They’re not militias, they are terrorists
The rightwing terrorist plot in Michigan to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer brings to the fore an important matter of language. On Page One bottom Friday, The Chronicle refers to a “militia group” and the term militia is all too often used in the news to describe the farright armed terrorist groups around the country.
Please stop this. The proper definition of a militia is an armed force raised from the populace to supplement the government military in times of an emergency. As such a militia is a legitimate extension of governmental authority. The many groups who have appropriated the name militia as propaganda cover for themselves are in no way an extension of our democratic government’s legitimate authority. Instead, as in Michigan, they are a serious threat to our system of elected government and civil society.
They advocate civil war, insurrection, and in the case of Gov. Whitmer criminal kidnapping, bombing, attacks on the police and murder. The press should stop giving a veneer of regularity to these groups by using the word militia. Call them what they are: extreme rightwing armed terrorist gangs. Language, like truth, matters.
Jamie Harris, Lafayette
Press Biden for answers
“What is Biden hiding?” should be at the the top of every newscast, newspaper and editorial page across the country. When asked if he would move to pack the Supreme Court, Democrat Joe Biden said that if he answered that, it would be the headline the next day. It should be.
But so should his nonanswer and his avoidance of an issue very important to voters. Had President Trump evaded an issue like that, the Big Media would have made his evasion the issue and pressed him on it repeatedly. But when Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris do it, the
Big Media just go on as though it were no big deal. Debate moderator Susan Page never asked Harris about it; Vice President Mike Pence had to raise the issue. The Democrats’ dodge is the ultimate reason to vote against the Democrats. The Big Media’s response is the ultimate reason to not trust them.
Larry Bickford, Camarillo ( Ventura County)
Obama endured attacks
Regarding “Stop the hate against Trump” ( Letters, Oct. 7): I really had to laugh while reading the authors MAGA drivel, where he wrote: Republicans never attacked President Obama for his failings. No, they viciously attacked him for wearing a tan suit!
Carlos Tahmazian, Pacifica
Newsom’s priorities off
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s climate change plan is admirable in the sense that something so unmeasurable is far safer than addressing California’s abysmal education ( K12) record, its income disparity, homelessness, fire losses, affordable housing tragedy, transportation and health care needs.
Not to worry, the progressives will ask nothing more. All the Dems will keep their jobs.
Aubrey Copeland, Moraga
Trump’s exit strategy
Has anyone stopped to consider that Trump’s selfdestructive behavior in the past two months is purposeful? I do not think he wants to be president anymore, if he ever did. Remember, Michael Cohen said Trump did not expect to win in 2016, that his campaign was one long infomercial for the “Trump brand.”
While he loves the idolization at his rallies, I believe he finds the job of president far too much work, with too much responsibility. He wants to undermine the legitimacy of the election so he can lose but still go off as a martyred right wing icon. What he fails to realize is that no one goes more swiftly or completely into oblivion than a failed presidential candidate, even “The Donald.”
John Ahlbach, Pacifica
Governing is a burden
Regarding “State is falling down on the job,” Editorial, Oct. 9: Gavin, remember, “Heavy is the head that wears the crown.”
Lawrence Hurley, Daly City
Don’t fear COVID19
In “Don’t wait any longer” ( Letters, Oct. 8), the writer suggests that those who have delayed mammograms because of COVID19 concerns should reweigh the risk and benefits of having the procedure done and act accordingly. While there is a risk, it’s time to get out there. One should be careful, but don’t let COVID19 dominate your life. ( To cite some of the phrases used by Trump when he returned from the hospital to the White House).
Daniel Mauthe, Livermore
Defining the president
After searching for almost four years, I have found the perfect descriptive Scottish word for President Trump: cockwomble.
Cockwomble ( noun): A person usually a male, prone to making outrageous stupid statements and/ or inappropriate behavior while generally having a very high opinion of their own wisdom and importance.
John Krug, Petaluma
The buzz around Pence
In response to “Lies attract flies” ( Letters, Oct. 9), I wonder if the fly that landed on Vice President Mike Pence’s head could have laid as many eggs as Pence did during the debate.
Noel Robertson, Fairfax