Donald Trump tears down democracy, but Gavin Newsom seeks to protect it | Opinion
Newsom is right, Trump wrong
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 L.A. without Gov. 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 he fails to recognize was Johnson’s intentions of protecting protesters’ rights during the Selma march, vs. Trump’s intentions of suppression.
In my opinion, 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
Trump cuts hurt young scientists
Federal support of research and education in California has effects far beyond the universities. For example, we were once students at the University of California, Merced, employed and supported by research grants from the National Science Foundation. We learned how to do research, manage projects, people, and budgets, and teach.
We are now faculty at community colleges in Fresno, building pathways to successful careers for students in the San Joaquin Valley. Students from our colleges have gained research experience at UC Merced, experience that is enabled by NSF-funded projects that expand opportunities and skills beyond those routinely available at two-year colleges and help students explore possible career options.
Federal research grants give us the opportunity to create connections between UC Merced and the State Center Community College District — connections that our students report transform their educational trajectories for the better.
Thus, through education and research, opportunity is passed down over generations to young scientists, improving lives, and multiplying in value for our communities.
Federal administrative cuts and the threat to stop federal funding to California will reduce these opportunities. Join us to help save funding for California by going to tiny.cc/sciencepledge and mentioning the San Joaquin Valley.
Liza Gómez Daglio and Lauren M. Schiebelhut, Fresno
Hating Jews is the way of the world
Hating Jews is the way of the world. Since ancient times, hating Jews is what goes on.
Dozens of nations have set this as their policy. Exterminating Jews is openly promoted in some cultures. These people make maps of the world that omit Israel.
For a shocker, try searching online for “Anti-Semitic Cartoons” (yes, there is such a thing). You’ll have a hard time believing what you see. Our so-called news media ignores this along with the destruction of Western culture now taking place across Europe.
The United Nations Human Rights Council accepts antisemitism and promotes it, with genocide advocates holding seats on the council. They should be embarrassed and humiliated by this, but sadly no onecalls it out.
Robert Havay, Clovis
Trump plays 10 moves ahead
Since we are approaching 150 days with Trump being in office, it is only fair to acknowledge what he has done. The market has not surprisingly bounced back, we are currently winning the “trade war” by breaking huge deals with Mexico, Canada, China, most of the Middle East and others; and Greenland is doing fine as ever.
Also surprising to both sides, Trump has publicly disagreed with more than one cabinet member, including Elon Musk, this is direct evidence to intellectual diversity among them as well had strategic decision making when choosing them, so Trump could avoid having “yes men.” I’m sure he does not want to end up like Biden’s administration, who would either hide or ignore his clearly depleting health.
Also, I have yet to see someone be completely deported while being here legally, but I have heard of some being detained by ICE, then let go.
I would like to remind people, Trump has very little political experience compared to some others, but he has decades of businessman experience and in my opinion that is how he is acting, as a smart 10-moves-ahead businessman.
Jeremiah Sanchez, Fresno
Newsom makes Trump insecure
When one looks at the firestorm of behavior in Trump’s attempt to destroy cemocracy and install his dream of a strong-arm dictatorship, one can’t ignore asking, why is Trump making California front page?
What’s happening in Los Angeles obviously is planned theater. The physical-political assault with ICE agents on an innocent population guaranteed a strong reaction by those attacked.
Trump’s insecurity is obvious. The challenge of Gavin Newsom in 2028. Ergo, let’s cripple the efficacy of California is the Trump card.
California is the beacon of America’s possibilities for the future. Trump is hoping to turn the country against the largest sanctuary city and state with propaganda as replete of foreign illegals while labeling its leaders as the anti law enforcement Dem Party. And cripple the California economy, ergo, Newsom will lose vast constituents in the middle of the country.
Trump is totally insecure about Newsom. He’s tying a lack of leadership and “sanctuary “ issues to Gavin is the start of a media and Democrat blame game that Trump’s base will swallow and promote along with Fox (News) and social media.
Jess Sanchez Barroso, Fresno
Democrats did deportations the right way
Clinton did it, Obama did it, and Biden deported immigrants during their presidencies. The Democrats did not file a lawsuit when it was happening. The major difference from the past three presidents and Trump, is how Trump has gone about deportations and how he has verbally attacked and harassed immigrants and people of color.
In the recent days, Trump has set out an order for mass deportations not by their level of federal crimes or offense, but called for the arrest and deportation of any immigrant, even the ones who have followed every law and are doing everything to become a citizen in the “Land of the Free.”
Trump is permitting ICE to racially profile civilians on the street to detain, harass, and traumatize to follow his plan of mass deportations., including children and U.S citizens that “fit the description” of being and immigrant (or simply being a person of color).
So, yes the past presidents may have also deported immigrants during their terms, but I don’t recall them terrorizing people around the country in order to do so.
Anahi Mendez, Kerman