Place the country and the constitution before political party politics

America’s first

I am a registered Republican, but I write as an American citizen and a veteran. The US Constitution is more important to me and to American patriots than to partisan wars or culture wars. The rule of law, legitimate processes, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, separation of power are just some of the current at-risk principles from our unjust president.

They are the very things that have made us a free nation. If you stand strong in the Constitution, I will stand with you regardless of your other opinions or beliefs. Meanwhile, I have put my life on the line before to protect the Constitution. Sadly, it certainly appears to do so.

Loyalty to an unconstitutional party or “leader” is not “patriot.” It’s a traitor. Which are you?

Chris Kane, Brooksville

Musk Navarro’s tension

Musk calls Navarro “Silly” | April 16th

Elon Musk calls President Donald Trump’s top trade adviser and leading proponents of tariffs “stupid” and “more stupid than a brick bag.” But won’t Buck stop with our president? Trump has access to some of the world’s best economists. The President is the President who selects an advisor, listens to advisors and programs to implement. Why is Musk criticising Trump’s policy advisors? By calling these names Navarro, he essentially says the same thing about Trump.

John Ski, Bradenton

Foreign imprisonment

Trump pays homage to prisoners | April 15th

We’ve entered Schrödinger’s Box’s “Reality.” This is a thought experiment in which two conflicting reality are considered true until direct observation proves not.

In this absurd scenario, Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador by the US government, can only be returned if El Salvador chooses to deport him. President Donald Trump quietly signaled that he didn’t want Garcia back, so El Salvador insists he could not “smuggle” Garcia into the United States. Therefore, the world’s most powerful nations claim that they cannot recall people who have been mistakenly deported from foreign allies. Of course, this is a racket when a series of superficial legal operations are employed to achieve illegal consequences.

This is intrusive and reminiscent of Auschwitz, a Nazi building in Poland, to avoid German law. Trump actually urged Buquere to build more prisons in El Salvador, and to house “in-law” criminals and counterproductive people in the US. This conversation was captured on an open mic and posted to X by Bukele. It happened in an oval office, along with the Cabinet members (laughing) and the media in the room.

It’s hard to imagine the most fundamental doctrine of democracy: freedom, justice and justice for all – being openly ock-laughed in our own oval office. If Abrego Garbia’s illegal deportation and imprisonment are permitted to endure, then no one is safe from disappearing in the US. You can still do it, but please talk now.

Diane Love, St. Petersburg

Free Press

Thank you to God for our founder and our constitution. Keep our press free and stay vigilant against government overreach and violations of the rights and privileges of our people (citizens and visitors). Our current central government and lack of respect for the rule of law are extremely problematic. We congratulate us on having free coverage, whether online or in print, so that we can continue to wake up and provide information. These investigative reporters risk their reputation and their own freedom to continue to inform us. These are not good times and we need to be aware of what is happening to us.

Gayla Larson, Seminole

Already played

Trump says Ukraine-Russia talk “comes in your head” April 19th

President Donald Trump has argued that neither side has “played” him with his push to end the war in Ukraine. Let’s review.

Russia has invaded a sovereign state that stands directly between them and the European member states of NATO. Trump has taken a painstaking path when Russian propaganda undermines US commitment to NATO, threatening to leave the organization for good. Trump has even accepted the president of an invading country and blamed the war against the invading country. He publicly denounced the Ukrainian president. He campaigned, among other things, the idea that he could end this war in one day. He now argues that if Ukraine is serious about wanting peace, it should agree to its full surrender.

As long as it is “played”, the ship has already sailed.

Terry R. Arnold, Treasure Island

More vocational education

Recently on CNBC, Apple’s Tim Cook revealed that the real reason IPHONE is made in China is not low labor costs. He emphasized the concentration of unparalleled skilled workers in China in its advanced touring capabilities. Cook pointed to the fierce differences in the lack of occupational skills between the US and China. “In the US, a seminar would not allow for filling the touring engineer meeting rooms, but in China we could fill multiple soccer fields.” China’s occupational expertise is very deep.

When Trump’s tariffs are effective even remotely, there are major needs for many occupational skill sets. Florida has only 50 trade schools. Graduating from one will help you establish students with work and financial independence. But Trump and his cabinet dolls are cutting back on education funds.

Magazine supporters need to be quick and smart so that their children and grandchildren can be smart. Equipping them with professional skills will help them step into making life a success without becoming a college loan debt. Graduated from vocational school and learn some financial skills to achieve this.

Joseph Lipa, Seminole

Tragic account

Audrey Petersen’s death | April 20th

I read the tragic account of Audrey Peterson’s pointless death by tears. Her story might have been mine. In 1978 I took legal action to end my abusive marriage. The restraining order only escalated his anger and violent behavior. It was difficult to take my fears seriously in the court. Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies tried to help my house many times, but their reports were sitting in the case file. At the time, I felt that no one would take me seriously until I lay in a hospital bed or died.

The emotional and psychological sacrifices these women have cannot be explained. Peterson tried to do everything the law asked her. And like her, my family, friends and neighbors worry about my life. Peterson’s death shows that 47 years later, our judicial and law enforcement systems are still failing women in dangerous domestic dangers. My heart hurts for her daughter.

Christine Vaughn, Tampa

Thank you, St. Pete

Thank you to St. Petersburg, who provided us with a wonderful wooden prize at Walter Fuller Park last Saturday. The trees were very healthy and the city staff (and volunteers) wanted to provide information and support. It was a very positive event and was highly appreciated.

Now let’s grow those trees big and strong! Keep doing everything you can to replace the tree canopy.

Heidi Sumner, St. Petersburg