In letters: We all know who won the election. So why all the racket? | Opinion

Why the commotion?

Is there a single person in SLO County who doesn’t know that Donald Trump won the election?

If there is, I guess that person needed to witness and hear the loud, horn-honking demonstration of about 15 cars and trucks in downtown SLO on Saturday, Jan. 4, informing us that was the case. And gloating — or so it seemed, by the flags, the noise, and the huge signs declaring that Trump and Maga were back.

I don’t recall any similar demonstration when Bill Clinton, Barack Obama or Joe Biden won elections although there were parties and celebrations on election night when the vote was called.

So who knows what we are in for on Jan. 20? Take earplugs if you go downtown. But a cautionary note to those celebrants: you may soon find out that the emperor has no clothes.

Judith Amber

Arroyo Grande

Get that man some hair gel

After watching the recent televised interviews with Gov. Gavin Newsom, it is easy to imagine a future interview along the following lines.

Reporter: “Governor, you’re facing three crises. First, the shortage of water in the Los Angeles fire hydrant system is contributing heavily to the fire damage. Second, lack of water in the San Joaquin valley is causing valuable farmland to sit idle. Third, you’re experiencing a HOOPA (Hair Out Of Place Alert). How do you plan to address these crises?”

Gov. Newsom: “Well, obviously the first priority is to buy some gel. Then, because we are diverting little water from our rivers to ensure a healthy smelt population, after I get off the phone with the president of the United States I’m going fishing. Any other questions?”

Reporter: “No, and thank you for your time.”

Reed Coray

Los Osos

Carter’s passing

I find it painfully ironic that our most humane and kind former president (Jimmy Carter) just died as another president is just about to take office. What is ironic? That Trump is exactly the opposite kind of person — hateful, vengeful and disrespectful of the Constitution. That’s the very least of his characteristics. There are a lot more.

The rest of the world is laughing at us for electing him and his crony, Elon Musk, is insulting our European allies. Money talks, as they say, and he’s bought our government.

I am writing to Sen. Alex Padilla, who is the recipient of the birthright citizenship that Trump wants to end. I urge readers to contact their Congress members and ask them to protect our rights.

Janet F. Langton

Templeton

So many firsts

Donald Trump has the distinction of being the first former president to have been held liable for sexual abuse. He was the first president to be caught overseeing a fraudulent charity; the first to operate a fraudulent university and was ordered to pay $25 million to former students; and the first to run an illegal business that repeatedly conducted fraud. He was ordered to pay $354 million in damages and was prohibited from conducting business in New York for three years.

In 2021, Trump became the first president to deny his successor a peaceful transfer of power in the wake of his defeat. He was the first to attempt to hold onto power by orchestrating a coup; the first former president to be indicted on criminal charges; and the first former president to also be indicted on federal criminal charges. And now, Trump can add a new first to the list. He will become the first convicted felon in the White House.

Jim Huchthausen

Nipomo

He’s in charge now

Why do voters put up with this? Donald Trump is going to be president, but Joe Biden is trying to keep Trump from drilling for oil. Trump just wants to bring down these high gas prices. Will you tell me why Biden and the Democratic Party want to keep gas prices high?

Trump can help save our country if we will get behind him and give him strength to do this hard job.

Jerry Jones

Visalia

This story was originally published January 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM.