My Republican husband took to the streets, and he will again to protest ‘No Kings’ | Opinion

Loving America

My husband is a lifelong centrist Republican who believes in due process, the rule of law and letting people live their lives. He’s more laissez-faire than loud, allergic to chanting and has the resting heart rate of a house cat in a sunbeam.

When he said this spring, “I think it’s time we take to the streets,” I nearly dropped my toast. On June 14, we went — quietly, nervously — and afterward I posted about it. To my surprise, more than six million people read that story, not because it was flashy, but because it echoed what so many moderates feel: a deep unease at seeing the rule of law twisted for power.

We’ll be at the Oct. 18 “No Kings” rally. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has said these gatherings are for people who “hate America.” He could not be more wrong.

We’ll be there because we love this country, the one built on checks and balances, due process and the radical idea that no one, not even a president, stands above the law. When leaders turn the National Guard or military against ordinary citizens, it’s not patriotism being defended. It’s power.

Michelle Shindell,

Miami

Standing firm

Re: El Nuevo Herald reporter Nora Gámez Torres’ Oct. 13 story, “Cuba frees prominent dissident José Daniel Ferrer, sends him into exile in the U.S.” For many of us young Cuban Americans who have followed events in Cuba closely — especially since the historic protests of July 11, 2021 — Ferrer stands as a powerful example of the courage and unyielding desire for liberty that lives in the hearts of Cubans.

Ferrer endured some of the most inhumane forms of torture, threats, humiliation and systematic state persecution, against himself and his family. For most people, such suffering would have led to despair or a tragic outcome. Yet Ferrer, resilient and steadfast, managed to survive and found refuge in the United States.

I wish him and his family the best as they begin a new chapter. Many of us hope he will join the vibrant Cuban exile community in Miami and continue the struggle for a free Cuba. I’m confident that community will support him and help keep alive the ideals of liberty and liberal democracy that he so bravely represents.

Carlos Martinez,

Silver Spring, MD

Bridging budgets

Philanthropy was never meant to replace government responsibility. Its purpose is to meet unmet needs, strengthen communities and advance public good. Increasingly, elected officials see philanthropy not as a partner for innovation and collaboration but as a bridge to budget gaps.

Miami-Dade County’s budget grew from $7.9 billion in 2019 to $11.8 billion in 2024. Yet, hundreds of millions in infrastructure projects and other improvements remain unfunded. Fundraising charitable dollars to bridge budget shortfalls shirks fiscal responsibility.

Institutions like the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center prove what independent philanthropy does best: educating youth, reaching families who would never have access to the Bay, inspiring environmental stewardship, preserving legacy and strengthening our civic spirit.

When a government seeks to take over a nonprofit’s programs and facilities to fundraise for departmental budget gaps, something essential to public trust is lost. Our children deserve better.

Independence is the public’s safeguard against regulatory capture. When each sector fulfills its proper role, our democracy is stronger. Miami deserves that strength.

Melissa White,

executive director,

Key Biscayne Community Foundation,

Key Biscayne

A Winn win?

Re: the Oct. 13 story, “Publix allows open carry, but what about Miami-area Winn-Dixie, malls, theaters?” I spent more than 50 years in law enforcement and I know there are too many people who can’t be trusted with firearms. It is in the paper every day. I am fully certified and heavily trained in using firearms. I never carry one into a grocery store or locations heavily crowded with people.

Sure, we will call the police if there is an issue. However, what is the response time and what happens in between?

I will no longer be shopping in Publix (even though I once worked for the grocer). Winn-Dixie, here I come.

Robert Lynch,

Davie

Swamp library

There is a solution to the continuing controversy of a presidential library next to Freedom Tower. A scenic piece of land has already been seized, inspected and praised by Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Trump who, with little to no input, invested $600 million in this prime choice property.

Free roaming wildlife, not seen anywhere else in the USA, is an added bonus for visitors. Jumbo jets, like the free Boeing 747-8 offer from Qatar, can easily be accommodated on an existing landing strip. (How about free rides on the Qatar Express for lucky visitors?)

There is an abundance of land and free parking for a high-rise hotel, a casino and the Pam Bondi Retribution Center. And for hardy outdoor folk, there are plenty of tents for camping.

What better use for Alligator Alcatraz, soon to be vacated?

Paul Stanley Kolodziejczak,

Miami

Grits, not guns

It’s time to say goodbye to shopping in Publix grocery stores; I won’t be shopping there anymore. Publix has the right to make its decision allowing open carry in its stores; I have the right to make mine.

I support people who wish to exercise their Second Amendment rights, I just don’t want to be in their presence and their weapons.

Ollie Daniels,

Pembroke Pines

Unmerited honor

One would think awarding the Nobel Peace Prize is based on achievements and accomplishments. In the case of Venezuelan activist and politician Maria Corina Machado, she accomplished nothing and achieved nothing as to removing President Nicolás Maduro from power. The chances of her accomplishing that goal are slim to none.

She is definitely entitled to acknowledgement for her bravery, but I question the motivation of the members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee and whether their judgment can be trusted, as they seem to be detached from reality.

Steven Z. Levinson,

Miami Beach

Undeserved award

Political assassination is an anathema destructive to our government. Free public discourse is essential to the survival and perfection of our democratic republic.

The good thing Charlie Kirk did was open dialog between right wing extremists, moderates, centrists, uncommitted and the left. That said, the media must show that Kirk also was a xenophobic, homophobic, anti-Semitic, misogynistic, racist, white supremacist. Otherwise, he was a pretty likable guy.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of America, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. Nothing here describes Kirk. His brutal murder is no reason to lionize a man with his morals and ethics, or lack thereof.

I doubt the character of people who believe he embodied true Christian values. Jesus would likely not accept him as a Christian martyr.

I grieve for his children, who will grow up without a father. I pray for the enlightenment of his wife, who plans to spread his legacy of intolerance through Turning Point USA.

Charles Sanders,

South Miami

Mean streets

To my dear friends who voted Republican:

Some kids have no food to eat. Meanwhile, we spend thousands of tax dollars removing rainbow-colored sidewalks. Has it really come to this?

Michael Catalano,

Miami

By a head

The United States plans to help Argentina with a $20 billion economic bailout. Hopefully, this gesture will increase our support among Latin American countries.

Once Argentina receives that money, President Javier Miley should be able to afford a haircut.

Jay Kaba,

Miami