Youth isn't everything: Senior citizens rank higher for happiness

American seniors happy, but Finns happier

A column in the Herald-Tribune on March 26 pointed out that older Americans are happier than younger folks. Older people were listed as No. 10 on the happiness scale, according to the Gallup World Happiness Report.

There was no mention in the report of the countries with high overall happiness. These countries include young, old and recent immigrants in tabulations.

Finland finished in first place for the third straight year. Of the top 10, almost all were countries that most mistakenly call "socialist."

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These countries have mixed economies with strong social benefits, such as free medical care, free college and free child care.

Former President Donald Trump once remarked that he would like to see some Norwegians seek U.S. citizenship instead of those now seeking refuge here. It is very doubtful if any Finn, Dane, Swede or Norwegian would trade their secure benefits for our system, which leaves millions struggling to live decent lives.

Lawrence Bagnoli, Sarasota

Buchanan, Steube vote for shutdown

On March 22, the U.S. House approved an emergency spending bill of $1.2 trillion to keep the federal government open. The bill was OK’d by the Senate and signed by the president the next day.

Reps. Vern Buchanan and Greg Steube both voted against it.

That’s right, folks.

The congressional representatives for Manatee and Sarasota counties effectively voted to shut down the government. You know, putting at risk little things like national security, military pay, food safety, border security and, at this time of year, the processing of your income tax return.

Thanks, fellows!

We appreciate you putting right-wing grievances before the good of both the nation and your constituents.

I'd love to hear your explanations.

Mike Phelan, Sarasota

Cease-fire needed in Gaza

The article “Dozens killed in airstrikes across Gaza” (March 27) described the daily killing of innocent Palestinian civilians, including women and children, in the Gaza Strip.

While the Biden administration begs Israel to do more to protect civilians, it continues to send that country the bombs, missiles and planes that are used to destroy hospitals, schools and entire neighborhoods.

Israel is also using starvation as a weapon of war.

Human rights groups, including the United Nations, have called for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and for the U.S. to stop giving all military aid to Israel.

Ray Gordon, Venice

Jewish, Democratic values align

Despite what former President Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans say, yes, I can be a proud Jew and a proud Democrat. How dare you, Donald?

You will not divide us. The Democratic Party’s values are so much more in line with Jewish values.

We are also smart enough to read through your recent dishonest rhetoric, which we all know was aimed at your far-right evangelical base.

Louis Grossman, Sarasota

Choose the policies, not the person

The column you published March 26 by Dace Potas, a political science student, seems to be indicative of the failure of our education system to teach civics and civic responsibility (“I’m not voting for Trump or Biden because America chose poorly”).

Potas goes to great lengths to explain why he will not vote for former President Donald Trump or President Joe Biden because of what he perceives as their faults. But Potas forgets that he is not voting for one person; he is voting for a group, a party and the ideas and policies that the party supports.

The leader of the party may be the focus, but we are – or should be – voting for the policies that the lead person espouses because regardless of who the leader is, his presence will allow those behind him to make those policies law.

Those appointed and empowered by Biden or Trump will actually steer the country in the direction the leader has chosen and will do so regardless of either man's perceived failings.

The directional difference has probably never been clearer, and it is everyone’s obligation to vote for the direction they choose. Failing to vote not only is a failure of your responsibility; it shows those seeking power that votes do not really matter.

John J. LiMarzi, Sarasota

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Are you unhappy? Wait until you're older