Holocaust survivor: Israel is helping Hamas achieve its ‘ultimate war goal’ | Opinion

All human life ‘equally sacred’

As a fortunate Holocaust survivor born in Hamburg, Germany, 94 turbulent years ago, I continue to seek the privilege of departing this precious earth with my pride in Judaism and the U.S.A. still intact.

We have now suffered for a year since Hamas initiated the inhuman atrocities of Oct. 7. Each minute that Hamas and Israel continue brutally bombing each other effectively serves to recruit young patriots on both sides to a life of discrimination and hatred.

This makes a more peaceful future evermore impossible. All of human life is equally sacred, Muslims and Jews alike. I fear that these deeply felt comments may have scant influence over the decision makers. Rational thinking must dominate, requiring us to compromise goals in order to work toward tolerance, empathy and an immediate end to the bloodshed.

Israel now helps Hamas achieve the ultimate war goal — to make the world hate the Jews. To hasten a just and equitable end to this destruction, we need a rational leader who has compassion, sensitivity, strength and intelligence.

This is merely one of their complex responsibilities, which include abortion and immigration. Such qualities are totally absent in all the behaviors of Donald Trump. We must prove to ourselves, the world and the U.S.A. that even the U.S.A. is capable of learning from our relatively recent historical experience (‘30s and ‘40s) with tyranny, prejudice and bigotry.

Paul Wolff

San Luis Obispo

‘We will work day and night to protect your vote’

Last August I received a very special letter from the Office of the Secretary of State of Georgia, complete with a gold-embossed seal.

A little background: In late December of 2020, I began a letter writing project, composing letters to Republican senators and representatives who backed Trump’s claims that he won the election. I also wrote letters to support those who showed fierce courage in the face of terrifying abuse, including Gabriel Sterling, chief operating officer of the Office of the Georgia Secretary of State.

His emotional press conference in early December 2020 both alarmed and saddened me.

“It’s all gone too far,” he said then. “All of it. Stop inspiring people to commit potential acts of violence. Somebody’s going to get hurt. Someone’s going to get shot. Someone’s going to get killed.”

I didn’t expect to hear anything back and I didn’t until August of this year when Mr. Sterling wrote to thank me.

“As we look at the election coming, I wanted to assure you that all of us here will again do our duty. We will follow the law, uphold the Constitution, and count the ballots fairly and accurately. That is our responsibility,” he wrote.

“Rest assured, we will work day and night to protect your vote and those of every American, regardless of party or where they may live. I will ask a favor of you. If you can, volunteer to be a poll worker in your community. They need good, dedicated people to help run elections … and encourage your friends to do the same. Please keep all of us here and those in every state that work in elections in your thoughts and prayers. I truly did, and do, appreciate your having taken the time to write me.”

Anne Quinn

Atascadero

Retiring harbor commissioner endorses Lichtig

Two candidates are running to succeed me as the Division 2 Harbor Commissioner for Port San Luis. One is clearly the right choice: Katie Lichtig.

After serving for 40 years on the Harbor Commission —over half my life — I have a handle on the challenges that Port San Luis faces, and that’s why I wholeheartedly support Katie Lichtig to succeed me on the Harbor Commission.

With more than 20 years in senior leadership positions for various coastal cities in California, Katie has the experience, skills and temperament to help the commission meet the challenges ahead, while preserving the character of Port San Luis. Katie’s opponent has repeatedly stated in public that he has made up his mind about several issues, even though the commission itself is awaiting the completion of in-depth studies to determine a viable long-term strategy.

Katie is open minded. She will diligently analyze the facts, and she will carefully listen to all of the port’s stakeholder groups in order to make sound decisions that serve the best interests of the harbor district.

Please join me in voting for Katie Lichtig for harbor commissioner.

Jim Blecha

Pismo Beach

Mike Boswell for SLO Council

I have lived in San Luis Obispo since 1965. I am a father, artist, community activist, volunteer and a fan of a good lunch.

I served on the Architectural Review Commission for 16 years, and for some of that time, overlapped Mike Boswell’s term on the Planning Commission, both in the city of SLO. I have also known Mike for many years in other community settings.

Mike is a seasoned city and regional planner with decades of practice and has an astute eye and deep appreciation for vibrant and successful community design. Those are good attributes for a City Council person, and as I said, I have known and interacted with him in the community for a couple of decades. Mike is sharp, attentive and we share a deep passion for what shapes good community and what serves all factions of our society. There is not a city issue I have ever brought up in conversation that didn’t result in an informed and engaged response from Mike. He cares for this community.

Please join me in voting for Mike Boswell for City Council. You’ll be glad you did!

Allen Root

San Luis Obispo

Independent pharmacy network already exists

As a lifelong resident of SLO County, and a practicing pharmacist for over 40 years, I found the article “One pharmacy is not enough” an interesting read.

I would question the article’s portrayal of Pill Save Pharmacy s the only pharmacy that provides “low costs and the customer experience first.”

The CEO states, “The problem with retail pharmacy around here is that they work nationwide ... but living on the Central Coast made me feel that we need a different type of service.”

Also, “We already have a huge network of pharmacists in the area, so how about we start doing a small pharmacy in each city and make it service-focused only?”

My answer to his question is that such a network already exists. Brooklin Oaks Pharmacy in Paso Robles, En Soleil Pharmacy in Atascadero, Cayucos Pharmacy, Los Osos Rexall Pharmacy, Best Care Pharmacy in Arroyo Grande and Nipomo Rexall Pharmacy are in existence and thriving.

These are all independently owned pharmacies that provide exceptional service and low prices. More importantly, they are your neighbors and friends. If you want a superior pharmacy experience, please patronize one of these independently owned pharmacies. You will be glad you did.

Alan J. Martin

San Luis Obispo