How many people have to become homeless before Broward County funds adequate affordable housing, since it has a housing trust fund in place? Ask the elementary school teacher who must bring wipes to class because some of her students sleep in cars or in the woods and have nowhere to bathe.
I was at a BOLD Justice meeting in a church last year that brought out 1,212 people to press county commissioners to fund long-term affordable housing. Two commissioners committed to it but did nothing. On Nov. 13, BOLD Justice brought about 35 members to a commission meeting, four of whom pressed commissioners to fund more affordable housing units.
Broward needs to solve this serious need for low- and moderate-income folks suffering every day with no affordable place to live. Let’s get it on the agenda for a vote. What are they waiting for?
Lana Lysen, Pompano Beach
Men are too dangerous
To those who walk through this great town, it is melancholy to see the magnitude of violent crime. These crimes are committed, almost wholly, by one demographic: men. Women are more likely to be victims. Males of all species are large, loud, warlike and confrontational, yet they are now allowed to carry guns on their person openly in Florida.
Women, the fairer sex, are disinclined to public fisticuffs or armed robbery. Accordingly, I propose a statewide law to prohibit men from carrying guns, either open or concealed. Women shall be allowed (indeed, encouraged) to carry pistols in public at all times.
Unconstitutional, you say? No.
Statutes that discriminate on basis of sex, in favor of the public good, are given less scrutiny by the Supreme Court than statutes discriminating by race or ethnicity. I encourage the Legislature to pass such a bill, with a 24-month “sunset” provision, then analyze the statewide violent crime data.
Gerard S. Williams, Southwest Ranches
The writer is a member of the Florida Bar.
Remembering Norman Rockwell
I recently visited the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. His work is inspirational.
Ellen Creager/Detroit Free Press/MCT
The Norman Rockwell Museum, open year-round, attracts 122,000 visitors a year in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
It was with great sadness and disgust that I read about the use of his art, without permission, by the Department of Homeland Security to promote the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant slogans. I am in agreement with Rockwell’s family, who see these actions as antithetical to the beliefs of the famous artist in their family.
In support, I recommend viewing “The Problem We All Live With,” his 1964 painting of a Black girl, Ruby Bridges, being escorted by marshals to integrate a school in New Orleans in 1960.
His painting “The Golden Rule” depicts a racially diverse group of people and is inscribed with, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Rockwell’s “Golden Rule” is on display at the United Nations, a testament to his dedication to inclusiveness and kindness.
Alfred J. Sklarew, Boca Raton
Study name change carefully
Before changing the name of Broward County, it would be prudent to first commission a feasibility study to assess administrative, legal and community impacts, and conduct detailed financial projections and expense modeling to clarify short- and long-term costs and potential benefits.
Leaders should seek input from residents, businesses and cities to ensure that any decision reflects community priorities. Decisions of this scope benefit from careful analysis to ensure responsible use of public resources with minimum disruption.
Nancy Polsky, Fort Lauderdale
Editor’s Note: A bill that would ask voters to change the name to “Lauderdale County” has been withdrawn by its sponsor, Rep. Chip LaMarca of Lighthouse Point, and is dead for this year. A poll of Sun Sentinel readers shows overwhelming public opposition to the idea.
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