Open Epstein legal records when Florida law kicks in | Opinion

Epstein files

If anyone doubted how money and influence can impact our legal procedures, they need only study the years of manipulation of the law in Palm Beach County in the Jeffrey Epstein fiasco.

The county’s aggressive state attorney was almost absent on this and Epstein had the big names in defense intimidating the system. With unlimited funds and the best legal team running interference, victims were cast aside.

Now, years later, Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill to unseal Epstein’s ill-doings, but not before July 1.

What might be lurking in the legal defense’s repertoire to block the bill?

Michael G. Merhige,

Kendall

Ironies of faith

Who else sees the irony of having Black history taught in churches, not schools, while our governor wants clergy handling crisis counseling in public schools?

Sue Ann Campbell,

Cutler Bay

Court in review

At least four members of the U. S. Supreme Court seem to be deliberately greasing the skids for America’s transition into fascism. From federal judges to the prosecution and defense lawyers to even Donald Trump himself, all appear aware that Trump cannot prevail in a trial on the merits of his legal arguments. Even so, he could still succeed in imposing a fascist-style dictatorship by delaying trials until he can retake office. Then he can simply order a halt to all prosecutions.

The court decided on a review procedure and schedule that virtually guarantees the American people will not see any of the evidence against Trump before the election.

Guess how many court members have partaken in the millions of dollars in “gifts” from billionaires who want to see the pesky restraints of democracy removed once and for all?

John Chisholm,

North Miami

Help others

Why aren’t more people calling out for more volunteerism in our communities?

Every celebrity, newspaper, TV station, podcaster and anybody who has a social media account must get the word out.

Be a Big Brother or a Big Sister. Or make a difference as a guardian ad litem (advocate) for a child who is in the foster care system.

Who else needs you?

United Way, Red Cross, your local school or hospital. Opportunities are everywhere.

Rev. Martin Luther King said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”

Tony Scornavacca,

Coconut Grove

Saving Ukraine

During the harsh winter of 1777-1778, the Continental Army, under George Washington, suffered immensely for lack of food, blankets and ammunition at Valley Forge. All seemed lost. While the Continental Congress dithered, argued and did nothing, Benjamin Franklin was successfully negotiating an alliance with France that saved the Army and thus the Revolution. The world changed forever in the spring of 1778, when our fledgling democracy was saved by the aid Franklin secured.

Ukraine is now in the midst of its own Valley Forge moment. While the Republican-led U.S. House dithers, the courageous Ukrainian people fight on, with dwindling supplies and a powerful desire for freedom. It is now our turn to save a new democracy.

House Speaker Mike Johnson must summon the courage and finesse of Franklin and allow a floor vote on the aid package the Senate negotiated. It must pass. Ukraine’s Valley Forge moment must be another historical turning point that changes everything.

Gene Janicke,

Fernandina Beach

Bike crash

Re: the Feb. 29 story, “Widow of cyclist killed in crash by cop wins $3 million verdict but can’t collect.” We all know how dangerous some South Florida drivers can be, but we certainly never expect that our very own police officers would be as dangerous. They are supposed to “Serve and Protect” and “Provide Excellence Every Day.”

Did the officer receive any traffic violation points? Must he attend driving school? Is he still driving as a recently promoted detective, or better yet, leaving that task up to his partner?

Perhaps a more appropriate assignment would be to bike patrol and community outreach.

There are far too many “ghost bikes” throughout South Florida. The one honoring Juan Carlos Martinez is near the scene of the accident, at the entrance to Blackpoint Marina. Regrettably, it does not include a plaque with his name. Adding insult to injury, a tow-away zone sign has been attached.

Harry Emilio Gottlieb,

Coconut Grove

Toxic blaming

Stop blaming President Biden for the immigration problem. That started years ago, got worse with Donald Trump and could have been slowed by the resolution which the U. S. Senate passed, but was stopped in the U. S. House by Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Stop blaming Biden for the Middle East situation. He is not Israel’s prime minister and can’t make Netanyahu stop trying to rid Gaza of Hamas.

Stop ignoring that the economy has gotten much better under the Biden administration or that infrastructure has been funded and unemployment is at the lowest point in years.

Also, stop criticizing Biden because he is old, not a great speaker and sometimes misspeaks. Trump is also old, has trouble reading, misspeaks and says crazy things. If people think both are too old, find someone else, come up with solutions and stop complaining.

Let’s remember when we vote in November that the best choice for president is the one who is interested in the best future for the United States of America, not the one who is interested in the best future for himself.

Allan Tavss,

Kendall

Court’s on trial

U. S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts must explain to the American public the judicial rationale for delaying ex-President Donald Trump’s immunity case. The public wants this decision as soon as possible to make informed voting decisions.

The court’s delay in this case contributes to civic ignorance and, quite frankly, emits a fetid odor of judicial conspiracy to sway a potential presidential election.

Don Derez,

Miami

On the border

Throughout history, certain critical issues have defined a period. The Crusades, colonization and slavery are just a few. Immigration is, no doubt, the issue that defines our time.

Population shifts are a global reality due to armed conflicts and climate change. We are witnessing the greatest impact of migrants entering the United States at our border with Mexico and it seems like the endless flow will continue.

It is a shame that Florida Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott had an opportunity to act but failed to do so. Congressional gridlock has left a deep wound to address this critical issue.

Regardless of partisan affiliation, the social, economic and moral impact of immigration will remain with us for many years to come.

Annie Betancourt,

Coral Gables

Wall of money

In 2015, Donald Trump promised in his campaign for president that Mexico would pay for a wall at our southern border.

How much exactly did Mexico pay for the wall?

If border states want walls, then they must ask Trump and his family where those funds went.

Nancy Cogen,

Miami

Medical advice

Our state has endured many jokes and cartoons depicting Florida’s medical leadership. Unfortunately, there is nothing funny about the incompetence of Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo and his enabler, Gov. Ron DeSantis. Their number No. 1 job is the health, safety and welfare of all Florida citizens — and they have failed. Their anti-vaccine rhetoric and medical falsehoods have made us look foolish.

Thankfully, my mother was smarter than these two men. When I was young, she made sure I got all my shots before entering school. She saved me from many potential diseases.

Let’s hope today’s mothers are just as smart as mine was and ignore this administration’s weird and dangerous advice.

John Bonano,

Gulfport