Remembering Fresno’s H Spees: A minister, ‘community healer’ and agent of reconciliation | Opinion

Goodbye to Fresno’s healer, H Spees

It was with sadness that I read in the paper that my friend had passed. While I had known him for many years, I find that the term activist is a mischaracterization. I would liken him to a community healer who always looks to provide peace, reconciliation and the goal being to provide a outcome that would benefit all those in the process.

His work over the many years, not only in Fresno but across the country, reflected his character and that of his savior, Jesus Christ. I am saddened that he had the accident, but know that the work that he has done will last into eternity. Rest well, my friend.

Remembering H Spees and am thankful

On April 26, H. Spees, age 70, a longtime community activist and pastor, sustained catastrophic head trauma after falling, hitting his head, and eventually passing away.

On April 23 I, age 79, fell in my home and hit my head on my aggregate floor. By God’s grace and mercy, I am alive and functioning well. My outcome could have been the same as H. Spee’s.

Remember every day of your life to thank God for His protection, love, and blessings. I know I do so even more after my fall.

Questioning the numbers she sees

When I opened my paper and read the article about “Congress eyes work rules for millions covered by Medicaid,” it makes my blood pressure boil.

It states that 84 million people are enrolled in Medicaid. Republicans are trying to pass a bill of work requirements. Able-bodied adults ages 19 to 55 would be required to work, train for a job or perform community service to stay on Medicaid. They say the move would help push them in a position to move off government aid. But these people claim if they work and get a raise they will have to pay a premium. It was stated that it just seems like the system is set up that you don’t want to go to work because you lose more than you gain.

Also, there are never figures released about how much we Americans spend to take care of over 3 million illegals. They are not immigrants. They say they bring money into our country. How can that be if we are contributing to their livelihood? Any money they spend is money the government gives them. I’m not a mathematician, but I can tell the numbers don’t add up. If it’s true they bring a lot of money into our country, then why do they need aid? Statistics please.

Where are the morals in the GOP?

Why should George Santos resign? After all, President Trump did not, and had to be voted out of office before criminal charges could even be filed. McCarthy insists Santos should have his day in court before any decision is made about his position as a congressman.

Gone are the days when President Nixon resigned at the urging of his fellow Republicans. Corruption is always present in any party where power and money can be obtained, yet the GOP is still supporting Trump as its candidate for president.

Which party has proven to be absolutely bereft of morals, ethics and principles?

A ‘woke’ grammar lesson is offered

Dear Don Howard: I am a “woker.” Trumpian ignorance is astounding.

The word “woke” is the past participle of the verb, ”to be awake. To view the world awake — to fascism. Perhaps that’s why fascists call everyone who are against fascism “woke.”

Gee...how simple our language can be. The “wokers” are “awake” to the Trunpist plans to turn America into a fascist dictatorship. Got it?

Mass shootings, deaths are on GOP

I wrote to my congressman Tom McClintock and asked him to support rational gun legislation. He wrote back to me and said he opposed anything that would “infringe on the inalienable right of individuals to own and defend themselves with a firearm.”

Apparently he is ignorant of American history and the law. An “inalienable right” is one granted you by God, like life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Until the 2008 Heller decision there was no individual right to even possess a gun for protection. The Heller decision by the Supreme Court said that Americans could keep a firearm in their home for protection. That’s all it said.

McClintock apparently believes God has given us the right to own a military assault weapon. His attitude, and that of his fellow congressional Republicans, is the reason we have had 200 mass shootings so far this year. Democrats would ban assault weapons in a second. Elected Republicans refuse to do so.

They choose to allow mass killings to continue. They have blood on their hands. When you vote for a Republican like McClintock you are voting to allow the carnage of mass killings to continue.

Loved going to the Grizzlies game

If you haven’t been to a Fresno Grizzlies game in a while, you need to go.

I attended a recent game, which also happened to be a Star Wars-themed event and it was fantastic and “out of this world.”

Chukchansi Stadium got a fresh coat of paint and some great staff to help create a truly amazing time. From the security personnel to the food vendors, it was absolutely top-notch customer service. We here in Fresno are so lucky to be able to have such a great experience available to all.

This story was originally published May 21, 2023 at 5:30 AM with the headline "Remembering Fresno’s H Spees: A minister, ‘community healer’ and agent of reconciliation | Opinion."