Sound Off: April 14, 2026
Sun Herald readers weigh in on local and national topics.
National security
Americans should be deeply concerned that foreign powers — especially China — are exploiting our openness and technology with little resistance. There is a troubling lack of strategy and will to stop the erosion of our national security and standard of living. Chinese espionage operations target industrial secrets, costing the U.S. an estimated $600 billion annually, while laws in China require citizens and companies to cooperate with intelligence efforts. From the expansion of covert influence networks to platforms like TikTok, this “whole-of-society” approach is already working. Ignoring it only ensures the problem grows worse. We must address this ongoing problem and prevent others from stealing our intellectual technology.
Reckless rhetoric
The relentless disparagement of Donald Trump, regardless of his actions or intentions, reflects a troubling willingness to put partisan hostility above national interest. Time and time again, efforts aimed at strengthening America’s security, economy, and global standing are dismissed out of hand, not on merit but out of stubborn opposition. Such behavior does not elevate the country; it undermines it. Those who would rather see initiatives fail simply to deny him success should take a hard look at the damage their rhetoric causes. It is long past time to replace blind criticism with thoughtful, constructive engagement that serves the nation as a whole.
Drone warfare
The Ukraine war has verified the effectiveness of drone warfare. The U.S. should accept Ukraine’s offer to share its expertise in developing our ability to use this new technology.
Media bias
FOX News aired the ceremony of the slain soldier’s arrival and instead of using the actual footage they used a previous footage. Why? Because President Trump wore a baseball cap as he saluted the coffins. No big deal? FOX had to apologize and we still remember the Obama tan suit outrage.
Here’s why
Yes, we survived President Biden and we’ll survive President Trump. Here’s why: the Republicans (wouldn’t shut up) about Biden’s faults and bad decisions, and the Democrats are (doing the same) about Trump’s faults and bad decisions. That’s how democracy works and thrives instead of rotting into tyranny.
No fear
There’s no such thing as Trump derangement syndrome, only warranted criticisms. Pope Leo, a man of peace, commented displeasure with the war in Iran saying “enough of the idolatry of self, and money, enough of the war”. Trump responds on his Truth Social website criticizing the Holy Father as “caving to the radical left, and weak on crime and terrible on foreign policy”
No-brainer
No kids here for Spring Break? No wonder, since gas is through the roof, insurance of all kinds is astronomically priced, a Big Mac meal is $20, everything delivered by truck is higher cost, inflation is rising due to the war, American civility (including Southern Hospitality) is waning because of polarization, Browns and Blacks are nowhere to be seen in ICE-prone gatherings and there are a gazillion cops everywhere.
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