Showing support to veterans

Editor: As a veteran watching the Taliban retake control of Afghanistan after thousands of Americans were killed or wounded over two decades of war have left me asking if our service and sacrifice was worth it.

To those who served it is unconscionable to leave anyone behind! Not Americans who have family in the region, not our allies who answered the call to stand with us after the events of 9/11 and most assuredly not the Afghani people who risked their lives and those they loved to work beside us to defeat the Taliban!

Do you know a soldier who served or a Gold Star family who suffered a loss? Anyone affected by the perils of war needs your support and prayer during this time. It is for this reason I’m asking my fellow veterans and Lodians to show up, support and pray for our country and all those who served and sacrificed for our freedom. Join myself and others this Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021 at 10 a.m., at the Lodi Veterans Park Memorial located at 305 W. Pine St.

Are you a veteran in crisis or concerned about one?

Veterans crisis Line: 1-800-2738255; text 838255; chat online at veteranscrisisline.net.

For TTY users: Use your preferred relay service, or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.

AMANDA DECKER-MCCANN

Lodi

Protect medical freedoms

Editor: Elected representatives of San Joaquin County: I am concerned about government overreach, coercion in the face of risk and the eroding of our medical freedoms.

I am asking for your support in resisting the mandates as 100% of the liability of the manufacturers are completely indemnified from any harm their products cause. I respect your right to your opinion and your freedom to hold whatever personal beliefs you have about vaccination; I am seeking your support for protection of the same freedoms, especially in the face of such grave danger and suspiciously coordinated efforts to vaccinate every single human being despite the fact that we do not all face the same risk of serious illness.

It seems that some believe rights can be altered, suspended, or simply interpreted differently, while promoting the false impression that the government "provides" rights to the people. I seek your support in preserving the diversity of local communities against this top-down, onesize-fits-all mandate approach as it goes against the principles of our constitution and the structure of this republic. This is a threat to people's rights as well as the freedom that protects us from tyranny, and will ultimately have a negative impact on "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Our Constitution makes no provision for suspending rights during an emergency; in fact, it is precisely in emergencies that even more of an effort to protect the rights and freedoms of the people should be protected. Bending the foundation of our republic cannot be an option and we should all be united in wanting to secure our rights, liberty, and freedom. I call on you to stand with me in our fight to preserve the right of all people to bodily autonomy, the freedom of choice especially in the face of clear risk and equal access to healthcare, education, employment and recreation for all people regardless of vaccination status without having to meet weekly testing requirements and these decisions should be free of reprisal.

We will never be free if our “freedom” is contingent upon taking someone else’s freedom away!

SCOTT WOZNICK

Lodi