To the Editor:

Martin: We probably don’t agree on the meaning of the word “up,” but I want to thank you for the forum to address political issues over the last almost 8 years in the Gazette. It certainly signaled your commitment to the First Amendment. It provided a challenge to me to find time to research and write about external issues important to me, particularly when John was ill, for which I am grateful. Gazette Staff: I appreciate your professionalism in this endeavor.

I will only occasionally write an LTTE, as changes in my life require my attention elsewhere. Then, too, the current election results are a tsunami of political retrogression that I have not seen at this level in my political life, it saddens me for our country, and I prefer not to wade in it…again. “Do your work and then stand back” (Tao de Ching). Democrats and Progressives will continue to fight for bodily autonomy, assert the constitutional rights of all, and survive the chaos for which many in MAGA long. The election is over, the conflict is not.

What is curious about the “MAGA Manosphere” is that Trump promises the he will restore men to their “manly rightful power,” but if that same man asks for a raise for his family, if he shows any sign of support for union causes or labor rights, including overtime, he will be fired. And they will have fashioned their subservience for themselves, having cheered when Trump said that he will let “Elon Musk go wild.” But, two narcissists in the same space, for even the smallest length of time without an audience, is impossible, even if their objective - control over labor - is shared.

The Institute for Strategic Dialogue reports that the “Manopshere” appears to be “using the election results as permission to be more overtly and aggressive about curbing women’s rights.” “Your body, my choice,” is diametrically opposed to the impetus of Roe. V. Wade’s, “my body, my choice.”’ “Locker-room talk” extended throughout Trump’s presidency and campaigns (grabbing women’s genitalia, or admiration, at length, of a golf legend’s, etc.), and women will be “protected” whether “they want it or not.” Meanwhile, red states ban books that hint at depravity.

There should be no surprises for the Trump Party if they acquaint themselves with Project 2025. Time has come to read it, Martin.
I hope the grace that has always seemed to accompany us in this great American political experiment preserves us, even as we waiver. “The People” have made their choice.

Kelly Scoles,

Fillmore, Ca.

To the Editor:

I must share my reaction to the Trump rally on Sunday. To say that I’m deeply offended is an understatement. Is there anyone who is reading this that isn’t also deeply offended? I’ve known who he is even before he went down that ludicrous golden escalator. He told us who he was when he claimed Obama wasn’t born in the United States. As if we hadn’t noticed his infidelities, his bizarre comments about his daughter, his treatment of the people who work for him, his bankruptcies. The list is endless. The man is disgusting.

I don’t know what anyone thinks they are getting from this man that they are willing to wave away his racism. He’s talking about our neighbors. Our friends. Our families. People who have come to this country and worked hard to create new lives for themselves and their families. They contribute to our economy and our lives.

For those who feel they don’t know enough about Kamala? I know one thing. She is not that. That’s all I need to know.
When you go to cast your ballot, ask yourself. What would Jesus do? Vote for the racist who wants to take revenge on anyone who opposes him? Or the woman who asks you to lift up, not punch down?

Pat Collins,
Fillmore, Ca.

Dear Fillmore Community:

I just wanted to reach out and thank all the wonderful people in this community, who have supported me during this election season. During my tenure with the council, we have done many great things such as streamlining the permit process, making it easier for businesses to locate in Fillmore. We have been working to revitalize our downtown area, and to provide a balanced city budget over the years. We have worked diligently to protect public safety and advance city services. My work is not done yet. I am counting on you to provide me with four more years to serve as your council member. So please remember to vote on November 5th and cast your vote in support of Mark Austin.

Mark Austin, Fillmore City Council Member

To the Editor:

My name is Jamie Rodriguez. I am a parent of Children who have attended FUSD. And I currently have 4 grandchildren that I have adopted that are students of FUSD and one who graduated in 2023.

I have known Tricia Gradias for many years. And I got to really know her when my son who is now 32 years old, was in Fillmore middle school. Throughout the years, I have seen how dedicated Tricia is to all the students at Fillmore Unified School District.

Tricia was a teacher prior to becoming a principal, followed by being a board member of the FUSD.

With her many years of experience with Fillmore unified school district, she is familiar with many issues that have been brought to the board’s attention.

Not only does she make all students a priority, she is also available to staff and parents alike. And that is why I strongly believe in Tricia. She treats everyone equally. She will and has always been extremely helpful to the students and parents who are Spanish-speaking. And because she understands the language, she is better equipped to listen to the parents and students and address any issues or concerns they may have.

As most of you know, Tricia is a lifelong resident and graduate of FUSD. She is passionate about doing what’s best for all students. And I know how committed Tricia is to Staff, Students and their families.

As a parent of children currently enrolled in FUSD, I endorse Tricia Gradias for the school board, and I want to thank her for her continued commitment to FUSD staff, students and their families.

Jamie Rodriguez,
Piru, Ca

Dear Editor of the Fillmore Gazette,

October 29, 2024

Ticia Gradias must be re-elected as a school board member on the Fillmore Unified School District School Board. She has served for 4 years thus far and has proven to the voters of Fillmore that she is honest, trustworthy and a well- educated woman.

Tricia was raised in Fillmore and attended FUSD school from kindergarten through grade 12. She choose to start her educational career in her hometown as a teacher and later served as Coordinator and School Site Principal in our school district, excelling in all positions. When she retired as an educator, she felt a duty to run for the Fillmore Unified District Board of Trustees. She has been a very successful board member because she knows what is best for students and their parents.

Voters in the district know her well and believe she is knowledgeable and trustworthy. Parents believe in her to make the best decisions for their children’s education. She wants Fillmore and Piru schools to become model schools. Her goals have been to stress academic excellence at all grade levels. She supports and promotes positive discipline programs for which all students are held responsible. She promotes total parent involvement at all school sites. She strives for a safe, secure and welcoming learning environment. She strives to develop a long-term strategic budget plan that supports facilities worthy of our students and academic improvement. However, she also understands that for all this to occur, the school district must prioritize competitive salaries to attract highly qualified administrators, teachers and other certificated and classified staff.

Tricia Gradias is a hard-working dedicated board member who will continue to give her best to this community. This is why we endorse and encourage the Fillmore Unified School District trustee Area 4 voters to re-elect Tricia Gradias.

VOTE NOVEMBER 5TH FOR TRICIA GRADIAS TRUSTEE AREA 4

Tony & Ruth Prado
Fillmore, Ca.

To the Editor:

Martin, I apologize. As you know, I had planned not to write another LTTE until after the election. However, I watched the Trump Rally in Madison Square Garden, and I cannot contain myself. The Trump Party was on full display, and it was heartbreakingly racist and disdainful of American citizens.

The warm-up “comedian” at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally on Sunday shockingly reflected Trump’s well-known racism and crudity. Tony Hinchcliffe remarked that “Puerto Rico is a floating island of garbage” (Trump having already deemed our country a “garbage can”) and observed that many Latinos were present. His statements about “these Latinos, they love making babies, too.” What followed I will not repeat but the point was that their presence is an invasion. It was meant to convey passive-aggressive contempt (“it’s just a joke!”). Hinchcliffe laughed about cutting up watermelons with his black friend, and about Jews loving money. It was sickening. MAGA laughed and cheered.

As usual, Trump denied knowing the “comedian,” so refused to apologize, though some of his horrified staff did. We all know he lies, anyway.

The rally was an explosion of toxic masculinity, crude and aggressive. Trump’s mantra of “Make America Great Again,” came sharpy into focus as “Make America Masculine Again.” The NYT described it as “a carnival of misogyny.” One speaker referred to Harris’ staffers as “pimp handlers.” Trump knows that he’s losing women as they fight for their, and their sisters’, rights to control their own bodies, so he is pumping up aggrieved young men who feel denied their male birthright of (white) power (a big issue with Steve Bannon). So, order must be restored and society “returned to normal,” where men have complete control. And everybody knows and remains in their place.
It was stunning, then, to also see how Trump cavorted on stage with Elon Musk, congratulating him for firing anyone who tries to join a union at “X”. “He’s just so great!” exclaimed Trump. The very men to whom Trump implicitly promises their control birthright are the same ones he would fire if they struck for higher wages, and he has admitted to firing employees who were needed for overtime. Trump is anti-labor and MAGA seems not to recognize the hypocrisy.

For the first time in our history, a former president requires immunity to escape presidential criminality. A convicted felon for fraud, an adjudicated rapist, twice-impeached, a grossly crass man who disrespects other races and women, a liar of near-mythic status, who will bend to a “bad neighborhood” dictator who might hurt him, who was indicted for stealing Top Secret US documents, who considers the Constitution optional if it doesn’t deliver his will, and shows increasing evidence of dementia. Notice the hungry, glittering eyes of JDVance as it progresses.
The Wall Street Journal quotes the International Monetary Fund’s prediction that the US will grow 2.5% in this last quarter over last year, the fastest growing economy [Biden/Harris] among the other wealthy nations, due to stronger consumer spending boosted by rising real, or inflation-adjusted, wages, and largely restored the economy after the devastating Covid recession (and more to do).
The Choice.

Kelly Scoles,
Fillmore, Ca.

To the Editor,

I am writing in support of my very good friend Tricia Gradias who is running as an incumbent for the Fillmore Unified School Board. We were colleagues at San Cayetano School. She was my son’s third grade teacher. We were in a group called “Loving Arms” working with young moth-ers. We attended class and studied together to get our administrative credentials. Now we teach Family Formation classes at Saint Francis in adjoining rooms. I know her strong work ethic. I know her dedication to youth. I know her heart and her faith. But above all, I know her persis-tence. She will never give up or tire when seeking a better education for students. She listens to the concerns of parents. She honored the hard work of the staff when she was the principal of San Cayetano School. Tricia Gradias has all the qualifications to be an outstanding School Board Member.

However, there is much more. She knows Fillmore. Fillmore High School was recently named a California Distinguished School. That designation took years of work on the part of everybody. The Board hired an outstanding and local Superintendent, Christine Schieferle. They have hired and maintained high caliber staff. They have implemented quality instructional materials and strategies that have raised the learning levels of all students from TK to seniors. I have no doubt there are more accolades to come.

Let’s keep this going! Thank them for their service. Vote for Tricia Gradias and Olivia Palacio for Fillmore School Board!
Jan Lee,

Fillmore, Ca.

To the Editor, Fillmore Gazette,

Fillmore Unified School District is getting noticed for all the right reasons!

I am writing to whole-heartedly endorse Tricia Gradias in her bid to retain her seat on the Fillmore Unified School District Board. I have had the privilege of knowing Tricia for nearly 25 years, and throughout that time, she has consistently acted in the best interest of our students.

As a proud Fillmore native, Tricia has dedicated her entire career to serving our children—as a teacher, administrator, and now as a Trustee. It was under her leadership as Board President that the district made the pivotal decision to hire Christine Schieferle as our superintendent, setting Fillmore Unified on a transformative path toward greater success.

Tricia Gradias under-stands the needs of our schools, and her long-standing commitment to our students and community is unmatched. Let’s keep this momentum going. Please vote for Tricia Gradias, FUSD Area 4, and continue supporting the positive changes in our district.

Sincerely,

Janey Muñoz
Fillmore, Ca.

Letter to the Editor:

October 22, 2024

To the Editor:

I was born 15 years after WWII ended. So, when I got to middle school, that era looked way back in my rearview mirror. Still, in the 7th grade, I wondered why all people back then didn’t stand with the Jews by wearing yellow stars. I imagined thinking, “They can’t kill us all!” …That’s easy to say, and easier to think when ones world still looks like a fair place.
At a recent rally where JD Vance was speaking, someone from the crowd called out, “Jesus is King!” The Veep contender acknowledged this by saying, “That’s right, Jesus is King!” Hearing that, I had not realized that when a student or two at a Kamala Harris rally had just yelled, “Jesus is Lord,” she had responded, “Oh, you guys are at the wrong rally! …No, I think you meant to go to the smaller one down the street.” (The crowd loved that.)

Then, yesterday, Donald Trump said that Vice President Harris was basically telling Christians to get lost, but his campaign would not say that: Instead, to those who would find themselves being outsiders to the current Democrat cause, his message was “Get out and vote!”

If you believe in polls, right now, they look fairly even. Yet, I wonder how many polling organizations accurately represent likely voters? So, maybe this race for the Presidency isn’t as tight as it looks on the nightly news. If that bothers you, “Get Out and Vote!”

Respectfully,

Stephenie Thomas
Fillmore, Ca.

Letter to the Editor

Kamala Harris is making her second attempt to ascend to the highest office in America. Back in 2019 she ran on those values she held dear - end fracking, free public college tuition for most, Medicare for all, buyback gun program, expand the Supreme Court, and abortion after the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. She was the first to drop out of that race, an indication that the vast majority of American’s did not support her values.

Now, as she faces her second attempt to be president, she has stated her values haven’t changed. If that is the case, what are we to believe? One is left to assume that means the positions she took in 2019 are based on the values she still holds.
It’s evident Harris has two problems. First, voters don’t know who she is (or maybe trust what she says?). She has yet to articulate how she intends to accomplish the policies she is going to implement in your behalf.

And the second? It’s the more they see the less they like her (as it was in 2019). And if it can’t get much worse, democrats haven’t decided who they want her to be either. They want you to ignore all she has done throughout her entire career, either before reaching the national stage or what she did when she did reach it. They keep putting forward this new Kamala and with two weeks to go we still don’t know who that new person is.

Patti Walker
Fillmore, Ca.

To the Editor:

Governor Chris Sununu (R-NH) recently defended Trump by asserting that “character” is not that important in a president. I never expected such a statement from an elected official. What, then is important?

Mental health? Increasingly, Trump makes rambling, unfiltered statements like telling women to “slap” their husbands around and “get the fat pig off the couch” and vote. Of late, he regularly shares profanity, vulgarities, or threats. Trump told attendees at the Al Smith Dinner for Catholic Charities that he “didn’t give a shit” about making jokes about himself. Last weekend he spoke warmly about the size of deceased legendary golfer Arnold Palmer’s genitalia (this is not normal in a mentally healthy adult). Trump said it’s “very dangerous” for Kamala Harris voters to identify themselves, because they’ll “get hurt.”

Trump told the Wall Street Journal (“WSJ”) that he wouldn’t have to” use military force against China because leader Xi “respects me and he knows I’m f*cking crazy.” He defended armed persons who shut down FEMA efforts in NC. “We have to let people know how they’re doing;” and with guns. In fact, there has been significant bipartisan endorsement of FEMA’s efforts. Trump said he would invoke a law, the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, to speed up deportations [he has said, “It will be bloody”], “ we’re not going to play games.” But in 1798, politicians had also made it “legal to own slaves and illegal for women to vote in America.” You can’t enforce a piece of a law.

The most troubling threat is that, in a preemptive strike to inflame doubt in this year’s election, the RNC has indulged MAGA paranoia over unproven, and court-rejected, conspiracy theories of “past election fraud.” They have already trained 200,000 volunteers to be “the eyes and ears of the Trump campaign” on election day. There is an emergency phone number to report “anything suspicious.” The RNC has already filed dozens of lawsuits to make it easier to purge voter rolls, personally challenge specific voters, and allow local officials to refuse to certify the election, unless Trump wins. They have already shown that they have no problem using violence to prevail. This is not the American Way.

Women, and the men who care about them, should be alarmed that Trump (an adjudicated sex offender) aspires to be a “woman’s protector” so she will never have to think about her bodily rights again. Maybe someday she won’t have to think at all.
Other supporters dismiss Trump’s extremist propositions and passive/aggressive fallback (“it’s just a joke”) as harmless bluster or entertainment: “People get all riled up over what Trump says, but it’s just his ‘schtick.’” “Trump says a lot of things, but then says, ‘No, I’m not gonna do it.’” “He just like to rile things up.” Great, in the leader of the Free World.“ “I don’t like Trump’s character or what he says, but I like his policies.” Forget honesty and character and how Trump’s lack of these qualities represents us to the world.

MAGA appears to believe that dishonest, conspiracy-driven, despot-loving Grandpa Trump is not a danger to us. And anyway, he doesn’t really mean all his militaristic, vengeful, undemocratic, dictator-envious, and violent advocations against Democrats and traditional conservatives. “It’s just his ‘schtick.’” Dead eyes glistening, predator Putin smiles.

Kelly Scoles,
Fillmore, Ca

To the Editor:

A community’s priorities are reflected in the quality and integrity of its elected officials. I had the privilege of serving the Fillmore community for 14 years as a teacher and school leader at Sespe School and Fillmore Middle School. During this time, I was fortunate to work alongside Ms. Tricia Gradias, who was not only my principal but also became a valued colleague when I transitioned to a school site administrator.

Throughout our collaboration, Tricia consistently demonstrated herself as a fierce advocate for students and their families. She prioritized their needs and posed challenging questions that led to improved academic and social-emotional opportunities for children.

Although I am no longer part of FUSD, I remain connected to the community and stay informed about the district’s progress—much of which is a testament to Tricia’s dedication as a trustee. With 24 years of experience as an educator, I wholeheartedly endorse Ms. Tricia Gradias for her continued leadership on the FUSD Board. She exemplifies integrity, transparency, and accountability.

The students and families of Fillmore and Piru deserve a trustee who will fiercely represent their interests, and they have that in Tricia Gradias.

Scott Carroll, Ed.D.
Oxnard, Ca

To the Editor:

The community of Fillmore and the students and their families of Fillmore Unified would greatly benefit by reelecting Tricia Gradias to the FUSD School Board. My name is Kathy Elliott, a former teacher at San Cayetano Elementary School, and I had the privilege of working with Tricia for 14 years. She and I team taught and worked closely together to ensure that our students got the very best education. Tricia’s passion for students and families of her community were always at the forefront of her teaching. She always focused on what was best for all students and did so in a loving, supportive way. I have known Tricia and have witnessed her consistent work ethic as we worked collaboratively developing curricular units for our grade level. She is a true team player and is deeply committed to what she believes in. Her work ethic is inspirational, and her follow-through is unfailing. She has garnered the respect and trust of the families in Fillmore. She has accomplished a great deal in serving the students and families of FUSD during her time as a School Board Member.

I highly endorse Tricia Gradias and her continued leadership on the FUSD School Board.

Kathy Elliott
Ventura, CA

To the Editor:

The time is now when you must make decisions that will impact not only your life in the immediate future but in ages to come. This choice will not only affect you but further millions of children and their descendants. God has made his choice and made it incontestable in scripture.

Deuteronomy 30:19 NKJV

I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;

I write primarily to those who believe in the God of the motto on our currency; “In God we Trust”. For those who choose not to believe, you must admit that the Creator called out in the Declaration of Independence established undeniable principles on the earth which must be adhered to for survival. Gravity effects everyone equally and eating (the absorption of nutrients) as well as breathing must be sustained for every living thing or death is inevitable. Choosing our leaders, laws and enforcement are principles written in the Bible. ( Deuteronomy 1:15)

If you consider yourself to be of a Christian persuasion and are still undecided on whether to vote, the answer is clearly written in God’s Word. In Joshua 24:15 it is written, ‘Choose you now the god you will serve’. The people were given a choice they had to make. It was not optional. In Deuteronomy 30 above, God said to choose.

In the parables of Matthew 25 and Luke 19 the owner of the property commanded both His servants and His stewards to oversee His property and increase it until His return. He rewarded those who had obeyed His instructions but the one who had buried what was given to him had it taken from him. He was called a wicked and lazy servant and thrown out into the darkness. The Lord made known His dismay at those who refused to obey His directions to use the authority He had given them to build His kingdom. How much more will He be displeased with those He calls hirelings in John 10:11, 12, who have been called to be shepherds of His flock but flee from the wolf, (government) leaving the flock to be scattered and unsure of their responsibility to make their voices heard by voting?

When Christians refuse to vote, by default they have chosen government to be the god of this world rather than the Creator Who promised in our Constitution to give them the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. God has said; ‘choose life’. The Written Word tells us that the devil comes only to rob, murder and destroy. Revelation 12: 11 tells us that we overcome through the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.

Back in 2016 Hillary Clinton said that those who didn’t vote for her were deplorable. The devil as he always does twists and confuses words. It is my reasoning that the actual deplorable s’ are those who refuse to search the platforms of the political parties and vote for those most closely adhering to God’s Biblical precepts, principles and commands. Whatever you decide to vote, don’t abstain ! Depending on what poll you hear, between 20a% and 40% of Christians did not vote in the last election and you should be able to recognize what that failure has forced upon us.

Stan Mason,
Fillmore, Ca

To the Editor:

A nonpartisan suggestion:

Don’t use the ballot drop boxes. [i.e. The white ballot drop box located in front of the Fillmore library.] Drop boxes have been tampered with in the past. Examples: liquid poured in through the slot, fire put in through the slot, which destroys ballots. You will not be notified because your ballot will be ultimately destroyed.

Instead, drop your ballot at one of many voting centers, which will be open on Oct 28 through Nov 5 or at the Ventura County Elections office. The Voting Center here in Fillmore will be located at St. Francis Catholic Church on Hwy 126.
You can also vote in person at these voting centers as well.

Both of these suggestions are safer options.

And also, sign up for “WheresMyBallot.”

From:

A Concerned Citizen, Fillmore, Ca

To the Editor:

My name is Karen Ashim, and as a teacher, assistant principal, and counselor at Fillmore High School, I worked closely with Olivia Palacio and endorse her continued leadership on the FUSD School Board.

Olivia has expertise working with students with special needs and all of the students at Fillmore Middle School and High School. As the FHS career tech, she helped all students make plans for after high school. As the UCSB rep, she assisted the counselors to ensure students who wanted to go to college fulfill the requirements. She made time to meet with parents and students after work hours.

Olivia was a working mother as she completed her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Counseling. She is determined to be prepared for helping students by reading and researching the complex issues so that she has a clear understanding of the topics and problems brought to the school board. She takes the time to listen to students, staff, and parents in English and Spanish.

Many of you know Olivia; you know her background as a Fillmore resident for many years and an employee working at Fillmore schools. You know her character, ability, and her judgment.

I no longer work at FHS, but I read the school board agenda, and the weekly Fillmore Gazette. I miss FHS and am very proud of the CA Distinguished School Award. And, I endorse Olivia Palacio for the School Board and thank her for the many years of support to the students.

Karen Ashim,
Fillmore, Ca.

To the Editor:

Martin, your last Editorial was breathtaking in its obtuse assertions, several of which were darkly amusing. My allegations last week are easily checked, if truth is what you’re after.

Your defense of E. Jean Carroll’s verdict of “sexual abuse” rather than “rape” was astonishing. You see, in NY, unconsented sexual penetration with anything other than the male organ, even fingers or a foreign object, is not “rape” as it is everywhere else; it is “sexual abuse.” That’s how your guy escaped the “R” word. Proudly insisting on the distinction is pathetic.

I stifled an outright but inappropriate laugh at your “what-about” fruit salad (apples and oranges) equating January 6 with reactions to George Floyd’s murder. Martin, “insurrection” requires that the revolt be against the government. The tragic violence following George Floyd’s murder began as Civil Rights demonstrations against police brutality. January 6 was a deliberate revolt at the Capitol resulting in several deaths, threats to the VP and Speaker with hanging, the purpose of which was to interfere with a Constitutional process required of Congress. The fact that it was directed by the then-president makes it all the more egregious. There were few guns and knives in the hands of the insurrectionists because the police had already confiscated hundreds of them at the Ellipse.

I have already provided several direct quotes of Trump’s repeated derogatory statements about the military dead and wounded. You simply refuse to confront them. I have noticed that you don’t even try to deny Trump’s flagrant flirting with Putin and other tyrants.

Trump’s cruelest lies last week, echoed by you, were about the “failure of the Biden administration’s response to Hurricane Helene.” In fact, President Biden immediately committed FEMA funding in communications with the governors. Each Republican and Democratic governor roundly contradicted Trump’s falsities, and had to explain to understandably alarmed constituents that all the expected assistance was in fact in place or on its way. And that the Biden administration “did not cause the hurricane.”

What sort of a person amplifies the pain of people already suffering unfathomable loss, and increases their anxiety and despair? Trump did it on the chance that voters would devolve further into outrage, the currency of Trumpism. And then there are those who repeat the lies, truth immaterial.

On Sunday, Trump told Fox that the military should control his political opponents if there is unrest after the November election. “I think the bigger problem [not Russia or North Korea] is the people from within, we have some very bad people, we have some sick people, radical left lunatics. And I think…it should be very easily handled by, if necessary, by National Guard, or if really necessary by the military.” In fact, it is MAGA that has engaged in violence, on January 6, 2021, and threats of “retribution” thereafter. Trump has already said that it will only be a “free and fair” election if he wins.
Does this sound like the United States of America?

Kelly Scoles,
Fillmore, Ca

To the Editor:

Some time ago, a writer asked for positive comments about political policies. Here are my comments on the Biden administration’s migration policies.

Trump’s family separation policy was cruel and traumatizing, and if it wasn’t inhumane enough, Trump created no way to track these children or reunite them with their families. When he did that, those children became our responsibility—to feed, clothe, house, educate, and raise to adulthood. Biden reunited as many as he could locate—in line with the tenants of Christianity.

Kamala Harris never was “border czar.” Harris’ more ambitious remit was to address the “root causes.” The best way to stop the flood of migrants is to give them a reason to stay home, to improve conditions so it isn’t worth the risk. When people are hungry, abused, and fearful, no wall is high enough or strong enough to stop them.

Harris successfully worked to create jobs, support labor, fight corruption, reduce violence, and improve human rights—in their home countries. She met with regional leaders, business leaders, and NGO’s. She supported humanitarian relief. She’s worked on anticorruption efforts within the judicial systems in the US, Mexico, and Guatemala to prosecute corruption cases. She went to the sources instead of waiting for them to get to our border. It’s not a quick soundbite, like “build the wall.” Yet it is ultimately far more effective.

The Biden administration supported the bipartisan efforts led by ultra-conservative Sen. James Langford to create the first meaningful legislation proposed in decades. It was discarded because Trump wanted a campaign issue instead of a solution.
Lastly, Biden is addressing climate change. This crisis is driving people from the mountains in South America, destabilizing cities. Mexico City is nearly out of water. What is going to happen when it’s gone? When the search is for water, no “wall” will turn back migrants, anywhere.

Buckle up. Unless we address these issues, this problem will get worse, no matter who is president, no matter how many of our Christian principles we are willing to abandon. We need something a whole lot smarter than a wall built on sand.

Pat Collins,
Fillmore, Ca

To the Editor:

October 8, 2024

When one of the most famous things that a candidate for public office has said is that she “loves a yellow school bus,” we should believe her. Sadly, I fear I am too cynical when I struggle to do this. I do understand that we all say things we don’t mean. There are, of course, enough people who won’t vote for Donald Trump because he said he is going to be “a dictator on day one” – but what wannabe would let that slip? So, if 45 hopes to become 47, Trump’s supporters must understand what hyperbole is.

If Kamala Harris had said that yellow school buses are important, that would simplify the matter. However, if she had said that their drivers need to be worthy of our trust getting our children where they need to go, how many of us would actually trust her to get them there? Our Veep’s biggest achievement should not be that President Biden is still alive.

We the People need to understand that words and actions must be related. Also important: foreign leaders need to believe our leaders’ words. When Joe Biden has said, “Don’t!” how many leaders shook in their boots? Ever?

You may or may not like Donald Trump, but other countries’ presidents, etc. didn’t risk doubting him. When he said, “If you do X, I will place high tariffs on you,” they didn’t do X. We need a powerful negotiator to have our backs and our kids’ backs too.

When Kamala Harris was nominated to be Vice President, I saw that it wasn’t just the Biden family who needed to know that “de Nile ain’t just a river in Egypt” and that trouble was brewing. For many years, when the CA Secretary of State’s election booklet was delivered, whenever Ms. Harris had happened to sign her name to a proposition indicating that she was in favor of or opposed to it, she showed us who she was – even if she didn’t write those statements herself. Californians who read those arguments had a head start knowing her before the rest of the nation did. Now that the V.P. is recognized by all, many fail to remember what she said before she tried to move towards the right during this election. It should be obvious that this lady couldn’t win the Fillmore Rotary Club’s annual speech competition for high school students on her best day unless the goal of such a competition became to honor those who best obfuscate their message.

When our leaders say they want to “save democracy,” the people need to understand that we have a constitutional republic - not a democracy. Our leaders must be also be able to clearly state their plans – and not just “hide in a basement” or be willing to move unless so directed by a puppet-master.

If there is one subject most all of us can agree on, it is that Donald Trump is not controlled by anyone’s strings. He knows the direction he intends to go. He communicates his goals consistently. He is also surrounded by people of high character to keep him on the right path. The former President’s record for keeping his promises is also unsurpassed. Let that inform you when you vote! Donald J. Trump for President!

Respectfully,

Stephenie Thomas
Fillmore, CA

To the Editor:

Both Harris and Trump have taken vows to uphold the Constitution, but only Trump has said that the Constitution is optional if he loses the election.

Both have had experience in the WH and national government, but Harris did not foment a violent insurrection at the Capitol against a constitutional process as did Trump, who has intermittently admitted his “Big Lie,” rejected by all courts including SCOTUS.

Harris has published an Economic Opportunity document outlining her national proposals. Policy-Book-Economic-Opportunity.pdf (kamalaharris.com). Trump has a “concept of a plan” but laughably denies his source document, Project 2025, though his name appears in it 318 times.

Harris fights for the rights of women to insist on authority over their own reproductive health. Trump, an adjudicated rapist and self-proclaimed “p*ssy-grabber” who “moved on her like a b*tch,” promises that, “[women] will no longer be abandoned, lonely or scared. You will be protected, and I will be your protector.” Harris’ response was that American women don’t need Trump’s “protection,” they demand to be TRUSTED with their own reproductive health decisions, and not stand mute while politicians banter about just how much bodily freedom women should be allowed.

Both have extensive knowledge of law enforcement and the court system. Harris, as a long-time criminal prosecutor specializing in sexual abuse cases and corporate fraud and malfeasance, and Trump as a defendant.
Harris and Biden have demonstrated the political principles and will to support those in need, while Trump wants to legislate nationalized “Old Testament Christianity,” which the First Amendment forbids.

Harris and Biden are notoriously pro-Labor and Trump is anything but. He has praised Elon Musk for his willingness to fire people “at will,” suspend pensions, and spontaneously reduce employee rights. He has stiffed his own non-union employees for overtime. Trump despises anyone not wealthy, but only after they’ve voted for him.

Harris believes that our financial inequality can be improved, as it historically has, by increasing taxes on the very wealthy who magnificently benefit from the infrastructure for which we all have paid. In a democracy, a healthy capitalistic system requires a strong Middle-Class to flourish. Trump promises to renew his tax breaks for the wealthy.
Harris has never threatened opponents or endorsed a despotic leader. Trump has, frequently. Of course the Russian Invasion of Ukraine would never have happened, had Trump been president! He would have deferred to Russia at the first car backfire. All he has to do is appease the tyrant and, conflict over!

The rejection of Trump isn’t about political party any more. It is confounding that ordinary Americans, who otherwise ably function in our world, many of whom are known to me as intelligent, caring, and devoted Americans, still embrace Trump’s concocted persona, continuous lies, vengeful promises, and authoritarian prospect for our democracy, even after he has repeatedly disparaged military wounded and dead, and belittles “believers” in private. Democrats, some Republicans and Independents, recognize Trump’s ilk from history.

Maybe the base thinks it will land on the right side of Trumpism, whatever comes. But history shows that authoritarians have no loyalty once they secure power, unless the minions conform always, and completely. Trump has revealed many, many times, his lack of allegiance to others, even friends. Loyalty is a one-way street for Trump, in his direction.

Kelly Scoles,
Filmore, Ca