We are better than what Trump gives
As our nation continues to be hammered by the merciless COVID pandemic, it has become crystal clear that Donald Trump does not have the moral leadership to ensure our health and democratic well-being as his goal. His self-serving actions of self-promotion and lies fuel his main goal of reelection. By holding mega-rallies and not mandating the wearing of masks, he is ramping up the spread of infection contributing to the deaths of people he has vowed to protect.
Trump also blatantly appeals to the worst racial instincts in people which reflect dark aspects of our history, spurning our ideals of truth, justice and equality. As the opportunity to address racial inequality is offered to us — perhaps not by choice — we should welcome the discussions and changes to come. I know that won’t be Trump’s goal.
With the presidential election soon upon us, we need to remember no candidate is a perfect human being, but we know the difference between an ethical person and a corrupt, self-serving one. Trump’s America is not the America our nation deserves, not with his corruption of our democracy and threats to our wellbeing and equality. Joe Biden offers the ethical choice to help us get back on track as a healthy nation with honesty and integrity. Vote smart and with integrity this November. You and I are responsible for turning this around.
— Linda Cheffet, Oroville
‘So easy to love … full-time job to hate’
With her hands clenched to her chest, Democratic Mayor Schwab declared from the dais on June 10, “I support the Police!” Schwab’s panacea for current tensions: a “diverse” Mayoral Committee including herself, two councilors, the police chief, Chico police officers, and community members such as Concerned Citizens for Justice. Sadly, this group is at odds with Justice for Desmond, which is conspicuously not invited.
Only five days earlier,
Schwab had addressed an impassioned crowd of peaceful protesters. Folks spontaneously chanted, “Desmond … Phillips.” She read from notecards “I hear you,” and then failed to utter Desmond’s name. Nor did Schwab mention any of the scores of people shot on Police Chief O’Brien’s watch.
In similarly complicit form, DACC and Butte County Democrats continue to laud Schwab without pause. Worse, this writer has been scolded by them for suggesting they reconsider this endorsement. The mayor has also been a firm advocate for keeping sit-lie, despite its unconstitutionality.
Nonetheless over 1,000 people emailed the council to demand police reform. We stand with all BIPOCs. We’re committed to centering David Phillips (Desmond’s father). In his words, “It’s so easy to love and a full-time job to hate.” This sentiment, spoken by a community hero if ever there was one, needs to light our way towards true Democracy and justice for all.