Forgetting our founders

EDITOR: The United States Constitution was written in the colonial foundry of debate and compromise. Its primary goal was not to dictate results. Rather, it established a procedural framework for achieving results. Americans did not fight taxes. They fought taxes without representation. We trample on the brilliance and blood of our founders if, today, we don’t care how we achieve the public policies we want but we are willing to bury constitutional processes in favor of a man who idolizes people like Vladimir Putin, Viktor Orban, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un because we like the results we think he will give us. It is a damning indictment of our nation’s educational system that the teaching of civics has not led us to see the importance of rejecting Donald Trump as president of our country.

STEPHEN M. OLSON

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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 common sense people who plan to vote for Republican candidates. Simply put, our wishes are secure borders, low inflation, a balanced budget, lower food and fuel prices, a strong military, the deportation of illegal immigrants with criminal records, a strong police force that can get back to doing its job, the elimination of thousands of rules and regulations passed without voter approval.

DON NOWACKI

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Supporting the library

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

But this 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 variety of programs, books, events and services, all with qualified staff to lead them.

Let’s not risk losing that source of financing. Libraries strengthen a community and are one of the few public places open free to all. Policymakers and public health professionals rarely consider public libraries to be part of the health system, even though they possess several features with potential to promote community health, such as continuing education, social support, access to technology, job training and community connection. What a bargain. That’s why I vote yes Measurement W continue this support for libraries, without hesitation.

PAMELA VAN HALSEMA

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Democrats hurt themselves

EDITOR: Bret Stephens offered the most accurate description I’ve seen of why this election is so close and why, should Donald Trump win, the Democratic Party doesn’t need to look beyond the mirror for an explanation of what happened (“If Trump wins, who will liberals blame?” October 24). For most of my life, Democrats have been openly belittling or dismissing large swathes of the blue-collar, middle-class electorate, corralling anyone who disagrees with their pseudo-enlightenment views into conveniently discarded groups like the “rednecks.” ” or the “deplorables”.

Is there a dangerous, misinformed cult of personality backing Trump? Yes, and those people are lost causes. These are not the people I’m talking about. There is a much larger group who are not Trump fans, but who have long since tired of being told that they are ignorant racists, that their beliefs and worldviews, born of a lifetime of experience, are wrong, and that Their concerns do not deserve a seat at the table in our evolving society.

Hillary Clinton was the perfect example of this kind of contemptuous contempt, 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 belittled and told that their experiences and concerns don’t matter.

MICAH DIRKSEN

napa

Newton for City Council

EDITOR: As the 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 to move forward.

With a background in public service formed by the Naval Academy and military combat experience, Newton has proven he can achieve results, including his successful advocacy for veterans, which led to a vital bill signed by President Barack Obama to address veteran suicides. As Chairman of the Housing Authority, he gained a strong understanding of housing policy and demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of working families in Santa Rosa. Their vision to improve housing affordability, revitalize downtown, and address homelessness is not just a plan but a promise for a safer, more vibrant community that should inspire hope in all of us.

During his time in Santa Rosa, Newton has fully invested in understanding our city’s challenges. The endorsement of local leaders is a testament to their work ethic, integrity and willingness to serve. I believe Newton will bring positive and lasting change to our community.

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

ERNESTO OLIVARES

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Remember our motto

EDITOR: As you consider your options in the November general election, remember that our nation’s motto, e pluribus unumIt does not translate as “me first.”

DAVE DELGARDO

Cloverdale

An independent judiciary

EDITOR: As a retired lawyer, I am enormously proud of the American judiciary in the era of Donald Trump. The judges of this country, regardless of their political appointment or philosophy, have for the most part been faithful to their oaths. They have attended the processing of the law in accordance with the mandates of the Constitutions and laws of the nation. The judiciary has been the only government institution that has withstood enormous political pressure, real threats, and personal danger to honestly and diligently perform its constitutional duties. These men and women require and deserve our support. An independent judiciary is the last bulwark against attacks on our freedoms and the rule of law.

Patrick Coyle

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