Marco Rubio has developed a case of amnesia on Russia and contradicts his own stance | Opinion
Rubio’s act
Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently spoke of the “incredible opportunities” the United States has to partner with Russia. Not too long ago, Rubio said that Russian President Vladimir Putin was “an enemy of humanity,” yet he seems to have developed a convenient case of amnesia. Then again, this is the same Rubio who called Donald Trump a “con artist” while running against him in the 2016 presidential primary.
Rubio is a longtime critic of authoritarian regimes like those in Nicaragua, Venezuela and most especially Cuba, but he is now anxious to partner with Russia, which recently sent oil to Havana to keep that socialist state’s engine running.
Does Rubio not see a conflict in that? How does he sleep at night?
It would have been more honorable to quit his position, rather than betray every ideal he’s ever espoused. Rubio once said of Trump, “Time to pull off his mask so that people can see what we are dealing with here.” The same could be said about Florida’s former U.S. senator.
Gina Guilford,
Miami
A fierce advocate
As Holocaust survivors and descendants of survivors from South Florida and throughout the United States, we are profoundly saddened at the news that former U.S. Rep. Lincoln Díaz-Balart has passed away.
Díaz-Balart was a staunch friend and supporter of the Holocaust survivor community and of the security and well-being of the people and state of Israel. We also stood in solidarity with Díaz-Balart in his fierce and effective advocacy for the people of Cuba and for United States policies to encourage freedom and democracy for the Cuban people.
Lastly, we honor Díaz-Balart’s decades of honorable public service to the people of South Florida and the United States. We express our deepest condolences to the congressman’s loved ones. As we say in the Jewish tradition, may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him, and those whom he served throughout his life.
David Schaecter, president
Holocaust Survivors’ Foundation - USA
Full display
Who is this man we must call “President Trump?” He is a vulgar bully, a constant liar and a wannabe dictator. My heart is breaking for brave Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and the good people of Ukraine, all of whom have suffered so much and for so long.
My heart is also breaking for our country and its good people. Unfortunately, our suffering has only just begun.
Marcia Braun,
Miami Springs
Yes men
Anyone who watched the meeting between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance would be embarrassed by the actions and speech of Trump and Vance. It became a shouting match, with Zelenskyy, who is trying to save his country from destruction, becoming defensive while fighting against two big guys spouting lies.
Now, as usual, Republican Senators are congratulating Trump and Vance. It is always the same with Republicans: forget the truth, just save your future jobs.
Allan Tavss,
Miami
Anxious days
I am scared for the future of geopolitics, with ill-prepared and compromised individuals like Donald Trump and JD Vance at the helm. The scene that played out last Friday in the Oval Office and Trump’s subsequent social media posts, were immature and put global stability at risk.
All at once, Trump betrayed 75 years of NATO membership. His actions are not “standing up for America” as described by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rather, Trump is selling out Ukraine to Russian President Putin.
Don’t take my word for it, just watch the jubilant Russian TV coverage. If that’s not disturbing enough, consider that Trump controls our nuclear codes.
I did not vote for this. Did you?
Mathias Lichtenheld,
Key Biscayne
With Ukraine
On behalf of millions of Americans (though sadly, not all Americans) I extend my deepest apologies to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for how the occupant of the Oval Office and his lackeys behaved Friday. Zelenskyy was an invited guest.
My thanks to Zelenskyy for not signing any rare earth deal with that unabashed bully and for maintaining his dignity and not debasing himself. Trump’s behavior is unacceptable and should serve as a warning to all nations, friend or foe.
I proudly stand with Ukraine.
Kathy Terry,
Coral Gables
Weak academics
In recent years, Florida has had four university presidents, all approved by the Board of Regents, with similar qualifications: they are retired or termed-out politicians with zero or limited academic credentials. One of them, Ben Sasse, resigned from the University of Florida. His tenure was controversial.
All four received huge salary increases, with Florida International University’s new Interim President Jeanette Nuñez getting $850,000 per year. Her salary as Florida’s Lt. Governor was about $135,000.
If this continues, the nation’s academic community will regard Florida as a state that rewards loyal politicos instead of attracting qualified academics. The result will likely be a weak State University System, with lower national rankings.
Juan A. Galan, Jr.,
Coral Gables
Trump’s priority
President Donald Trump has proved beyond a doubt that it is not America First. It’s Russia first.
God help America!
Priscilla Fregger Adler,
Cutler Bay
Read your email
How many members of the White House staff have received the “Five Weekly Accomplishments” e-mail or been fired for incompetence?
Ellen Schorr,
Pembroke Pines
Betrayal
Last Friday, the entire world saw Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the first Hispanic to hold that office, sitting in the Oval Office as his tangerine-tinted Caudillo paid tribute to and openly embraced Russian President Vladimir Putin. Fidel Castro once did the same with Nikita Kruschev in 1961.
Miami witnessed a level of mendacity from Rubio never seen before: a betrayal of a democratically-elected president of a European ally, by an American president.
Joanne Tomarchio,
Miami
Trumped-up story
Re: the Feb. 27 Miami Herald online story, “‘Give us back our sons’: A look at the Venezuelan migrants Trump sent to Guantanamo.” Thank you for reporting that what the Trump administration characterizes as the “worst of the worst” being held at Guantanamo Bay actually includes many Venezuelan immigrants accused of petty crimes or no crimes at all.
One could be shocked — shocked! — at the administration’s dissembling. Actually, unrepentant, repetitive, brazen lying is more like it.
Can we please make Orwell fiction again?
Michael K. Cantwell,
Delray Beach
Remote idea
Presuming I wasn’t in real estate and own office buildings, there are substantial economic savings for private businesses and their employees who work from home.
While reports of the benefits of in-person social interaction may be valuable in the vague world of team building, companies that allow employees to work from home save lease money, need less office space and their employees would save commuting costs and perhaps child care expenses.
Why these savings wouldn’t also apply to government offices and workers escapes financial logic. Elon Musk’s DOGE should explain this to us all.
Kenneth Lipner,
Miami
Sundry nation
President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order making English the official language of the United States. Congress tried this once before but it went nowhere. If there is an official language, English is the most logical choice. There are more people in the United States who speak English than any other language.
Using the same logic, the Democratic Party should be the official party (there are more registered Democrats nationwide than Republicans). Protestantism should be the official religion and Caucasian should be the official race.
Do we really need an official language, or religion, or race or party?
We have always been a diverse country.
Is there anything wrong with that?
Robert James Slotkin,
Plantation
Zelenskyy visit
Three men walk into the Oval Office. One is a statesman. The other two are bullies.
One cares about his country; the other two only care about themselves.
One has earned my respect and admiration. The other two never will.
Anne Helliwell,
Coral Gables