Reader: Former mayor, businessman Jim McCarty served the city well We should stand against Putin

Editor: On Dec. 19 we lost our friend Jim McCarty. Jim was a councilman and Lodi’s mayor from 1981-82.

Jim not only served this city but also did a lot to help people in need and donate to many charities. Many knew him as owner of the Milk Stop, which he operated along with his brother Bob and the help of his children.

For the last 10-plus years I had the privilege to get to know him and his beloved wife Mary. We had many quality visits until the day of his passing we talked about our families and his service to our country during World War II. He was so proud of what he accomplished in his life. Jim, you are sorely missed by Kay and I and by many that you touched throughout your life. Rest in peace my friend. you will never be forgotten. JACK VANDERLANS Lodi

Editor: The earliest ancestor in my family arrived in Virginia in 1637 as a colonizer. Francis Poschet was a French Huguenot (Christian) fleeing the turmoil happening in France, to the freedom in the New World of the U.S.

In 1943 as a Lodi Union High School Graduate I went to U.C. Berkeley. My father had taught us about Saul Alinsky and communism (atheism) godlessness.

One class had a book called “The Psychology of the Fighting Man.” It told how the communists would create a confusing turmoil situation and then seize control of the situation to use the crowd for a tool to accomplish their purpose.

My, how we see a replay of that history today!

The old evil power play of communism.

It is my understanding that both President Obama and Hillary Clinton, while students at Harvard, attended sessions by individuals connected with Saul Alinsky types. The American people need to know the truth about that.

“God hath not given us a spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind”. IITim. 1:7.

We need to stand firm against Mr. Putin. Some socalled world leaders do get off the freedom track. AUDREY BOYD Lodi

No reason to attack performers

Editor: I recently submitted a letter to express my concern about the irresponsible behavior many have exhibited resulting in fear in the hearts of good people.

I claimed that international star performers such as Andrea Bocelli and Jackie Evancho accepted invitations to perform at the presidential inauguration Jan. 20.

I also expressed how sad it was that Mr. Bocelli canceled after proudly accepting out of fear that he and his family would not be safe. There are other entertainers that feared for their safety. They also refused to participate in fear their reputations would suffer as well.

Joanne DelSolar followed my letter with her own substantiating that indeed reputations would be harmed. In her letter she stated: “It is easy to see why Bocelli would support Trump — after all, he was a big supporter of Burlusconi, the former Italian prime minister famous for his “bunga-bunga parties "that featured underaged girls."

This gentle blind man was not supporting Trump. He simply wanted to respect the office of the presidency of America in a country he was not a citizen of. Even though the United Nations honored him and his wife Veronica as the UNCA Global Citizens of the Year for his devotion to empower people and communities in need internationally.

Becelli has never been to a “bunga-bunga party” as his manager has attested. His work for the poor has even been supported by George Clooney, Elton John and Ellen DeGeneres. Linking disgusting behavior of another to Mr. Bocelli who has never engaged in it is despicable.

It is easy to understand why Bocelli decided to protect his family by rescinding his offer. He simply wanted to respect America by performing in this wonderful occasion.

When people attacked him and others viciously with intent to harm their reputations when all they did was want to sing, it contributed to an environment of hate, fear, division and animosity. I thought America was better than that. DARRELL BAUMBACH Acampo