SLO Democratic leader’s call to ‘eradicate MAGA’ went too far | Opinion
I was troubled to read The Tribune’s June 11 article reporting that San Luis Obispo County Democratic Party Chair Tom Fulks told attendees at a party event that Democrats want to “eradicate MAGA from every corner of our democracy.”Americans disagree about taxes, immigration, education, energy and public safety. Vigorous debate is healthy and essential to self-government. But calling for the “eradication” of a political movement supported by millions of Americans crosses an important line.
In a constitutional republic, we do not seek to “eradicate” political opponents. We seek to persuade them. We do not silence dissenting voices. We engage them in debate and voters decide.
Many San Luis Obispo County residents who support President Trump or identify with the MAGA movement are our neighbors, coworkers, veterans, parents and community volunteers. They are not enemies of democracy. They are participants in it.
I would encourage the elected officials who attended this event to clarify whether they agree with Mr. Fulks’ statement.
At a time when political division is already too high, Americans should reject rhetoric suggesting political opponents should be “eradicated” and recommit ourselves to respectful debate, free speech and the democratic process.
Catherine Smith
Santa Margarita
‘Voyeur’ headline not appropriate
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I did not appreciate the AI-generated headline, “Artemis II astronaut visits Cal Poly and police ID gym voyeur. Today’s top stories” that was published on Wednesday, June 17.
I am particularly troubled by the use of the word “voyeur” to describe a sexual predator in our community who is redibly accused of illegally recording women who were using the fitness center tanning beds.
It is distributing to see a word that is often associated with a consensual sexual encounter to describe a man’s sustained violation of dozens of women. We as a society need to get better at recognizing the power of words and using the correct one. In this case, Kyle L. Combs is a sexual predator and should be labeled as such.
Chloe Allison
San Luis Obispo
Tear down that name
Although it is hard to find anything to celebrate these days in this veil of tears in which we find ourselves, there is one small event thatI would like to share. It is the removal of an offensive name from the facade of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
The building is not an Iconic and beautiful building like the Lincoln Memorial, but it did not deserve that ugly name and should represent creativity, innovation and the Kennedy family that served their nation so well.
It did not deserve the name of an intrusive and unpopular oligarch. Fortunately, a judge ordered it removed. I urge readers to establish a relationship with their congressional representatives and keep in touch regarding on such issues they are concerned about in D.C.
Janet F. Langton
Templeton
Cayucos rate increase
County Service Area 10A provides water primarily to south end of Cayucos. This service area, operated by the county, is planning a major rate increase for Cayucos. This increase includes a rate hike and a reduction in water allocation. The cost of this increase includes a raise in charges to about $160 per billing cycle.
The county is using the Prop 218 “Right to Vote Act” to establish this increase of rates from each property. The county is to issue a notice of the increase, to produce a report, to provide a chance for public discussion, and to provide a voting ballot. To date, none of this has been provided. Only a protest vote of over 50% will stop the increase.
A Prop 218 vote is not a simple yes or no vote. Owners who do not vote will count as a yes vote for the rate increase, by default. This includes owners who toss out ballots, owners out of town and don’t vote and owners who fail to receive ballots. The county is already half-way to the vote threshold to pass the rate increase.
Charles Bergson
Cayucos