Mid-term agenda
EDITOR: As the mid-term Congressional elections approach this November, many people of all political persuasions are dismayed and saddened by the direction our country is moving. The dismantling of environmental regulations designed to slow global warming and the loss of health insurance by millions are two examples of how our health, and indeed our survival as individuals and a species, are in grave jeopardy.
The inhumane treatment of immigrant and refugee children and families has been widely criticized by those of all party affiliations, and reuniting the families is proving to be extremely and unnecessarily difficult.
Our constitutional provisions for separation of powers are threatened as the president openly attempts to influence the justice system. This shows a disturbing disregard for the rule of law, a fundamental backbone of our democracy.
Separation of church and state is likewise being cast aside by our administration, and the blatant display of racism and sexism has eroded the gains of the civil rights movement. The explosion of hate crime and speech reflect the current legitimization of hatred.
The suppression and undermining of our free press, a hallmark of a truly democratic society, is characteristic of repressive dictatorships worldwide and is clearly contrary to our values as Americans.
Cloverdale Indivisible, of which we are members, is committed to advocating for policies which promote our Constitutional democracy and enhance both our health and the health of our planet. We are working to increase voter turnout this fall with the goal of electing honest officials that have respect for our system of government as envisioned by our forefathers.
All who are interested in this goal please join us in this process. Our regular meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the United Church on Cloverdale Boulevard.
Niranjana Parthasarathi and Dan Fitzsimmons
Cloverdale
Volunteer drivers needed
EDITOR: Every day, thousands of cancer patients often need a ride to and from their treatments. In the absence of available and affordable transportation, patients have difficulty obtaining needed medical care. That’s why volunteering for the American Cancer Society’s Road To Recovery program is so important.
Volunteer drivers that donate their time and vehicle can provide as many rides as they want. As a Road To Recovery volunteer driver and cancer survivor, I know that when cancer hits, it hits from all sides. Lacking transportation to treatments shouldn’t be one of the problems, that’s why I volunteer.
To learn more about the program visit cancer.org/drive or call the Santa Rosa society office at 545-6720.
Ken Mooney, Volunteer Driver, American Cancer Society
Sebastopol
