The latest effort by billionaire Jeffrey Soffer to allow a gambling casino at the Fontainebleau Hotel on Miami Beach offers great insight into the political machinations in Florida.
First, Soffer, despite heavy opposition from the city of Miami Beach and the community, tried to get the Republican-controlled Legislature, whose party recently received more than $300,000 from him, to approve a casino license to the Fontainebleau, which he owns. Gov. Ron DeSantis appeared to be behind this effort.
The Legislature, of course immediately takes up the issue, despite the fact that it is apparently contrary to the Florida Constitution and the wishes of the residents of Miami Beach. Suddenly, another billionaire, Ken Griffin, who contributes millions to the Republican Party, comes out against the proposal. Just as suddenly, the Legislature drops the idea. It appears dead for this session.
Two conclusions can be drawn from this battle.
First, DeSantis, because of his embarrassing failure on the national stage, perhaps has lost some of his clout. Second, our state government reacts to the desires of their billionaire contributors instead of wishes of its citizens and local governments. Maybe it’s time for Florida voters to elect a few more Democrats to our Legislature.
Then, maybe, the wishes of the people would have a better chance against the billionaire contributors who influence Florida government.
Martin Kleinbart, Aventura
Charge Trump for Jan. 6
Insurrection (as defined by Merriam-Webster) is an instance against civil authority (U.S. Capitol Police were attacked, injured and killed) or an established government (members of Congress and senators and their staffs ran for their lives).
All the while, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States at the time, ignored pleas for help, watched the insurrection for three hours in his office and ate his lunch.
Just as Jennifer Crumbley, the mother of the Michigan student who killed four people at his high school was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for negligence, so, too, should Trump be charged with the same offense, with no immunity.
Sheila Jaffe, Boca Raton
What if Trump gets in again?
President Biden exhibits memory lapses, but Donald Trump exhibits both memory and mental lapses.
Joe Biden has momentary memory loss of names and dates, but I trust his rational thinking when he’s making decisions.
Donald Trump’s statements indicate irrational thinking based on selfishness, vengeance and egotism.
Trump is fixated on money, not morality. He believes he is rich and that gives him the right to be immoral.
Most of Trump’s past advisors prevented him from carrying out his worst intentions. But if he’s given a second term, I believe he will be emboldened and choose advisors who will not keep him in check.
Carl Schneider, Delray Beach
So wrong about Trump
I just don’t know what’s wrong with the American people when they climb aboard the bandwagon of the former president. Do they not care that he did many awful things?
He maligned a Gold Star family who lost a son in the Army; mocked handicapped people; and laughed about how he could do anything to women.
I was sure Trump wouldn’t win. How wrong I was.
Did they forget about all the people who died during the COVID epidemic because he said it was nothing? And how about the horrible remedies he encouraged people to take?
Then there are all his legal problems and that he acts like he’s above the law. Thank goodness the court said he’s not immune from prosecution. Now he’s telling his Republican lackeys how to vote on things. How despicable.
I was sure that when Trump lost the 2020 election, Congress would happily to go back to how it was. How wrong I was.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he would seek a third term if he wins a second. If Trump becomes president again, we Americans can kiss democracy, and America, goodbye.
Carole Markowitz, Delray Beach
