Hold Trump accountable by voting out his enablers, like Rep. Kevin Kiley | Opinion
Kiley follows Trump
“California Republicans issue mixed and muted response to ICE shooting of Alex Pretti,” (sacbee.com, Jan. 28)
Rep. Kevin Kiley is hiding behind catchphrases like “border security” and “disaster response.” President Donald Trump and his Republican lackeys, including Kiley, will cut $1 trillion from federal health and nutrition programs over ten years while spending $170 billion in this fiscal year to expand an unprincipled paramilitary organization defined by its oppression, brutality, lawlessness and loyalty to the chief.
While we mourn Renee Good and Alex Pretti, we also cannot ignore the ongoing degradation of human rights in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention camps. The constitutional rights our ancestors struggled to establish are being shredded in plain sight.
Protests are crucial, but the ballot box is our most powerful tool. We can hold Trump accountable only when we vote out his enablers. That starts with Kiley.
Barbara Smith
Auburn
ICE must be held accountable
“Newsom, other CA Democrats condemn Trump over 2nd deadly Minneapolis shooting by feds,” (sacbee.com, Jan. 24)
It was never about immigration. It was always about power: unleashing cruelty against immigrants and citizens, and targeting blue states to punish and intimidate them.
This is not immigration control and enforcement; this is about terrorizing people. We cannot let U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents get away with this brutality. We all need to stand up for what is right.
If we look away, we become complicit.
Jean Kareofelas
Woodland
Drive sober
“Super Bowl Sunday typically brings a rash of drunken car crashes, but it’s not the worst day,” (sacbee.com, Feb. 2, 2017)
Gatherings for Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8 should have designated drivers. When I was 16, in 1992, I was hit by a drunken driver and seriously hurt. I have coped with my injuries for over 30 years.
Feeling tipsy and ready to go home? Do not drive. Find a sober driver.
Lori Martin
Tracy
Green advancements lacking
“Here are five climate issues facing California in the new year,” (sacbee.com, Dec. 30, 2025)
California has passed legislation mandating electric vehicle prominence and the addition of solar to every newly built structure going forward.
But California falls short on supporting and funding the infrastructure it takes to support these efforts. PG&E has told some new home buyers in the Roseville area that it will be several years before they can utilize the solar on their new homes because they are unable to hook up the systems. We need to do better.
Pamela Durocher
Roseville
Wealthy interests control elections
“Trump’s dark money group started 2025 with $84 million war chest,” (sacbee.com, Dec. 17, 2025)
When a handful of wealthy interests can overwhelm the voices of millions, the promise of our republic is at risk.
A constitutional amendment can restore the ability of Congress and the states to protect the integrity of our elections, returning authority back to the people.
Lisa Howard
Fair Oaks
Black History Month
“Special film screenings for Black History Month,” (sacbee.com, Jan. 26)
February is Black History Month, a time when we honor the significant contributions that African Americans have made to American culture.
Black history is American history and should be celebrated today and every day that we as Americans enjoy the freedoms and liberties that make us who we are.
Paul Bacon
Hallandale Beach, Fla.