Forum letters: Newsom’s easy target and ignorant police
Newsom’s safe target
“California’s COVID-19 positive test rate is jumping. Gavin Newsom blames private gatherings” (sacbee.com, June 24):
At his June 24th press conference, Gov. Gavin Newsom gave Californians some breaking news.
With no supporting data or science, he blamed the increase in positive coronavirus tests not on increased testing, businesses reopening, or drinkers flooding bars and pubs, but on (drum roll) birthday parties and children’s play dates in private homes.
How laughably transparent.
Our governor overlooks the more likely causes of the coronavirus resurgence that are politically or economically inconvenient for him, and instead chooses a safer target, parents and small children, who have no political capital to offer him.
Mark Van Brussel,
Carmichael
Ignorant law enforcement
“Gov. Newsom told Californians to wear masks. Most in Sacramento agree — in public, at least” (sacbee.com, June 24):
Every shopper at my local Bel Air today was wearing a mask. The only exception? The Sheriff’s Department deputy stationed immediately outside.
Earlier this week he was inside, also without a mask.
When I pointed out to him that he could kill people with a single sneeze, he responded that he’s not sneezing. Oh, good.
Do he and the others like him think that his stance endears him and his organization to the law-abiding public?
It does not.
Scarlet La Rue,
Sacramento
Mask wearing is a no-brainer
“’I refuse to bow to anybody.’ Rural California defies Gov. Newsom’s order to wear masks” (sacbee.com, June 27):
When business owners refuse to comply with public health recommendations, I am not going to give them my business because I want to feel safe where I spend my money.
When I see an effigy hanging from a noose prominently displayed in public view, I am repulsed by the depiction of violence and racism and wonder why it’s ok in 2020 that a community would support keeping that startling image as representative of its values.
Politicizing a public health pandemic with arrogant defiance of the governor’s recommendation may feel righteous but its really just being ignorant of the science and shows disdain for one’s fellow human.
Wearing a mask is a no-brainer.
I will give my economic support to businesses in communities that are responsible and respectful for civic duty.
Theresa Lown,
Sacramento
Caution with a COVID-19 vaccine
“‘No masks. No vaccines.’ Battle is brewing over coronavirus immunizations in California” (sacbee.com, June 26):
I can understand people’s concerns about a coronavirus vaccine.
They might have different concerns than mine - since I’m more concerned about manufacturing problems and side effects that aren’t found before the vaccine gets to consumers. After all, there won’t be enough time to test any vaccine for long-term side effects, meaning problems might come up months later.
Also, the United States has a track record for problems with rushed vaccines.
For instance, we were rushing to make so many Polio vaccine doses, that one manufacturer wasn’t able to keep their stock uncontaminated, so it shipped out with the live Polio virus (rather than the deactivated virus) and infected those who were injected with it.
I worry that, in the rush to make enough COVID-19 vaccines for the U.S. a similar contamination could occur.
Just remember, not all those questioning a COVID-19 vaccine are anti-vaxxers.
Jenna Rawlins,
Rancho Cordova
82 and optimistic
“‘I refuse to bow to anybody.’ Rural California defies Gov. Newsom’s order to wear masks” (sacbee.com, June 27):
I am 82-years-old and just passed my annual physical with flying colors! I hope to have a few more. Unfortunately there are those who are challenging it... I mean those who refuse to wear masks.
I wear one, I don’t like it, but I respect others. Those who do not, do not respect me. This is not an urban/rural issue or a Republican/Democrat issue, it is a human issue.
They say, “I am an American and no one is going to tell me what to do,” which is bogus.
If you have a drivers license, business license or mortgage, someone has told you what to do.
President Donald Trump and Gov. Gavin Newsom did not start COVID-19. However, both have a responsibility to try to bring it to a conclusion.
We have lived through advancements in polio, HIV and more recently Ebola treatments successfully. With our help, we will master COVID-19.
Lothair Green,
Roseville
DeAngelo deserves death penalty
“‘Day of reckoning’ — Joseph DeAngelo admits guilt in Golden State Killer murders, rapes” (sacbee.com, June 29):
I am deeply disappointed that Joseph James DeAngelo Jr., the so-called “Golden State Killer,” who is perhaps the most dangerous, prolific and sadistic criminal in California history, worked out a deal with the prosecution and may be spared from the death penalty.
This guy committed 13 murders and raped at least 62 women.
Sadly it looks like the state of California is more interested in saving money than in getting justice.
If DeAngelo doesn’t deserve the death penalty, then no one does.
What is more disturbing is that if DeAngelo didn’t commit murder he may not not have been punished at all, as the statute of limitations ran out for his rape offenses.
This brings into question if for serious offenses like rape, if there should be a statute of limitations at all.
Kenneth Zimmerman,
Huntington Beach