Gateway: marijuana
I hope everyone saw the irony of the small business spotlight (News-Press, Nov. 3) of Autumn Brands cannabis growers being placed on the front page above the article about Rescue Mission’s recent graduation from a year-long drug and alcohol addiction treatment program. I would bet money on the fact that every single graduate and participant in that amazing rehab program began their unfortunate journey by using marijuana. Enough said.
Patty Zylstra
Santa Barbara
Fight back against California’s war
California’s war on prosperity includes: outrageous gas prices, petroleum prohibition, no new oil refineries, no new water storage for agriculture and citizens, 13% state income tax, statewide rent control, over-taxing costs burdening housing construction, fast-growing homeless population, diseases from human fecal matter and needles left on sidewalks and in parks, gainfully employed taxpayers and businesses exiting the state in alarming numbers, welfare recipients welcomed, immigration laws not enforced, sanctuary zones, viable independent contractor businesses outlawed, bankrupt utility power shut-offs, unsustainable government salaries and pensions out of control, overpriced health care, over-taxed education with low scoring results, etc.
The musical chairs strategy of the elected are the “generals” in charge that created and perpetuate California’s war on prosperity. Other states are governed better and encourage freedom and prosperity; their populations are living successfully. Is this a war we want to lose? Join the resistance, pick a battle and fight back.
Michael C. Schaumburg
Santa Barbara
Redefining ‘socialism’
In his Sunday sermon in the News-Press (Voices, Nov. 10), Andy Caldwell did a masterful job of explaining how our nation can only remain great if we adhere to the preachings of the Bible. He quotes de Tocqueville to prove his point. Well done, Andy.
But, in his sermon, he couldn’t resist taking a swipe at the political left. Socialism is the new naughty word used by the right to disparage the left. All of a sudden, with nothing else to accuse Democrats of, they start using the word “socialism.” Andy says: “that has to do in part with the fact that the Democratic Party is becoming increasingly hostile to lifestyles and values shaped by religious beliefs. This antagonism is manifested via the party’s current love affair with socialism.”
I urge readers to open their Webster’s and look up the word “socialism.” Mine defines it as, “a political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole.”
The next time Andy accuses Democrats of promoting socialism, I truly hope he will identify an instance where Democrats advocate government ownership of the means of production, distribution and exchange.
And I hope Democrats don’t start accusing Republicans of being fascists, simply because it’s easy and nasty.
Bill Livingstone
Goleta
Political assassination
What has happened to America? Do we still have the rule of law, due process or basic fairness? And what about the Constitution?
Today, Democratic leaders and the media are trying to ram through a phony impeachment process before the 2020 elections. It is a hit job, a political assassination. Is it because they want to overturn the 2016 election, protect the deep state or prevent Donald Trump from winning in 2020?
To begin with, this whole charade is not a real impeachment process. To be legitimate, it has to start with the entire House voting. Second, the entire process has been a one-sided, biased scam. There were secret hearings where the president was not allowed due process, witnesses were intimidated and biased, and selective parts of the testimony were leaked to the press. Now, in order to trick the American public into believing the process is legitimate, they are putting on a TV impeachment circus.
Republicans can only call witnesses or ask questions approved by Adam Schiff. Already they cannot call Hunter Biden or the whistleblower, who started the whole scam. Is Mr. Schiff now the judge, jury and executioner?
Don’t be fooled, America. This is an unfair firing squad and about regaining power. If successful, elections will mean nothing.
Diana Thorn
Carpinteria
The GOP and ‘rule of law’
So, columnist Debra Saunders has joined Team Trump in insisting that the “whistleblower” be outed in the name of transparency. Odd, since she acknowledges the “sanctity” of federal whistleblower laws, and even bemoans the acts that Donald Trump apparently perpetrated.
What bothers me about this Ukraine episode and all the other Trump “indiscretions” is this: President Trump has already succeeded at normalizing formerly unacceptable executive branch behavior. We are way past useful “what if Obama did it?” comparisons. The damage Mr. Trump has done to the credibility of American institutions (CIA, FBI, NSC, State Department, to name a few) is severe. Ask any Trump supporter and they’ll tell you these intelligence and law enforcement agencies are corrupt. With no evidence, but because Trump says so, half our country is ready to disbelieve once trusted institutions whenever Mr. Trump tells them to. The once proud GOP adherence to “Rule of Law” is in tatters.
Spike Tucker
Lompoc
Precedent has been set
In 1974, the House of Representatives passed three articles of impeachment against President Richard Nixon:
1) Obstruction of justice
a) delayed, impeded, and obstructed investigations into illegal activities
b) covered up, concealed, and protected those responsible for said crimes
2) Abuse of power
a) used the Office of the President of the United States for personal or political gain
b) suggested possible pardons for some witnesses and threatened others with retaliation
3) Contempt of Congress
a) ordered subordinates to either perjure themselves before Congress or to not comply with legally executed subpoenas
b) withheld or falsified documents relevant to ongoing investigations
c) attempted to usurp the constitutionally mandated powers of Congress and its role as a co-equal branch of government
This precedent makes it crystal clear that Donald J. Trump should be impeached. Whether or not he is convicted and removed from office is dependent on Republicans in the U.S. Senate growing spines and putting our country ahead of their own political interests.
Robert Baruch
Goleta
Following blindly
Which is more honorable — to follow a monster to whom you have sworn loyalty, or to break your oath and leave his service? Many have left the service of Donald Trump.
It is astonishing how foolish people can be in groups, especially when they follow their leaders without question. Sounds like the evangelical Republicans. Hypocrisy and negativity rule the GOP agenda.
A new scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents, but rather because its opponents die, and a new generation grows up that is familiar with it. Let’s hope.
The most dreadful thing of all is that millions of people in poor countries are going to starve to death before our eyes…upon our television sets. Help and share with others on Thanksgiving.
Ron Lowe
Santa Barbara
