Voice of the people: Register. Research. Vote.
Register. Research. Vote.
Time magazine came - "ENOUGH," its cover shouts in bold red ink. "213 mass shootings so far this year" asking, all caps, red ink, "When Are We Going to Do Something?"
Registered voters in our country can do something - exercise your right to vote. Not registered to vote but eligible to vote? Go register to vote! We each have one vote. Collectively, we are powerful, can make positive changes for our counties, cities, towns, villages but only if we are registered voters and vote.
Protesting along our streets helps, but unless you are registered voters, you have no voice. That's right. You have no voice. Years ago, I told my favorite college professor this (in class) that her opinions were great but when she admitted she was not a registered voter, I said "You have no voice unless you register to vote and vote."
Research the platforms of those running for office. Decide who to vote for and vote. Get it? Register. Research. Vote. This is how your voice is effectively heard. Do it now, today - then write "The Voice of the People," and say, "Hey, Jan, I'm now a registered voter!" I'll be waiting to hear from you.
Jan Anderson, Winter Haven
Fortney's intervention shows students matter
This spring my son’s educational needs weren’t being met and we couldn’t get them addressed at his school. I reached out to school board member Sarah Fortney, who jumped in right away to connect us with district personnel. They were able to provide guidance to the school and specific assistance for my son.
Fortney’s intervention has made all the difference! With her help, my son was able to avoid the private school that had seemed like our only option and keep the amazing teachers and curriculum that led us to choose his magnet school.
It’s great to have a School Board member who made me feel like my child mattered. I’m happy to be a public school supporter where we put students first and a Sarah Fortney supporter so all students are protected and all families are respected.
Carolyn Holton, Bartow
The practice of slavery continued after Juneteenth
The idea that Juneteenth signifies the end of slavery in the United States may possess a certain emotional appeal but it is not an accurate representation of how, or when, that significant accomplishment came about.
In reality, slavery continued in Delaware and Kentucky until the ratification of the 13th Amendment in Dec. 6, 1865. Delaware would not ratify it until Feb. 12, 1901 and Kentucky would not do so until March 18, 1976. Both states had rejected the amendment in February 1865.
The image of jubilant slaves celebrating their freedom is certainly appealing and the local importance of the event in Texas and in other former Confederate states should not be ignored. Nor, however, should the continued existence of slavery in the United States until December 1865.
Admittedly, the celebration of “Ratification Day” to celebrate the end of slavery lacks the drama of “Juneteenth” and the idea of another federal holiday between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day seems untenable at best. Yet the fact remains that while the newly freed slaves in Texas were celebrating, the practice of human bondage would continue for nearly another six months, which for those who remained enslaved no doubt was an eternity.
James Carlisle, Lake Wales
Polk supports law enforcement
I keep reading about various cities or areas that are losing their law enforcement officers because they don't feel supported by the citizens. For all of those like that, I would say, "Check out Polk County." Why? Because we have Sheriff Grady Judd.
Want to know what law enforcement support looks like? It is here in Polk County and starts with the Sheriff's Office. We don't have riots, or looting, or even sassing our officers. They know they will be supported when they enforce the law.
Donald T. Milligan, Auburndale
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This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Voice of the people: Register. Research. Vote.
