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[OPINION] 2020 Will Go Down in History, But Also for the Good

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – COVID-19 has killed over 330k Americans so far, making 2020 America’s deadliest year by far. Amid a deadly pandemic, America has dealt with one of the most incompetent leaders and a government unwilling to put the interests of American workers ahead of the interests of large corporations. Temporary restrictions due to COVID-19 have failed to slow down climate change as much as climate scientists were hoping and record amounts of Americans are experiencing food insecurity. 2020 seems like one of the worst years in recent history. It probably is, but to lighten up the holidays, here are some positives that have happened throughout the year.

First, one of the most positive events taking place in 2020 was the broad and diverse coalitions of decentralized protests taking place after the tragic incidents involving the murders of Armaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. Although these protests happened on the backs of police brutality and murder amid heightened tensions between police officers and black communities, they displayed solidarity between diverse groups of people. Protests in 2020 marked a new wave of the civil rights movement, where different races and ethnicities – that have seldom had anything in common throughout history – unite with each other for a common cause. America’s youth is now hungry for justice and they displayed that they would do whatever it takes to end the systems of injustice in the middle of a deadly pandemic.

2020 Black Lives Matter protest

Many people have been afraid to go out since the pandemic began, so they stayed home. Not everyone has been given the choice to stay home during the pandemic though, with millions of workers forced to stay home due to job losses while others lacked shelter. However, while many people are staying home and others are trying to find a place to stay, many in the community are standing in solidarity with families impacted most by COVID-19. The United States has seen a surge in volunteering according to data collected by LinkedIn. LinkedIn users from the United States have added over 110,000 volunteer activities per month to their profiles, as organizations like Crisis Text Line, a 21st century mental health texting service saw a 310% spike in volunteering compared to 2019. A lot of volunteering activities have also been geared toward civil rights activism, climate activism, and political advocacy: NAACP volunteers have organized cleanups in numerous cities such as Chicago, 4Ocean organized community cleanups in coastal areas such as Daytona Beach, and left-leaning organizations and candidates have seen a surge of volunteer activity.

Volunteer event in Ocoee, Florida

2020 has already appeared to be a script taken right out of a Hulu drama, with the unlikely global events that have occurred, it is a year people are eager to escape. As much as the year has been nail-biting, it has not been a nail-biting as the South Korean drama feature Parasite. Directed by South Korean screen writer Bong Joon-ho, Parasite became the first foreign language film to win the Oscar Academy Awards for Best Picture in its 91-year history. This is an important victory because it encourages many hesitant film buffs to consider stepping outside of their comfort zones and watching foreign films with subtitles, helping them gain appreciation for the diverse nature of the film industry. Parasite also provides positive commentary on class struggles and social inequalities. This ranks as one of the top positive events of 2020.

Parasite is the first foreign language film to win the Academy Awards for Best Motion in the awards’ 91-year history

For the past four years, American democracy has been subjected to a great test. The values that America holds has been suffering tremendous injuries from the hard blow of revitalization of the southern strategy and the growth of far-right activism. Although the horror has not ended and the wounds are far from healing, November 7th, 2020 marks the day when Americans finally saw some of the storm clouds clearing as Democrats managed to repair the “blue wall.” Although progress may not have been reached, America is approaching that progress. Amid a deadly pandemic, over 81 million Americans voted against populist racism, xenophobia, and kleptocracy.

President Donald Trump lost his bid for reelection after devastating losses in Georgia and Arizona

Finally, to finish off 2020, millions of doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccinations are being administered for COVID-19. As many Americans are experiencing the death of a loved one due to COVID-19 complications, the vaccinations provide hope where it seems hopeless. There are two more vaccinations currently undergoing phase three of testing: AstraZeneca and Janssen. The listed COVID-19 vaccinations are also expected to effectively fight against the new strand found in the UK.

The general public is expected to get COVID-19 vaccinations by spring or summer of 2021

Overall, 2020 has been a painful year for many families because of COVID-19, corruption, and greed at the top. Many are looking forward to a fresh start to the new year, but others already feel like they have lost everything. Although 2020 has been a stressful year for the nation, during the holidays, it is worth taking a moment to look back at the positive moments of 2020, whether they have been personal or not. As 2021 rounds the corner, it is time to go in with a positive outlook and yearn for positive changes. Happy New Year.

Click here for resources on how to help and how to get help during the pandemic.

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Nathaniel Douglas is a newly elected Supervisor on the Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Board, making history as the youngest to ever be elected to that board, and was the youngest elected official in the state of Florida during the 2020 election. He is a Florida National News political contributor. | info@floridanationalnews.com

Opinions

OPINION: Puerto Rican Political Power in Florida Faces Decline Post-2024 Losses

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The 2024 elections marked a troubling turning point for Puerto Rican political representation in Florida. What was once a growing force of influence in state and national politics now faces a steep decline, raising alarms about the future of Puerto Rican voices in government.

In 2016, our community achieved historic milestones: Darren Soto became the first Puerto Rican from Florida elected to the U.S. Congress, Victor Torres won a seat in the Florida Senate, and four Puerto Ricans—John Cortes, Amy Mercado, René Plasencia, and Bob Cortes—held seats in the Florida State House. This wave of representation was a proud moment for Puerto Ricans, a sign that our voices were finally being heard at the highest levels.

2016 Representation Snapshot:

  • 1 U.S. Representative Seat
  • 1 Florida State Senate Seat
  • 4 Florida State House Seats

Fast forward to 2025, and the numbers tell a much different story:

  • 1 U.S. Representative Seat (Darren Soto)
  • 0 Florida State Senate Seats
  • 2 Florida State House Seats (Johanna López and Susan Plasencia)

The losses in 2024 have decimated our influence in state government. The Florida State Senate, once home to a Puerto Rican voice, is now silent. The reduction in House seats has further diminished our ability to shape policy and advocate for our community.

This is a moment for reflection and action. As a former Puerto Rican Florida State Representative, I understand the hard work it takes to elevate our community’s concerns and ensure they are heard. But these latest setbacks demonstrate that we cannot afford complacency.

We must:

  1. Prioritize leadership development by identifying and mentoring the next generation of Puerto Rican leaders.
  2. Strengthen voter engagement efforts to increase turnout and political awareness within our community.
  3. Build coalitions across Florida to amplify our collective voice and work toward shared goals.
  4. Focus on unity, setting aside partisan divides to protect and grow Puerto Rican representation.

Puerto Ricans in Florida contribute significantly to the state’s economy, culture, and community development. Yet, without strong political representation, our ability to advocate for critical issues—such as disaster recovery, housing, healthcare, and education—is severely hampered.

The time to act is now. If we fail to address this decline, the consequences for Puerto Rican communities across Florida could be dire. Let us remember that our representation is not just about holding titles but about driving meaningful change for the people we serve. Together, we can rebuild and ensure that Puerto Rican political power not only survives but thrives for future generations.

Daisy Morales
Former Florida State Representative
Advocate for Puerto Rican Leadership and Progress
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Submissions are considered for publication based on space availability. All contributions may be edited for content, clarity, and length and may also be republished across any platform within the FNN News Network.

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OPINION: Why Kamala Harris Should Run for President in 2028

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As one of the most powerful Democrat in America, Vice President Kamala Harris has redefined the Democratic Party’s vision and laid a foundation that resonates across generations. Her recent race may not have led to victory, but it achieved historic milestones and undeniable progress, positioning her as a strong candidate for a presidential run in 2028. Harris’s journey is more than a campaign story—it’s a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of representation.

Key Campaign Successes:
Kamala Harris’s 2024 campaign set records and defined new standards, underscoring her influence and appeal as the Democratic Party’s future:

  • Unmatched Fundraising Power: Harris shattered expectations by raising a staggering $1 billion in just 107 days, mobilizing grassroots supporters and influential donors alike. This financial prowess is a rare asset, proving Harris has the power to energize her base and secure the resources for a robust campaign in 2028.
  • A Historic First: Harris became the first nominee for the Democratic Party who is both a woman and Black — and South Asian, opening doors for diverse leadership and setting a historic milestone that inspired millions. Her groundbreaking nomination broadened the party’s reach, engaging a new generation of voters and energizing communities that may prove even more impactful in 2028.
  • Electrifying Rallies: Harris’s campaign rallies drew some of the largest and most energized crowds, uniting diverse demographics and proving her ability to mobilize on a massive scale. This enthusiasm and reach will be invaluable as Democrats seek to connect with younger voters and maintain turnout momentum in future elections.
  • Debate Dominance: Known for her sharp debating skills, Harris outperformed Donald Trump on the debate stage, refocusing on critical issues and strengthening her policy appeal. Her clear stances on healthcare, climate action, and reproductive rights won over progressives and independents alike, highlighting her capability as a skilled and effective communicator.

Notable Endorsements and Widespread Support
During her campaign, Harris garnered endorsements from leading Democratic voices, including former President Barack Obama, major labor unions, and key progressive organizations. These endorsements amplified her message, validated her leadership, and set the stage for her continued influence in Democratic circles. These alliances could be a solid foundation for another potential run, ensuring she has strong backing in 2028.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris gives remarks in the Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol during a ceremony on the first anniversary of the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 6, 2022. Greg Nash/Pool via REUTERS

Takeaways and Implications for 2028
While the 2024 outcome wasn’t in her favor, Harris’s campaign was a transformative experience, positioning her as the Democratic Party’s top hope to retake the White House in 2028:

  • A Diverse Coalition: Harris has built a powerful coalition of young voters, women, people of color, and progressives. If she can retain and expand this base, she has the potential to bridge party divides and strengthen Democratic appeal in a way few others can.
  • The Absence of Trump: With Donald Trump out of the 2028 race, Republicans may lack the singular, polarizing figure who drove voter turnout in 2024. This void could open the door for Harris to expand her base and draw in moderates looking for fresh, inclusive leadership.

A Campaign Beyond Politics
Harris’s 2024 bid wasn’t just a run for office; it was a bold vision of the Democratic Party’s future. Her achievements, historic firsts, and groundbreaking influence reflect a leader whose determination and resilience are unmatched. She has shown that every setback is an opportunity to regroup, rethink, and rise stronger. Success doesn’t come solely from victories but from the courage to persist, the flexibility to adapt, and the unyielding drive to try again.

Harris’s journey represents not only the thrill of competition but also the profound growth that emerges from the challenges. In politics, as in sports (the Super Bowl, the World Series), resilience fuels the comeback, and Harris’s experience has crafted her into a contender ready to lead in 2028. Her return to the national stage would embody the resilience and strength that the Democratic Party—and America—needs.

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Florida National News
opinion@FloridaNationalNews.com

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OPINION: Trump’s Victory Turns Florida into America’s Political Powerhouse

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Source: Florida National News

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FNN) – With a historic victory, President-Elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House has solidified Florida’s role as the center of American political power. In a stunning upset, Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign fell short, and with additional Senate control, the Republican Party has made Florida home to some of the nation’s most influential leaders.

With Trump’s victory, Florida emerges as the undisputed command center of Republican influence, where leaders like President-Elect Trump’s Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Governor Ron DeSantis, US Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, and Congressman Byron Donalds are set to drive national-state policies from the heart of the Sunshine State.

Source: Florida National News

Florida’s Power Players and the Potential Impact of a Trump White House:

  • Donald Trump, President-Elect – A resident of Palm Beach, President-Elect Trump’s home base brings presidential influence directly to Florida.
  • Susie Wiles, Trump’s Chief of Staff – Florida-based political strategist Susie Wiles will make history as the first woman Chief of Staff, bringing her expertise and loyalty from Trump’s past campaigns to the West Wing.
  • Governor Ron DeSantis – Trump’s longtime ally and the state’s governor, DeSantis is expected to play a critical advisory role in federal-state relations.
  • U.S. Senator Rick Scott – Likely to be tapped as the new GOP Senate Leader, Senator Scott could amplify Florida’s power in national legislation.
  • U.S. Senator Marco Rubio – A strong contender for a Cabinet role, Rubio’s foreign policy expertise could shape Trump’s national security agenda.
  • Congressman Byron Donalds – As Trump’s key ally, Donalds may receive a Cabinet position, strengthening Florida’s influence within the administration.

With Trump set to be sworn in on January 20, 2025, Florida’s status as a Republican stronghold solidifies it as a state of unprecedented influence, with powerful leaders guiding both state and national policies from the Sunshine State.

_________________________________________________
Florida National News
opinion@FloridaNationalNews.com

 

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