Unlike Gov. Newsom, Fresno County DA Lisa Smittcamp is ‘doing a remarkable job’ | Opinion

DA Smittcamp’s remarkable job

Spraying vitriol at our superb D.A., Gov. Gavin slithers into Fresno. Trying to distract from his destructive policies, he tries to shift the blame for the dreadful murder in Selma.

Regardless, District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp is doing a remarkable job. While some leaders appeal to “communities of this & that,” Lisa is devoted to protecting all citizens under her jurisdiction. And what makes her job even more challenging is that she must prosecute criminals in our bleak and borderless Golden State where anarchist DAs practice catch & release and where stealing is encouraged as an experiment in social justice.

Pilfering, to be precise, is a misdemeanor when the value of the stolen property fails to break the seasonally adjusted ceiling of $950. In adjusting to such progressive nostrums, one should remain alert while shopping to avoid getting harpooned by a loaded shopping cart commandeered by a social justice warrior as his getaway vehicle.

Meanwhile, Chief Balderrama and the FPD continue to risk their lives for the good citizens of Fresno while Sheriff Zanoni looks to continue the policies of Sheriff Mims.

We must take care of our homes

Like a decades-long faithful spouse, infrastructure sure makes life easier: water, sewer and storm drainage all keep us safe from calamity. Just about a century ago when my town (Madera) incorporated, our ancestors concentrated our nation’s resources in investments which did just that. It lengthened all of our lives and held the dangers of disease and flooding at bay .

Madera’s city government recently invested in solar power, which is a great start. We need to continue. It’s time to maintain our homes and neighborhoods statewide for the next generation. For too long we have invested in other places while neglecting our own home.

A symbol to combat wokeness

Wokeness in all its perverse elements is undermining our culture. If we do not express our resistance, it will destroy America.

As a subtle, tactful counter ploy, I suggest that we popularize the symbol “W=I” as an abbreviation for “Woke = Insanity.” And, that we encourage everyone to write W=I at the bottom of their FaceBook, Twitter and other social media postings; their emails and texts; the checks they write; the credit card receipts they sign; and all other business and personal communications. Doing so will spread and convey how we feel about wokeness, and encourage resistance to it.

Just as the “Let’s go Brandon” slogan, with its underlying message, quickly gained popularity, it would be wonderful if “W=I” began appearing on T-shirts, flags, bumper stickers and television talk shows — purveying our message of resistance.

Compromise on Chavez naming

As a lifelong resident of southeast Fresno, I am deeply disappointed with the action the city is taking to change the name of Kings Canyon Boulevard. This move is being forced with little regard to the businesses and residents that live, work and own property on this stretch of town.

This move will cause unnecessary stress, confusion and cost for everyone. Changing addresses on forms, billing, tax papers, etc. is no easy task. Have you ever tried to call the IRS or get a hold of banks and credit card companies? It’s not simple. It’s a headache. This is an unnecessary hardship the city is putting on all of us. The majority of the business and residents affected are proudly minority owned. The same people the city says they are honoring, they are hurting.

For decades southeast Fresno has been forgotten and ignored by our city. We need the focus to be on safety, security and providing resources for our residents. Not wasting time and money changing the name of a street. How does this fix anything? It only divides and frustrates.

Why not name the new park on Peach after Cesar Chavez? Please find a compromise.

Latinx graduation not good idea

I am appalled that Fresno Unifued School District is touting that they are going to have the first Latinx graduation. They were very proud of this. I see this as total segregationist.

Why is no one calling them out on this? What if a white group wanted to have thier separate graduation?

After this movie, ‘Champions’ all

We speak of inclusion. Over the weekend I attended the movie “Champions.” I was delighted by the number of mentally challenged young people who attended with their parents.

The movie follows a fictional recreation league basketball team in Des Moines, Iowa. The team is made up of special needs adults coached by Woody Harrelson. Harrelson does a great job accepting them for who they are, and coaches teamwork, sportsmanship, competing, and most importantly having fun. Over time the team gels, starts winning, and makes it to the Special Olympics basketball championship game.

They lose the game by two points, and the coach is disappointed, until he sees the players don’t care about winning, because they celebrate like the champions they are.

It was heartwarming to hear all the laughter, yelling, laughing, and screaming in the theatre by this group of young adults and their parents who had somebody who they could relate to, and cheer for.

It made my Sunday afternoon.

This story was originally published March 26, 2023 at 5:30 AM with the headline "Unlike Gov. Newsom, Fresno County DA Lisa Smittcamp is ‘doing a remarkable job’ | Opinion."