Voice of the people: Florida no longer paradise, thanks to politics
Florida no longer paradise, thanks to politics
I read today's article by Samantha Gholar regarding the struggle with LGBQT+ families trying to live happy lives in Florida in spite of new policies and laws. It was an insightful and sensitive article.
What a shame that families who thought of Florida as paradise now fear for their children's safety because they are "different." It's a pity that they are forced to leave their homes to seek refuge in other states. I commend their commitment to their families to find peace, comfort, and acceptance.
I will admit that as a Michigander, I vacation in Florida in the winter to be in a warm climate. However, I stay very clear and quiet where Florida politics are concerned.
I would hope that lawmakers in Florida realize that the steps they are taking in these policies are going back to a dark and dangerous past.
Mary Sampson, Clarkston, MI
Opinions should be based on evidence
Better minds than mine assert that “Opinions should be based on evidence” [Sagan] and that “People tend to believe what they least understand” [Montaigne]. The Bible suggests that the naïve are easily mislead; that skeptics and scholars evaluate the evidence before drawing or acting on conclusions. [Proverbs 15:14, 2, 7, & 32 NLT, interpretation]
Cognitive Scientists and Social Psychologists have identified common phenomena which cause people to form opinions that are contrary to the evidence. ‘Motivated Reasoning’ leads to justification of opinions based on one’s beliefs or desires rather than an accurate interpretation of relevant evidence.
‘Cognitive Dissonance’ creates undesirable stress when facts [empirical/scientific evidence] do not support one’s opinions or beliefs. The unpleasantness of ‘Cognitive Dissonance’ is reduced by practicing ‘Confirmation Bias’, i.e., watching and listening to only clearly biased TV or talk-radio and reading or discussing nothing that challenges one’s views.
The ‘Illusory Truth Effect’ occurs when unjustified rumors, misinterpreted facts, opinions lacking evidence, and blatant lies [e.g., bigotry, xenophobia, election denial, religious doctrine, anti-global warming/vaccination, et al] are repeated often enough that large numbers of people believe them.
If you have experienced any of the above, you may want to reconsider some of your opinions and beliefs.
John Bullard Ed D, Lakeland
Beamon wrong to criticize DeSantis
Re: "Iconic Olympian calls out DeSantis", The Ledger-News Chief, Sports, 01/22/2023. Bob Beamon accused Gov. Ron DeSantis of "We don't want you to talk about the history of this country," and went onto bits and pieces of our history that only supported his distortion of it.
For someone that has made his fortune tearing down the nation that has done more for his race than any other, he has a few glaring omissions. Start with his own race catching and selling Africans to slavers. (Many times to get rid of those that were a problem within their own tribe, like here.) He and his supporters have become wealthy continuing the lie that their own race were not the slavers. (Try asking Africa for Reparations.)
All the riots, looting, and burning down of areas in Seattle, Portland, Washington DC, Atlanta, Miami, et al, are ignored as he puts another paycheck in his pocket for blaming everyone else to a willing crowd. He has made himself wealthy with his picture of the "Iconic Olympian," while ignoring most of what MLK supported, but remembering to use his name, as if he was part of that.
His true history of no father in the household, being raised by female relatives, gang participation, free college by way of basketball, and lauding his Olympic disobedience makes him a poster boy for that time in U.S. history, not success in tough times. At the same time, he puts down his teachers, and coaches as little consequence.
Spare me!
Donald T Milligan, Auburndale
Use common sense and think for yourself
Why is a woman terminating a pregnancy considered murder, but a state performing an execution accepted?
Why is discussing sexual orientation with a minor referred to as “grooming” and “indoctrination” but having a child listen to a church sermon welcomed as a family value?
Why approve banning books in school libraries that focus on systemic racial injustices, LGBT+ issues, or the like, but promote an ancient book that depicts rape, murder and incest?
Come on people. Aren’t we better than this? Use your ability to critically think. Use common sense. Those who don’t have the ability to critically think or use common sense are destined to remain supporters of the Republican party’s hypocrisy and hate-filled agenda.
Michael Schwam, Lakeland
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Voice of the people: Florida no longer paradise, thanks to politics
