Lessons from the pandemic

While we are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, there is another major crisis looming in the near future: climate change. Behind the pandemic news headlines there are frequent reports of the ever-growing impacts of climate change. Most notably, the continued record-breaking heat waves throughout the world.

Many corporations as well as some states and cities are taking heed and adopting policies on their own to reduce their carbon footprint. Yet again, what is absent is national leadership. Our current president dismisses climate change for the benefit of the fossil fuel industry.

We surely can learn from the COVID-19 pandemic that it is important to listen to science, and science has warned us that we must act now to prevent the more serious consequences of climate change. Just like not wearing face coverings during the pandemic, if we do not significantly reduce carbon emissions, things will get out of hand quickly.

We need our national elected leaders to not just focus on todays economy, but also look out for the future welfare of our grandchildren and to build a new economy based on green energy. We need effective actions like adopting a carbon fee and dividend program, a free market approach to wean us off our dependence on fossil fuels. Its time to clear the air.

James Stormer, Ocala

Protect the energy sector

Thanks to the leadership of President Trump, the United States is no longer dependent on oil imports from the Middle East. Last year the U.S. became a net petroleum exporter for the first time since records were kept in 1973. That protects us from the volatility of other petroleum-producing countries and creates jobs and commerce for millions of people. Yet the radical left wants to decimate fossil-fuel production with the Green New Deal, setting us back to the Stone Age.

We need fighters in Washington who will protect our nations energy sector. Thats why Im voting for Gavin Rollins for Floridas Third Congressional District. Rollins will push back against the socialists and protect and support Trump.

Rollins is an Army Reserve lieutenant and a staunch defender of the Second Amendment.

Ross W. Cowen, U.S. Navy Reserve veteran, Silver Springs

Empty slogans

If racism is so prevalent, how come we have such a large number of well-educated minorities occupying powerful positions all across this great country?

Slavery was a horrible thing and a black mark on any nation where it was tolerated, and it never should have happened. However, that is not the fault of Americans now living. Our generations now were not slave owners, nor were any present Americans slaves. If poverty, a poor education or perceived racism is an excuse for not succeeding, why do we have millions of Americans black, white, Latino and Asian who are wealthy because they rose above?

"White privilege" and "racism" are empty slogans dutifully echoed by leftist lemmings who have been indoctrinated with liberalism, Marxism, globalism and communistic ideals, as well as a false sense of entitlement. Destruction of everything sacred to this country is their goal, and America is buckling to their demands. Congress and the Senate are more interested in their re-election and bank accounts than the country.

History is not being taught in our schools, discipline and the Golden Rule are nonexistent, and brainwashing of our children has instilled in them a disrespect for our country.

Brutality, inequality and discrimination should never be tolerated by any society. God, country, and law and order must be restored. Misconduct by everyone must be called out and punished wherever it exists.

If anyone thinks America is so bad, we wish they would leave, but first give up their citizenship so they cannot return.

We are 87 and 89 years old and have voted independently all our lives, but were very afraid for our country. If you organize a march, we will be there with our walkers along with thousands of others to save America and stop the anarchy.

Colleen and Ernest Lord, Ocala

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Letters to the editor for Aug. 7, 2020 - Opinion - Ocala.com - Ocala