How to get around claims of election fraud? Take a photo of your completed ballot

Tip: Take a photo of your completed ballot

Okay, so it looks like some jerks, who are running for office, are already starting the “rigged election” nonsense, so here’s a way we might be able to combat it, and at the very least, it’s evidence. I’ve been doing this for about six years now. I take a picture of my completed ballot before I drop it. In fact, everyone in the house does. Before I started to vote by mail, I would take a picture of my completed ballot before I turned it in. No one ever said anything to me about it and I didn’t hide the fact, but election laws change all the time, so check and make sure it’s alright to take a picture of your ballot.

And please remember this: No democracy, no Constitution. No Constitution, no rights. No rights, no Second Amendment. Think about it because that’s the cold-hard facts. This is what will happen if our democracy dies.

I pray for a peaceful election.

We cannot fail to help Ukraine fight Putin

On ABC’s Sunday morning episode (Oct. 23) of “This Week,” Jonathan Karl asked Republican political adviser Marc Short if his party were to win the House of Representatives in November, would that jeopardize funding for Ukraine in its attempt to thwart Putin’s war? His response was, “I think so.” He qualified his answer from a “fiscal perspective,” rather than a reaction to some House members’ allegiance to Vladimir Putin over Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s president.

If the USA were to halt funding Ukraine’s efforts to repel Putin, then their chances of repelling the invader will be drastically diminished.

I respect the idea of fiscal responsibility, but if we don’t fund them, then who will? If we don’t help Ukraine stand up to Putin’s aggression, and Ukraine is defeated (and thousands of more innocent people slaughtered), then we must ask: “Who will be next?”

Taking it a few steps further, it’s well known that many legislators cower in fear in Trump’s presence, and are eager to do his bidding. If the House goes red, and Trump wins another four years, considering his history of praising Putin, then Ukraine is doomed.

Can we allow this to happen?

Voter plans to mark no on Proposition 1

Recently, Gov. Newsom signed 13 abortion and reproductive health bills. Concerning abortion, there is one that covers costs for an abortion for all state employees and college students, one that decriminalizes anything that happens in utero, and one that protects the release of medical records.

In addition, the website Abortion.CA.gov covers information in various languages about abortion steps, types of abortions and how to pay for one, access for people from out of state or immigrants and undocumented people, and information for people under age 18.

Proposition One is a short addition to California Constitutional Amendment 10. It is so open-ended in its wording that no limits can be put on what is already in the law. This could lead one to the conclusion that abortions for any reason, up to the end of the third trimester of pregnancy, could be allowed. There is no wording in the amendment to contradict that. I believe that no matter what side of the abortion issue they are on, most Californians would be against that.

If passed, California would become one of the most radical states in America regarding abortion. Please vote no on Proposition One.

Bee 100 means faithful delivery, too

Because The Fresno Bee and I have been daily (well, almost daily) companions for the 84 years of my life, I obviously enjoyed reading your article paying tribute to The Bee’s centennial. One aspect of my enjoyment from reading the newspaper, however, was completely overlooked.

I don’t even know his last name, but Alva has been faithfully delivering my newspaper to the container on my front door for more years than I can remember. I don’t know what he is paid for doing this, but it’s surely not enough since many of my friends complain about finding their newspapers at the end of the driveway or in the sprinklers on the grass.

Kudos to Alva and the many other faithful paper delivery people!

P.S. I remember so clearly standing in my office window on the ninth floor of the Del Webb Building with my camera in hand waiting for that courthouse dome to come crashing down.

Why bring up race in nice column?

Reading Marek Warzawski’s article it was nice to see he was helping his sister recovering from surgery. Then he started his usual demeaning talk about all the white people in the community. He didn’t see any black people in the stores and a faded “Black Loves Matter”sign. What’s your point Marek? What do you suggest we do with all these white people? Maybe your sister shouldn’t live there either!

It would really be nice to read one of your articles that doesn’t blame a certain race for poverty or homeless people. Don’t discourage people who work hard for their living and succeed in life. Life is not easy for everyone.

Republicans and Dems love to spend taxes

If Marek Warszawski is surprised that Democrats anbd Republicans are joining together to endorse tax increases, he must not have been paying much attention these last 50 years. Republicans have been every bit as guilty as Democrats in recklessly spending money we don't have.

From Ronald Reagan increasing Social Security taxes to creat the SS Trust Fund (pronounced slush fund), to George W. passing the Patriot Act, Medicare Part D, and No Child Left Behind, to Donald Trump signing the largest budget deficit in U.S. history in 2020, Republicans love spending our money every bit as much as the socialist Democrats.

Only one political party has consistently stood against big government, against strangling regulations, and against confiscatory tax policies. Only the Libertarian Partry has a record of consistently fighting against growing governmment waste and destructive taxes. But of course, the Bee isn't interested in supporting parties that don't toe the Big Government line.

Measure C lacks health emphasis

As a physician, I am particularly concerned with the relationship of transportation to health. We need a Measure C that actively promotes health in its implementation.

Transportation is the major source of air pollution in our Valley. Greenhouse gas emissions are primarily combustion products from transportation. Our Valley needs a Measure C that helps us drive fewer miles with cleaner vehicles. Projects could include an emphasis on zero emission infrastructure and more support for transit options.

The latestt Measure C proposal has less funding for transit than the current measure. This is a giant step backwards. Everyone understands the importance of physical activity to multiple health measures — heart health, brain health, emotional health included. We need transportation investments which promote biking and walking and accessibility to parks and commercial and entertainment opportunities.

A strong Measure C would put health into the evaluation of every transportation project. Measure C will plot a course for Fresno for the next 30 years with billions of dollars. We want to be able to look back with pride that those investments focused not on moving cars but on moving people to the places that were essential and enriched their lives.

Honoring veterans for their service

Soon we’ll be honoring our veterans on Nov. 11. I’d like to include my uncle and father, who both served in the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Service (MIS) during and after WWII. My uncle began his training in November 1941 at the Presidio, San Francisco. Upon graduation, he was sent to the Pacific Theater.

My father trained at Fort Snelling and served during the occupation of Japan. Maj. Gen. Charles Willoughby famously stated: “The Nisei shortened the Pacific War by two years and saved possibly a million American lives.”

I also honor my cousin and brother, who both served in the Army in Vietnam.

This story was originally published November 6, 2022 at 5:30 AM with the headline "How to get around claims of election fraud? Take a photo of your completed ballot."