Forgetting our founders

PUBLISHER: The US Constitution it was written in the colonial mold of debate and compromise. Its main purpose was not to dictate results. Rather, it established a procedural framework for achieving results. Americans did not fight against taxation. They fought against taxation without representation. We trample on the brilliance and blood of our founders if, today, we don’t care how we get the public policies we want, but are willing to bury constitutional processes in favor of a man who idolizes the likes of Vladimir Putin, Viktor Orban, Xi Jinping, and Kim Jong Un because we like results, we think he will get us. It is a sharp critique of our nation’s education system that the teaching of civics may not have led us to see the importance of rejecting Donald Trump as president of our country.

STEPHEN M. OLSON

Santa Rosa

Conservative club goals

EDITOR: The Oakmont Conservative Club is made up of Republicans and Independents who are eager to vote this November and Make America Great Again. We consider ourselves reasonable people who plan to vote for Republican candidates. Quite simply, we want secure borders, low inflation, a balanced budget, lower food and fuel prices, a strong military, deportation of illegal immigrants with criminal records, a strong police force that can do its job again, eliminating thousands of rules and regulations passed without voter approval.

DON NOWACKI

Santa Rosa

Library support

EDITOR: I remember 10 years ago when our library system it was so underfunded that hours were reduced, staffing was minimal, and programs were few and far between. At the time I was confused why a county with so many rewards to offer did not provide stable funding for this essential public resource.

But that all changed in 2016, when voters approved a small sales tax to support our libraries. Since then, with stable and adequate funding, our libraries have been able to offer an impressive range of programs, books, events and services, all with qualified staff to lead them.

We are not in danger of losing that source of funding. Libraries build a community and are one of the few public places freely open to all. Policy makers and public health practitioners rarely consider public libraries as part of the health system, even though they possess several characteristics with the potential to promote community health, such as lifelong education, social support, access to technology, vocational training and community connection. What a bargain. This is why I am voting yes Measure W to continue this support for libraries without hesitation.

PAMELA VAN HALSEMA

Santa Rosa

Democrats are hurting themselves

EDITOR: Bret Stephens has given the most honest presentation I’ve seen of why this election is so close and why, should Donald Trump win, the Democratic Party needs to look no further than in the mirror for an explanation of what happened (“If Trump Wins, Who Will Liberals Blame?” October 24). For most of my life, Democrats have talked down or outright rejected huge swathes of the middle-class, blue-collar electorate, herding anyone who disagrees with their pseudo-enlightened views into groups conveniently dismissed, such as “redheads” or “deplorables”.

Is There a Dangerous and Misinformed Cult of Personality Supporting Trump? Yes, these people are lost causes too. It’s not the people I’m talking about. There is a much larger group who are not Trump fans, but who long ago got tired of being told they were ignorant racists, their beliefs and views of the world, born of life experience, are wrong and their concerns do not deserve a seat at the table of our evolving society.

Hillary Clinton was the poster child for this kind of sneering dismissal, and it cost her the presidency. And just like in 2016, millions of people will hold their noses and vote for Trump for one simple reason: They’re tired of being constantly talked down to and told that their experiences and concerns don’t matter.

MICAH DIRKSEN

Napa

Newton for the City Council

EDITOR: As a former mayor of Santa Rosa, I am proud to endorse Jeremy Newton for City Council. Newton brings exceptional dedication, resilience and leadership – qualities our city needs moving forward.

With a public service foundation shaped by the Naval Academy and military experience in combat, Newton has proven he can get results, including successfully advocating for veterans that led to a vital bill signed by President Barack Obama to address veteran suicide . As Chair of the Housing Authority, he gained a solid understanding of housing policy and demonstrated a commitment to making life better for working families in Santa Rosa. His vision to improve housing affordability, revitalize downtown and address homelessness is not just a plan, but a promise for a safer and more vibrant community that should inspire hope in all of us.

During his time in Santa Rosa, Newton was fully invested in understanding our city’s challenges. His endorsements from local leaders are a testament to his work ethic, integrity and readiness to serve. I believe Newton will bring positive and lasting change to our community.

I fully support Newton’s candidacy as he will serve with honor, insight and true dedication to the people of Santa Rosa.

ERNESTO OLIVARES

Santa Rosa

Remember our motto

EDITOR: As you consider the general election in November, please remember that our nation’s motto, it is pluribus unumdoes not translate to “me first”.

DAVE DELGARDO

Cloverdale

An independent justice

EDITOR: As a retired attorney, I am immensely proud of the American judicial system in the age of Donald Trump. The judges of this country, regardless of political affiliation or philosophy, have for the most part been true to their oath of office. They participated in the process of law in accordance with the mandates of the Constitutions and the laws of the nation. The judiciary was the only institution of government that withstood enormous political pressure, real threats and personal danger to honestly and diligently carry out its constitutional duties. Those men and women need and deserve our support. An independent judiciary is the last bastion against attacks on our freedoms and the rule of law.

PATRICK COYLE

Santa Rosa

You can send letters to the editor to [email protected].