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

Sound Off

Sound Off: February 24, 2026

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 20: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press briefing held at the White House February 20, 2026 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Supreme Court today ruled against Trump's use of emergency powers to implement international trade tariffs, a central portion of the administration's core economic policy. Also pictured on stage (L-R) Solicitor General John Sauer and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump speaks during a press briefing held at the White House February 20, 2026, in Washington, DC. Getty Images

Sun Herald readers weigh in on local and national topics.

Prices

Now that prices are coming down, I’m waiting for the “Thanks, President Trump” Sound Offs to start rolling in.

DEI

To the Sound Off commenter worried about DEI and why women are being passed over for powerful roles: you can thank Donald Trump for that. He has been explicit in his opposition to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and the Executive Branch has systematically rolled back DEI efforts that helped open doors for qualified women and minorities. This is the predictable outcome of those policies.

Keesler givebacks

I agree that Keesler gives back to many in some form. I’m eligible for one of those that reduce my auto loan rate. I still disagree with the premise, but I can see where they are trying to help out some members with credit card debt. This one just hit a nerve. I hope those it helps learn a lesson, and it helps them manage their funds better.

Priorities

Glad to see that everything has been buttoned-up well enough that Kash Patel can chug beer in Team USA’s victorious locker room after the victory over Canada on Sunday.

School prayer

The Constitution clearly states separation of Church and State. Why are our legislators trying to sponsor prayer in schools? What is the point? If you want to pray, do it at home or in church.

Free speech

There is absolutely nothing “undemocratic” about criticizing a SCOTUS decision. In fact, liberals have been doing so a lot lately. Doing so is just as protected by the First Amendment as is the incessant, and often unwarranted and speculative, criticism of the president. Further, despite his temper tantrum about the decision, the president has since altered his tariff policies to conform to the bounds of the decision. That is certainly not how one might expect a “fascist dictator” opposed to the rule of law to act.

Universities under fire

Sec. Hegseth is proposing the Pentagon cut academic ties to Emory, Hawaii Pacific University, all Ivy League schools except Dartmouth, and others, totaling 34 schools. The reason is that they promote “radical ideologies.” Unlike Hegseth, who holds degrees from Harvard and Princeton, many officers are intellectually strong enough to feel comfortable debating the views they have, and are opposed to this proposal.

Send your Sound Offs to soundoff@sunherald.com.

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