Voice of the people: July 23 2023

Student debt relief would have been a boost to the economy

The report, "Is student debt relief still possible?" [7/13/2023] sets in sharp relief the way in which a small minority has managed to manipulate the U.S. economy to its benefit, almost exclusive benefit, as the middle class is now close to disappearing. The argument comes down to whether forty million students who have a combined student loan debt of $1.6 trillion should receive any relief. Interestingly, the concerns here, is this a giveaway, do they deserve it, etc. did not phase the minds of Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell and the other Republican politicians when they voted to grant the wealthy and large corporations a $2.0 trillion tax break in 2017, doing nothing for the economy and helping to increase the federal debt $7.8 trillion during Trump's four years in office, a record.

What would $1.6 trillion in the pockets of forty million Americans do to the economy? Here we have a stark contrast between supply side economics and demand side economics. If, instead of giving the wealthy and large corporations an unneeded dole of $2 trillion [supply side economics] Congress had decided in favor of student loan forgiveness, [demand side economics] this would have been a huge boost for the economy - $1.6 trillion going into the checking accounts of consumers. And what do consumers do? They spend that money and that creates economy activity. What did the big corporations and wealthy do with the $2.0 trillion tax break? They bought back their own stock, primarily, doing absolutely nothing to spur the economy and dumping more debt on average Americans.

At what point do we start thinking critically and stop being suckers?

Richard Sutherland, Lakeland

Investing in solar panels means investing in the future

When I see an article about building new homes ('These are beacons of light': Lakeland developer building modern homes in city's Northwest, 7/10/2023), my first question is “What is the developer doing about energy efficiency?” I love the appearance of the slanted roofs, but how will they accommodate solar panels? Will the home have energy-efficient windows and doors, electric appliances, LED lighting, extra insulation in the garage and attic, on-demand water heaters, and smart thermostats? Florida is getting hotter and hotter and power costs keep going up. A home is one of the best long-term investments a family can make. Investing in solar panels and energy efficiency is not only a good return on your investment, but you are also investing in the future of your children and grandchildren.

Sadly, DeSantis just rejected 377 million dollars of federal funds that would help consumers, developers, cities, churches, and non-profits become more energy efficient. And by the way, he defunded a training program for electrification contractors. Is he trying to get to the tipping points faster?

Katherine Sutherland, MD, Winter Haven

Good old days of Florida gone

I remember when Florida was world renowned for its weather, beaches, citrus and tourist attractions. Florida’s Republican-led House, Senate and Governor ensured those days are gone.

Today, Florida is more known as a bastion of bigotry and a haven for haters. Gays and lesbians are no longer welcome in Florida. Transgender individuals shouldn’t exist according to Florida’s lawmakers. Pregnant women are not trusted to make decisions and must forfeit control of their bodies to the government. Parents have been stripped of giving their children the opportunity to learn about topics such as slavery, diversity, inclusion, and sexual identity; ultimately handicapping Florida’s youth when competing in a global market.

Florida’s “permitless carry” law makes it so anyone legally allowed to own a gun can carry it concealed without a license. And, if any person or company dares to speak out against Florida’s lawmakers, they will suffer the consequences and wrath of Florida’s authoritarian Governor. Florida’s Republican-led lawmakers have restricted civil liberties to the point that the Human Rights Campaign and NAACP felt it necessary to issue a travel advisory to people thinking about traveling to Florida.

Unfortunately, Republican lawmakers have brought shame and darkness onto our once-revered Sunshine State.

Gary Hoover, Lakeland

Today it's reproductive rights - what's next?

Imagine a world in which the law forbade treatment of heart attacks in people your age or older. Imagine the law mandated you donate an organ to someone who would die without it. You have no choice.

I bet you wouldn’t like it. It’s your body, your life. These health care decisions and outcomes will affect your quality of life, your family, your job, your future. Who gets to decide what your life and future will look like?

You want options that allow you to live your life and pursue your happiness based on your own plans, dreams, and beliefs. Imagine if health care were not personal but that physicians or politicians overruled your choices whenever it suited their beliefs.

Well, that is what’s happening to women and how many feel as Florida moves closer to a six-week abortion ban. Their choices will be taken away. They will not own their bodies.

Today it’s reproductive rights. What will they come for next? Join Floridians Protecting Freedom in getting an amendment protecting our rights on the 2024 ballot.

Cindy Sternlicht, Lakeland

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Voice of the people: July 23 2023