Sacramento resident: I oppose Israel’s violence, and I am ashamed of the U.S. government | Opinion

Ashamed of my government

“As the Democratic National Convention begins, Palestinian supporters to gather in Sacramento,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 19)

I oppose the violence Israel is committing on Palestinians. Every Friday, I call my elected officials — Sens. Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler and Rep. Doris Matsui — and demand they oppose the use of my tax dollars to supply arms to Israel. Nothing changes. Even as our president calls for peace, he is seeking another $20 billion in arms sales to Israel.

The genocide in Gaza has killed over 42,000 Palestinians. Now, more than 900,000 Lebanese people have been displaced from their homes.

I am ashamed of my government, and I am revolted by the violence my leaders profess to abhor but continue to fuel. It is beyond time for an arms embargo on Israel.

Cirre Emblen

Sacramento

Measure O opposition

“Sacramento’s Measure O would fund fire infrastructure needs,” (sacbee.com, Oct. 3)

While I appreciate your analysis of the importance of upgrading equipment, a key aspect escaped scrutiny in your coverage: Measure O is not solely about the cost of equipment, it is also about management costs and the broader fiscal responsibility of Metro Fire.

Voters deserve a fuller picture, including how the district’s financial management plays a role in their current funding needs. This point is critical to understanding why some of us oppose Measure O.

Lee Miller

Candidate, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District Board - Division 4

Rocklin mayors endorse Johnson

“Who should be elected to Rocklin Unified school board?” (sacbee.com, Oct. 3)

Over the years, as Rocklin has grown from a small town into the community it is today, its greatest asset has been its schools. Rocklin schools draw families to our town because they know their children will get a great education and a foundation for success.

Recently, however, a majority of our school board has lost sight of their job and has led the school district into statewide and national cultural and social issues that are divisive, resulting in lawsuits and complaints. This does nothing to enhance the education of Rocklin children.

That’s why three former Rocklin mayors have joined me in endorsing Price Johnson for Rocklin School Board. As a parent and school volunteer, we know he will refocus the school district on educating the next generation.

Peter Hill

Former Rocklin Mayor

Folsom has a spending problem

“Measure G explained: What is Folsom tax increase on ballot?” (sacbee.com, Sept. 26)

I am an 18-year resident of Folsom and I am strongly opposed to Measure G. This unnecessary “local citizens initiative” will permanently increase the sales tax rate by 1% from 7.75% to 8.75%.

Inflation in California, as reported by the State Board of Equalization, has been 16.8% over the past three years. As the price of goods and services has increased, Folsom’s tax revenue surged proportionally. As a result of higher prices, the city has enjoyed the benefit of more money pouring into its coffers. As Folsom’s population has exploded in recent years, so has the city’s tax base.

The city has also increased the price it charges for utilities by 21% over the past three years (not taking into account the mandatory residential organics waste and recycling charge). How can Folsom now claim they are hurting for more money?

Folsom doesn’t have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem.

Todd Pfeffer

Folsom

Good character

“Ami Bera vs. Christine Bish for California Congress race,” (sacbee.com, Oct. 6)

I met Christine Bish, who is running against Rep. Ami Bera, at an event in Citrus Heights. I welcomed the chance to speak candidly with a Republican candidate. I told her that I’m a Democrat who shares some of the Republican platform, such as fiscal responsibility, but that I don’t support Donald Trump, who degrades anyone who doesn’t agree with him. Bish’s answer stunned me: “He’s from New York. That’s how New Yorkers talk.”

I question the character of those politicians who continue to support a man who admitted to groping women, who has called reporters stupid at press conferences and continues to spew hate-filled rhetoric against anyone who doesn’t support him.

Susan Tabadisto

Rancho Cordova