Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Sound Off

Sound Off: October 5, 2025

President Donald Trump addresses hundreds of American generals and admirals summoned to the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Va., on Tuesday morning, Sept. 30, 2025.
President Donald Trump addresses hundreds of American generals and admirals summoned to the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Va., on Tuesday morning, Sept. 30, 2025. NYT

Sun Herald readers weigh in on local and national topics.

Quantico speeches

The left is trying awfully hard to make the speeches given by Sec. Hegseth and President Trump into something bad. Everyone came. Everyone returned safely. And our leaders got their points across to the people who needed to hear them.

Leaders leading

Why did Sec. Hegseth bring his military leaders home for that speech? Because leaders lead. Quit your bellyaching about the great inconvenience of some folks having to get on a plane.

What a waste

Having watched the entire waste of money from this unnecessary pep rally, I can say Sec. Hegseth still has his Fox News entertainer value. He strutted across the stage, telling these career warfighters how to lead and threatening them to get on board or quit. Trump was simply a huge embarrassment.

Hilarious

Honestly, watching a TV personality stand on stage and lecture seasoned military men about how to win at war was just about the funniest thing I think I’ve ever seen.

Health care

President Trump is saying those on Obamacare don’t work. Everyone I know who is on it are small business owners who work harder than anyone I know. The reason they are on it, is the insurance companies are so expensive and they deny people with preexisting conditions.

Both rotten

As someone who has purchased health insurance under Republican and Democratic presidents, let me say this: Neither party has done anything to make my life easier. They’re both in debt to Big Pharma as far as I see it.

Government shutdown

Oh, no. The government is shut down. Whatever will we do without our wonderful legislators doing such fine and important work. Sheesh. Hasn’t affected me in the slightest. Stay gone, for all I care.

Make a deal, Dems

The Democrats should probably figure out that there is a reason they are so outnumbered in Congress. Make a deal already, before there are 60 Republicans in the Senate and they don’t need you.

Won’t negotiate

President Trump controls, literally, the House and Senate. Rather than negotiate with the Democratic Party that makes up 48 percent of voting Americans, he cho0ses to toss them and their needs.

Leadership lacking

I remember when we had real leaders on both sides of the aisle in Congress. Now, we’ve got a bunch of folks who seem most interested in hitting it big in soundbites, memes and trolling.

Cruisin’ The Coast

What a joy it is to already see so many great cars rolling across the Coast.

Carny-in-Chief

Can anyone recall any president who used his political prowess to sell personal items such as: Apparel & Accessories / Merchandise; Drinkware, mugs, etc.; Fragrances / Scents; Sneakers / Footwear; Watches & Timepieces; Books & Religious / Inspirational Items; Electronics / Mobile / Telecommunications; Collectibles / Memorabilia / Novelty Items; Trump Steaks; Trump Ice (bottled water); Trump Vodka; Furniture / home decor under “Trump Home” were licensed lines; many have since been discontinued. He’s more like a carny at a circus sideshow than a president.

Send your Sound Offs to soundoff@sunherald.com.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER