Forum Letters: Journalism at its best and It’s science, not politics
‘Negro Bar’ name shows respect
“We’ve been talking about the name of this Folsom area campground for years. Now change it” (sacbee.com, July 10):
Your July 10th editorial about the Negro Bar Campground used my name and an edited quote.
The quote gave readers the impression that I agreed with The Bee’s opinion that the name of the Negro Bar Campground in the Folsom Lake Recreation Area should be changed. I do not.
Negro Bar was an actual geographical place name that was respectfully used by Gold Rush-era newspapers and by civic leaders in their articles, writing, and correspondence. Black Americans used the adjective “Negro” for many years as a term of respect. Its disuse today does not nullify its historic impact on Black American history, culture, and identity.
Eliminating the campground’s historical name will diminish, if not eliminate, the historic role that Black Americans played in the founding and settlement of the area.
Clarence Caesar,
Sacramento
Yes on Senate Bill 793
“California must ban menthol cigarettes to protect Black lives from Big Tobacco’s greed” (sacbee.com, July 16):
CVS Health echoes Rep. Karen Bass’ concern regarding the disproportionate impact that menthol cigarettes have on the health of Black communities and her support for Senate Bill 793 to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products.
In 2014, we stopped selling tobacco products in CVS stores because it was inconsistent with our mission of helping people on their path to better health. Researchers later found smokers who previously purchased cigarettes from CVS were 38% more likely to stop buying them from any retailer.
In other words, it worked. This fight remains central to our mission, through programs like Be The First, a $50 million initiative to deliver the nation’s first tobacco-free generation. And as tobacco products have evolved into products like e-cigarettes and menthol cigarettes, we have too: You won’t find any such products on CVS Pharmacy shelves.
To help all Californians on their path to better health, pass SB 793.
Leanne Gassaway,
Washington, DC
Journalism at its best
“California backtracks after removing COVID-19 death counts for assisted living homes” (modbee.com, July 21):
Huge thanks to Jason Pohl and Ryan Sabalow for exposing the state’s recent lapse in reporting vital statistics related to COVID-19 outbreaks in assisted living facilities.
At a time when families cannot put eyes on, much less arms around, our loved ones in these facilities, having access to specific information related to COVID-19 counts is the very least we can expect. It’s often hard to notice something that is not there, however, these reporters were the eyes and ears for these vulnerable folks.
This is journalism at its best.
Dee Shattuck,
Roseville
It’s science, not politics
“To mask or not to mask? El Dorado County faces a coronavirus reckoning this week” (sacbee.com, July 25):
This should not be a political issue, it’s science.
Other countries wear masks and don’t have as many infections as the United States. If you think its a hoax, then 16 million people must be in on it.
It doesn’t matter if President Trump wears a mask, he has 24/7 physicians and is tested once a day. Few of us have that kind of coverage. This can affect everyone that you contact and everyone that they contact.
Surgeons and nurses dont wear a mask just to protect themselves, they wear it to protect their patients as well. If wearing a mask is all they need to take away your freedom, you don’t have much freedom to start with. Putting on a mask INCREASES our freedom to move within our communities. If we had all worn masks in April, we may not need to wear them in August.
Be part of the solution, not the problem.
Ric Dilloway,
Auburn
Rest in peace, Robbie Waters
“A passing of an era: Former Sacramento Councilman, cop Robbie Waters dies from coronavirus” (sacbee.com, July 27):
Robbie Waters ran for sheriff in 1982.
What I remember is that I was chair of the Sacramento Democratic Party at the time. He was running against the incumbent, who had a terrible attitude of the LGBT community. As I recall, he referred to gay people as “queers.”
At the time, the Democratic Central Committee had a rule, no elected member of the governing board for the party could endorse a Republican even for a non-partisan race.
Robbie Waters seemed very good on LGBT issues, which was unusual for Republicans at the time. Since the incumbent was not supportive of LGBT issues, I endorsed Waters for sheriff.
When the next meeting of the Democratic Party Central Committee came around, there was a motion to censure the chair (me). The motion was seconded. As chair, I allowed everyone to speak to the motion, then I spoke. I said if the Democratic incumbent said words showing disrespect towards women, Blacks and Hispanics, then there would be no motion to censure. I explained why I endorsed Waters over Duane Lowe. I don’t remember now whether the motion passed.
Robbie Waters was a good man who supported all people.
Gary Miller,
Roseville
Pass the HEROES Act
“From $600 a week to $200: How Republicans want to cut coronavirus unemployment benefits” (sacbee.com, July 27):
I work for the California Labor Federation. The GOP proposal to slash federal unemployment benefits for workers who have lost jobs through no fault of their own is a slap in the face to millions struggling to get by as the pandemic crisis deepens.
The GOP Senate’s proposal is woefully inadequate, reflecting Sen. Mitch McConnell’s priority of protecting corporations while leaving workers hanging out to dry. There’s a proposal on the table right now that would extend much-needed relief to workers while setting up our economy for a robust recovery once the pandemic subsides.
Unless the Senate passes the HEROES Act, which proposes continuing the full $600 unemployment insurance payments into January, Americans will needlessly suffer. Our economy will continue to spiral downward and any recovery will take longer.
It’s time to pass the HEROES Act, extend unemployment and keep working people whole.
Steve Smith,
Roseville
This story was originally published August 2, 2020 at 5:00 AM.