Floridians should be free to install plug-in solar | Column, Jan. 6
It’s time for local and state leaders to start the conversation about making plug-in solar legal and accessible here. Energy prices continue to rise, and many families are looking for ways to reduce monthly expenses. We should be making small-scale solar easier — not harder — to adopt.
Like many other residents, I can’t afford rooftop solar, but these plug-in systems can be used on balconies. Plug-in solar is much more affordable. Utah has already done this. Florida should adopt it, too.
Cynthia Richards, Live Oak
Proof-of-citizenship bill heads to governor | March 14
Florida’s Legislature, which should be working on steps to make life more affordable for Floridians, has instead passed a bill that solves a problem that doesn’t exist. The proof-of-citizenship bill is touted as a guardrail against voter fraud, focusing on preventing illegal immigrants from voting. This, despite study after study that shows the number of non-citizens voting is minuscule.
An example is the state of Georgia, which conducted an audit after the 2020 election that showed just 20 non-citizens were registered to vote out of 8.3 million registered voters. And only eight of the 20 actually voted. An audit in Arizona after the same election showed much the same thing. President Donald Trump, in arguing that the election had been stolen from him, had claimed thousands of ballots were cast illegally in those states.
Surely Florida Republicans know that the danger of non-citizens voting is practically non-existent. But perhaps they have another goal in mind, such as suppressing the vote. If that is their real objective, they should be careful what they wish for. Many of the new hurdles to voting that the new law would put in place, such as prohibiting college students and retirement home IDs, could sideline Republicans or Republican-leaning voters.
Mike Salinero, Lutz
Fla. Legislature votes to ban net-zero climate programs | March 13
The Florida Legislature voting to ban net-zero climate programs is absurd, ignorant and dangerous. Way to move us closer to self-inflicted extinction of the human race by causing our planet to become uninhabitable. So short-sighted. Stupid, stupid, stupid!
A. O’Brien, Pinellas Park
DeSantis’ Free State of Florida is a joke | Column, March 11
John Hill’s column about the so-called “Free State” of Florida hit the mark perfectly. The hypocrisy of Gov. Ron DeSantis’s frequent use of that term is both stunning and infuriating. The “free” part exists only if what you say or what you advocate falls in line with the DeSantis-GOP view of the world.
Robert Hogue, Wimauma
Florida lawmakers approve giving DeSantis power to designate ‘terrorist’ organizations | March 13
Time Staff Writer Lawrence Mower’s recent reporting highlights a concerning development in the Florida Legislature: The move to grant Gov. Ron DeSantis broad authority to designate organizations as “terrorist”. As our term-limited governor’s influence over the legislature naturally declines, this vague new power appears to be a strategic pivot, enabling him to sidestep democratic processes and First Amendment rights under the pretext of public safety.
The political brilliance of this proposed power lies in ambiguity. Because it is ill-defined, it grants the governor a range of coercive options. He can “counsel” groups to change their ways, bargain for compliance to avoid the label, or flatly threaten those who oppose his agenda. It effectively allows him to bypass the “messiness” of a democratic government and ignore constitutional protections to silence those with whom he disagrees.
As the governor looks toward a future run for the Republican presidential nomination, one wonders if this is more about keeping his name clicking across social media than it is about governance. Such authority is open to extreme abuse. By the time we realize the consequences of handing over these unilateral powers, the damage to our civil liberties may be irreversible.
What could possibly go wrong?
Jon Crawfurd, Gulfport
Rep. Randy Fine’s anti-Muslim remark prompts calls for his resignation | Feb. 16
Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) recently posted on social media that “Muslims don’t belong in American society.” Similarly, in February, Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) wrote on X: “If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has declined to condemn these comments, asserting, “I’ve spoken to those members and all members, as I always do, about our tone and our message and what we say.”
Anti-Muslim racism receives little pushback in our country. Imagine the furor if the word “Jews” was substituted for “Muslims” in these statements.
Bigotry against any faith community undermines the principles our nation claims to uphold. History shows where such dehumanization leads. Both citizens and elected leaders must insist that dignity and equality belong to all Americans, without exception.
Terry Hansen, Grafton, Wisconsin
Florida’s closed‑primary system makes one thing clear: If you want a say in who represents you, your party registration matters. There is no doubt that independent voters will play a decisive role in November, but they are completely shut out of Florida’s congressional primaries. That means they have no voice in choosing the nominees who appear on the ballot in the first place.
This is why many moderate Republicans are staying registered within the party rather than switching to Independent or Democratic status. In a closed‑primary state like Florida, the only way for traditional Republicans to support non‑MAGA candidates is to vote in the Republican primary. This, in turn, sets the direction of the party.
The Republicans who want more stability and responsible leadership are not about leaving the party. It’s showing up in the primary and supporting candidates who reflect the pragmatic, constructive values many Floridians still share.
Tom Feaster, Tampa
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