To the Editor:
I understand Musk’s “chainsaw” approach to budget cuts—the try it, see what happens approach. After all, in the tech world, there’s always an UNDO button. There’s a job, testers, who are dedicated to breaking things. I wasn’t a tester, but when I worked in the industry, I found an error (aka broke) something in one company’s system that shut the whole company down for two weeks. For another company, the problem I found was so big, I earned a major bonus for finding it. Ultimately, in tech world, any problem can be solved with the UNDO button.
If only that were true for the rest of life.
A health care initiative giving condoms can sound outrageous—and grab headlines—but when it’s understood to stop the spread of AIDS over there before it gets here, it makes financial sense. Laying off workers while you wait to see where the real need is can seem to make sense. Until you realize there is no UNDO button for either of those scenarios.
When a family is thrown into chaos because they’ve lost their income and health benefits, and their knowledge and expertise is lost to the organization. When AIDS spreads to your shore. When relief foods are left rotting on a dock and people are left starving, and farmers are left uncompensated. There is no UNDO button for that.
Human lives cannot be reduced to a series of 1’s and 0’s that can be deleted and rearranged at will. And that’s what Musk has a hard time computing.
Pat Collins,
Fillmore, Ca.
To the Editor:
Since Martin has warned us of his waning patience, I will honor his distress and briefly address Jean McLeod’s LTTE of last week.
Jean, the cost of lettuce I used was an educated guess by people more knowledgeable than I for a projected worst-case estimate of an extended loss of immigrant labor. You seem to be upset about several things, and I am sorry that you think I write to induce fear. I write to share what I see but, yes, the view is increasingly chaotic and alarming under this administration, especially for many independent farmers. Will the Republican congressionals ever function again to balance the powers of their newly-elected radical executive? So far, crickets.
Given the economic imbalance, there are many people, mostly children, who would experience extreme malnutrition in the “richest nation on earth” without SNAP or WIC. Is dying really your test of need? Many people you so ungraciously call “fat” may have metabolic or other issues, or can only afford cheaper higher-calorie carbohydrates, like bread or pasta, but can’t always financially access less processed sources of food. But you’re likely right that they sometimes splurge and buy that ice cream cone their kids don’t really need, but want. The shameless reprobates.
NB: There are ways to successfully identify and correct wasteful practices. Trump’s brilliant formula to appoint a man who is even more untethered than he to “burn this village to save it” is not one of them.
Kelly Scoles,
Fillmore, Ca.
To the Editor:
The first time I heard the phrase “Lettuce will be five dollars a head” was almost twenty years ago. May 1st of 2006 when those here illegally marched and protested by the thousands in the streets of Los Angeles. Well the lettuce never reached even close to that price, yet now Kelly Scoles jumped that price up to ten dollars a head. That’s what Democrats do, they use fear and what better fear than the thought that you’re going to go hungry! No more SNAP or WIC. Oh what will we do, so much fear, be afraid.
The majority of cost in farming is marketing, not labor or lack of it. Marketing includes; the cost of land, water, seed, fertilizer, packaging, transportation, equipment, placement, advertising, bookkeeping/office/legal/insurance just to name some of ;the costs. Blackberry farmers years back couldn’t find the labor needed, so they bought machines to pick the crop. Later it was reported that the harvest cost was less and was much more sanitary. But knowing something as simple as how a business functions doesn’t support the emotional scare tactics of those who benefit from a socially engineered society to believe they need protection from common sense. So why not bring out the old line, “Lettuce will be $10 a head”.
Look into the future crystal ball and feel all the fear of starvation and having no one there to save you but them. Does anyone starve in this country? No, we are too fat from over processed food.
Maybe a better, more accurate vision for our citizens’ future should be a society that takes responsibility for our actual needs instead of unnecessary wants.
We need good medical care, not just taking a pill. Good schools where students actually learn. Food that isn’t over processed. Try finding beef, chicken or fish (not pork) at the market with a bone today. Beef, chicken, fish bones support our hair, skin and nails. Notice how just about everything is “boneless”. Those bones are sold to the supplement manufacturers to make collagen and then sold to the public as a pill or powder. Try getting fresh fish. We live 20 miles from the ocean, yet the market sells us frozen fish from thousands of miles away.
Today, an average of 300 US citizens die of fentanyl EACH DAY! Yes EACH DAY. Not a week or month. But each day. During Biden, the drugs along with the prison population of hundreds of countries, crossed that border. Yet, last week there were some truly ignorant people protesting in this town to let that continue and keep the status quo. Is that the benefit of a failed education and cartel influence?
What’s most valuable doesn’t come easy. It takes endurance and sometimes sacrifice for a better future. We need to start fixing it now!
Jean McLeod,
Fillmore, Ca.
To the Editor:
You haven’t lost a move since last we sparred, Martin. You are as nimble as ever in vaulting over core issues and coming to a wobbly landing on collateral points. It should be obvious by now that the P2025 blueprint was never intended to be legislated, but rather to be enacted by edict of the president (and his bonus co-executive, neo-Nazi-supporting Elon Musk). The “first 100 days” of P2025 was designed as a blitzkrieg of power through illegal, unconstitutional, unilateral acts designed to instill confusion and disorientation in the government and population. Trump decided long ago that in chaos there is opportunity. None of it occurred as the result of “a bill.” I assure you that this is just the beginning of the onslaught. The effects haven’t yet reached the general population.
In only one month Trump II has made it clear that the Republican Congress will bend to his will or be punished, and few have shown any desire to challenge him and provide the “balance of power” intended in the Constitution. Some make little critter squeaks of objection, but inevitably back down. Does it concern you that Trump has given data-junkie Musk (without oath of office or requirement for advise and consent from Congress) historically unique, sweeping powers including access to your private data, without parameters or transparency?
In addition, Trump, VP Vance, Gym Jordan, Marco Rubio, and other MAGA Republicans have lately insisted that the Judicial Branch has no authority to determine the constitutionality of Trump’s executive decisions. Trumpians have declared that any judge not agreeing with him, as president or personally, is a “rogue judge” and will be impeached.
These moves, coupled with the recent SCOTUS decision in Trump v. US, finding that a former president cannot be prosecuted even for crimes committed during his term of office, signal Trump’s belief that he has absolutely no impediment to doing anything at all. He rejects the Constitutional requirement of checks and balances provided by Congress and the Judicial Branch. What makes you think he will govern at the will of the voters if he rejects the Constitutional requirement of “balance of power?”
January 6 has already shown that Trump won’t honor the will of the people unless it is his own.
Kelly Scoles,
Fillmore, Ca.
To the Editor:
I promised myself I would stand back from the Trump II administration to see what unfolded. I will step over discussion of Greenland, Panama, Canada, the proposed displacement of Palestinians and theft of Gaza to build the “Middle East Riviera,” (a US [Trump]-owned vacation spot first proposed a year ago by Jared Kushner), or that your personal information, including financial data, has been entrusted by Trump to an unelected, unvetted, unethical, and unscrupulously self-interested data/power addict who bought himself a presidency, the looming economic crisis, assorted unconstitutional executive decisions, and Trump’s proposed sell-out of Ukraine to Russia.
I write to tell you, Martin, that I am sorry you rejected my entreaties to acquaint yourself with P2025 sometime back. It’s right on target. Its co-author, Russell Vought, has been confirmed as OMB Director and helped to prepare draft executive orders for Trump II, though you may recall that Trump had denied any knowledge of it. Prepare to watch Trump ignore Congress and even the Courts to implement his P2025 objective of remaking government so that it is no longer responsible to the electorate, but solely to the Unitary Executive and his allegiances.
On day one, Trump froze federal aid programs for 90 days, an impoundment of funds Congress had already appropriated. This is a usurpation of the congressional “power of the purse” and is not within a president’s constitutional authority. Several courts have already enjoined the action. “Shock and Awe” is intended to completely disorient people who believe their government would never betray them.
But last weekend VP Vance and other MAGA congressionals insisted that “judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power” (not to be confused with the newly-hatched presidential immunity) and should not determine the constitutionality of the president’s handing the nation’s Treasury management to his largest campaign donor, or weigh in on Trump’s attempt to revise the 14th Amendment by executive order. The Republican Congress shows no sign of claiming its duty to “advise and consent,” insisting instead on self-castrating its own congressional power. Trump’s oligarch Cabinet was chosen to never challenge him. That leaves The People.
What will happen when Trumpian policies hit the streets and P2025 unfolds at the granular level? When, without immigrants, lettuce will be $10/head and milk $8/quart? When there are major cuts to our neighbors’ SNAP and WIC? When the CDC and WHO no longer keep data or furnish information about the rising number of horrific diseases and potential cures? When ACA health insurance is decimated? Or when it becomes clear that the educational needs of special students are inessential to “making America great again’? Who will excuse it when grandma’s SSA check and Medicare are reduced so that millionaires can get the renewed Trump tax cut?
Kelly Scoles,
Fillmore, Ca
To the Editor:
A Big 4 Paw Salute and Thanks to the Fillmore Community!!
We, at C.A.R.L.’s Pet Care Center in Santa Paula, want to thank the community of Fillmore!
Last week, the Mountain Fire caused us to evacuate our entire group of Rescue animals, off of Mission Rock Rd. in Santa Paula. Putting our Evacuation plan in to action and sending out S.O.S. on Facebook, we were surrounded by amazing group of wonderful people. Quickly we had a location for evacuation. Trucks, Trucks with horse trailers, an R.V. and private cars as well loaded with animals and headed for Fillmore.
Once we were at the evacuation site, Faith Community Church welcomed us and local Fillmorians, continued to shower us with love and care. Blankets, water, ice, treats, donations and wishes to help were in abundance! The staff was also treated with drinks, pizza, coffee runs, and a freshly prepared homemade breakfast and sweets.
It was wonderful to see the spirit of your community, wrap their arms around us in such a trying time. We are back now at our facility, safe a sound. Our volunteers were, beyond words, the most dedicated and courageous people we know!
Please know we couldn’t have been successful without each and everyone of you. Stop by so that we may Thank you in person. We are located on: 901 Mission Rock Rd., Santa Paula.
Look forward to seeing you again,
Sincerely,
C.A.R.L.’S Pet Care Center Staff
Santa Paula, Ca
To the Editor:
The people have spoken loudly! They do not want to live in an artificial world of make believe, where Hollywood actors and entertainers portray an imitation of life as real and the elites are our betters or where society and science can be changed at will.
It is time for common sense and judgement, not emotions, to guide our path forward. Overwhelmingly this election declared we are not some movie script where society must become a cast of joiners to the elitist class cult or fear being canceled. If you do not use the correct pronouns, being told what to say or when to speak you may risk losing your job, career or future.
The leftist cult used personal traits like skin color, sex or gender to divide society. Coming right out of those “Rules For Radicals” Saul Alinsky game book that Hillary Clinton uses as a bible with the goal of creating a social structure of dependence and victimhood. It was well on its way. Why promote fortitude and responsibility when fear and entitlement will make your cult leaders the heroes. Creating the victim mentality is all that’s needed to get enough hate in someone to join the ‘fight”. Then along came DEI. Diversity is NOT our strength, it is just an ingredient in a complex society. Our strength is believing in each other as individuals with a common goal, a society that benefits our future. Equity is a farce. No one on this earth is equal to any other, we all have our own qualities of strengths and weaknesses, but getting a trophy and not achieving the goal only reduces the quality or significance of the act. It is not equality. That is part of those word games the left cons its followers into believing. Then there’s the Inclusion part. Being forced to accept all the artificial, synthetic, fake people who demand you embrace them is not the freedom of association we should demand. What’s next that we must tolerate: pedifillia, crime, no parents allowed because the children belong to the government? Sound familiar?
Yes, the people have spoken loudly. They want to live in a country with a social structure where respect for females is required and males are admired for their manly characteristics, and where schools teach every student basic life skills of reading, writing, math, civics and history and our country and flag is respected. That sure works for me.
Jean McCloud
Filmore, Ca.
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