Hegseth’s comment foreshadows loss of America’s free press
Editor: It has often been said that the first casualty of war is truth. In an effort to perpetuate that trope, “War” Secretary Pete Hegseth complained about CNN’s coverage, saying “the sooner David Ellison (right-wing billionaire pal of the president) takes over that network the better.” Ellison’s Paramount Skydance is applying to Trump’s government for approval of the acquisition. The notion that Hegseth would so boldly foretell such government action is bad enough. But the larger implication should truly terrify those who treasure a free press.
Trump and Hegseth are unhappy with CNN’s war coverage. They boldly admit that when their buddy Ellison gets his permit, they will just make the free press network CNN disappear. So in the future when someone says “the war will end when I feel it in my bone(spur)s” in response to some moronic presidential announcement, it can just be censored out by our increasingly fascist government. Farewell, free press.
— Eliot Lee Daum, Santa Rosa
Ignoring history at the risk of ourselves, our children
Editor: Perusing the obituary notices, an unfortunate habit, I found a stark history lesson. The woman died shortly after her 100th birthday. Her brother died at age 12 from meningitis, now a vaccine-preventable disease. We ignore history at our peril. Ironic that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. does as well.
— Dr. David L. Smith, Santa Rosa
Comparing campaign contributors for congressional candidates
Editor: Curious about primary election funding, I reviewed public Federal Election Commission filings from both 4th Congressional District candidates. I saw a broad base of support for Rep. Mike Thompson, predominantly from his district. In contrast, a small select set of donors are funding new resident Eric Jones — and only five households are from his district. One-third are from out of state.
Besides using his personal fortune, Jones is backed by only 200 households — mostly from Silicon Valley, many working for venture capital and investment firms. Over 80% donate the maximum allowed $7,000. In contrast, Thompson is supported by over 500 households. Fewer than 10% donated more than $1,000. Over 300 organizations, tribes and political action committees representing professional and labor groups, wineries and companies provide backing. All but seven of these donations were under the maximum allowable amount of $7,000. The average was slightly more than $2,500.
We need a broadly based congressperson who lives in, represents and understands the needs of our agriculture-based economy — not someone with no record of public service and representing a handful of tech millionaires. It is clear to me that that candidate is Thompson.
— Victoria Scharnikow, Sonoma
If war was the answer, we would have had peace long ago
Editor: I recently attended a memorial for a friend, a career Air Force officer and Vietnam veteran. The service touched my heart deeply as I listened to the wonderful things said about him, especially by friends who were veterans. It was moving to hear “Taps” played and watch the ceremonial folding of the American flag. I felt a sense of patriotism and love for my country, something I had not felt for a long time.
I thought of my uncle, Nathan, who served in World War II. He suffered terri-bly from what they called shell shock. I thought about all he stood for and how much he loved this country. With feelings of patriotism, and thinking about the commitment these men made, I found myself asking, “What’s going on?” How is this happening? We are at war, killing of innocents, schoolchildren and teachers and bombing hospitals. It is not only immoral, but downright crazy. We talk about putting the Ten Commandments in every school while we violate every one of them.
As a woman, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, I say stop the craziness. If war was the answer, we would have had peace a long time ago.
— Elaine B. Holtz, Santa Rosa
Withholding income taxes as a protest against Trump’s policies
Editor: When the media report consistently for months that a majority of American voters do not support or want to help pay for evisceration of federal service functions, destruction of historical monuments, aggression in Gaza, the rollback of climate protection legislation, ICE raids all over our country, war in Iran or other ill-conceived initiatives of the administration, I conclude that we are being subjected to taxation without representation. I object. I refuse to pay on April 15. I will tell the president and my legislators. It will be a small act of civil disobedience, and it will not change the world. Since I don’t owe much (a couple of thousand), the penalties and fees won’t amount to much. But it will be a slightly stronger protest than joining the No Kings rally on March 28. Maybe others will join me.
— Elizabeth Boardman, Santa Rosa
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