Letters
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- Written by: Deb Baumann
Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected in those desperate times. FDR's radical vision was for people to live Free from Want, and Free from Fear.
FDR enacted the New Deal, a program founded in the ideals of democratic socialism – good-paying jobs for all, good education for all, banking reforms and regulations to prevent another disaster brought on by unfettered greed, Social Security so our elderly could live their golden years in dignity, public works programs to build dams, bridges, roads and other infrastructure … the list goes on and on.
He was attacked, of course, by the elites. His response? "I welcome the bankers' hatred."
Far from bankrupting the country as the elites forewarned, his programs restored the economy and started us on a path of unparalleled prosperity that created a large, thriving middle class and made homeownership a dream-come-true for most Americans.
This story is personal for me. My parents were born and raised in poverty. Both dropped out of high school so they could help their struggling families survive. Both got their first jobs with the WPA, FDR's Works Progress Administration, established by Executive Order on May 6, 1935. The WPA employed 8.5 million people between 1935 and 1943. Those good-paying jobs and the educational opportunities offered by New Deal programs helped my family out of poverty and into the middle class. I grew up on stories of my dad laboring on construction projects as a teenager, and my mom, at age 16, working for a government project to bring telephone lines to rural households.
Today, we are once again struggling after a banking disaster. And once again, we have a champion ready to lead us to a better future.
Bernie Sanders’ Green New Deal, or GND, will build on what FDR started (and regain ground lost to the wealthy elites over the past 50 years). Sadly, our nation's infrastructure is in terrible disrepair due to many decades of neglect. Bernie's GND will improve roads and bridges, but it will also upgrade our energy grid to green, renewable energy. His works program will create 20 million jobs, lifting people out of poverty while also addressing the climate crisis.
His GND has detailed plans for transitioning workers and communities, including fossil fuel workers, who won't just be re-trained but also immediately EMPLOYED, perfecting their new skills on the job.
Bernie's GND will save American families money with investments in home improvement via weatherization and solar energy, public transportation, modern infrastructure and high-speed broadband.
Bernie's GND is committed to reducing emissions throughout the world, rejoining the Paris Agreement, and reasserting the United States' leadership in the global fight against climate change.
Bernie's GND invests in conservation and public lands to heal our soils, forests, and prairie lands.
And, like FDR's programs, Bernie's GND will pay for itself, within 15 years. It will be a rising tide that lifts all boats. All will benefit.
You can read details of his plan on his website at berniesanders.com
As Bernie Sanders says: "The climate crisis is not only the single greatest challenge facing our country; it is also our single greatest opportunity to build a more just and equitable future, but we must act immediately."
Deb Baumann lives in Upper Lake, California.
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- Written by: Maile Field
Her personality is large and boisterous; she will get the job done.
Lily has traveled the world, run a business, understands the challenges Lake County's ordinary citizens, as well as business owners, face.
She doesn't pretend to know what she doesn't; she is not a politician.
Maile Field lives in Cobb, California.
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- Written by: Mark Boyle
As I have listened to her vision and priorities for helping build a foundational future for Lake County, I realized that they are all of our priorities as well:
– Working diligently to make sure proven fire prevention measures are implemented district/countywide. Work to make and keep fire insurance available and affordable.
– Continuing to use her new insights and working relationships at the local and state level to rebuild, reestablish, and support a viable and lasting business/economic environment.
– Strengthening support systems for families and schools to keep families thriving in Lake County.
– Rebuilding the tax base and infrastructure; promoting rebuild efforts and a strategy to get the word to the remote-workers in the Bay Area about the advantages of Lake County living.
– Helping the large senior community in Lake County age-in-place with dignity.
– Protecting the natural beauty of Lake County and improving the health of the lake.
These are some of the reasons why Jessica has been endorsed by many other seasoned leaders and organizations – both state and local – across the political spectrum (go to her website to see the impressive list).
For myself – as an engineer with decades of problem-solving work under my belt, versed in both technical challenges and the techniques/skillset/knowledge/passion necessary to solve them – recognize these many problem-solving attributes in Jessica. In my opinion, she stands head and shoulders above her rivals for District 5 supervisor!
That is why I enthusiastically say to everyone I talk to in my district: Vote Jessica Pyska into office for District 5 on March 3, and you can be assured of a young leader who has proven to be smart, pragmatic, proactive, articulate and committed in the pursuit of a better future for her community.
Mark Boyle lives in Buckingham in Kelseyville, California.
- Details
- Written by: Barbara Christwitz, Mary Daly and Kathy Emmer
In order to vote in any election, it is required to register to vote in the county where one resides. This can be done online by completing and submitting a written voter registration. Voter registration only needs to be completed one time. Go to https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ .
Specifically, at least three of our citizen group support Bernie Sanders because of his platform, “Not Me – Us.”
Additionally, Sen. Sanders’ platform includes:
– He does not support large corporations such as drug companies and the ultra-rich. He insists that they pay their fair share of taxes.
– He supports the middle class by providing affordable healthcare for all.
– He supports combating climate change.
– He supports ensuring equal pay for women.
– He supports protecting and expanding Social Security.
On March 3, 2020, in order to vote for Bernie Sanders in the California primary, one must register either as a Democrat or no party preference, or NPP. Insist on the Democratic ballot, not a provisional ballot. The deadline to register or change your registration is Feb. 17, 2020.
Barbara Christwitz lives in Clearlake, California; and Mary Daly and Kathy Emmer live in Hidden Valley Lake, California.
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