Let Howard high school students use cellphones responsibly

As a student in Howard County, I understand how certain policies are affecting students educationally and mentally.

As a student enrolled in gifted and talented classes who frequently earns honor roll status, I own a personal technology device that helps me throughout the day. I believe there could be adjustments to HCPSS Policy 8080 to ensure high school students can use their technology devices during school hours — at least during times when instruction isn’t the focus (“Starting March 3, no cellphones for students in Howard County schools,” Jan. 30).

Instead of having school administrators authorizing the use of personal devices only on rare occasions, students should be allowed to use them during times that are meant for them. Break times such as lunch are to refuel yourself and move away from work and education. During these moments, students should be allowed to take time to do things they enjoy on their devices.

As high school students mature and enter more difficult situations in life, it is better to give them ways to communicate and use these devices — even if it is only during breaks. As Howard County middle school and elementary school students may not have access to personal devices and technology, I believe the stricter 8080 approach is appropriate for them but not for high school students.

We are well aware of the consequences of not abiding to such rules and that is why if this order should be updated to allow use during break times. If we don’t follow the policy? Then we should be held accountable.

— Adwoa Amoa-Sintim, Columbia

No new taxes on sugary drinks, please

I have lived in Maryland my whole life, most of it in the greater Baltimore area. In those 71 years, I have not heard a dumber suggestion than the proposed tax on sodas and other sugary drinks (“Taxing Maryland’s sugary drinks: Sour taste or sweet idea?” Feb. 19). Anyone saying it’s being done for our health is either a liar or an idiot. Its only purpose is to raise money because the state cannot control its profligate spending. I thought the higher tax on alcohol (9% vs. 6%) was ridiculous but this idea takes the cake.

Here’s a quick question. I go into Burger King for lunch and get a medium soda. Are they going to tax me extra if I get a refill? What if someone lives in Washington, D.C. area or works in a neighboring state? If they buy a 6-pack of Coke there for around $6, do they pay an additional 2- cents-per-ounce wholesale tax when they drive back into the state?

Instead of taxing us more, cut spending!

— Mark Brenner, Baltimore

A 2025 reading list ought to include ‘1984’

Current political activities have released a torrent of approval and disapproval (“Senate GOP voice rare dissent after Trump blames Ukraine for Russia’s invasion,” Feb. 19). My suggestion for those who are not sure where to place their loyalties is to read. I have some book suggestions from years gone by:

“1984” by George Orwell (1949).“Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley (1932).“A Mathematician Reads The Newspaper” by John Allen Poulos (1995).

You could also throw in some Greek philosophers if you have the time. Democracy, like many valuable things, is fragile.

— Larry Williams, Towson

Trump is getting played by Putin on Ukraine

So President Donald Trump thinks Ukraine shouldn’t have started the war with Russia (did Poland start World War II?) (“A news conference between Zelenskyy and Trump’s Ukraine envoy is canceled amid growing tensions,” Feb. 20). This raises, not for the first time, the possibility that Democrats who accused his campaign of collaborating with Russia in 2016 were asking the wrong question.

Why should Moscow have bought the cow when the milk was free?

We know that Trump and Vladimir Putin both want to blow up the post-Cold War, and possibly post-World War II, economic and political order. We also know that Trump is a proud ignoramus who thinks his business career — such as that is — taught him all he needs to know; an indiscriminate admirer of “strong” leaders; and an egoist who makes everything about himself. Putin and his Russian intelligence colleagues just might have looked at Trump and thought they’d seen someone they could play like a balalaika.

Daniel Silva, the spy novelist, is as well known for his knowledge of international politics as for his knowledge of tradecraft. In one of his recent novels, “The Cellist,” a character observes that the most effective intelligence assets are the ones who don’t know that they’re intelligence assets. Silva didn’t need to name names.

— Jeffrey M. Landaw, Pikesville