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.