools (often providing a windfall for the rich) and resulting in efforts to close neighborhood schools, it is important to remember what local schools mean to their communities.

Traditionally, neighborhood schools are where most children first learn how to interact with their peers and communities. For many families, community schools are not only places for academic learning, but also safe havens for their children participating in before- and after-school programs. Additionally, local schools provide extracurricular and athletic activities, learning opportunities for family and community members and health and wellness support.

Although neighborhood schools may not always match academically, they meet a distinct need not measured by standardized tests. Top-quality neighborhood public schools are the basis of successful communities and a driving force for prosperity.

Karen Adler,

Hollywood

Public policies

A few things to keep in mind as we register to vote — and as we vote — in this momentous election year:

Social Security was enacted into law in 1935 by President Franklin Roosevelt. He also enacted the GI Bill in 1944.

Medicare and Medicaid were enacted into law in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. In 1966, he also enacted the Cuban Adjustment Act.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was enacted into law 1979 under President Jimmy Carter.

The ‘‘Wet Foot, Dry Foot’‘ policy was enacted into law in 1995 by President Bill Clinton.

The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was enacted in 2010 by President Barack Obama.

It should be noted that all of these federal government programs were enacted by Democratic presidents.

Amoy Skinner,

West Kendall

Subdued celebration

Eid ul-Fitr, the end of Ramadan, is a time of celebration and unity for Muslims worldwide. However, we in Miami-Dade County have mixed emotions. We are happy that for the first time our children will be celebrating Eid festivities at home, as Miami-Dade Public Schools declared this a teacher planning day, as is done for students of other faiths.

With heavy hearts, however, we must acknowledge the stark contrast between the festivities and the ongoing crisis in Gaza. This year, as we exchange greetings of Eid Mubarak and share meals with our loved ones, it’s crucial to remember our brothers and sisters in Gaza who are enduring unimaginable suffering.

Deprivation of food and water to the children of Gaza, innocent lives lost, countless families displaced and images of destruction and despair make it difficult to enjoy festivities and serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for peace and justice in the region.

Eid ul-Fitr is a time of reflection and gratitude, when we come together to celebrate the blessings bestowed upon us. It is also a time to remember those who are less fortunate and to extend a helping hand to those in need. As we gather with our families and friends to commemorate this auspicious occasion, let us not forget the plight of people in Gaza.

Amid the festivities, it is incumbent upon us to advocate for an immediate ceasefire and a lasting resolution to the conflict. We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering nor can we remain silent in the face of injustice.

This Eid ul-Fitr, let us renew our commitment to peace, compassion and solidarity. Let us stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza and the hostages and work tirelessly toward a future where all individuals can live in dignity and peace and freedom.

Shabbir Motorwala,

Miami

Taking a gamble

Re: the April 5 online story, “Could online gambling provide millions to save land and fight sea rise in Florida?” Let’s hope that the revenue generated from online gambling, which will be used to fight climate change, doesn’t suffer the same fate as the proceeds from the Florida Lotto.

Sol Yanowitz,

Miami

Not all politics

The solar eclipse was a great reminder that politics does not rule over everything. People of all ages, visitors from other countries, locals, other states, gathered together to view a once in a lifetime breathtaking event.

TV coverage was great and no need for large police presence. We can do it. Let’s take this as a doorway to put our differences aside all over the world and understand that we do not control it, there is a greater power that does that. Peace on earth whatever your belief is.

Marie D. Valenti,

South Miami

People’s will

I remember the people of Florida approved a constitutional amendment allowing ex-felons to vote again once they completed their sentence. Our representatives, who are supposed to represent us, bowed to pressure from the Governor and changed our intent and put new restrictions on the amendment, defying the will of the people.

I am glad that the right to choose and recreational marijuana amendments will be on the ballot. I believe however, if passed, we need also to elect democratic legislators to ensure that they will acknowledge the will of the people and follow through on our intent.

Marsha Brod,

Miami