Give priority to life here on Earth

Is anyone else experiencing ESP? No, not the old “extrasensory perception,” but the emerging wave of “excessive space propaganda” (Orlando Sentinel, “Artemis II crew back after mission”, April 12, 2026). While I share the joy of Artemis II’s recent mission completion and crew return, it’s astonishing to see the parade of politicians, NASA executives and/or tech billionaires promoting future investment of trillions of tax dollars to “live on the moon” or accomplish multi-year “missions to Mars.”

My perception is that billions of people on the “beautiful blue marble” are struggling to obtain or afford what they need for life on Earth… the only planet we have to inhabit. How can leaders justify more space spending when global shortages of food, medicine, clean water, breathable air, energy, dry land and housing impact so many families? ESP tells me we should be questioning the focus on more space expenditures because fewer people are finding the resources they need to survive here and now.

Wayne J. Hunicke, Longwood

Trump’s name everywhere

At the risk of stating the obvious I must comment on the April 11 letter, “Why complain about Trump Airport?” The author apparently didn’t recognize that the three mentioned persons honored by commemorative name use are dead. Two of them were assassinated while serving their nation and received that honor as respect for their efforts. George H.W. Bush, as a favorite son of Texas, was honored while still alive. Meanwhile, under decisions during Trump’s second administration, the list of name promotion, goes on. John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts to the Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. Trump placed his name on the headquarters of the U.S. Institute of Peace. Trump Accounts are available to children. National Park passes have his likeness. TrumpRx is being touted as prescription savings.

It’s the sheer over-promotion that becomes objectionable.

Terrie Watkins, Mount Dora

Name change doesn’t fly

Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature seem to have forgotten that close to 60% of Americans disapprove of our current president. So why go to the time and expense of the legislative process to rename Palm Beach International Airport for an unpopular president? Unlike most of us, Gov Ron DeSantis hasn’t quite figured out that fealty to President Trump is not reciprocated.

As residents of Indian River Shores, we have several airport choices including Vero Beach, Melbourne and Orlando. Believe me, we will never fly from any airport that has been renamed for a corrupt, felony convicted person.

John Crosby, Indian River Shores

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