Saturday’s Letters to the Editor

Enough hand-wringing. It’s time to fight back

Editor: I’ve had enough of the sanctimonious hand-wringing in response to California Democrats considering redistricting before the midterm election. Gov. Gavin Newsom sees this as a necessity in response to Texas, and most likely Florida, doing the same thing. I agree.

The Supreme Court opened this door in 2019 with an irresponsible decision that made it even easier for Republicans to gerrymander. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the 5-4 majority, “the fact that such partisan gerrymandering is incompatible with democratic principles … does not mean that the solution lies with the federal judiciary.”

Our system of government is in tatters, and we no longer can assume the pillars of our republic will remain a bulwark against tyranny or reckless self-interest of the few. We don’t have the luxury of taking the high road and trusting the principles and institutions that have bent, but not broken, through many crises. We can’t sit on our hands, complacent in our self-congratulatory reverence for what is correct, while Republicans and their lapdogs on the Supreme Court chip away at the Constitution with no regard for propriety or their legacies.

It’s time to take the gloves off.

— Mark Wardlaw, Santa Rosa

Golis presents important climate change facts

Editor: How lucky we are to have such a quality journalist as Pete Golis at The Press Democrat. He identifies so clearly that climate change is real; only Donald Trump and his followers want to pretend it isn’t. Trump’s way of handling truth is to discount real, honest figures and then fire those responsible for accurate findings. Trump denies emergency funds to California because he says Gov. Gavin Newsom is the cause. To Trump, “transparency” means erase the facts and deny knowledge and truth. Golis’ Aug. 10 column is so necessary for all to read (“Climate change creates more dangerous world”). It helps gather insight into Trump’s rampant dismantling of any department or experienced staff he disagrees with. I hope all readers who may have missed his column will go back and read it.

— Cheryle Stanley, Yountville

SMART is building on its successes

Editor: With respect, Gary Campbell is only half right (“Instead of a commuter line, turn SMART into a tourist train,” Letters, Aug. 7). An overview of SMART’s ridership shows record levels. Other quick fact checks: SMART is increasing, not decreasing service. Consider the recent expansion to Windsor. Also, there already are substantial ridership numbers that indicate recreational use and commuters going to work and kids going to school. Seniors and schoolchildren ride free, by the way. There are special event trains, with connections to the ferry for Giants games, as well as Petaluma Butter and Egg Days and other events.

My point is that people’s reasons for riding the train are diverse. With proximity to San Francisco, this is really a draw. The train schedule allows for 30-minute connections at Larkspur to the ferry. A SMART Connect shuttle is now in service there and operates seven days a week. SMART Connect at the airport station can take you to numerous wineries and breweries.

There is no need to change a thing. SMART is on a roll forward, not backward. Next stop: Healdsburg 2028.

— Dani Sheehan-Meyer, Sebastopol

Trumping up a problem that doesn’t exist

Editor: Donald Trump is once again trumping up a problem that doesn’t exist. Crimes rates have been continuing downward in Washington. But Trump is more desperate than ever to divert attention from the crisis of confidence in him and his administration over the Epstein files. We all must pray that not one hothead — for it might only take one — gets violent in the capital, sparking civil unrest and giving Trump the excuse he craves to impose martial law nationwide and cancel the midterm election. Let’s not give an excuse.

— Nathaniel Scoble, Santa Rosa

You can send letters to the editor to letters@pressdemocrat.com.