Obeying in advance

EDITOR: When the owners of major newspapers prohibit their editorial boards from doing endorsements for the presidentThey are taking the first step toward tyranny, as historian Timothy Snyder identifies. They obey in advance, anticipate what an authoritarian would require, and then act according to an outcome that has not actually happened but has usurped their imaginings of the future.

I don’t own a newspaper. But I am in possession of a human mind. If I give my mind to hopelessness and despair, I am also unknowingly obeying beforehand. No, thanks. If I simply look away, hiding in distractions, I am doing more than obeying: I am forgetting that I even have power.

Instead, to the best of my ability, I am using my attention to look honestly at what is happening while also imagining what I know is righteous and life-affirming. I nod toward legitimate fear in one direction, then nod in the other direction, toward my inner image of Kamala Harris, beaming in the sun, on the steps of the Capitol, her hand on a Bible. I will not give up my trust and vision in advance.

CYNTHIA McREYNOLDS

Sevastopol

Library Resources

EDITOR: I have been visiting the public library a lot lately since I have a second grade grandson who often does homework at my house. One of their assignments is a “free reading” book each school day. Since her parents are busy, I offered to play “book fairy.” I do a weekly run to our library in Petaluma and I’m surprised by the great selection of easy/beginner readers. My grandson looks forward to my weekly tour.

Every time I visit, this magical place is bustling with activity. It is clear that for many users the library is a lifeline for employment information, reliable computer access, entertainment and all types of assistance from a dedicated staff. The public library is an excellent example of what a “common good” looks like in a free society.

Visit the Sonoma County Library website to learn about the invaluable resources that are available to all of us, free of charge, and join me in voting yes on Measurement W. It’s a huge benefit to your eight-cent sales tax.

SUSAN THOMPSON

Petaluma

Yes to Measure I

EDITOR: As a 40-year resident of Sonoma County and a member of the Western Region Board of Directors of the American Heart Association, I urge community members to vote yes on Measure I.

The American Heart Association supported Measure I because access to quality health care is an important element of lifelong cardiovascular health. In addition to expanding affordable child care, Measure I will establish services designed to identify health problems early, reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease later in life, and help give Sonoma County children a healthy start.

By investing in Measure I, Sonoma County will increase the number of children who receive the care and support they need during their most formative years, preparing them to be healthy, thriving adults. Access to early, comprehensive, high-quality health care and education is associated with better long-term health outcomes. Prevention of chronic diseases is more cost-effective than treatment, as healthier children mean lower healthcare costs over their lifetime.

Join me in voting yes on I and investing in the long-term health and prosperity of our next generation.

JUDY COFFEE

holy rose

foot the bill

EDITOR: Imagine the cost of food if Donald Trump is elected and starts deporting millions of people. Hundreds of thousands of undocumented workers work in the food industry. They harvest fruits and vegetables, do dirty and dangerous jobs in meat packaging, work in seafood processing plants, work in dairies, egg farms and poultry plants. The threat of deportation alone will disrupt our food system and harm our economy. MAGA supporters certainly will not be replacement workers.

Think how devastating this would be. And it would impose tariffs without congressional restrictions: Presidents have the exclusive power to impose tariffs. All imported items would have a “sales tax,” affecting everything from avocados to zucchini, not to mention iPhones, toys, cars and electronics. What would our economy be like with this? It is inflationary at best and food shortages at worst.

Choosing a 78-year-old would-be dictator is unfathomable to me. Could we really do this to our country? Call your friends and family in Nevada, Pennsylvania, Michigan and ask them to vote for Kamala Harris.

CLAUDIA MAYFIELD

holy rose

parsley policy

EDITOR: Kamala Harris has said she would not change any of the policies of the past four years. Well, here’s an example of inflation not going down and Bidenomics not working. Our 4 pound lop bunny loves Italian parsley. Two months ago, a bunch of parsley cost $1.39, a month ago it cost $1.59, and now it costs $1.89 a bunch. I call that an 11% increase in just over two months. Sorry, my pocket, my choice. I will vote for Donald Trump.