Miami’s Haitians have been defamed by Donald Trump’s word more than once | Opinion
Haitians defamed
Once again, false claims are being made by politicians to defame Haitian Americans. First, it was blaming them for the AIDS epidemic. Then, referring to Haiti as a “s---hole“ country. Now, it is the absurd and totally untrue claim that Haitians are stealing and eating pets.
Miami is a Creole city and takes pride in its diversity. I imagine that an overwhelming number of Miami’s citizens recognize the contributions that Haitian Americans have made to our economy and our culture. They also know that in their struggle for freedom, they are the beatitudes personified — poor, humble, hungering and thirsting for justice.
Just as Miami responded in unison to the Mariel boatlift and heroically after the great earthquake of 2011, I would hope we would all come together to show our support for the Haitian community — which has been placed in danger by this defamation — and expose this lie for the shabby political stunt it is.
Arthur Fournier,
professor emeritus,
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine,
Miami
Failed values
I am extremely disappointed in Miami-Dade County School Board’s vote to deny the proposal to recognize October as LGBTQ History Month. I am a Christian but not a member of the Christian Family Coalition that professes to represent “Christian values.”
What values are these? Hate? Prejudice? Divisiveness?
Christ asks us to love and uplift everyone, especially those who are persecuted. The harm that has been done to persons identifying as LBGTQ is huge. LGBTQ+ young people are more than four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers.
Uplifting October as LGBTQ History Month does not harm anyone and certainly is not “left-wing indoctrination.” There is nothing “left-wing” about this. It’s about loving your neighbor, eliminating prejudice and keeping everyone safe.
Janet Copeland,
Coral Gables
Under qualified
I was utterly shocked and nearly fell out of my seat when I heard Donald Trump say, “In Springfield they are eating the dogs, the people that came in, they’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there.”
What absurdity! What foolishness!
This was not from a six-year-old child but from one desiring to once again serve as president of the United States.
Children can be whimsical, say the cruelest things, or have a hard time deciphering between reality and the world of make believe. We can expect this.
Such words, however, said by a presidential candidate — and on a debate stage — was not expected. This is like an interview before millions of voters for a job whose responsibilities carry worldwide ramifications that can last generations.
As a Haitian American educator, clinician, pastor, father and a U.S citizen, I am appalled. For a moment, this took me back to middle school, where bullies would utter similar outrageous and disparaging statements to denigrate and torment immigrants like me and many of my peers. Today, we all know the impact of bullying, including emotional distress leading to depression, anxiety, even suicide.
The former president is not a child but an adult. His words showed carelessness, immaturity, gall. It’s unbecoming. It’s pathetic. It’s sad. It’s also racism and xenophobia. Words have consequences.
Rev. Dr. Keny Felix,
senior pastor,
Bethel Evangelical Baptist Church,
Miami Gardens
Job training
Reading Miami Herald reporter Max Klaver’s Sept. 13 front page story, “Yes, Chef!” about the graduates at Camillus House, was a breath of fresh air. How inspiring to read of the resilience and fortitude of these graduates overcoming the obstacles and adversity that homeless and low income people face. I wish each of them continued success.
I thank Camillus House, Miami Dade College, Hyatt Regency and FirstService Residential for creating the opportunities.
Kathleen Fleischman,
Miami Springs
Nothing to say?
The false narrative that Haitian migrants in Springfield, OH abducted and ate the pets of local residents is a truly despicable and racist low, even for a candidate with a long history of manufacturing racial divisions for political gains.
Equally distressing, however, is the relative silence among South Florida political leaders, particularly Republicans who represent Haitian Americans.
Where is the condemnation of this racism from Miami Mayor Francis Suarez? Where are the voices of U.S. Reps. Maria Salazar, Mario Diaz-Balart and Carlos Gimenez?
As Martin Luther King bluntly stated, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
John Ise,
Miami Shores
Sen. Scott ducks
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, has twice challenged incumbent Sen. Rick Scott to debate. Thus far, Scott has ducked the challenge. One must wonder why Scott is avoiding what seems like an excellent opportunity to tout his record.
Perhaps he is afraid voters will be reminded that when he was CEO of health care company Columbia/HCA, it was found to have systematically defrauded Medicare and Medicaid and was forced to pay $1.7 billion in fines. During a deposition, Scott pleaded the Fifth Amendment 75 times, which is to say, he refused to answer questions because, if he had, he might admit to committing a crime.
While campaigning, Scott has taken credit for bringing a host of benefits from Washington to Floridians. In truth, he voted against most of the programs which yielded these benefits. Perhaps Scott is reluctant to admit to that also.
Perhaps Mucarsel-Powell is right when she says Scott is terrified of debating her. Perhaps he’ll plead the Fifth Amendment in this case, too?
Ashby Cathey,
Miami
Vote against hate
The best recourse for Miami’s Haitian Americans against Donald Trump’s hate is to show up in huge numbers at the polls in November and vote Democratic down ballot. Trump’s spreading of hate for all immigrants of color through his MAGA Republican surrogates must be considered unacceptable for our nation.
More specifically, for Miami’s multi-cultural community, hate speech directed at one group should be considered hate speech against all.
Joanne Tomarchio,
Miami
Great debate
Vice President Kamala Harris’ debate performance was a breathtaking masterclass in political virtuosity. With precision, passion and unyielding conviction, she dismantled her opponent’s arguments and electrified the nation. Her words were a symphony of substance and style, weaving together intellect, empathy and authenticity.
Harris’ commanding presence and unwavering commitment to justice left an indelible mark on the American psyche. She didn’t just win the debate — she redefined the contours of leadership and inspired a generation.
An Academy Award would be a fitting tribute to her extraordinary talent, but the true prize is the hearts and minds of the people, which she has undoubtedly won.
Adrean lans,
Biscayne Gardens
Healing factions
Our nation’s first president, George Washington, nailed it when he told us that political parties would cause “cunning, ambitious, unprincipled“ men to take power. Even a deeply flawed, unhinged candidate like Donald Trump commands the loyalty of one-half of Americans.
The question for our democracy is how can we integrate disaffected neighbors back into the mainstream of American society and politics.
James Wilson,
Plantation
More egotism
Re the Sept. 12 Herald story, “’A horrible, distressing experience”: Melania Trump demands answers about July shooting.” I shouldn’t have been surprised that her demands weren’t about the many deaths in recent school shootings, but about realizing that her life and that of her son Barron, were on “the brink of devastating change” over the attempted assassination of her husband, Donald.
With her position in the public eye, she could focus on the many issues confronting our nation, especially school shootings, yet she displayed nothing but self-interest to the media. This surprised me. I am so naive sometimes.
Marta Magellan,
Kendall
A bit gamy
Someone should tell Donald Trump not to worry about anyone eating cats. There are plenty of stray cats in Palm Beach. He won’t starve.
Barry J. White,
Kendall
