Reader wonders: Will Congress address our borders? Letters to the Editor, April 28, 2024

Why teach communism?

So now,  Ron DeSantis has an educational degree in history so as to change the course of studying governments different from ours? Not only does he want to teach about government but he wants to indoctrinate 5-year-olds into the nasties of communism.

So, children of PreK, kindergarten and on: Don’t share your toys; if you have two cookies and your friend does not have a cookie, do not give that child your cookie because that is the start of “communism." If your friend doesn’t wear a jacket for recess and you have a jacket and sweater, keep both, because to share in your bounty would be considered communism and that is bad.

Social Security? Oh my. You are giving your hard-earned money to the elderly and less infirm. Food stamps? Or heaven forbid, medical attention for all? Communism.

Why not just teach the fundamentals of all government systems? By looking at the way we run our government they can see the advantages and disadvantages. No need to brainwash kids — they actually are pretty good at thinking for themselves.

Laura Petruska, Melbourne

This November, don't ignore amendments on ballot

The hypocrisy of politicians, though not overt, isn't covert when voicing their beliefs regarding existing or proposed new laws. Elected officials' responsibility is to enact laws in accordance with the wants and needs of their constituency, not to alter or adapt intent to satisfy personal or benefactor demands.

We live in a society where those willing to openly protest or challenge authority is small compared to what is known as the silent majority. Most Americans are too busy with everyday life, not concerned enough, or unwilling to get involved unless it impacts them directly.

This November offers Floridians the opportunity to have their voices heard on very impactful amendments being put forth for enactment. Amendments 1, 3 and 4 (school board elections, recreational use of marijuana, and abortion) are perhaps the foremost, but all six need to be addressed.

Gov. DeSantis publically expressed his beliefs on all six amendments, catering to groups that agree with his wants. DeSantis continues his efforts to make Florida a police state controlled by him and the Republican Party, as evidenced by recent regulations creating distance zones at crime scenes and protecting police from potential abuse charges, all but eliminating outside organization oversight.

Gregory W. Hewitt, Melbourne

Biblical worldview

Recently I learned of a survey that reported that under 10% of North American Christians operate with a biblical worldview. That’s alarming because having a biblical worldview matters very much when it comes to transferring our beliefs on to the next generation.

So, what is a biblical worldview? The definition commonly used by many evangelicals is as follows:

• First, it is grounded in the gospel, that God sent his son, Jesus, into the world to be the reconciling agent for mankind to regain fellowship with their creator, God.

• Second is that a biblical worldview does not conform to the world. Today the primary factor defining the spirit of the age is the philosophy of secular humanism, which says that man is the ultimate aim of all things, and not God.

• Third, a biblical worldview leads to transformation of our minds, because how you think ultimately shapes how you act and live. Biblical Christianity encourages us to fill our minds with the things of God and shove away the garbage of this world in order to be transformed.

It’s easy to conform to what your surrounding conditions consider common. Our nation was once thought to be predominantly Christian. That belief is slowly waning. Faith is an individual matter of the heart that transforms the mind rather than simply conforming to social norms.

As believers, we need to focus on the difference.

Ed Taylor, Satellite Beach

Now ... what about our border?

By the time that this is printed, Congress will have passed a foreign aid package that will assist other countries to protect their borders. Some House members are touting this as a history-making moment. They are correct, as this will further put a nail in the coffin toward the destruction of America. Apparently, they are not concerned about crisis at our border, to wit, the Department of Justice finally stated that we do have a problem. There are entirely top many undocumented immigrants crossing the border. How many are terrorists?

These congressmen and the president are more concerned about someone else's border than our own. And, it's unfortunate that we the taxpayers have to foot the bill for the care and maintenance of these immigrants. Yes, we are watching history in the making, but not to our benefit.

Ted Hesser, Indian Harbour Beach

Bigotry abounds on campuses

Anti-Israel protesters across America have enhanced their racist gratification by turning their bigotry on Jews at college campuses. They are chanting "Kill the Jews, they have no right to exist" and "run Israel into the sea."

It's a classic case of selfishness and self-centeredness. They want the Jews denied of their inalienable rights to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness while they themselves and all their loved ones enjoy theirs.

Melvin Deere, Melbourne

How do you want to be remembered?

On the back of my business cards are five words: "RESUME VIRTUES or EULOGY VIRTUES."

The recent letter by Lyman Rowan and Sally Shinn of Rockledge showed that they understood the difference between the two when they wrote about John Farrell, who led the Daily Bread for years and who passed away recently.

I use the five words when I speak to people about donating to my two charities. You see, it is not important what John did in his educational or professional life. What is important is what he did to help the homeless and others suffering in our community.

I only knew John Farrell casually but I knew of the work he did to help others as was so eloquently compared with words from famous authors.

Many years from now John Farrell's family, friends, and acquaintances will talk about him and tell, not what he did to make money or to advance his professional career, but what he did to help others.

To those reading this, I ask simply: When you die, what will be more important, your resume virtues or your eulogy virtues?

If you cannot work to help others then donate generously to those who can.  And let your generosity define you in your eulogy rather than you being defined by your career.

Bob Barnes, West Melbourne, is founder of The Children's Hunger Project and Aspiration Academy.

Biden is a law-believer. What about Trump?

Today I listened to most of the Supreme Court arguments with regard to Trump's immunity case. I'm terrified!

According to John Sauer (Trump's attorney) a president can have his political opponent murdered and, unless impeached for that act, would have total immunity. Trump openly agreed with this.

According to Sauer, if a president loses an election, they can opt to stay in office and stage a military coup. The 2020 election shows us that Trump agrees with this as well.

Why even bother to have the expense of an election when the current White House resident is within their rights to just stay in office?

Of course, we all know that President Biden would never even remotely consider any of these actions, as he is an American and pro-democracy and a believer in the rule of law. Can we say the same for Trump? Is there anyone who really wants our country to emulate Russia or North Korea?

Susan Termini, Merritt Island

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Trump, Biden, communism and more: Letters to the Editor, April 28, 2024