Mixed messages in Iran’s bombing | June 23rd
It’s never again
I read a disappointing article on the Times homepage about the White House’s confused statement about the recent bombing of Iran. On the one hand, I am sure there is no interest in a change of government. Meanwhile, the president himself says it’s okay to remove the Iranian government. Meanwhile, his Secretary of Defense argues that it’s not about that at all. It’s hard to know if they really don’t know what they’re doing or if they think the rest of us can’t see through this.
After decades of costly misfortunes in the Middle East, you might think we may have learned to avoid stumbling in the war with unstable intelligence and macho slogans. But here we are again. How many lives will be lost this time? How many families have been broken? How much treasure did we waste to make our leader appear “strong” on television? If this is the best foreign policy wisdom that the current administration can convened, heaven should help us.
David Berg, Tampa
Mixed Messages in Iran’s Bombing | June 23rd |
Master stroke
A single stroke, President Donald Trump’s attack on Iran, may have changed the trajectory of the collapse of the American Republic. The attack was fantastic, stunning, and worthy of Machiavelli.
I fought in Vietnam. From the second half of the 20th century, we were united in Korea, lost Vietnam, failed in the invasion of the Gulf of Cuba, and were kicked out of Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Today, a survey shows that 77% of young American men are not qualified to serve the military, 41% of Americans are willing to fight in war for us, and another 25% are “undecided.” Even among those with the moral courage of volunteers, only a third will gladly fire their weapons in battle.
We are in the biggest existential conflict in our history. If we are harassing as a nation to fight for our own survival, we are no longer worth the freedom we have acquired in Valley Forge, Gettysburg, and Iu Zima.
I’m a lifelong Democrat, but Trump may be the very right person in the right moments of history to ensure our survival as people. He may step on some freedom, but in the final analysis, survival transcends democracy.
Bravo, President. I’m proud of you.
Charles E. Michaels, Tampa
Think about America, July 4th | Line, June 22nd
Necessary reading
I’ve never felt as deeply moved as I read Stephen Alango’s Sunday column. He spoke to all Americans, black or white, Democrats or Republicans. We all need to cut out that column and place it somewhere so that we can read it every day. A praise to Alango for such an eloquent column.
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Victoria J Biaras, St. Petersburg
Empowerment Nurse Assistant
I am Brandon’s proud Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Just like I recently celebrated National CNA Week, I wanted to share ways that community partnerships not only change individual lives like me, but also help resolve the crisis in the Florida healthcare workforce.
Two years ago, I moved to Florida in a pocket worth just 200 dollars, seeking stability for myself and my son. After facing housing anxiety and working multiple jobs, I found hope through Dwyer’s workforce development. Thanks to my partnership with United Way Suncoast and Hillsborough Community College, I received free CNA training, lap support for transportation and childcare, and job placement support. Today I have a stable job, housing and health insurance.
This model works. Dwyer’s overall approach – combined education, case management and career support to help thousands of people across the country. Nationally, 81% of Dwyer scholars complete certified nursing assistant training, and 86% have careers in health care. These numbers reflect the power to invest in people and remove barriers to opportunity.
Certified nursing assistants like me play a key role as the state faces an increasing demand for care for seniors. Nurse assistants form an integral part of the healthcare industry and provide the foundation for future career advancements. These partnerships contribute to the development of a more skilled healthcare workforce, one scholar at a time.
I urge the community to support and expand these programs so that more people have access to opportunity and care.
Amanda Ortiz, Tampa
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Submit your letter at www.tampabay.com/opinion/submit-letter/. The letters are edited for clarity and length.
