¶ We must pass the Protecting our Democracy Act It’s no secret that Congress is polarized. Rarely does an issue receive strong bipartisan support. That’s why it’s so striking that 4 out of 5 voters agree that we must do more to safeguard our democracy from presidential corruption. No president, regardless of party, should be able to exploit weaknesses in our political system for their personal gain. That’s where the Protecting Our Democracy Act comes in. If passed, it would prevent future abuse of presidential power and corruption, increase transparency, and ensure presidents of either party can be held accountable. If the average person used their office for personal gain, they’d go to jail. If the average person could pardon themselves, there would be no rule of law. Therefore, no president should be above the law. It’s just common sense. I’m urging Congress to pass the Protecting Our Democracy Act. It’s time we put safeguards in place to prevent a corrupt president of any party from abusing the power of their office. — Mayra Cruz Rivera, Orlando
¶ President Biden must declare a national climate emergency Earth Day is a reminder that together, there is a lot we can do to stop and then reverse the damage done by the greed and recklessness of the fossil fuel industry. From cleaner rivers to breathable air, we know that change is possible. But there is one person who has the opportunity and the power to make a change on the scale we need to turn the climate crisis around. That person is President Joe Biden, and the step he needs to take right now: declaring a national climate emergency. Earlier this spring, we received good news: The Biden administration invoked the Defense Production Act (DPA) — one of the most important powers that can be invoked under a national emergency — to increase production of mining to aid in the manufacturing of electric vehicle batteries. This is a great first step, but this focus on mining and batteries is not enough. The White House must invoke the DPA to manufacture renewable energy infrastructure, heat pumps, and all parts of a working clean energy economy. And we should still encourage the Biden administration to take that broader step and declare a national climate emergency, officially. President Biden has the authority to usher in a clean energy future with the power of his signature. It’s time for him to get it done. Let’s go Joe! We are all in this together. — Steve Oakes, Windermere
‘PEAK DESANTIS’
BY CLAY JONES
orlandoweekly.com
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APRIL 27-MAY 3, 2022 ● ORLANDO WEEKLY
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