Transphobic, anti-LGBTQ+ ‘parents’ rights’ groups are waging a war on our children | Opinion

War on children

“Parents’ rights activists march outside Gov. Newsom’s house,” (sacbee.com, Oct. 21)

As an ally, I attended the counter-protest of what should have been labeled the “war on children” rally. If anyone is waging a war on children, it is these transphobic, anti-LGBTQ+ groups. They are waging a war against mental health care for our kids, against the dissemination of information to students and against the creation of a safe, welcoming environment for trans youth and their families.

Their “concern” for the safety of the children in our beautiful state does not appear to extend to LGBTQ+ and trans youth. These youth need mental health care, information and sanctuary. The groups say they are non-partisan, yet several had offensive anti-Biden and pro-Trump signs — not to mention having Proud Boys at your event. We will continue to respectfully support and defend children, including yours. They are safe with us.

Peggy Cranston

Fair Oaks

Fascism

“Parents’ rights activists march outside Gov. Newsom’s house,” (sacbee.com, Oct. 21)

I grew up in a neighborhood that included Holocaust survivors, so I would never dishonor survivors by using the word “fascism” lightly. But there comes a time when you have to name what you are seeing. These so-called “parents rights” groups have links to white nationalist groups like the Proud Boys, conspiracy theorists and election deniers; in other words, MAGA.

When you see a movement that gleefully embraces political violence; systematically targets vulnerable groups; that seeks to erase all voices and histories but their own and nullify all institutions that may question or constrain them; and that rejects the outcome of any elections they don’t win, you are looking at a fascist movement. Stop calling MAGA “conservative.” Conservatism seeks to preserve institutions; MAGA seeks to blow them up.

We cannot fight what we cannot see. Open your eyes: This is fascism.

Kathy Campbell

Sacramento

Support ceasefire

“Israel says it’s stepping up attacks on the Gaza Strip,” (sacbee.com, Oct. 21)

As a public policy professional, I am troubled by the unwavering support that elected officials and government agencies extend to Israel. The Israeli Occupation Forces’ rhetoric about “fighting human animals” and imposing a “complete siege” on Gaza raises the question of why the U.S. staunchly supports war crimes.

Israel has long protected U.S. interests in the Middle East. As a result, U.S. policy decisions prioritize capitalist self-interests over human rights. As policy professionals, we must denounce these morally reprehensible actions and support an immediate ceasefire. We must also independently assess U.S. news and policy to ensure a just and comprehensive understanding.

Haleema Bharoocha

Oakland

Dysfunctional Republicans

“California Republicans start backing ‘fearless’ Jim Jordan for House Speaker amid GOP chaos,” (sacbee.com, Oct. 20)

My congressman, Kevin Kiley, said in an embarrassing understatement last week that “things have been a bit rocky in the House.” A bit rocky? In the 250 years Congress has been around, a speaker has never lost his job. This shows a hopeless inability of a party to govern our country.

Then, this past week, Kiley voted three times to get Rep. Jim Jordan elected to the speakership. No person who loves their country and takes its security and prosperity seriously could ever vote for Jordan, a dangerous figure whose rise illustrates the national catastrophe that the current Republican Party represents.

The most unfit people keep rising to the top of the MAGA/GOP mess. Vote them out in 2024, and protect our American families from the dysfunctional Republicans who have paralyzed Congress.

Bob Gould

Nevada County

In defense of widening

“Widening of I-80 works against California’s climate goals,” (sacbee.com, Oct. 16)

It’s time for a reality check on fixing our roads. The state department with primary responsibility for that activity, Caltrans, is being criticized for doing what it is legally required to do by the Legislature and the state’s Constitution — to say nothing of the desires of millions of Californians who have voted to tax themselves for this purpose. Yet climate scolds persist in demanding we park our cars in favor of transportation options that don’t work for the vast majority of us.

The latest screed goes after long-overdue improvements to Interstate 80 near Sacramento as a sinister plot to destroy the planet, citing allegations by a demoted Caltrans bureaucrat as evidence of the scheme. Please! California has some of the roughest roads in the nation — the result of decades of neglect. Recent investments are showing progress. We should get out of the way and let Caltrans do their jobs.

Russell W Snyder

Davis

This story was originally published October 29, 2023 at 6:00 AM.