Edison connected with nature
A visit to Thomas Edison and Henry Ford’s retreat in Fort Myers revealed a life rooted in simplicity, nature, and imagination — largely untouched by modern technology. Their days centered on outdoor exploration, hands-on work, and meaningful connection. Edison, inspired by this environment, produced over 2,000 patents, demonstrating how creativity once flourished without constant digital input.
This contrast raises a broader question: When does innovation improve life, and when does it harm it? Some answers seem clear. For example, traditional foods are often healthier than ultra-processed modern alternatives. In other areas, like music or fashion, “new” versus “old” is more subjective. But in the anti-aging industry, technological advances have shifted beauty standards dramatically, normalizing injectables and influencing younger generations through marketing and social media.The most profound shift, however, stems from smartphones and social media. What began as revolutionary tools has evolved into a powerful force shaping behavior, mental health, and societal norms. Rising rates of anxiety, depression, and distraction — especially among young people — parallel the access of smartphones and social media. Addictive design, influencer culture, and targeted content further intensify dependence and division. Yet, technology is not entirely negative. It offers connection, convenience, and access to more information than ever before. The challenge lies in balance. Both parents and children are affected, often modeling the same behaviors they struggle to regulate.
Ultimately, the responsibility falls on individuals to use technology mindfully, reconnect with inner values, and foster real-world relationships. By choosing awareness over distraction and love over fear, it is still possible to live thoughtfully “under the influence” of a higher, more grounded self.Reconnecting with nature and history is a meaningful way to help us to stay present and grounded to our greater purpose. There are countless opportunities to do this in greater Fort Myers area!
Sally Loessner, Fort Myers
Security breach proves ballroom needed
The gunman that managed to enter the Washington Hilton Hotel with deadly weapons while America’s leaders were present is proof that the president’s privately funded ballroom in the East Wing of the White House is essential, as well as the safe room beneath for our leadership. Concurrently, CA Gov. Gavin Newsom, already running for president, flaunted his true character by ridiculing President Trump’s remodeling project, while quietly remodeling the CA Governor’s Mansion at a cost of $1.0 to 1.3 billion with taxpayer money. Allegedly, construction workers signed non-disclosure agreements. Our daughter, a CA state employee and avid newsie, was unaware of that project.
A congressional representative was recently chastised for saying Sharia Law was incompatible with the U.S. Constitution. Over 60 representatives have now joined the Sharia-Free America Caucus dedicated to preventing Sharia Law from influencing U.S. courts, laws, and communities.
I wondered why Spain, a NATO ally, refused to allow U.S. military aircraft to overfly Spain during Operation Epic Fury, then learned that Spain had just given citizenship to their illegal aliens. Christian Europe is nearly gone.
How can a religion that openly seeks destruction of our civilization receive our constitutional rights? Perhaps when traditionally Democrat lawyers and judges are enticed by traitorous billionaires to advance extreme positions.
Congressional Democrats are apoplectic about losing their plan for control after the last election. They are now becoming irrelevant by being against a national ID card, and their government shutdowns are childishly selfish and deliberately harming critical unpaid government employees.
Dr. Robert A. Strohaver, Naples
Trump’s legacy of failure
Throughout the course of history many great world leaders have earned a name that defines their legacy, Catherine the Great, Richard the Lion Heart, John the Baptist, William the Conqueror, Paul the Apostle, to name but a few. Donald Trump, by his own admission, has coveted the title “Peace Maker” by trying to claim the Nobel Peace Prize, forming the Committee of Peace and claiming to have negotiated a peace settlement in seven wars throughout the world (all, incidentally, currently still at war!). His actions, however, have completely negated this possibility. Renaming the Dept. of Defense to Dept. of War, ordering military actions against 7 countries, etc. A more accurate and fitting legacy would be Donald or Trump the FAILURE.
Throughout his life from a child to President of the United States, Donald Trump has consistently exhibited his failures. As a child he failed to live up the expectations of his father Fred (a very successful businessman and developer, the Trump Towers are named after him, not Donald). His performance at school, at best, was mediocre, and he failed again in college. Unfortunately, this academic failure has become obvious in his ignorance and lack of command of the English language and vocabulary, being equivalent to that of an 11-year-old (some say 6-year-old!) This is particularly embarrassing when he uses very childish name calling against anyone that disagrees with him (it takes one to know one!) and communicating with other world leaders whose English is only their second language but infinitely superior to that of Donald Trump. He also failed to serve his country by dodging the draft. His father had to give him a job in his successful business development operations. But again, Donald Trump failed, causing a number of his companies to go bankrupt. Trump Airlines failed, Trump University failed, TrumpRX is a failure. Donald Trump’s wealth is from inheritance from his father not from anything Donald has done! It is not surprising that all these constant failures have contributed to his huge inferiority complex. This is most apparent in his choice of advisers, spokespersons and department heads. He cannot tolerate anyone with superior knowledge, education and experience and must be surrounded by people who will only praise him and his administration no matter what and giving him someone else to blame and fire but himself.
Unfortunately, this inbuilt propensity to failure is again apparent in his presidencies. He failed to resolve the Ukrainian war as promised. His obsession with tariffs has failed to produce the promised results. He failed in his bid for Canada and Greenland, which also showed his failure to work with and through existing organizations (NATO, The United Nations etc.). No doubt more failures are still to come!
Unfortunately, therefore the Donald Trump legacy will be TRUMP THE FAILURE!
Ron Pye, Cape Coral
Make sure our tax system is fair
After the Great Depression and WWII, our Congress realized their main job was not only protecting but also improving its citizens’ lives. From the 1930’s to 1960’s, Congress created Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, developed regulations preventing bank failures, empowered unions and developed the GI Bill making a home and college affordable for veterans. All required funding through taxation.
Today 1% of Americans hold 32% of our country’s wealth. These ultra-wealthy have found ways to avoid paying their taxes. Per a ProPublica 2021 Report, between 2014-2018: Buffet paid .1%, Bezos paid .98%, Bloomberg paid 1.3%. Ultra-wealthy avoid paying taxes by being paid in stock which is not taxable until it’s sold. The wealthy take yearly bank loans (at minimal interest) on their stock holdings, then use those loans for lavish lifestyles and then repay previous year’s loan debt without ever selling their stock.
In 2025, the Republican-led Congress passed a huge tax bill giving even more tax breaks to the rich. This bill increased the national debt by $3.4 trillion. While giving large tax cuts to the rich, Republicans greatly cut essential services for middle- and lower-income individuals. As a result of these cuts: Affordable Care Act premiums for 20 million Americans doubled; 300 rural hospitals were forced to cut services or close; Medicaid payments were reduced by $863 billion, affecting 10 million individuals; SNAP payments were reduced by $120 billion, increasing food insecurity for 4 million Americans; The cost of student loans increased, making college less affordable.
Republicans in Congress are not focused on helping the average citizen, and they are placing the U.S. deeper in debt.Other countries limit the amount of money wealthy donors and corporations can contribute to politicians. Not so in the U.S. In 2010, the U.S. Supreme court dramatically opened up more political influence for wealthy donors/corporations with the Citizens United ruling. Today, Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress have made it a keynote to allow the rich to increase the flow of money into political campaigns.Please call your congressional representative and senators and tell them to structure the tax code to ensure the ultra-rich pay their fair share of taxes, to reduce our national debt, and to focus on improving programs supporting the average citizen. It’s patriotic to pay our taxes. Let’s push to make sure our tax system is fair.
Kenneth Peterson, Maj. U.S. Army (Ret.), Punta Gorda
Intentional cruelty now policy?
Is intentional cruelty now the policy of our government? When it comes to immigration, and foreigners in general, that seems to be the case. What other reason can there be for sending people from Central America to unstable and dangerous countries in Africa? Their only “crime” is having been unsuccessful in seeking asylum in the United States.
Similarly, some Afghans who worked with and for U.S. forces during the war in their native country, often risking their own lives, are given the choice of being sent back to Afghanistan or to a country with which they have no connection. Since we signed the convention on refugees in 1951 until recently, we had adhered to the standard of not knowingly sending an asylum seeker into danger.
It would appear that not only have we gleefully abandoned our rule of law and due process standards, but are unable to show compassion towards those who have served us well, or been a credit to their community here in the U.S.
Would those who founded our country 250 years ago approve of our cruelty? I think not.
Bruce A. Beardsley, Naples
Expletive-laced voicemail
My compliments to Robert Geltner of North Ft Myers, for his excellent letter of April 25th, expressing his disappointment in the person who would rather anonymously send an expletive-laced voicemail, than having the courage to debate their differences.
Six months ago I experienced two similar messages from another woman who chose not to share opinions. I actually had her name and phone number, so when I called some days later, I said good morning ————, “how are you today,” no response, she just hung up. The cult that makes up MAGA refuses to see the reality of the current administration. Surprisingly, even Tucker Carlson woke up.
Roger W. Quagliano, Estero
Writers don’t offer alternative
Week after week, month after month, I’ve read letters by the score bitterly condemning Donald Trump. “He’s a monster.” “He’s evil incarnate,” and so on and so forth. While these letters have lots of reasons to hate the president − his personality, his intemperate language, his ego, his trumpeting MAGA, none has a viable alternative. I’ve voted for Trump three times, and I would a fourth if he were able to run but that doesn’t mean I like him or that I am some sort of acolyte. I was appalled when Mr. Trump renamed the Kennedy Center, the Trump-Kennedy Center, and every time he talks about renaming something else, I am thoroughly disgusted. But what does the other side offer? Only the destruction of our country as we know it. Look at the leadership of the Democratic party. AOC, “the Squad,” Hakeem Jeffries, Chuck Schumer, Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris and throw in their ally, Bernie Sanders. What are their goals? Open borders, abortion on demand and paid by our taxes, destruction of the nuclear family, rewriting our history and installing that revision in our schools, packing the Supreme Court and adding Puerto Rico and Washington as additional states. And finally, killing the goose that has laid the golden eggs for all of these years, American capitalism. I’m 82 and I’ve lived in the best of our national experience. I just feel sorry for our children and grandchildren as they experience the transformation of our beloved country into just another part of the third world after Donald Trump is gone.
William Dillon, North Fort Myers
Inflammatory political rhetoric
There is no question that inflammatory political rhetoric can lead to a tipping point that provokes some to strike out violently. Its roots may be manifold but one catalyst, one recent call to arms, stands out: President Biden’s September 1, 2022 speech and this comment, “Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans represent an extremism that threatens the very foundations of our republic.”
A review of April’s Naples Daily News letters to the editor reveals similar language that virulently attacked Trump. These are some examples: “unhinged and needs to be removed from office,” “war criminal,” “embodiment of evil,” “pedophilic 34 times convicted felon” and one writer smeared a larger group when he wrote of “lobotomized MAGA supporters.” Such ad hominem attacks fuel the actions of those who provide the ammunition that drives assassinations. After all, evil has to be conquered and a “dangerously volatile man” has to be driven from office — one way or another. Somebody has to stand up and bravely vanquish the “embodiment of evil.” So, Naples letter writers, pen letters that spur readers to think and to reason and not to react with violent language that goads the unknowing and the less than sound of mind to grab verb cudgels that lead to murderous outcomes.
James F. Lally, Naples
An indictable offense?
Apparently, expressing the view that Americans should dump Trump is now an indictable offense, at least in the eyes of a spineless DOJ. Is posting a picture of seashells a threat to assassinate the president? If so, is every mental midget who proudly displayed his F*** Biden flag guilty of advocating sexual violence?
Kevin Shanosky, Naples
Absurdity from Trump haters
As said often, Trump could find a cure for cancer but the Democrats would find fault. Now, Trump’s administration is trying to change the course of history in the Middle East by removing a tyrannical government who for years have shouted “Death to America,” funded terrorist groups, disrupted peace in the world and slaughtered 10’s of thousands of their own citizens. But, with few exceptions, Democrats find fault with Trump’s Iran campaign. Dems hate Trump so much they want him to fail in everything he does but what they do not realize, if Trump fails America fails.
So I will not waste my time talking to liberals. I will focus to Independent voters who hopefully watched the State of the Union, support what is happening with Iran, saw the success in Venezuela and maybe will see a positive outcome for Cuba.
Our president is far from perfect but has a platform with good ideas and who cares for America. He is building a strong military, stands up to our enemy, rids the world of evil people, wants our country to be energy independent, has secured our borders, trying to eliminate drugs that kill our youth, wants the price of goods to come down, wants only American citizens voting, wants affordable health care for all Americans, is reducing crime in American cities that cooperate, wants all Americans to be able to afford a home, etc. Trump is not afraid to take chances for the betterment of people here and all over the world.
If you’re not convinced yet then I ask would you want people like Crocket, AOC, Omar, Rashid, Greene, Warren, Sanders, Mamdani, Jefferies, Schumer, Harris, Pritzker, Newsom, Booker at the helm? Capitalism works; socialism and communism do not.
If you still need convincing the 10 highest tax states in the country per individual are led by Democrats that include CA, IL, MA, NJ, MN, VA. Their economy, crime, debt are also undesirable compared to Republican led states.
Finally, when Biden was letting millions of illegals into our country did you see Republicans spitting in the face of law enforcement, throwing bricks, protesting in ridiculous outfits, singing ridiculous songs? You did not but look at the absurdity you are seeing from Democrats aka Trump haters.
Bob Shea, Naples
Aggressive anti-ICE talk
The leading Democrat candidate for California governor, billionaire Mr. Tom Steyer, said that ICE should be treated as a criminal agency and officers should be prosecuted and imprisoned either now or in the future. He promised to do that if elected.
ICE leadership recently arrested a man in California after he sent them a message promising their death. He wrote ICE agents deserve to be arrested by armed citizens, marched in the streets, tried and convicted of crimes against humanity and executed with bullets to the back of their NAZI heads.
Democrats like Mr. Steyer are dangerous. They provoke fellow leftists to protest and provoke violence. It is sad to see such vitriol spreading in our society. It is also sad to see leftist prosecutors release protesters who are impeding ICE law enforcement as they uphold the law.
The aggressive talk against ICE law enforcement around the country contributes to a nation under attack.
Steyer is making it clear who he is and who Democrats are in opposing ICE. Their mission is to oppose deporting illegal immigrants and advocate for open borders. Their foot soldiers are listening to them as they protest that ICE is threatening our democracy. The time is now to prepare for a violent leftist revolution. The storm clouds are brewing.
Frank Mazur, Fort Myers
Baffling distractions
“If you can’t dazzle them with brilliance, then you baffle them with bull—-” is an old adage which seems to describe the modus operandi of the current occupant of the White House.
Instead of strategizing a brilliant plan to end the war he illegally started to please Netanyahu and divert attention from the Epstein Files, he rambles on about plans for the gilded palace ballroom to match the ugly gilded wall ornaments he’s placed throughout the White House.
Instead of a brilliant plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to stabilize oil deliveries and gas prices throughout the world, he rambles on about gold draperies in the White House and the cost of the pens he uses and gives away at his signings.
Instead of using intelligent brainstorming to meet our nation’s challenges, he rambles on about cleaning out the Reflecting Pool on the Capitol Mall.
In spite of Trump’s claim that “I’m a very intelligent person, as everyone knows,” our nation would be better served with more brilliance and less of the other stuff.
Gloria Kauls, Estero
Rule of law abandoned
Trump’s Department of Justice abandoned 23,000 criminal cases in the first six months of his second term as president , and quit investigations into terrorism, drugs offenses and white collar crime to prosecute immigration cases. That same DOJ has initiated 32,000 new immigration cases, the vast majority of which are based on suspicion of technical violations of immigration law. During the same second term, Trump has granted clemency to approximately 1,500 criminals, over 1,000 of whom are convicted and sentenced criminals. Trump himself continues to stand convicted of criminal fraud in the State of New York.
Conclusion: We voters have elected a criminally convicted president who has abandoned the prosecution of suspected criminals and who protects convicted criminals as he contemplates war crimes: “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will,” Trump, on Iran, on Tuesday, April 7, threatening on Truth Social.
Our votes have resulted in the abandonment of the rule of law; we live and breathe with crooks.
Joe Haack, Naples
Sycophants, not friends
Trump is always referring to people as his friends; the truth is he has sycophants not friends. We have one from Naples, Byron Donalds.
Benjamin Glick, Naples
Stress-relieving strategies
Watching the news is part of daily activities and if you are retired and at home a lot, this could be hours and hours and so often can be stressful. When I was growing up in a small town in the 1950’s I think there were three TV stations and not all night long! Today, if there is a bombing somewhere in Europe it will be on the news within a few minutes and images as well as commentary about who did it and why.
As a retired RN and Clinical Social Worker, I have been working on a strategy to put more pleasant thoughts in my mind. I walk in my nice quite neighborhood, see the flowers and palm trees and little children in their yards or down at the pond, laughing and playing. Watching the bunnies and ducks in the pond. Looking up at the clouds during the day is also such a pleasure to me. They change throughout the day are different. Each area up the sky may look different and change throughout the day and evening. At night we can look at the stars. I remember when I was a little girl my uncle Sidney would take us in the backyard and look up at the stars. This also makes me think again of uncle Sidney with pleasant thoughts from the 1950’s. As I read the obituaries I feel sad, but my new strategy is to think of the wonderful moments the person gave to me and to others. Also sing some songs when at home alone or with someone or walking in the neighborhood.
Think about these suggestions and see what does to you; it is free to do any day or time of the day. I hope it can bring you some pleasure.
Susan Reagen, Naples
Gross miscalculation
The amount of weaponry used to batter Iran is obscene. Russia and China are probably licking their chops at this gross miscalculation and performance. Each missile fired costs in the neighborhood of millions of dollars. These expenditures may have been worth it if all our objectives were met but no one knows what they were. The Strait of Hormuz is still effectively closed and the U.S. is blockading it also. Gas prices are still high and will get higher along with ancillary items which are byproducts of petroleum. This war of choice as it’s called was an extremely not calculated farce which was not thought out properly. The peace plan created by the Obama administration was working well including inspections. Then the Cheeto leader stepped in and unceremoniously canceled said treaty because it had a moniker of Obama who he deeply despises. Now Iran has moved forward with their nuclear program and no way they’ll ever just hand over their enriched uranium. Maybe if we would have just went in and extracted the fuel and went home would have been a much better scenario.
Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda.
Glenn Chenot, Cape Coral
Phase out Social Security
The April 26 article, “Clearing up mixed messages,” attempts to reassure readers about the solvency of Social Security, yet it overlooks a fundamental issue: the system itself. Social Security is a taxpayer-funded, pay-as-you-go program in which current workers fund current retirees. If any private investment fund operated this way — promising returns without real savings or investment backing — it would be deemed fraudulent and shut down.
Financial advisors I have spoken with, without exception, confirmed they would not be allowed by government regulators to offer their clients a pay-as-you-go retirement program like Social Security.
Younger and middle-aged workers would be far better served by phasing out Social Security and allowing them to retain control over their earnings. With access to private investment options, individuals could accumulate significantly greater wealth over time than the modest and uncertain benefits Social Security promises. Meanwhile, current retirees could still receive their benefits through general tax revenues, ensuring that promises already made are honored without perpetuating a flawed system.
Moreover, Social Security lacks a firm constitutional foundation. It is not authorized under Article I, Section 8, yet it was established in 1935 during the Great Depression to create the impression that the federal government could provide retirement security. Over time, it has evolved into a massive welfare program rather than a supplementary safety net.
The consequences are clear: roughly 30% of retirees depend almost entirely on Social Security for income, contradicting the program’s own guidance that retirement should be funded primarily through personal savings, pensions, or 401(k) plans. Phasing out Social Security is not just necessary — it is long overdue.
Murray Sabrin, Ph.D., Naples
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Security breach shows Trump’s ballroom is essential | Opinion letters
Reporting by Letter writers / Fort Myers News-Press
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