Precompliance, Library resources: PD letters

to obey in advance

EDITOR: When owners of leading newspapers ban their editorial boards from publishing support the presidentAs historian Timothy Snyder has found, they are taking the first step towards tyranny. They obey in advance, anticipate what an authority would require, and then act on an outcome that hasn’t actually come true but has usurped their dreams for the future.

I don’t have a newspaper. But I have only one human mind. If I lose my mind to despair and hopelessness, I am already obeying without even realizing it. No, thank you. If I hide and look away in a distracting way, I am doing more than just obeying: I forget that I even have the power.

Instead, whenever I can, I use my attention to look honestly at what is going on while also imagining things that I know are life-affirming and just. I nodded in one direction, toward legitimate fear, then in the other direction, toward the inner image of Kamala Harris on the steps of the Capitol, holding a Bible, glistening in the sunlight. I will not give up my confidence and vision in advance.

CYNTHIA McREYNOLDS

Sevastopol

Library resources

EDITOR: I was visiting public library Because I have a second grade grandchild who has been doing homework at my house lately. One of their assignments is a “free reading” book each school day. Since her parents were busy, I offered to play the role of “book fairy.” I go for a run once a week library in petaluma and I was amazed at the great selection of easy/early readers. My grandson looks forward to my weekly haul.

This magical place is buzzing with activity every time I visit. It is clear that for many users the library is a lifeline for business information, reliable computer access, entertainment and all kinds of assistance from a dedicated staff. The public library is a prime example of what the “common good” looks like in a free society.

Visit the Sonoma County library website to learn about invaluable resources available to all of us for free, and join me in voting yes. measure W. That’s a huge amount for your eighth-cent sales tax.

SUSAN THOMPSON

Petaluma

Yes, in Measure I

EDITOR: As a 40-year Sonoma County resident and board member of the western region of the American Heart Association, I urge community members to vote yes on this proposal. Measure I.

The American Heart Association approved Measure I because access to quality health care is an important building block for lifelong cardiovascular health. In addition to expanding affordable child care, Measure I will establish services designed to detect health problems early, reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease later in life, and help children in Sonoma County get off to a healthy start.

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

Join me in voting yes on Ben and investing in the long-term health and well-being of our next generation.

JUDY COFFEY

Santa Rosa

pay the tab

EDITOR: Think about the cost of groceries 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, work in dirty and dangerous jobs packing meat, work in seafood processing plants, work in dairies, egg farms, and poultry plants. Even the threat of deportation will disrupt our food system and damage our economy. Of course, MAGA fans won’t be replacement workers.

Imagine how devastating this would be. And he can impose taxes without congressional restriction; Only presidents have the authority to impose tariffs. There will be a “sales tax” on all imported goods, affecting everything from avocados to zucchinis; Not to mention iPhones, toys, cars and electronics. What would our economy look like with this? At best it is inflationary, at worst there is food shortage.

The election of a 78-year-old wannabe dictator is incomprehensible to me. Can 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

Santa Rosa

parsley politics

EDITOR: Kamala Harris says she won’t change any of the policies of the last four years. Here is an example of inflation not falling and Bidenomics not working. Our 4-pound pet lop rabbit loves Italian parsley. Two months ago the price of a bunch of parsley was $1.39, a month ago the value of parsley was $1.59 and now it is $1.89 per bunch. I call that an 11% increase in just over two months. Sorry, my wallet, my choice. I will vote for Donald Trumps.