We’re on a road to disaster. Politicians couldn’t care less | Opinion

What’s behind all these disasters?

Politicians have refused to acknowledge, and do not want to believe, that their inaction has contributed to recent disasters — and then blame others when disaster hits close to home.

The linkage between recent weather-driven disasters and decades of degrading air and water resources is undeniable, yet rules to fight climate change are being eliminated. And while disasters pile up, one on top of another, this administration reduces funding or eliminates organizations that help in recovery.

Instead, Donald Trump is up on the roof, wanting to create a cone (or dome) of silence, maybe so nothing gets in and only lies and gibberish come out. His administration will go to nearly any length to silence dissent and eliminate information flow. Silence those who can still think — and those who want to teach others to think — by holding up funds for higher education unless universities toe the party line.

It is up to the people to see and understand that the road we are being herded down does not lead to an idyllic pasture, but rather to a slaughter house where the rights we thought we had are butchered. Only those currently in power retain the rights we all once enjoyed.

To survive, we must fight for our rights and the rights of others.

Ron Gottesman

Arroyo Grande

Get ready to go

Two friends who have lost absolutely everything to wildfires say now is the time to help one another prepare to evacuate. If it’s not this fire, or an earthquake, or a tsunami warning it will be some big challenge in the near future.

How about we each help an elderly or disabled neighbor? Help him or her pack a to-go bag with necessary clothing, meds, papers. How about pets? Who knows how to turn off their gas and electricity before leaving the house? Remember, if this situation doesn’t require evacuation, another soon may. It definitely is time to look within, get ourselves prepared and do something to help others.

Ethel “Tink” Landers

Arroyo Grande

Beautiful bill for billionaires

I read an article in my local newspaper about how cuts in the BBB legisaltion might impact the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The acronym BBB should actually be extended to BBBB — Big Beautiful Bill for Billionaires. Not so beautiful for those suffering from food insecurity or needing help from other government safety net programs. Billionaires like Mr. Trump will benefit from very substantial tax cuts. I wonder by how much he will increase his charitable contributions to help those at the other end of the economic ladder. Didn’t he promise to release his tax returns so we could see the extent of his generosity? Just another one of his many lies.

Jay Devore

Los Osos

Nominees, please!

We are seeking nominations for our second annual Steve Martin Community Service Award. The award will be given in December and consists of a very handsome tabletop crystal award and a $500 stipend. This nonpartisan award is in honor of former Paso Robles Mayor, Steve Martin, whose many contributions include bringing a wide range of community members together to work for the greater good of our community.

If you know someone who has made a valuable contribution to the community and whose efforts brought people together in common purpose, please consider nominating them. We would also encourage you to consider nominating yourself, as you are personally involved in improving our community.

Nominations must be received on or before Friday, Nov. 7, and can be made online by going to our website, pasoroblesdemocrats.org

Steve Martin Community Service Award Committee