Go Elizabeth
Editor: Whatever our reactions to the fate of local issues in the election, disbelief, shock, and horror were certainly in order at the election of Donald Trump as our country’s leader (I can’t manage the title President ***** yet.)
If you want to see how Trump proposes to dismantle our society, just look at his “100-day action plan” at www.donaldjtrump.com/
contract, a set of proposals that I unhesitatingly label as deeply and frighteningly un-American. What can we do?
First, scream, hit the wall, etc. Tried that; limited effectiveness.
Second, wait until he’s impeached. Some of his proposals certainly seem like impeachable offenses to me, but I doubt that the Republican-controlled Congress will agree, so that’s a pipe dream.
Third, urge California’s senators and our area’s representatives to oppose him at every turn. Well, that’s a given, and we’ll see how that works, but don’t hold your breath.
Fourth, march on Washington. Don’t laugh, that may come, so keep your credit card handy for tickets.
Fifth, 60 million of us voted against a Mean America. We all have to keep voting every day of this presidency with our voices (remember: silence implies assent), feet and money. Magnify your effect by joining and supporting an appropriate organization (ACLU, Common Cause, Planned Parenthood, Center for Constitutional Rights, etc.).
Sixth, form a “Make America Better Cabinet” with your friends to follow Trump’s future actions and to counteract together on an appropriate level.
Finally, go Elizabeth.
Dave Henderson, Healdsburg
Tear down the walls
Editor: Dear Healdsburg, Here I am, sitting in my kitchen in Mexico and reading about “Trump’s Wall.” There is some talk about how this would actually be good for some businesses and how lots of people would be employed to build it. Personally the idea of a wall built between any two countries seems ludicrous, not to mention the origin of the United States, being built by immigrants.
I can’t help but think about my little town in California that I left just two months ago. I loved my little town, Healdsburg, but something was happening there that impacted my life. It was simple things. When I would go grocery shopping I seldom saw any of my friends; there were lots of strangers. When I drove to my fitness club I encountered more traffic than usual, and this traffic then became the usual. And then the fences started going up. Everybody was building a fence around their front yards. I guessed people wanted to have their own little compound.
So you see, Healdsburg just started feeling different to me. The fences people were building represented something more to me than just someone’s desire for privacy. Perhaps it made me feel like an outsider. So as time went by the idea saying goodbye to the ‘burg made a lot of sense. I have said a lot of goodbyes but I have always had the intention of writing this letter and saying goodbye to the greater community. There are a lot of people out there that I truly love and did not personally say goodbye to. My heart is full for the wonderful experiences Healdsburg held. Thank you. To all: Let’s tear down the walls, not build them.
Colleen Juri, Healdsburg
Proudly diverse
Editor: As we ponder what changes a Trump presidency will bring to our lives, many of us here in California are filled with anxiety. On so many fronts, such as immigration, foreign policy and the environment, the federal government is likely to be implementing policies at odds with our core values, and have the force of law behind them. In one area, however, we are free to go our own way without legal obstacles.
As the federal government seeks to gut the Affordable Care Act, this is our opportunity to bring single-payer health care to California. Health care will be more affordable when insurance company profits are taken out of the equation. No one needs health insurance; everyone needs health care. This is Bernie Sanders’ vision for America. Just because it won’t happen on the federal level for at least four years doesn’t mean that it can’t happen here.
This is our time to stand up and take care of the people of California. Write your legislators. Take that anger and fear and channel it into bringing about real change here in California, where change (for the better) is still possible. Show the rest of the country what a proudly diverse community can do when we decide to work together for the benefit of all of our residents.
Myrtle Rochioli, Healdsburg
Thank you, Eric
Editor: Message to Healdsburg. I am very sorry to see Eric Ziedrich stepping down from his position on the council and housing committee. Eric has been an exceptional leader and dedicated servant of the town for many years and on many issues. I am indebted to him and I think the town will be the less without him. Thank you, Eric.
Peter Witter, Healdsburg
Window shopping
Editor: I know at this point this is moot, but really does Healdsburg need a high end restaurant where they charge $296 per person for the privilege of filling one’s stomach? This will not make or break Healdsburg, so is anybody up for corner window shopping on opening night to see who the truly beautiful people are entering this establishment? While we watch the floor show from outside on the very public city of Healdsburg sidewalk, we can power down our take-out Mexican and Chinese food and have our own party; unless the management closes the blinds to keep the Healdsburg riffraff from looking in at these world class diners.
Terry Rochioli, Healdsburg
To Measure R supporters
Editor: An open letter to Measure R supporters and volunteers: The final vote count on Measure R was extremely disappointing to me and I’m sure to all of you as well.
I also think that we all recognize that it was the right and noble approach to addressing Healdsburg’s housing crisis.
I just want to offer a most sincere expression of thanks and recognition of the efforts that you all made to help the citizens of Healdsburg recognize, understand, and address this crisis. You went above and beyond the call of duty to effect some positive change in our community. Unfortunately, our community either failed to, or refused to, recognize the issue or chose to not respond to it.
To the Community Housing Committee, the planning commission, the city council, city council candidates, the city staff, and the significant number of volunteers (especially Mark and Peggy Decker), who walked, wrote, debated, and grieved over a most-divided community – thank you for all you did.
Maybe there will be another day … or maybe Healdsburg will embrace their Carmel-ization and accept their social imbalances and their social inequities. Only the public can make that call. But you all did what was morally and politically appropriate and correct. Walk tall, for we waged a good fight for a good cause. It just wasn’t meant to be in Healdsburg.
Nothing but the best to all of you
Eric A. Ziedrich, Healdsburg
