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Broward Rep. Hillary Cassel's move from the Democrat to Republican Party continues to cause reverberations.
AP/Phil Sears
Broward Rep. Hillary Cassel’s move from the Democrat to Republican Party continues to cause reverberations.
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As chair of the Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus and a proud Democrat, I take issue with Sandra Veszi Einhorn’s letter about Rep. Hillary Cassel’s decision to leave the Democratic Party, which lacks significant insight into the Legislature.

Mike Gottlieb is a candidate for Florida House District 102. (courtesy, Mike Gottlieb)
Rep. Mike Gottlieb is a Democrat from Davie. (Courtesy Mike Gottlieb)

First, Democrats do learn, and our eyes are wide open. Second, Einhorn’s statement that Cassel needed to switch parties for her to move her priorities underscores how the past Republican leadership ignored Democrats regardless of the substance of bills being introduced, passing Republican priorities even when they did not meet the priorities of our constituents. Cassel’s priorities as a duly elected legislator, working for all of her constituents, should have been given the same weight and consideration as any other representative, regardless of her party affiliation. In any case, I suspect today’s openminded leadership would have been glad to have any sustainable solutions offered to help cure our insurance and housing infrastructure issues, even if they came from a Democrat.

Finally, as it relates to the Democratic caucus not supporting Jewish causes, nationally, Biden has supported Israel and Netanyahu. He recently committed another $8 billion as a lame duck President with nothing to gain.

What bothers me most about this letter is the fact that antisemitism is on the rise and this kind of ugly, anti-Democrat rhetoric simply adds fuel to the fire. Jews are Jews, and we do not have party affiliation. As Jews, we need to be pro-Israel and stop being anti-Jew, focusing on maintaining a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and continuing to promote Israel’s place in the world. We need to address antisemitism and the rise of online and in-person hate that is plaguing the U.S. and many European countries.

Democrats are not antisemitic. Blaming an entire party platform for the acts of a few closed minds solves no legitimate concerns and adds to the hate.

Mike Gottlieb, Davie

The writer represents District 102 in the Florida House of Representatives.

Liz Cheney deserves it

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris listens as Former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney speaks during a town hall at The People's Light in Malvern, Pa., Monday, Oct. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris listens as former Rep. Liz Cheney speaks at a town hall in Malvern, Pa., Monday, Oct. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., is “highly offended” that President Biden gave former Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming the Presidential Citizens Medal for helping to lead the Jan. 6 committee and for putting country above party.

I want to thank Cheney for standing against a man who played a version of the national anthem at his campaign rallies that was sung by Jan. 6 rioters who attacked police officers.

Moreover, in an interview with ABC News’ Jonathan Karl, Donald Trump defended the rioters’ chants of “Hang Mike Pence!”

Liz Cheney is right to refuse to normalize Trump’s behavior.

Terry Hansen, Milwaukee, Wis.

Drill, baby, drill

More than 77 million Americans voted for Donald Trump, giving him a mandate. His promise to “Drill, baby, drill”‘ was to give Americans cheaper gas prices.

Joe Biden’s Machiavellian decision to ban offshore drilling is not only an attempt to stop Trump from what he promised so that he fails, it undermines the will of Americans who voted for more drilling. Nevertheless, Trump is a fighter. There’s no doubt he will find a way to reverse Biden’s ban.

Democrats are shooting themselves in the foot. Biden’s mean-spirited, spiteful actions are only more reasons for Americans to vote Republican in future elections.

JoAnn Lee Frank, Clearwater

The chill is temporary

Don’t be fooled: Our South Florida cold fronts don’t mean that global warming is not still a looming and deadly problem.

Especially in summer, heat illness has affected more than 30,000 people and caused hundreds of deaths in Florida. Climate change is not only an environmental threat, but a major problem for human health. It is crucial to stay hydrated and take breaks indoors to ensure that you are safeguarding your body.

Anagha Iyer, Miramar


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