H-1B visa limits hurt our universities

The recent ban on H-1B applications for potential public university employment will contribute to a brain drain from Florida’s universities (“Florida could ban foreign H-1B visa faculty at state universities until 2027,” Jan. 26). It will steer extraordinary candidates to other states, to private companies and to nonprofit institutions of higher education. It will immediately affect research programs that depend upon new and recent technology research. Even if it only lasts one year, and that end date is suspect, it may establish a trend from which Florida may not be able to recover any time soon. Our college students will not have the opportunity to be taught by the best and brightest in some very important and sophisticated fields. Even if the ban only lasts one year, many of the brightest students will continue to steer clear of Florida because they cannot trust their future to such uncertainty.

— Scot A. Silzer, Orlando

War’s goal is oil

As we all watch this war quickly escalate each and every day, and possibly to the point of us putting boots on the ground for our soldiers to go into harm’s way, I find it incredible that the Trump administration still cannot articulate a valid reason as to why we are there. So I’ll go ahead and take a stab at it.

The goal: To eliminate a radical regime, while also simultaneously allowing our opportunistic president to selectively replace that regime with a hand-selected leader, ensuring the Trump family and friends have perpetual control rights to all those oil reserves for years to come.

Somebody please share this fact with Secretary of State Marco Rubio so he stops looking like a fool on national TV citing odd and bizarre defenses, trying to insulate his boss from the reality.

— Dennis Warren, Longwood

Is new Iran leader on Fox?

I read that Trump wants input on who should be Iran’s next leader. It’s hard to believe that there aren’t any Fox News hosts or Trump relatives who still need a job.

— Jim James, Winter Garden

This is our ‘golden age’?

Trump supporters: Are you enjoying the “golden age” you were promised? Is this what it looks like — rising gas prices tied to a new war; grocery bills that keep climbing, not just eggs; and allies who now question whether the United States can be trusted?

Americans were told prosperity and strength were just around the corner. Instead, many are facing layoffs, growing economic uncertainty, housing insecurity, and a job market where opportunity feels harder to find. Meanwhile, the country’s global reputation — once a cornerstone of American influence — has become a punchline in many parts of the world.

If this is the “golden age,” it’s fair to ask: for whom?

— Katie Sanchez, Orlando

American workers aren’t valued

Are American workers valued? I say no.

For years I wrote letters about exceptional employees. Twenty years ago, I sent a personalized plaque along with a letter of appreciation to a CEO. I was surprised and overwhelmed by their gratefulness. I sent more plaques; all well-received until now. I sent two recently, with no response from either CEO. This disrespect shows me these employees aren’t valued.

Am I odd to love and value people? I believe people fundamentally have value, encapsulated in their work ethic, ability and potential. I recognize their intrinsic value to a company and know without their diligence and dedication, the organization will never reach its full potential. We’re all dependent on those early openers, late-night stockers, and front-desk faces who turn the cogs for the good of the company and those it serves. I choose to honor the best efforts of those who prevail every day against all odds in a challenging environment while perhaps feeling unappreciated.

— Bob Cope, Winter Park

ICE masks vs. COVID masks

Wouldn’t it be pretty ironic if some (or most) of the current ICE agents who insist that they must wear masks for their protection were the same MAGA supporters who were adamant during COVID that masks provided no protection?

— Gerald S. Sutton, Winter Park

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