DeSantis’ push to eliminate property taxes masks its real consequences | Opinion

Defunding services

The July 4 Miami Herald editorial, “DeSantis right to veto property tax study. But not for the reasons he may think,” correctly criticizes the governor’s policy goal of eliminating property taxes for Florida homeowners. These are, of course, taxes that local governments depend upon to provide essential services for their communities.

Over the years — and with considerable bluster and demagoguery — DeSantis’ political strategy has been to reflexively blame every societal evil on what he characterizes as “the left” (or previously, former President Biden and “the left”).

I was startled to read about his embrace of a strategy to end Florida property taxes which, though he has not yet embraced the mantra, essentially “defunds the police,” as well as fire fighters, EMTs, schools, road maintenance, street repair, garbage pickup and more.

Howard L. Simon,

Gainesville

Freedom or anarchy?

Paul Mullen’s July 4 op-ed, “This Independence Day, you are not as free as you think,” demonstrates the absolute absurdity of much libertarian thinking. Without the federal taxes Mullen rails against, we have the freedom to be enslaved by any minor foreign power (think Fidel Castro). We would have the freedom to be poisoned by uncontrolled chemicals released by our free neighbors. We would have the freedom to die of poisoned food and drink and of diseases for which we, as individuals, have no means to control. We would have the freedom to spend two days traveling on dirt roads between Miami and Palm Beach. The list of new freedoms goes on.

Freed from state taxes, we would have the freedom to drive 150 miles per hour without a license in an unsafe, unreliable vehicle.

Freed from state and local taxes, we would have the freedom to have only ourselves to protect our homes from fire, storms and violence and the freedom to pay the full cost of our children’s education in private schools.

Without zoning laws, we would have the freedom to live next door to a slaughter house, garbage dump or 24-hour party venue which our free neighbor could allow.

As 18th century Swiss philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau demonstrates in “The Social Contract,” man can only be free by relinquishing some freedoms to the state to insure the common good. This bedrock truth of human society is frequently lost in libertarians of Mullen’s ilk.

Martin Motes,

Redland

Squirrels and nuts

Have you ever seen a Fox squirrel?

It is a Florida resident. Fox squirrels are quite tall and get their name from their pointed snout and tall pointed ears. They are beautiful. They are also closely monitored by Florida’s environmental agencies, as they are a fast disappearing species.

Over the years, I have been lucky enough to see several fox squirrels from the Ocala area to the Big Cypress. More than once, I have seen them at the side of the jet port road where the Alligator Alcatraz sign has been erected. They seemed to use a stand of cypress next to the road just off the Trail. Soon after sunrise, I would I see them sitting on their haunches taking in the sun.

My friends and I used the jet port road as access to points further north into Big Cypress. We frequently saw deer, numerous birds of all types, occasionally a bear and other wildlife. Surprisingly, not that many alligators.

The Big Cypress is an environmental treasure and is being despoiled by men who do not have a sense of the beauty of nature. I can only pray that my fox squirrels will be safe.

John Falcone,

Palmetto Bay

What we need

Re: the July 2 Miami Herald story, “American Dream Miami mega-mall will pay Miami-Dade $5M. But wants subsidy help, too.” We do not need another mall.

We need homeowners insurance relief. We need better public schools and libraries.

Alden Howard,

Aventura

Two sides, one coin

Re: the July 4 op-ed, “This Independence Day, you’re not as free as you think.” Interesting how the extreme right wing Heritage Foundation ends up where the extreme left wing lives — centralized government or communism/socialism. Those of us from Cuba or Venezuela know it does not work.

None of us may like property taxes, but it gives us local control over police, fire, schools, zoning and code enforcement and many other services.

Who really wants to live with a centralized legislature (i.e., politburo) that controls the entire state?

Think about it, folks.

Juan A. Galan, Jr.,

Coral Gables

Looking crazy

President Donald Trump infamously suggested he could shoot someone and not lose one supporter. He has proven his point.

We, as a nation, witness people being picked up randomly by masked individuals displaying no identification. Many of Trump’s supporters do not find this behavior disturbing or questionable.

Trump has normalized what for most of us is and was unthinkable.

Sid Kaskey,

South Miami

Canceled election

I hope the citizens of Miami are as appalled by the decision of the city mayor and commissioners to cancel the upcoming November elections, in spite of the city charter.

Where are the lawyers to stop this lawless act? Where is the opposition?

I hope the people are turning out in numbers to protest. Now is the time to stop this atrocity. This isn’t normal. The people should not role over and let this happen. Speak up and stand for democracy.

Carlos Mccauley,

Palm Bay

Fickle trickle

One facet for the justification of President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” is that tax cuts for high earners would trickle down and create jobs.

Looking at history, this was proven wrong when attempted by former President Reagan. His “trickle down” policy failed. Trump’s policy also will fail.

Joe Smariga,

Fort Lauderdale

Fear factor

Fear for personal safety has become a reality for many public officials under President Donald Trump’s leadership. Numerous members of Congress have reported receiving death threats and fearing for their families simply for considering a vote or statement against Trump. Some have even resorted to wearing body armor or hiring private security after breaking ranks.

This intimidation isn’t limited to Washington. Local officials, journalists and legal professionals involved in Trump-related cases have faced harassment and credible threats from his supporters. Many now avoid public comment out of concern for their safety.

Most concerning, this climate of fear hangs heavily over the vote for Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill.” Lawmakers are not just weighing the merits of the legislation, but also the risk to themselves and their loved ones if they defy Trump. His rhetoric, which often seems to encourage retribution, only adds to the pressure.

This is not how democracy is supposed to work. Our representatives should be able to vote their conscience and serve the public interest, not act out of fear for their lives. We must reject political intimidation and demand a return to civility and safety in our public discourse.

Paul Howard,

Naples

Senior living?

At 81 and alone, I am unable to find assisted living if I need it. Sadly, it is all about profit. Medicaid facilities are limited even if one is available. Unless I can afford up to $4,000 a month, I am, as they say, screwed.

How in our great country am I to be treated like an old car that is too costly to repair? How on earth did we change from the beacon of the world to a small light lit by a single candle?

I cannot afford assisted living. I pray we look at ways to protect our seniors. Elephants and dolphins protect each other better then we humans do — and they do it naturally. Meanwhile, we look at the bottom line.

Bernard I. Silver,

Bradenton