End sales tax on groceries, clothing
The governor’s proposal to eliminate Florida’s property tax would be catastrophic to the state budget.
Why not eliminate the sales tax on groceries.
Perhaps clothing as well.
Both of these would impact all Floridians.
Bill and Connie Sullivan, Sarasota
New GOP law silences voices of the people
Gov. Ron DeSantis and his Republican allies are working to make it harder for the public to participate in the ballot initiative process. One can only assume the governor and his pals prefer to decide things for themselves rather than listening to actual voters.
House Bill 1205, which became law May 2, requires petition circulators to be Florida residents and U.S. citizens, requires petition circulators to re-register with the state under stricter requirements and shortens the petition delivery period to 10 days.
Opponents argue the law subjects people to steep fines and criminal penalties in violation of the First and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.
They seek a court order blocking enforcement of the law.
Because we live in a state that has been hijacked by an extremist majority, we must take action at the ballot box and with citizen initiatives making it possible for our voices to be heard.
Laurie Ulrop, Punta Gorda
Courts are bulwark against authoritarianism
Virtually every action taken by President Donald Trump since Jan. 20, 2025, has been a violation of the Constitution and the laws of the United States.
Thanks to dozens of brave and principled judges, nearly all of Trump’s agenda is currently the subject of injunctions that restrain the implementation of his illegal orders.
These rulings have been decided by judges appointed by presidents of both parties. While these court orders have not reversed the damage inflicted by Trump’s unlawful actions, it is a hopeful sign that our country still abides by the rule of law.
These decisions will undoubtedly make their way to the Supreme Court, where the justices will get to choose whether or not they stand for democracy.
While some of us may be frustrated by how long this is all taking, we can take comfort knowing the basic values of our country are standing firm against a would-be authoritarian.
Lorraine Moneypenny, Port Charlotte
Let’s cooperate, cherish ‘Pale Blue Dot’
At 92, I’ve witnessed many things in my lifetime. I hope I’ve gained some wisdom and perspective.
Worrying about the generations following me, I’ve engaged in some magical thinking.
Or perhaps a rational response to what is a major threat.
In the words of astronomer Carl Sagan, “… our responsibility to deal more kindly and compassionately with one another and to preserve and cherish that pale blue dot, the only home we’ve ever known.”
An analogy: Imagine Earth as a large house.
We all inhabit this house.
Outside a flood, fire or hurricane approaches.
Inside everyone is arguing about what color to paint the walls.
Isn’t this similar to what’s happening on our planet?
Wouldn’t it make sense to tap each other’s strengths and cooperate instead of looking at each other as adversaries?
Guns are no protection against rising seas, floods and climate change.
I still think this is our major challenge but what President Donald Trump has done in his first 100 days looms as a more immediate danger.
The survival of our democracy is at stake. He must be impeached.
Rhana Bazzini, Sarasota
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