Letters
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- Written by: Richard Conway
I have had it with the Republicans in the state of California and the United States Senate and Congress who have completely ignored the will of the people and have held their positions on tax increases to please their high money contributors, lobbyists and the Republican National Committee.
I hope a middle class revolution will start in this state and country that will encourage voters and people that are not registered to vote to register as Republican so they can vote against the incumbent Republican, and have voter registration forms available for them to do so.
Those incumbent Republican politicians who follow the lead of the Republican National Committee all need to be reminded that this is a free country, and no matter how you are registered to vote, you have a right to change your registration to vote as a Republican. In the primary elections for the next six years you will have an opportunity to vote against those Republican incumbents who refused to vote for the will of the people and instead voted for their big money friends interest.
This will not be needed in states that let you cross party lines in the primary election; this will not work.
Richard Conway lives in Clearlake.
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- Written by: James Henderson
I was a wide-eyed person with love of the Constitution, respect for those in authority who stood guard, vigilantly aware that power was placed in their keeping.
I in fact can't say it was true then, only that was what I believed.
With that faith, the Marines were my choice to meet that obligation when my county called, willing to serve – no draft for me.
I tell you this so not to praise but to inform. As I have reached the sun setting on my life I want people to understand why I'm critical of government.
People look on those who protest government as delusional, just town clowns or malcontents; to be sure, some of that must be true. I am not one of them.
You see the decay of our government were the ends justify the means; there's no accountability.
I've made an effort for six years to inform the community and show how the local system of government really works. The understanding is complete. The seeds of discontent are not only sown but sprouting within our government and we are the fertilizer. It's easy to understand when you are one of their victims.
I have not found within Lake County government that “might makes right,” only that the “ends justifies the means.” Now it seems all have clammed up. My faith with this government has been replaced with animosity. This government, with ever-expanding power with a loss of accountability to those that government was intended to serve, most assuredly will not endure.
I will take the side of history that this experiment with freedom will end and the replacement is yet to be seem.
To those who would imply that I'm other than what I say, you're wrong.
James Henderson lives in Lakeport.
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- Written by: Dave Gebhard
Eight years of their disastrous leadership has crippled this country, financially, morally, made us a laughing stock and, worst of all, made us hypocrites. Yes, made us into those who say, “Do as I say, not as I do.”
Now, they stubbornly refuse to assist our president in straightening out their mess. They seem to be copying California by allowing partisan politics to stalemate government. We are so fortunate that three Republicans broke from their fellows in the Senate, or we would be “up a creek.” Though I agree tax cuts are necessary for the middle class, but not for the rich.
The rich reap the greatest rewards from our government and system of laws. Money gives great freedom and the greatest variety of choice: choice to travel, own yachts, planes, great houses, jewelry, all the best. Our system protects them, their investments, their properties. Our laws and organizations like the Securities Exchange Commission, the banking system, all give protection to the wealthy.
But many feel that wealth should be kept in the family, even when it is excessive, or in the millions of dollars. An aristocracy is not in the best interests of this nation. Horatio Algers are not coming from the Eric Princes of this world (Blackwater Inc.).
Innovation will come from the educated youth, and the H-1B workers who used to supplement our creative brain trusts in Silicon Valley. In fact, the H-1B workers who are no longer allowed into this country have created one-third of the innovative businesses in Silicon Valley. Now the brain drain is going out not in, too bad for us.
Madison Avenue helped the Republicans attain and hold power for eight years, it would be great if they could utilize their talents to win the hearts of the rest of the world, which has turned on us, due to an arrogant administration during the past eight years.
Dave Gebhard lives in Lakeport.
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- Written by: Rick Mayo
The citizens of this city continue to suffer in many ways, and repression is only one of them.
It is indeed time for a “CHANGE” in direction.
Clearlake belongs to all of the citizens who reside, pay taxes and support the limited economy here.
This is evident by the participation of the many citizens who appeared at the Clearlake City Council's Feb. 12 meeting – they all care!
The Clearlake City Council’s actions are accountable to not only the citizens of this community, but also to state of California and the federal government as well.
One of our council members enjoys writing beautiful speeches of community unity and diversity, and ran on the promise of transparency in our government; however, their actions have fallen short of expectations.
I question the council's right to limit access or deprive any citizen of their due process rights to participate in a free democracy.
The City Council's recent decision to reappoint the current planning commissioners without any public participation offered or allowed is a clear indication of the council's unwillingness to consider other applicants to participate in a free democracy.
The council has thereby denied potentially qualified applicants whose particular strengths, backgrounds, experiences and talents might contribute significantly.
Some council members have embraced the “power of discretion” in their decision making process.
I believe that you have that right! Although “power of discretion” should be measured as well as tempered; and above all it must adhere to the rule of law.
Has the council forgotten that the framers of the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence wrote these powerful documents to keep us free from the establishment of oppression, fascism and totalitarian forms of government?
While our new president continues to challenge us to help bring about change and transparency in our government, the clear message from this council is opposition!
And, in my opinion, this city government’s actions are on the wrong side of history.
Rick Mayo lives in Clearlake.
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