US should be leading, not retreating, on foreign aid

The dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development is more than just reckless — it’s an abandonment of American leadership and global moral responsibility. This agency, responsible for stabilizing fragile states, supporting democratic movements and delivering humanitarian aid has been quietly making the world safer and improving global health for decades. And now, due to misinformation and political maneuvering, it’s being gutted (“USAID saves lives across the globe,” Feb. 17).

The consequences? More conflict, more humanitarian crises and, inevitably, more costly military interventions. USAID’s work has been a frontline defense against instability, often working in tandem with the U.S. military to prevent conflicts before they start. Cutting it now is like shutting down the fire department because you’d rather wait for the whole house to burn.

The Maryland congressional delegation needs to work to put this to a stop. Maryland voters should demand it. America does not retreat — it leads. And dismantling USAID is nothing short of a retreat from our responsibilities and our future security.

— David J. Smith, Rockville

World Wildlife Day: How our food choices impact biodiversity

March 3 marks World Wildlife Day — a time to reflect on the devastating impact of human activity on wild species. One of the greatest but often-overlooked threats to wildlife is animal agriculture (“Public hearing planned for solar project proposed on agricultural land in Westminster,” Feb. 20).

Expanding pastures and feed crops drive deforestation that displaces countless animals and destroys biodiversity. Fishing pollutes and depletes marine ecosystems while pollution from factory farms contaminates waterways. Shockingly, animal agriculture is responsible for 60% of global biodiversity loss.

If we truly care about protecting wildlife, we must address the root cause: our food choices. Shifting toward a plant-based diet reduces habitat destruction, conserves water and protects ecosystems. This World Wildlife Day, let’s commit to safeguarding wild species — not just in words, but in action.

— Addison K. Chantz, Bethesda

The writer is associate executive director of the Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM).

Lift taxes on Social Security benefits

U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, recently announced reintroduction of the Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act (H.R. 1040). This bill assists middle-class seniors by eliminating the federal income tax on Social Security benefits (“Trump, Musk could ‘crater’ Social Security, former commissioner Martin O’Malley says,” Feb. 19).

President Donald Trump campaigned to eliminate federal taxes on Social Security which if one looks at this House-sponsored bill is a good idea. All the co-sponsors of the bill are Republican legislators so, of course, this means there is only one co-sponsor of the bill from Maryland’s congressional delegation — U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, the state’s only Republican House member.

Why is this? I would like to see responses from Maryland’s House Democrats and from our two United States senators who I think should be supportive of this bill.

— Arthur Sabo, Linthicum

Maryland lawmakers should shut the door on squatters

Our Maryland lawmakers in Annapolis should rush to support legislation to increase fines and sentences for criminal groups practicing organized crime and other forms of squatting (“Maryland must protect property owners from squatters,” Jan. 19). The proposed legislation for this offense apparently has flaws that garner opposition.

I understand sometimes criminals pretend to be the owner of a property and rent an unoccupied home to an unsuspecting tenant victim. Legislation forcing such families onto the street is problematic, but the law could distinguish such cases and allow a period for social services to assist such families in vacating. Also, there is an issue with police having to assume a quasi-judicial role in determining if squatting occupants are committing a crime. Again, legislation could define an expedited process allowing the rightful owner to prove ownership based on state and county records after officers obtain full identification of the alleged squatters.

The main thing is the increase of sentences and fines for these offenses. This is becoming an organized crime ring playbook because current Maryland law is so weak as to encourage the practice. Given upcoming economic realities and the inevitable increase in home vacancies, squatting will become even more prevalent. With all of the harsh economic actions our state government will be forced to impose on citizens, it would seem very prudent to look for positive actions that protect and benefit Marylanders.

Rewriting proposed anti-squatting legislation to a passable form would be an excellent place to start. The emotional and financial damage squatters impose on families and the properties they attempt to steal, occupy and damage are devastating. Maryland law must make this a crime not worth committing with a steep price for those who do.

— Ron Boone, Timonium