Readers comment on high energy costs, voting in the upcoming election and more

Show up at the polls

Recently I attended a Utility Advisory Board meeting over Zoom. Distraught residents told stories about high energy bills that saddened me. These are neighbors whose energy costs are beyond their means.

There are so many forces at play, many out of our control and most of them out of sight. Russia invaded Ukraine and disrupted the natural gas supply, which piled on to already ascendant natural gas prices. Oil and gas companies chose to capitalize on the situations and reap record-breaking profits. A pandemic turned the workforce on its head and made hiring meter readers a challenge.

Walter Banks, chief information officer for Gainesville Regional Utilities, stated that in June of 2021, Gainesville experienced 10 days of temperatures over 90 degrees F. In June of 2022, there were 25 days over 90 degrees F. Our planet is warming.

We need to show up at the polls. Every single position of leadership has a role to play in how we address our warming world. When you choose which bubble to fill in, ask yourself, “Is this a person who will lead us to solar energy and making buildings energy efficient?” If the answer is “no,” then fill in a different bubble.

Janice Garry, Gainesville

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Counting on us

Our politicians, those that represent us, use violence, flame-thrower political rhetoric, disinformation and outright lies, intentionally wielded as partisan political tools to favorably affect their upcoming elections and our democracy.

This organizational pattern of demagoguery makes stopping political violence, conspiracies, hate groups and propaganda more difficult, and also more urgent than ever, as our most important institutions and the rule of law are under attack.

If we don't have full accountability and consequences for those at the top, it will prove we do not have a democracy. There will be a deeper slide and no incentive not to engage in these behaviors in the future. If this occurs, the republic and democracy itself could be lost from within, as Lincoln said, going the way of Brazil or several European former democracies.

Before voting, please consider what the future should be for Florida and America. Future generations are counting on us.

Terry Brant, Melrose

Get to work

When going to the polls on Election Day, here are some statistics to remember. Joe Biden has been in politics for 44 years. Nancy Pelosi has been in office for 35 years. Chuck Schumer has been in office for 38 years. Maxine Waters has been in office for 28 years. The positions that they hold were never meant to be a lifetime position, nor were they meant to make multi-millionaires from that position, but that is the outcome.

Even though they are the leading political party by majority (Democratic), all of our problems and missteps are blamed on Republicans and Donald Trump, who served just four years in office. Even the border crisis is blamed on the Republicans and President Trump.

Smart politicians are decrying the Jan. 6 witch hunt, as taking up important time that could be utilized to doing something for the betterment of the American people. We had four years of the word “impeachment” being crammed down our throats, and now 1 ½ years of the word “insurrection. Leaders, get to work for Americans or resign!

Ken Krug, Melrose 

Weighing candidates

For nearly five decades, I have voted in every single election for which I have been eligible. I have especially liked the non-partisan races, and have taken the time to learn about the candidates' positions and views without concerning myself with their party affiliations.

But now I need additional help. I cannot (ever) vote for any candidate for any office if he/she is a Trumpist who believes the numerous lies or supports the seditionist actions of Jan. 6, 2021, or believes Trump won the 2020 presidential election, or is in any other way allied with or supportive of Donald Trump.

To some degree, it is possible (absent knowledge of party affiliation) to make an informed guess about this question, based on lists of campaign contributors, endorsements, campaign mailers or expressed views. And I appreciate the helpful fact-checking efforts of various entities such as The Sun, the League of Women Voters, etc.

But this is not a matter of comparing alternative legitimate policy positions or differences of opinion among qualified candidates. It is a question of fundamental allegiance to our nation and to democracy itself. If there is even the tiniest doubt, a clearly expressed and unequivocal repudiation of Trump and his views will be the only way a candidate can achieve sufficient legitimacy for me to even consider his/her other qualifications, experience, opinions, judicial philosophy or policy ideas.

Robert P. Duncan, Gainesville    

Toxic for democracy

When do we say “Enough!” to people who promote hate and disinformation? I am concerned hateful speech and dishonesty are prolific with political leaders. Innocent people are getting killed as a result. We must act, speak up and reject politicians whenever we hear it. Use social media and newspapers to call out hateful and dishonest behavior. These politicians are “poisoning” us with negativity.

Who has the courage to provide meaningful policies, rather than using divisive, hateful and deceitful rhetoric? Hate speech should be beyond politics.

The reality is, many Republicans embrace this to promote a racist ideology. Such members support Viktor Orbán. This creates nasty, distorted messages that do not encourage intelligent dialogue and exchange of ideas. Several Republican candidates have advertisements holding a rifle, including one from Eric Greitens stating he will use a rifle to hunt “RINOs.” I wonder if others have heard such aggressive, hateful messages from Democratic candidates. I have not.

Hate speech, the attack on women’s health care and obstacles created to discourage voting are symptoms of a larger issue and are toxic for our democracy.

Do not become complacent. Register to vote. Every vote counts. Encourage everyone to vote. Learn the issues and the truth about the candidate’s record and agenda.

Elaine Golman, Gainesville 

Urgent challenges

I can't help noticing that most of the stakeholders offering solutions to our local and national challenges are busy trying to drive their stakes through the other stakeholder's hearts. It is good theater but not good problem-solving.

The economic, environmental, educational and ethical challenges are real and urgent. They affect us all.

Focus now on educating yourself. The League of Women Voters can help. Vote.

Use your stakes to build solutions. The clock is ticking.

Susan M. Stanton, Gainesville 

Important force

Kudos to the League of Women Voters of Alachua County. Their new website, vote411.org, lets voters meet the candidates for the upcoming elections on Aug. 23. The more than 100-member organization, formed in 1948, is an important force in the community.

Larry Schwandes, Gainesville 

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This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Letters on high energy costs, voting in the upcoming election and more