Letters for October 25, 2018

Not a progressive

Re “A Californian in the White House?” (Newslines, by Elizabeth Castillo, Oct. 18):

The article touting Kamala Harris as possibly on the 2020 presidential ticket depressed me.

Within hours of being elected senator, state Democrats were drooling over Harris’ “demographic allure,” seeing her as the perfect 2020 presidential candidate.

As California Attorney General, Harris’ office declined to prosecute Steven Mnuchin’s OneWest Bank for foreclosure violations in 2013 after finding over a thousand violations of foreclosure laws by his bank, and expecting to find thousands more. In return, she was the only Democrat who ran on the national level to receive money from him that cycle.

Such simple-minded Democratic identity politics and its lust for big money are embarrassing and will guarantee Trump’s re-election. Harris is ambitious, not progressive. The Jacobin has a thoughtful article, “The Two Faces of Kamala Harris.”

Having no convictions that would impede her ambition, she voted yes on her first defense appropriation bill, though it was a huge increase and included $285 billion more than the Pentagon requested. She voted no on the latest defense appropriation bill, realizing that a no vote was appropriate to appear progressive.

If Democrats can’t come up with better candidates, they deserve to lose.

Lucy Cooke

Butte Valley

Editor’s note: Mnuchin donated $2,000 to Harris during the 2016 election cycle. Harris voted against Mnuchin’s nomination as Treasury secretary the next year.

Misdirected focus

Re “Double take on single-payer” (Healthlines, by Evan Tuchinsky, Oct. 18):

It was unfortunate that the central theme of the CN&R’s Oct. 18 article by Evan Tuchinsky was Assemblyman James Gallagher’s surprise participation instead of the basic benefits of transitioning our broken medical system to a single-payer Medicare for All system—especially considering that the question of medical care is the single most important issue voters nationally are interested in and this is the only candidate forum of the season on this issue.

As the organizer responsible for interfacing with the candidates and media, I was very pleased that Gallagher attended because he clearly enunciated the Republican “fix” of deregulating our health care system as the solution. Whereas, all of the Democratic candidates explained portions of the benefits of eliminating private insurance and replacing it with Medicare for All single-payer (our government), which would extend comprehensive medical care to everyone for about the same amount we now pay for partial coverage for the many.

If you missed the forum, it is being broadcast on BCAC.tv over Comcast Channel 11 on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 4 p.m. until the Nov. 6 election.

Bruce McLean

Chico

‘A particle of attention’

I appreciate your coverage of the reinstatement of sit/lie—another ratcheting-up of criminalization, directed at the poor and disabled. (And a nicely orchestrated campaign stunt by Councilman Andrew Coolidge.) I hope our dissent brought a particle of attention to ongoing human rights violations on the streets of Chico.

Nevertheless, in June, about 40 people spoke against sit/lie. On Oct. 16, we were down to about 10. Why? Was it a “done deal,” so everyone stayed home? Big mistake: You create the narrative. Three council members spoke against this bilge and only 10 people, out of a population of 100,000, were there to support them? Sad.

I’m especially disappointed in my baby boomer peers. We claim the idealistic high ground, but where the human rights of the poor are concerned, our interests hew toward gentrification, more than solidarity.

Speaking of boomers, I was called “grumpy boy” by one old peacenik. Seems I’m too “angry.” I “piss people off.” Well, here’s my question: When will materially comfortable boomers make an emotional investment? When will they get angry? At what point does it become apparent that authoritarianism is on the march? Are you waiting for a big neon sign?: Genocide coming soon!

Patrick Newman

Chico

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that “as long as there is no option of sleeping indoors, the government cannot criminalize indigent, homeless people for sleeping outdoors, on public property, on the false premise they had a choice in the matter.”

The sit/lie law was recently renewed in spite of the new ruling. Does that mean that the city is willing to enter and lose lawsuits? How much money will be wasted on lawyers and unnecessary legal expenses? The pursuit of this agenda is delusional. Criminalizing the homeless is counterproductive and has been ruled to be illegal. Use your votes to elect City Council members committed to seeking solutions to this dilemma.

Rosemarie Kuhn

Chico

Roundabout critic

Re “Best of Chico Editors’ Picks” (Cover story, Oct. 11):

Editors’ Pick!? Gateway to Chico? Sorry, I agree with Nicolette Gamache—what an absolute waste of money. A tree and some landscaping, sure, but $378,000?

The city of Chico sure knows how to waste money in tough times. Remember the sinking bandstand? How about the streets around Enloe? Upper Park? Helping homeless veterans?

Who was the contractor that ripped the city off? I bet there’s some connections somewhere. What a joke. Too bad a lot of us are not laughing. You’ve heard fewer screeches because it blocks the sound as well as your view across the roundabout!

William Strom

Chico

Reader endorsements

As I drive around town, I notice a lack of LaMalfa signs in yards. The only two I have seen have been on commercial lots. You get to know a person’s left or right leanings from the signs on their lawns. The people on the right have Cox signs and conservative council candidates’. But no LaMalfa signs tells me that even the right is not supporting him.

I hope they will vote for Audrey Denney. I think she will make a great congresswoman. I also notice that I see Huber and Coolidge signs on both left and right lawns, which tells me they would probably be good, balanced council members.

Kelly Young

Chico

Eileen Robinson is not afraid to make difficult or unpopular decisions for the sake of our students.

While I was a board member of Inspire School of Arts & Sciences, Eileen was the district representative to our board. I was surprised by her openness to the charter model and moved by her desire to serve all student populations. I witnessed first-hand her character and integrity. She demonstrated her acumen in understanding the myriad regulations, processes and procedures and her clarity of how all the pieces work together. It is evident to me that she is compassionate with a student-first approach. She is focused on results and accountability. She will push back if the administration does not meet her high standards.

Most importantly, she does not get caught up in the moment. She does not waiver on her focus of the big picture—the well-being of all students.

As the Chico Unified School District heads into a challenging financial future, we need trustees who are experienced and fiscally minded. Children are our future, and I trust Eileen with that responsibility. She has my vote.

Rob Reddemann

Chico

Driving north on Highway 99, I pass a number of large signs promoting Doug LaMalfa to retain his grip on Northern California. “Water, Jobs and Liberty” the signs boast.

Well, the first two are no-brainers, sort of like saying, “I support ice cream.” But it’s the last one that gets me: “Liberty.” I’m curious as to how many of this district’s women feel that “liberty” includes having the government make all the decisions of their health issues. Or blaming them for being sexually harassed or raped. Or, does “liberty” mean the right to declare bankruptcy because you can’t afford medical treatment? Do you relish the “liberty” for your children to breathe polluted air, drink tainted water? Or how about the “liberty” of being able to buy an AK-47 without a background check? Do you love the “liberty” of more wildfires, hurricanes and heat waves due to global warming? If you do, then LaMalfa’s your man, because he supports all of the above.

If you’d rather see a more compassionate approach to local issues that affect each of you personally and not just the wealthy agricultural interests, you do have a choice, it’s Audrey Denney.

Dean Carrier

Paradise

This is my editorial in support of Audrey Denney for the 1st District. Audrey understands the political environment of Butte County and the unique qualities that I fell in love with in Chico, where I have semi-retired.

Audrey honors her constituents and supports critical infrastructure improvements and advocates for the much-needed revenues to help fund first responders, including the full staffing of the Chico Fire Department, which is one-third understaffed.

There are many other critical issues that Audrey vets and performs due diligence on before making any recommendations or actions. She cares!

Ernest “Jim” Mead

Chico

I encourage you to support Audrey Denney in her congressional race against Doug LaMalfa. Audrey is the real deal. I have never said that about a political candidate. Audrey’s ideals and stances appeal to people across our district and across the political spectrum. I believe she will represent all of us and be someone we are proud to send to Congress.

This looks to be an incredibly close race. She needs all the support we can give her to help put her over the top. Please remember to vote and encourage your friends, family members, neighbors and co-workers to do the same. All of us can help make a difference in this election. Don’t sit this one out!

Adam Walton

Grass Valley

‘Dummies don’t vote!’

Those under-30, younger Americans are the most powerful voters and many of the dummies don’t vote! They can come up with all kinds of excuses for not voting, but the reason they don’t vote is that they are dummies. None of us knows everything, although dummies think they do. So, we can all learn and change our ways and be the better for it. Our American future is in the hands of dummies.

Abe Sanchez

Magalia

POTUS detractors

Prior to the 2016 presidential election, I asked my daughter if she had voted. Being a staunch Bernie supporter, she replied in an irritable tone, “No, I can’t stand either one of them” (referring to Trump and Hillary).

I chuckled and reminded her that she is a queen, and to never let a man make her crown fall. I told her that if any man ever assaulted her the way comrade Trump bragged about on the Access Hollywood video, to immediately dial 911 and report it to the police. The same could be said of our new illustrious, drunken Supreme Court justice, Brett Kavanaugh. Who would have ever thought it at the time?

With the help of Russian meddling, Jill Stein (Putin’s dinner guest), Gary Johnson and James Comey, who reopened the Hillary investigation a week before the election, the scales were tipped just enough in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin to hand the most virulent, womanizing, xenophobic campaigner the keys to the White House.

Please, young ladies and gentlemen out there, don’t let this “train wreck” happen again Nov. 6.

Matthew 10:16: Behold I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Ray Estes

Redding

The twisted, evil people who support creepy Kavanaugh and the devil Trump, like Congressman Doug LaMalfa, should think about what it would be like for their daughter or wife to have some perv president grab their wife, mother or daughter’s genitals or to be pushed into a bedroom and jumped on by some disgusting, drunken prep boy, laughing with his creep-in-arms, as they sexually assaulted your female family members.

How would Trump feel if Kavacreep, in a drunken stupor, put his junk in the face of Melania or Ivanka, with no eye-witness to confirm. Would they be lying and the investigation a witch hunt? Does Trump believe his women or the creep?

What scumbag adulterer can pass up a big-breasted porn star and a childlike playboy bunny—as Trump did, violating his marriage vows, along with decent Americans’ sensibilities. Republican and fake Christian people are all in, when it comes to supporting perverts and rapists in government, but God forbid if a woman wants an abortion!

Pat Johnston

Redding

And Golden-Hair took The Hat into the Sutter Buttes, spreading his arms and saying, “I shall teach you to gain great profit while pretending you are one of the people.

“And you shall join me in sowing hate to those who differ in color, religion, or sex. To those who warn of climate change, you will scream ‘Science Lies and disseminates Untruths.’

“And you will despise the least among them. As we prosper from tax cuts, and the deficit mounts, we shall grasp greedily at their Social Security, Medi-Cal and Medicare.

And we shall chant, “It is not finished until we who have most, get all. Blessed be Mammon forever.”

“And you will ignore my many sins, lies and deceptions, kneeling down and saying, there is none other but me.”

And the Hat did as commanded, falling to his knees as Golden-Hair raised his hands and said, “It is good!”

Lynn H. Elliott

Chico

Corrections

In the Best of Chico issue, published Oct. 11, we printed an incorrect phone number for Chico Creek Animal Hospital. It should be 343-3516.

Last week’s Healthlines article (see “Double take on single-payer,” by Evan Tuchinsky) incorrectly identified the lead sponsor of the Oct. 10 candidates forum on health care. Butte County Health Care Education Coalition, a nonpartisan group, co-sponsored the event.

We regret the errors, which have been corrected online. —ed