Why I vote Democrat

Editor: The first elections I ever voted in I voted for all Republican candidates, as I was influenced growing up by my conservative (and loving) grandfather. However, the Republican party in those years was very different from the party it is today.

The leaders of the Republican party have evolved into individuals that put self-interests over what is best for our country, starting decades ago with legislation that continuously lowered taxes on the rich.  Federal income tax rates for the top earners in 1965 were 70%. Today the top federal rate is 37%, and the top corporate rate is 21%, a decrease from over 50% in the 1960s.

In addition, the vast major of Republican leaders have shown they have no backbone to stand up to the most corrupt president our country has ever seen

Voting is not just about party labels;  it is about choosing leaders who believe the government can work for ordinary people and who are committed to protecting freedoms and opportunities for everyone.

I encourage voters to support Democratic candidates who are working to build a fairer, more inclusive, and more hopeful future for our country.

— Ron Sadler, Santa Rosa

Street cameras

Editor: There’s commotion regarding (Flock) street cameras people are concerned about losing their privacy. We have to have regulations, hold the government accountable and protect our privacy, if possible.

Look at the data: it’s helping to find kidnapped children and solve other horrific crimes. Some wild argue that it’s a “small” percentage of kidnapped children found.

I’ll argue that one lost child is one too many.  Many people have “Amazon Alexa” at their homes, which to me is more invasive since Alexa “hears “ everything that’s going on in your home. Customers download Chinese apps, letting CCP access their privacy. Ring cameras are very popular to keep our homes safe.

I agree, being watched by any government is a concern. Unfortunately, with the advanced technology, it could be too late.

A vicious attack on Mr. Steward in Martinez was caught on camera. This criminal from Venezuela was released from jail just a day prior to this murder. He should have been deported by ICE a long time ago. We need judges with common sense to prosecute criminals.  It’s sad that people lost their compassion for their neighbors, but they will protest to protect criminals. Next time it could happen to you.

— Anna Peterka, Santa Rosa

Back to school time

Editor: As one of the many crossing guards in Santa Rosa, I want to remind everyone that back to school time is once again upon us and it is time to follow the basic laws and rules of the road. Our main focus is safety for the kids, the families and local neighborhood folks who use the crosswalks.

If you’re driving a car and entering a school zone with a crossing guard present at the crosswalk, kids are or will be present sometime very soon, and you may be stopped.

I ask that everyone in a car – kids and parents alike – pay attention to the posted school zone speed when crossing guards are present. Distracted driving is not acceptable: put both hands on the wheel, keep a clear mind and drive attentively. You need to pay attention when there are people on foot trying to navigate with all the cars that are on the road.

I can tell you from many experiences, it can be very scary out there.

Speaking of no joke…wearing a helmet when on bikes and e-bikes. Whenever riding anything with wheels, kids must wear a helmet.

Thanks and let’s make this school year a safe one!

— Kristin Blower, Santa Rosa

Nuclear delusions

Editor: Thank you for sharing the article on the nuclear attack on Nagasaki 81 years ago. Veterans For Peace #71 agrees with Nagasaki Mayor Suzuki’s message to those relying on nuclear deterrence, that “you must face the reality that the more you rely on nuclear deterrence, the more you increase the risk of a nuclear war.”

Many have been lulled into a delusional forgetting about the perils of a nuclear war. We are at the beginning of a renewed nuclear arms race at a time when many of the world’s “leaders” are madmen and ours, in particular.

The Pentagon Papers’ Daniel Ellsberg began as a nuclear planner. He came to believe such planning was “the most evil planning that has ever existed in the history of humanity.”

Veterans For Peace, CodePink and the Peace & Justice Center are showing a short film featuring Ellsberg’s warning, as well as one on Veterans For Peace’s Golden Rule Project, an anti-nuke sailboat which spreads the message of peace.

Join us to view “An Ordinary Insanity” and “Golden Rule, the Journey for Peace” on Saturday, Aug. 29, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts, with discussion, music and light refreshments.

— Dominick Favuzzi, Veterans For Peace Ch.71 Sonoma Co.