Hillary Clinton out? I don't think so. Americans have to ask themselves whether we need a bulldog fighter in the White House or another glad-hander Democrat. America's future is in peril with the Iranians, Syrians and North Koreans waiting to put on the gloves and go a couple of rounds.
Re the May 7 letter Animals in sports: The writer said that she has no sympathy for the trainer and owner of Eight Belles. She does not understand horse racing. My husband is a trainer and had a starter in the Kentucky Derby.
President Bush may be right in his assessment that most of the ''new'' Cuban government's reforms are empty gestures. But if along with touting his accomplishments in Latin America he would only listen to most of our friends in the neighborhood -- and allies worldwide -- Bush might realize that his policy toward Cuba is precisely that, an empty and irrelevant gesture.
Accolades are in order once again to the staff, board, sponsors and members of the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival for making 2008 another memorable year. We were entertained; we laughed, cried and thought about the world we live in.
With all the businesses and products that have tax-exempt status in the state -- ostrich farmers? -- I figured that legislators would look at these items as one means to help with the budget.
Re Andrew Carroll's May 6 Other Views column How to spend your stimulus check: As a former Army soldier, I appreciate any effort by civilian organizations to support troops during conflict.
The Legislature concluded its general session last week, ending Miami Republican Rep. Marco Rubio's historic tenure as House speaker. It also brought the conclusion of Rep. Dan Gelber's successful and distinguished tenure as minority leader in the House.
Re the May 5 item Country star Gretchen Wilson, at 34, finishes high school: Kudos to Wilson, who recently passed her General Educational Development exam after having dropped out of school in the ninth grade. Despite having sold millions of records, Wilson recognized the importance of finishing her education and will attend her graduation ceremony, donning a cap and gown, on May 15.
The recent spate of hate crimes against Jewish interests in Florida is of vital importance to the entire community. Ascribing the desecration and burning of temples and Torah scrolls to kids' vandalism or pranks flies in the face of Holocaust history and the six million innocents murdered by the Nazis.
The Miami Herald's May 3 story MiMo still in search of stature was perfect, telling the full story of the Cinco de MiMo Festival and the historic Biscayne Boulevard district. The May 4 story Festival puts MiMo on the map reflected what went on but alludes to ''light foot traffic'' early on in the event. This minimizes the amazing scene.
The writer of the May 1 letter Dems ineffective mistakenly believes that the Democrats have a working control of Congress. They would need another 60 votes to end a filibuster or override a veto by President Bush.
Re the April 21 Other Views column We must treat farmworkers fairly, by Sens. Dick Durbin, Bernie Sanders and Sherrod Brown: The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), a labor-union organization, now has linked its ''penny-per-pound'' initiative to an antislavery movement in order to step up pressure on national restaurant chains. The members of The Florida Tomato Growers Exchange want to set the record straight.
Florida is one of many states grappling with overcrowded prisons. States with budget shortfalls are seeking alternatives to imprisoning nonviolent drug offenders. A study conducted by the RAND Corp. found that every additional dollar invested in substance-abuse treatment saves taxpayers $7.48. There is far more at stake than tax dollars.
For the past 11 years I've had the privilege of watching Pat Riley coach the Miami Heat from a seat 20 feet from him. No matter the score or the team's record, he never let up on his intensity and involvement in the game at hand.
Colman McCarthy's April 25 Other Views article Pope's U.S. visit incomplete was a peevish tirade. His criticisms of Pope Benedict XVI showed little understanding of the Bible. He suggested the pope could have done more. But no matter what anyone does, there is always more to be done. The pope's job as a religion's leader is to promulgate what he perceives as the word of God. It's not to spend a whole day answering questions.
Re drivers who don't use their turn signals: The problem is, one hand is on the steering wheel and the other is pressing a cellphone to the driver's ear. Seems we're one hand -- and at least half a brain -- short.
Throughout his campaign, Barack Obama has conducted himself with honor and gentlemanly gravitas. Unfortunately, sometimes that is not enough for people.
Hundreds of people attended last week's Miami-Dade County Commission meeting in support of moving the Urban Development Boundary and proposed projects. In addition, there were 6,000 signatures on a petition. Thankfully, commissioners heard and responded to the residents.
Re the May 1 editorial Gas-tax holiday not the solution: Agreed, but we also need to conserve, reducing our energy consumption as alternative sources become viable on a large scale. We can't just focus on supply. In fact, a higher gasoline tax is the obvious and proven solution. Cars average 36 miles per gallon in Europe compared to just 21 in the United States.
The latest proposed budget cuts include the Road Rangers. There is no need to explain their value. If you drive, you know. I suggest putting a surcharge on all license- and vehicle-registration renewals. Funding will be supplied directly by the people who benefit from the program.
Re the April 28 story State may pass anti-bullying law: I am all for it. However, there needs to be a provision that requires all administrators to recognize bullying regardless of how long it has taken place and allow the victims to defend themselves without fear of repercussion. It is unfair and sends a message to the bully that the victim will not retaliate for fear of suspension.
I read the April 22 editorial Green is good -- but more is needed and the April 24 editorial Rice a luxury when you live on $2 a day with frustration and disappointment. I have watched with dismay as global-warming advocates have called on governments to take action with almost no regard for the consequences. The April 22 editorial urges politicians to curb global warming, and last week they responded. The Florida Legislature introduced legislation requiring all gasoline sold in the state to contain...
The April 19 Associated Press story New standards proposed for energy efficiency programs created the wrong impression regarding Florida Power & Light's commitment to energy conservation. FPL operates the No. 1 energy-conservation program in the country, according to the Department of Energy. Our programs have allowed the company to avoid building 12 medium-sized power plants since 1980, more than any other utility. The result: millions of dollars in cost savings for FPL customers and the avoidance...
Re the April 29 story Free for only 1 day, ex-con shot to death: When are we going to stop making criminals out to be victims? Joseph Lumpkin had just been released from prison one day before he committed another crime. He got caught by police, a struggle ensued and he was fatally shot.
Re the April 23 story Fire on Passover guts synagogue: Another hate crime directed at a Jewish institution has gone unsolved, with nobody punished. The torching of a chabad on Miami Beach, desecration of the holy Torah and the fact that this act of terror took place during Passover are appalling. There should be no question as to the motive behind such a cruel and hateful attack.
