Miami Lyric Opera is, sadly, closing but passion and hard work showed | Opinion

What a gift

Raffaele Cardone, founder of Miami Lyric Opera (MLO), has decided to close the company after 22 years. I was an opera lover before MLO came along, but experiencing the work done by this little treasure chest made me see things differently.

Yes, lots of money helps, but Maestro Cardone proved that what it really takes is passion and hard work.

Thanks for making our lives richer, Raffaele.

Jeff Haller,

Cutler Bay

Left out

As someone with a physical disability and a bachelor of science in criminal justice from Florida International University, I am deeply troubled by the apparent lack of inclusivity in Miami-Dade County’s employment procedures. Despite my qualifications, I have faced numerous challenges in seeking employment.

The county, it seems, often prioritizes internal recruits over external applicants, thereby disregarding qualified individuals with disabilities. I have applied for various positions within the department, yet I have not received any notifications regarding interviews.

Moreover, I am concerned about the disparity in salary negotiation opportunities between individuals with degrees and those with only a high school diploma. It is disheartening that those with degrees are not allowed to negotiate their salaries for certain county positions, especially considering the low pay rates.

I urge the county to implement more inclusive recruitment practices and revisit salary structures to ensure equal opportunities for all residents, regardless of their abilities or educational backgrounds.

Natalie Ortiz,

Miami

Scott’s priorities

In his April 10 op-ed, “Floridians have a chance to stand up for democracy,” Sen. Rick Scott revealed his extensive knowledge of Latin American dictatorships.

Could that explain his unrelenting support for the twice-impeached, four-time criminally indicted former president who has proclaimed he would be dictator on day one of his reelection?

Scott is more focused on fighting Latin American dictators in their countries than he is on preserving true freedom and democracy here.

Freedoms and democracy, as defined by his Republican colleagues and our Republican governor, include banning books, rewriting history and oppressing human rights. These are the exact elements Scott’s Latin American dictators feast on and are the cause of why so many people from Latin America flee their homelands.

Scott wants us to fight the dictators over there, but vote for one over here. His pandering for the Latino vote while disregarding freedom and democracy for the whole community is disgraceful and dangerous.

Jay Arnold,

Coral Gables

Skills help

Occupational therapy (OT) is defined as the therapeutic use of everyday life occupations with persons, groups or populations to enhance or enable participation. We empower people of all ages to lead fulfilling lives by addressing barriers to daily activities while promoting health and well-being.

In South Florida, OTs provide culturally competent care tailored to the diverse needs of the Hispanic community. One study found that a program for Latinos indicated improvements in family routines and healthy habits. Our holistic approach considers everyone’s unique cultural background to ensure that services are meaningful and effective. We ensure that all individuals, regardless of background, have access to the resources needed to succeed.

During OT Month, let us celebrate occupational therapist practitioners and express gratitude for their efforts that make a positive impact in our community every day. To learn more about occupational therapy, visit www.AOTA.org.

Nicole S. Uzieda,

Miami

Still waiting

Re: the April 16 front page story, “Rubio questions State Department about why ‘red flags’ regarding agent for Cuba were missed.” I can only hope Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s response to Sen. Rubio follows the same format as Rubio’s responses to his constituents — specifically me. He opens by thanking me for my letter, embellishing his recent accomplishments, informing me of the threats of socialism being forced upon the American people by the Biden administration, never once attempting to answer my question but promising to “keep me updated” with future developments should they occur.

Each of his responses to my questions followed this format in some form and in each instance I never received an update, even though I was made aware of “future developments.”

Rich Szymanski,

West Kendall

Closed roads

I read the Herald editorial board’s April 15 online piece, “Key Biscayne turned into a traffic nightmare for trapped drivers. How was it allowed?” with interest. I do not live there but in Miami Beach, where the situation is tilting out of control every week.

As I returned from work on a recent night, there was no access from U.S. 1 and Interstate 95 to downtown Miami, to the Venetian Causeway and to the MacArthur Causeway. Only the Julia Tuttle Causeway was available but there were four lanes closed, leaving only the emergency lane available to enter the city. I understand that it was after 10 p.m., but it makes no sense to close almost all access points at the same time. This is very dangerous and leaves no potential solution to ambulances or emergency vehicles.

I hope somebody can investigate a situation that only reflects contempt for residents without apparent interest from city officials.

Jean-Francois Lejeune,

professor,

University of Miami School of Architecture,

Miami Beach

Saving money

My insurance came due and like most Floridians I was shocked. I decided I would see how I might reduce my cost.

After contacting my agent and insurance company, I decided to increase my deductibles. Having only one claim in 50 years, my deductible increased to the maximum allowed. Unfortunately, I could not exceed the allowed amount.

Why not?

If Florida’s governor and legislators want to do something to reduce claims, this would keep many individuals from placing a claim, as they would be responsible for amounts only over the deductible.

Nancy Cogen,

Miami

Catching heat

Re: the April 12 Miami Herald online story, “DeSantis signs bill ending push in Miami-Dade to pass worker heat protections.” I am sure that my Florida House Rep. Alina Garcia and the lobbyists, farm owners, the representative of the Associated Builders and Contractors and right-wing non-scientific Republicans haven’t the slightest clue as to how to implement and calculate the “heat index.”

I would challenge each person who voted “Yea” on this bill to pick a basket full of oranges, lemons and other fruits and vegetables on a typical July or August day and then vote “Yea” on the bill.

For our great governor to sign such a law is beyond reasonable comprehension regarding the possible effects of such a law.

Jim DeLeonardis,

Miami

Missing Chardy

I read stories by the Miami Herald and el Nuevo Herald’s Alfonso Chardy many times in the paper. He was a great reporter. He covered news from the national political scandal in Washington to conflicts and disasters in the Middle East, the Caribbean and Latin America. His stories were the best.

I remembered him with his commuting column in the Herald, where he gave updates on traffic and transportation in South Florida.

We will remember Alfonso Chardy as a great news reporter, always and forever.

Alfonso Chardy, RIP.

Paul Bacon,

Hallandale Beach

Largess overlooked

The irony and byproduct of Hamas’ unprovoked Oct. 7 vicious attack upon Israel and retaliatory self-preservation in defending itself, is that Israel is somehow responsible for this war.

Also ironic is that Israel providing food, electricity and water to the families of Gaza as the war continues is somehow ignored and resented by others. Adding insult to injury, unfortunately, Hamas continues to intercept the largesse intended for the Palestinian people.

Often or perhaps deliberately overlooked by Israel’s critics is Hamas’ continued strategy of deliberately using the Palestinian people as human shields, as Israel attempts to ferret out its attackers. In effect, Hamas is bullying its own people as well as Israel.

I learned as a teenager, when being bullied, that the best defense is an offense and this motto would seem to apply to this Middle East retaliatory war.

H. Allen Benowitz,

Miami