Supporting Dreamers
Editor:
Los Cien Sonoma County believes that everyone living in the United States is entitled to certain basic rights under the U.S. Constitution, including undocumented immigrants. We stand in solidarity with the 800,000 Dreamers here today and refuse to permit the politics of hate to define our community or our America.
We call on all Sonoma County Latinos and amigos to stand beside all of our Dreamers, insuring that they can take their full and rightful place in our community and our country. They deserve nothing less than our full support.
At the same time, we urge federal legislators to enact a bipartisan permanent legislative solution, one that will allow these bright minds to be nurtured and prosper in the America we know and love.
Herman J. Hernandez
Los Cien Sonoma County
Sheriff candidate concerns
Editor:
I just read the interview of John Mutz, former LAPD Commander running for the job of Sonoma County Sheriff. While Mr. Mutz appears to be well qualified, I cringed when he said that he sees himself as another Jerry Brown. In the next sentence he says that this isn’t going to be a career for him. Jerry Brown has been in office for now 4 terms. Our state is a mess. It didn’t take much time for Mr. Mutz to contradict himself. He obviously doesn’t know the people of Sonoma County.
I cannot possibly consider a candidate who sees himself as Jerry Brown. I can, however, see myself voting for a long time resident who knows the constituency, grew up in Sonoma County, has many friend and family ties to the community, and has moved up the ranks to Police Chief of Windsor through hard work and respect. That person is Carlos Basurto. He has proven himself to be an honorable person for the job. He can be trusted with the important position of Sonoma County Sheriff.
Julie Galvez
Windsor
Impacts of canceling DACA
Editor:
The cancellation of the DACA program is reprehensible. It creates fear for the recipients and their families, their employers and employees, their teachers, and many businesses across the US. My daughter manages a thrift store in Upland, and her main driver is a DACA recipient. He now can’t work and he can’t drive. He has a wife and a small child. And my daughter’s company has to manage without his service. The cancellation of the program will not make America great, it is short-sighted, and will cause more economic hardship and confusion for all of us.
The prophet Isaiah wrote: “Woe to those who enact unjust statues and who write oppressive decrees, depriving the needy of judgment, robbing the poor of their rights, making widows their plunder, and orphans their prey.” The president and all the administration who support the cancellation will be held accountable. God is just and fair, and loves all children, regardless of race, color, nationality or status.
I urge all citizens to contact both branches of the Congress to request that the DACA program be reinstated, while a new solution is worked out for all these young people, and just immigration legislation will be made into law. Evil will persist if good people do nothing. Everyone can do something, pray, write letters and contact others.
Diane Tomczak
Windsor
Two-way street
Editor:
Usually I don’t agree with the views of Rollie Atkinson, but as I read “Houston, we have a solution,” I was inspired by the article, until I read paragraphs nine and 10. And there is was, the President Trump bashing, as usual. You just couldn’t let it go. And so with a heavy heart I turned the page and was struck with the headline “How to talk politics across the current divide.” Gosh, maybe there is a solution. I was about to suggest Rollie Atkinson attend the workshop, until I read the last paragraph, “Indivisible’s mission is to fuel a progressive grass roots network of local groups across the United States to resist the Trump agenda.” Oh, I get it; you promote a workshop to convince the attendees of your views. Communication is a two-way street. Sounds to me the only communicating Indivisible is promoting is theirs. The only ray of sunshine in the entire newspaper was Sam Salmon’s commentary “Health in all policies.” Thank you Sam for writing and expressing your thoughts and concerns regarding the current state and potential future of out “ community.”
Mary Ann Bainbridge-Krause
Windsor
Why talk politics across the divide?
Editor:
Was the November election like a bad dream from which you can’t awaken? Are you wondering how you can make a difference in the 2018 Congressional Elections?
In California, seven districts cast the majority of their votes for Hillary Clinton, at the same time that they elected Republicans to Congress. Greater voter turnout and a more informed electorate could turn these swing districts from Red to Blue in 2018. Groups like Indivisible, Swing Left, Working America and Sister District Project are facilitating volunteer opportunities in districts like these.
If you want to be able to converse with potential swing voters and perhaps even members of your own family — without tempers flaring — Indivisible groups across Sonoma County are co-sponsoring a workshop on Saturday, Sept. 23, with Sharon Ellison, entitled “How to Talk Politics Across the Current Divide.”
More than 200 people attended an Ellison workshop in Berkeley in June. Participants reported that they learned valuable skills they would apply in their personal lives — in addition to feeling more comfortable engaging with Trump supporters. Several participants said the event was life changing.
For tickets to How to Talk Politics Across the Current Divide, go to brownpapertickets.com/event/3070522. Tickets are $20; scholarships are available. For more information, email
cn*******@gm***.com
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Pam Browning
Cloverdale
