Polk County voters will be critical to country’s direction

Mid-term elections are about six months away, which is a long time, but not too long to simply ignore.

Polk County voters will have the ability to help select several members of Congress and one U.S. senator. Per the Polk County Election Supervisor’s website, no-party affiliated voters will play a major role in making these selections.

The following are Polk County’s voter statistics: 129,981 Democrats; 190,610 Republicans; 109,801 No-Party Affiliation; and 17,914 Other.

All members of Congress are up for reelection. Polk County is included in multiple U.S. Congressional districts, but only one will be heavily impacted by Polk County voters. That one is District 18 and is currently held by Scott Franklin.

The Senate position is somewhat unique in that Marco Rubio resigned to become Secretary of State. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Ashley Moody to replace Rubio. This Senate position will be subject to a primary election in August 2026 followed by an election in November 2026.

In summary, the voters of Polk County can either maintain commonsense government by electing Ashley Moody and reelecting Scott Franklin, or they can return to the days of Joe Biden’s presidency.

Edward McDonald, Auburndale

Voice of the People, April 12, 2026: Trump proudly threatens genocide

77.3 million Americans owe the world a sincere apology

Mary Trump stated that her uncle, Donald Trump, destroys everything he touches. Trump’s second term has spread his toxic policies worldwide.

Trump’s oligarch, Elon Musk, without concern for how it affected people, dismantled USAID, causing the deaths of 750,000 people, mostly children. As of late, over 1,700 Iranian civilians have been killed by US munitions. The US military has had 13 killed and over 300 wounded in this conflict.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is totally disrupting oil, LP gas, fertilizer shipments. The whole world needs these commodities for energy, food production and industrial products.

Gas and oil prices are surging, hurting the most needy people everywhere. Trump, on his own, is potentially setting the stage for a worldwide recession. The 77.3 million Trump voters should shoulder some of the fault for this international calamity.

Apologies and sympathy would be appreciated aimed at all those who are suffering from Trump’s deadly decisions. This situation will take months, maybe years to recover to normalcy.

Daniel Brasier, Lakeland

Voice of the People, April 5, 2026: We can’t afford this war

Think twice: The true meaning of Easter

In April, many of us celebrate Resurrection Day, Easter with baskets, chocolate eggs and cherished traditions. While these moments bring joy, we must pause and remember the true reason we celebrate.

Easter is a reflection of the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for us and took away the sins of the world.

His life was the ultimate example of love, grace, mercy and righteousness. I am deeply grateful for his sacrifice, which provides each of us the opportunity to live with purpose and make a positive difference in the world.

There is a common misconception that those who walked closely with Jesus, including his disciples, were perfect. They were not. They were human, flawed, learning and growing. Jesus’ mission was not perfection but transformation. He called them, and he calls us, to turn from our ways and follow God’s way through grace, mercy and righteousness.

I hope you pause this season to reflect on how you live, not just how we celebrate Resurrection Sunday. Because honoring Jesus Christ is not just about one day, it is about the life we choose to live every day.

Shandale Terrell, Lakeland

Voice of the People, March 29, 2026: Polk commissioners and their ‘spy plane’ trip

Right-wing hypocrisy at its finest

During the previous administration, Donald Trump, Fox propagandists, right-wing media, and Republican lawmakers instructed their listeners to be outraged with government spending. They encouraged them to demand answers as to how taxpayer funds were spent.

So, after six weeks of Donald Trump’s war with Iran, and with over $40 billion spent, 13 military personnel dead and hundreds wounded, what have American taxpayers received in return? The Strait of Hormuz was fully open, secure and operating as a vital, toll-free and safe global shipping artery before the war.

President Trump and U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth both told us that Iran’s nuclear capabilities were “obliterated” after America’s attack on Iran last summer. The Supreme leader of Iran was murdered by armed forces at the beginning of the war and replaced with his son, so no significant regime change has taken place.

Are the current administration, Fox propagandists, right-wing media or Republican lawmakers still instructing their listeners to be outraged with government spending and encouraging them to demand answers as to how taxpayer funds are spent.

The hypocrisy is incredulous.

Michael Schwam, Lakeland

Voice of the People, March 22, 2026: Lakeland leaders need measurable performance goals

President Trump is working hard. Congress should too

President Trump’s Epic Fury is bringing change and attention to Iran.

The U.S. and Israeli armed forces continue to target Iran as President Trump is determined to keep Iran from getting nuclear weapons. In his recent speech to the nation, President Trump confirmed that all military objectives are being met and that the conflict will be completed shortly.

Meanwhile, our congressional political leaders in Washington continue partisan politics that divide our nation while wasting millions of taxpayers’ dollars. They continue anti-capitalism politics, using federal tax dollars to transform capitalism into socialism with a controlled authoritarian government.

Today’s democratic socialist political leadership is not representing the United States. They are not respecting our country’s history, including American citizen birthrights, the rule of law and legal citizenship. Are they really concerned with our security and national debt?

It’s time American citizens wake up and realize we need common sense and a positive approach in Washington. Please stand strong, unite and vote to strengthen and secure our country’s future.

Let’s demand an honest government in Washington D.C. that recognizes and protects the people’s constitutional rights while representing all American taxpaying citizens.

Walt Back, Lakeland

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This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Polk County voters will be critical to country’s direction (Voice)