Trump sending troops to LA is federal overreach; let Newsom handle it | Opinion

“What is fueling the LA riots: Trump’s fascism or Newsom’s incompetence? | Opinion” (sacbee.com, June 12)

David Mastio’s opinion that Newsom should “get out of Trump’s way,” dangerously misreads what’s happening in California. This is not about politics, it’s about power.

On June 6, ICE raids tore through Los Angeles neighborhoods leaving immigrant communities frightened. Many were arrested, including union leader David Huerta, who is now facing felony charges during a peaceful anti-ICE rally. In response to further protests, Trump sent 2,000 troops into LA without Newsom’s permission. This was not help from our president but rather an intimidation tactic against our people.

Mastio goes on to compare this to the 1965 federalization of troops during the civil rights movement. What it fails to recognize was Johnson’s intentions of protecting protesters’ rights during the Selma march, versus Trump’s intentions of suppression.

Newsom IS doing his job in protecting our right to speak, gather, and push back in the face of injustice. He does not need to get out of Trump’s way, but rather stand firm against federal overreach that threatens our democracy and freedoms we hold dear.

Susie Quintero, Fresno CA

A faux conservative?

“Advocates urge lawmakers to reject Gavin Newsom’s cuts to Medi-Cal, child care” (sacbee.com, June

This letter is to my Congressman, Tom McClintock. How can a self-proclaimed conservative like yourself support tax cuts with massive spending simultaneously?

I remember learning from my high school government class and college political science class that American conservatism is the belief in tax cuts, laissez-faire economics, and a balanced budget with limited government spending.

Trumpism, on the contrary, is not conservativism. Trumpism is massive tax cuts for the wealthy, while increasing spending, adding to the deficit and adding tariffs.

Let us not forget the outcry of the Tea Partiers who labeled Obama an Kenyan-Muslim Socialist, and demanded spending cuts, along with a return to small government, because they argued he was too powerful. Where are those people today?

You’re a Trumpist, not a conservative.

Matthew Deombeleg, Fresno

Not conservative or principled

In Congressional District 5, my wife and I originally had the impression that Congressman McClintock seemed to be a “principled conservative,” a political approach with which we often disagreed but respected as being based on an honest difference in philosophy.

It has been particularly disturbing to see McClintock’s consistent support of Trump administration policies that are clearly harmful to most of his constituents, including immigrant laborers who are so vital to our economy. Particularly disturbing is his recent email acknowledging his support of the House Budget Bill, which McClintock trumpeted as effectively addressing the country’s deficit.

Facts are the antidote to wishful thinking. CBO has scored the bill, concluding that, in addition to major harms to average Americans due to cuts, it will add $2.4 Trillion to the deficit by 2034, largely due to tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. We are certain that the majority of CD 5 constituents are NOT in that tax bracket and will be harmed by the effects. It leaves us wondering whether McClintock is EITHER “conservative” or “principled”.

Allen Siroky, Fresno

“Flying the Mexican flag at ICE protests is as American as apple pie | Opinion” (fresnobee.com, June 11)

Keep waving Mexican flag

Please continue to exhort the protesters and rioters to keep waving the flag of Mexico. The more frequently that voters in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania see a masked marauder waving that flag, especially from the top of a burning car with vandalized buildings in the background, the more it helps Republican candidates. Keep up the good work!

Larry Teixeira, Clovis