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Why is the new state attorney, elected by no one, changing so much so soon? | Letters
Here’s what readers are saying in Wednesday’s letters to the editor.
 
Susan Lopez was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to fill the opening when he ousted Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren.
Susan Lopez was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to fill the opening when he ousted Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren. [ CHRIS O'MEARA | AP ]
Published Aug. 10, 2022

Elected by no one

New Hillsborough state attorney reverses Andrew Warren, seeks death penalty in teacher slaying | Aug. 8

So the new Hillsborough state attorney, elected by none of us, is already making life-and-death decisions contrary to the those of our twice duly-elected state attorney. What a sickening disgrace. Maybe the case calls for the death penalty, but a much bigger issue is at stake. Voters, look again at the photo of the governor and the police officers celebrating their subversion of our will, and take heed: I believe this is what 21st-century fascism looks like.

David A. Brothers, Tampa

No one above the law

FBI conducts a search of Mar-a-Lago estate, safe | Aug. 9

If there was ever any doubt about U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland’s statement that “no one is above the law in the United States,” the execution of a federal search warrant for presumably missing presidential documents at Mar-a-Lago should put any such doubts to rest. The untoward reaction of prominent MAGA Republicans to news of the search, however, raises serious doubt that they agree with Garland’s assertion. The blatant threat to investigate Garland issued by House Speaker-wannabe Kevin McCarthy, for example, hardly bodes well for the continuing health of a democracy underpinned by the rule of law.

Fred Kalhammer, Sun City Center

My glass is half full

Sweeping bill clears Senate | Aug. 8

I am a conservative (a registered Republican so I can participate in the primaries) who votes for candidates and their stands on issues and not their political party. Having said that, I want to congratulate the Democrats in the Senate and the vice president for passing a bill that will be of benefit not only to Americans but the world — compromise in health care, climate change and deficit-reduction strategies. Of course there is a lot of pork, and they had to buy the votes of two senators. I am also a person who sees the glass full. I give a vote of thanks to the Republicans who were able to whittle down an original bill that was in the trillions of dollars down to only hundreds of billions instead. Hopefully there is not so many entries in the current bill that will add to our current inflation. Only time will tell.

Tom Craig, Riverview