I thank Fred Grimm for his cogent counter-argument to the “MAGA-lomaniacs” who claim that the ramming of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore harbor by the container ship MV Dali was due to domestic diversity, equity and inclusion policies (“MAGA blames diversity for Baltimore disaster — and everything else”, March 30).
Grimm noted correctly that the MV Dali is operated by Synergy Marine, which manages an additional 670 “flag of convenience” merchant ships worldwide, an outfit that would much prefer to exploit cheap multinational labor than apply DEI personnel strategies targeted by the far right.
Grimm’s column was a fitting follow-up to the news article on the same day explaining the “patchwork” rules that apply theoretically in the maritime industry worldwide, the relentless efforts of the International Maritime Organization and the Seafarers’ Section of the International Transport Workers’ Federation to rein in common crew abuse and set effective navigation and propulsion training standards for all overseas mariners.
The most important issue here is twofold: Synergy Marine is but one of many “open registry” shipping companies predominant in U.S. international trade markets, and U.S. businesses are among those owning or relying exclusively on these shameless fleets to haul our imports and exports.
Paul Doell, Hollywood
The writer recently retired as president of the American Maritime Officers union in Dania Beach.
Better roads, not more condos
I’ve read many letters on the Las Olas Ocean project.
I’ve lived here since 1974. In the past 30 years, my commute to the same grocery store has gone from 10 minutes to 30 minutes.
During that time, numerous large condo projects have grown along A1A, but what has not grown are the roads. We have the same A1A (now more narrow), Oakland Park Boulevard, Sunrise and Commercial that we had in 1974.
Why do transportation planners think that these 1970-era roads will handle unlimited traffic, or if needed, barrier island evacuation?
The intent seems to allow billionaire real estate developers to make more billions. It’s time to consider quality of life and safety. If we cannot improve roads, we should not be increasing residential units.
We don’t need a Las Olas Ocean project. We need better roads.
William Teat, Fort Lauderdale
Don’t build it, Broward
The recent letter to the editor (“If Broward builds it they will regret it,” April 1) was no April Fools joke.
They may call this “waste to energy,” but it is nothing more then a nasty burning incinerator.
The destruction that the writer, Michael Spitzer, outlined is true. His letter was right on. Two schools also exist in the planned project area, and 8 million Floridians would be affected by this incinerator, especially the 7,500 residents of Southwest Ranches whose well water could be ruined.
All of the media — radio, TV and newspapers — should be on top of this. Why aren’t they? We need all the help we can get to assure this incinerator isn’t built.
Gloria Murphy, Southwest Ranches
Only Trump can fix things
I wish someone who thinks Donald Trump will be a threat to democracy and bad for our country would explain why.
Is closing the border and finishing the wall a threat? Is producing our own oil, selling it to other countries and reducing the cost per gallon a threat? Is supporting police and law enforcement a threat?
I don’t care about Trump’s mouth or his extramarital affairs. (How about Bill Clinton or JFK?) That’s not our problem. It’s his wife’s problem.
I’m not jealous of his money, his properties, his beautiful family and their successful lives. I care about my country, my life and the lives of my family and friends.
I am not blind as others are. I’m not ignorant as to what has happened since Barack Obama was elected and Joe Biden took over.
I have watched the news and have seen too many funerals of police officers. It must stop, and the only man who will stop it is Donald J. Trump.
Harold Brown, Delray Beach
