Voting Really Matters
To the Editor:
Here we are a week away from election day, and I’m wondering: is anyone else out there feeling as conflicted and fearful as I am? I know, though, that the foundation of our democracy (democratic republic, actually, but same difference) is the true and collective will of the people, and the only was to determine that is at the ballot box.
I know this election season is crazy-making. I know I’d often like to toss the TV out a window. I know the apparent snafus of elected officials and especially the general gridlock of government—in Washington but at Truman Waterfront as well—is truly depressing. But sitting out the election is NOT the answer. Every vote counts, and the more voters, I believe, the stronger the message to our officials, about policies as well as personalities.
Sincerely,
Constance Gilbert
Key West
Going to Cuba?
The Powers That Be are all excited about Cuba and how Key West will rake in the dough by providing flights and ferry transportation to Cuba. They want to spend millions for a new Ferry Terminal. “If you build it, they will come.”
Here’s what really will happen.
No one will come to KW to get a plane ride nor hop a ferry to Cuba. Miami or Ft. Lauderdale will be the major beneficiary of the opening of Cuba. Why would someone pay extra to drive all the way to KW to take a ferry they can get in Miami or Ft. Lauderdale? Why pay extra to fly into KW to catch a connector to Cuba or take a ferry? Cheaper and more convenient to go to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale for many reasons. Throw in the fact that hotel, guest house, condo and B&B nightly rents are through the roof in KW, to say nothing about weekly or monthly rents. You can probably kiss a lot of the cruise ships goodbye as well. Why stop off at KW with all the crowds, high drink prices and vulgar T-shirts (Fi dolla, Fi dolla) etc? More likely KW will be abandoned as a cruise stop for a Cuba stop instead.
On the plus side, those of us who come to KW for 3 or 4 months in the winter will see our rents go down, not have to stand in line for a drink and be able to actually get a seat for the entertainment at the bars and not sit around in traffic or find a place to park the car or scooter.
Maybe the locals will begin to remember its us Snowbirds who come long term and spend oodles of money are more a benefit rather than a bane.
Cordially,
Rick Banyan, unabashed Snowbird