Sound Off: July 17, 2025
Sun Herald readers weigh in on local and national topics.
Blame game
In light of the devastating Texas flooding, I am writing to appeal to everyone playing the “blame game” – please stop. During such a tragic time, it is essential to give families and loved ones the time they need to grieve and recover the missing victims without the added weight of blame and speculation. There will be plenty of time to point fingers at Democrats, Republicans, elected officials, FEMA, NWS, or any other entity involved. Right now, it is insensitive and premature to assign blame. When the Gulf Coast is hit by hurricanes, our priority is to survive and recover, not to place blame. Let’s extend the same consideration to the Texas survivors, allowing them the grace and space to heal. Investigations into the flooding will continue, and they will do so more effectively if the public refrains from impeding their work with unfounded speculation and accusations. Thank you for understanding and respecting the delicate nature of this situation.
A hoax?
President Dear Leader has now indicated that the Jeffrey Epstein saga is a hoax. The old fella is grasping at every last straw to make this go away. Can’t imagine why.
Applaud first responders
Happy that the Long Beach Fire, Police and Animal Control saved a stuck Osprey from disaster. Now how about addressing the downed data line at the corner of Espy and Johnson . The line has been touching the grass for sixteen weeks now. Marlin Ladner’s office, City of Long Beach,Utility Authority, County Fire Chief and Sparklight were all notified weeks ago. Not a single bureaucrat wants to take responsibility. The lawn maintainers actually mow around and under the wire. I guess someone is waiting for it to become energized and contact a bird or a human before action will be taken.
Sending illegals away
Our government is shipping criminally charged illegal immigrants around the world to places like the Kingdom of Eswatini and South Sudan. Why would any country accept such a burden for their country without significant payment? Is it money, a break on tariffs, or what? Are they being jailed or something more permanent? These countries are not doing it for nothing, and we have no idea what it is costing the US taxpayer. Are tariffs being used for something other than economic reasons, as is being done with Brazil?
Cameras
It seems that cameras are sprouting like weeds all around us. For better or worse? It would now be nice to know who, and what, they serve.
Gavin Newsom
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is on a media tour. He now denounced everything he’s done for years, trying to convince people he actually has values.
Laugh a little
“Citizenship” and the rest of America who take every wild thing President Trump says literally need to go looking for their missing senses of humor. Trump is the ultimate troll, and you humorless folks take the bait every single time he yanks your chain.
Send your Sound Offs to soundoff@sunherald.com.