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Published: 8/23/2022 7:04:01 AM

Modified: 8/23/2022 7:00:25 AM

In 1992, Bill Clintons self-deprecating mantra of Its the economy, stupid demonstrated his focus on the one issue that was most important to voters, and it propelled him to the White House. Today, in the face of high inflation, many voters are again focused on the economy. Many other voters remain focused on the culture war issues. However, none of these is the crucial issue before us in the upcoming election. The most important issue before us is nothing less than the survival of our democracy.

The Republicans came perilously close to ending our democracy with the insurrection. They have made their intentions about 2024 crystal clear, but in 2024 they may have many more pliant state and local officials to do their bidding. If they succeed, then our democracy is gone, possibly forever, and we become just another authoritarian state with sham elections. The MAGA crowd will vote ignoring the facts, but independent voters and Republicans who do not believe the Big Lie must decide which is more important: preserving democracy, or winning the culture wars at any cost. At this point, a vote for a Republican at any level, national, state or local, seems a vote to end democracy.

In September, 1787, just after signing the new U. S. Constitution, Benjamin Franklin was leaving the statehouse when he was asked, Well, what have we got? A republic or a monarchy? Franklin famously replied, A republic...if you can keep it. Well? Do you want to keep it?

Kirke Wheeler

Hopkinton

Continued here:
Letter: It's not the economy - Concord Monitor

Sea levels are rising, the poor are struggling, and an epidemic of mass shootings continues to claim lives across the country. But rather than making any of these issues a top priority, Florida officials have decided to open up yet another front in the culture wars. This time theyre playing an old card: the Red Scare.

On May 9, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signedHouse Bill 395, which requires public schools to observe Victims of Communism Day each year on November 9. It also mandates that high school students learn about the abuses of leftwing dictators for at least forty-five minutes every year.

It would be a mistake to see this simply as an effort to educate young people about historical figures. Instead, it is an attempt to indoctrinate students into viewing all forms of socialism as inherently totalitarian and dangerous. [B]ased on the economic philosophies of Karl Marx, the law declares, communism has proven incompatible with the ideals of liberty, prosperity, and dignity of human life.

This comes at a moment when socialist ideas are becoming increasingly popular among young people, something reactionary politicians clearly want to push back against. For instance, DeSantis recentlycastigatedGustavo Petro, Colombias democratically elected leftist President, andcriticizedunnamed college students who he thinks have an affinity for communist symbols. Likewise, Republican state Representative David Borrero, a co-sponsor of HB 395,citingpolling data on the growing affinity for leftist ideas among younger generations.

Florida now requires schools to observe "Victims of Communism Day" and to teach about the abuses of leftwing dictators for at least forty-fiveminutes every academicyear.

This new anti-communism law is part of a broader crusade to censure members of the LGBTQ+ community and prevent anti-racist education from being taught in public schools. In an apparent effort to gin up his rightwing base, DeSantis has been laser-focused on hot-button culture war issues lately. He is seeking re-election in November, but also is astrong contenderfor the Republican presidential ticket in 2024.

HB 395 was preceded in Florida by the Stop WOKE Act, which bans schools and workplaces from talking about racism in any way that makes others uncomfortable, and the Dont Say Gay bill, which outlaws the discussion of gender or sexual identity in elementary school classrooms. DeSantis also signed into law a fifteen-weekabortion banlast April.

In Florida, it seems, history is repeating itself. In the 1950s, anti-communist rhetoric was an important element of opposition to the civil rights movement, asThe Daily Beasts Kelly Weillnoted. Similarly, the Lavender Scare, a campaign from the 1940s through the 1960s to purge LGBTQ+ workers from federal government jobs, led the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee to publish an infamous anti-homosexuality propaganda booklet in 1964 known as the Purple Pamphlet. Senator Joseph McCarthy, Republican of Wisconsin, andothers in the U.S. Senatealso saw this as an opportunity to continue McCarthys reign of terror by falselylinkingcommunism with homosexuality.

HB 395 is an attack on public education and on teachers ability to teach, Spencer Beswick, a Ph.D. candidate in history at Cornell University, tellsThe Progressive. This is just one more instance of an actual authoritarian, rightwing movement thats trying to remake history and what students learn. Its situated in a long tradition of anti-communism in the United States.

The American South, Florida included, is definitely a hostile place for leftists, adds Evan Caldwell, co-chair of the Young Democratic Socialists of America at the University of Central Florida. Florida Republicans have to focus on whipping up a frenzy and forcing out these bills that direct attention away from the billions of dollars theyre shipping off to various corporations and wealthy individuals out of the hands of the working class.

The left and the Democratic Socialists of America are a big tent. Most seem to be social democrats, democratic socialists, anarchists, libertarian socialists, democratic confederalists, and others. None of this broad spectrum of views is mentioned in HB 395.

Despite this, Caldwell doesnt think the new law will stop young people from seeing the injustices of capitalism and coming together to take action. The way we get out of this situation is to organize, he says.

Follow this link:
Seeing Red - Progressive.org - Progressive.org

FILE - Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies to a House Committee on Appropriations subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies hearing, about the budget request for the National Institutes of Health, May 11, 2022, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert who became a household name, and the subject of partisan attacks, during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced Monday he will depart the federal government in December after more than 5 decades of service. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

Dr. Anthony S. Fauci announced yesterday that he will step down in December as Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Chief Medical Advisor to President Joe Biden.

President Biden praised Dr. Faucis unwavering commitment to his work as well as his unparalleled spirit, energy, and scientific integrity. He added: Because of Dr. Faucis many contributions to public health, lives here in the United States and around the world have been saved.

Conversely, Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Az., tweeted: Dr. Fauci is conveniently resigning from his position in December before House Republicans have an opportunity to hold him accountable for destroying our country over these past three years. Republican Study Committee chairman Jim Banks added, Republicans must remain committed to holding Fauci accountable even after he steps down to make sure no one in his position ever abuses the public trust again.

Criticism of Americas political leaders goes back to our first contested election in 1800, but condemning their followers is something different. I dont live in the same neighborhood as my president or governor, but I do live in the same neighborhood as some of their supporters. When we begin rejecting not just our leaders but each other on political, moral, or ideological grounds, our ability to flourish or even function as the United States of America is imperiled.

Yesterday I made the claim that civility is vital to a healthy democracy and an attribute that should especially be evident among Christians. I want to expand on that claim today by giving attention to those who disagree.

As I note in my book The Coming Tsunami, a growing tide of secularists consider religion not just outdated and irrelevant but dangerous to society. During hearings on the so-called Equality Act, for example, some senators compared those opposing the Act on religious grounds to the Ku Klux Klans burning crosses and the Confederacys biblical justifications for slavery.

On the other side, Sohrab Ahmari wrote in First Things: Progressives understand that culture war means discrediting their opponents and weakening or destroying their institutions. Conservatives should approach the culture war with a similar realism. Civility and decency are secondary values. They regulate compliance with an established order and orthodoxy. We should seek to use these values to enforce our order and our orthodoxy, not pretend that they could ever be neutral.

This approach to the culture wars is clearly winning hearts and minds: A majority of second-year college students said they would not date someone who supported a different presidential candidate than they did in 2020. Almost half said they would not room with someone who voted differently; nearly two-thirds said they would not marry someone who backed a different political candidate two years ago.

Cultural issues are more binary and more divisive than ever before in my lifetime. Is abortion the death of a child, or is it the healthcare right of a woman? Is same-sex marriage (and LGBTQ advocacy) an imposition of unbiblical morality on religious freedom, or is it the civil rights cause of our day?

In a democracy, we settle our differences through elections and elected officials. However, abortion and same-sex marriage were settled by unelected Supreme Court justices, then the former was overturned by unelected Supreme Court justices. In addition, many see those on the other side as deeply immoral and thus undeserving of representation by the media and the protection of our governance.

Commercial media amplifies our differences for audience share; social media amplifies them through personal megaphones. We curate our news into echo chambers that reinforce our biases. Our mobile society and workforce allow us to live and work with those who share our opinions while avoiding those who do not.

And the increasing secularism of our culture makes our culture wars especially urgent. George Clooney speaks for many: I dont believe in heaven and hell. I dont know if I believe in God. All I know is that as an individual, I wont allow this lifethe only thing I know to existto be wasted.

What makes Christians different? Or at least, what should make us different?

Heres what we know that secularists dont:

Each of these principles is vital for empowering a democracy in which those who disagree fervently on major issues can nonetheless live and work together for the common good.

In addition, Christians know the path to moral transformation lies not through politics or human governance but through the work of Gods Spirit:

Each of these principles is vital for empowering Christians to be salt and light in a decaying, ever-darkening culture.

Justin Martyr (AD 100165) assured the Roman emperor, We are your helpers and allies in promoting peace.

Now its our turn.

The rest is here:
Dr. Fauci announces his retirement, response is what you'd expect - Denison Forum

Noise and pollution concerns

Exhaust noise enforcement, The Beach Reporter, 8/11/22

I want to express my agreement with Kelly Charles letter in the August 11 edition. Im glad to see that a digital sign has been placed in other intersections as well, and would like to know if citations have been issued. I would like to add to the list the poisoning smog from those noisy vehicles. In these times of viruses, masks, and awareness about climate change and environmental pollution, how is it that we silently accept being poisoned this way by being forced to breathe those toxic gases?

I also want to add to the list the disturbing and polluting gardeners machines, and dogs that bark continuously to their owners total disregard for their neighbors. I live in North Redondo and drive the beach cities area daily due to my job, and so suffer those disturbances on a daily basis. Education, kindness, respect for others and our communities should render these letters unnecessary. However, here we are writing them in despair.

As Kelly said, please help.

Cesar Adatto, Redondo Beach

Re: Plans to replace power site submitted, The Beach Reporter, 8/18/22

It is with alarm I that I read the plans for the AES Power Site. Heres some history. In 2002, against the wishes of the citizens, the Redondo Beach council sold out to developers and approved 3000 low-rise units. The citizens reaction came in the form of collecting over 6,000 signatures in 2-1/2 weeks, to put this to a vote. The council then saw the light and withdrew the approval.

This action is what caused the park people (those wanting the majority of the site to be parkland), to be elected. So much so, that when a very moderate project was placed on the ballot for 600 large homes, a hotel, and some commercial to be built, the plan did not pass. So, for the past 20 years there has been lots of talk but nothing approved for this site.

Now, this insane plan is submitted. It certainly makes the plan that was voted down for 600 large homes and a hotel look great. The plan calls for the huge, view-blocking power plant building to be retained. In addition, 2,300 housing units, a hotel and lots of commercial. Nowhere are heights mentioned other than stating there are view towers. These, of course will come at the expense of the current citizens losing our views due to these high-rise buildings.

Its time to compromise; a compromise that protects residents views, doesnt impact schools or traffic, and is an asset to current residents, not just the developers balance sheet.

Bill Lippert, Redondo Beach

District 4 voters have only one alternative in recall election, The Beach Reporter, 11/18/22

The Cannabis Initiative had been voted by Redondo Beach City Council in February 2022, to be held on the March 7, 2023 local election. Councilmember Zein Obagis recall would have been on the November 8, 2022 General Election at a cost of $36,000. Meanwhile,Councilmember Nils Nehrenheim made a non-agendized motion, violating the Brown Act, to have a special election on October 19, 2022 for the Cannabis Initiative and include Obagis recall. The cost for the city is between $217,000 to $297,000 for a special election, instead of $36,000.

Obagi may have committed an ethics violation by voting for his own special election and the cannabis Initiative. Hed been conflicted in the past, recusing himself regarding cannabis discussions and voting. Why did he want his recall to be separate from Nov. 8?

Obagi has not held District 4 and the city as his primary concern. Obagi votes with Nehrenheim and Loewenstein their all the time, to the detriment of allowing a huge amount of housing required by the state to be put into North Redondo, and spending more than $217,000 on a special election including his recall.

Council candidate Tonya McKenzie will listen, and represent District 4 while working to enhance RB shared community and commerce. She understands residents and their needs. Go to redondobeachfortonya.com to find out more, and why to vote yes for McKenzie as District 4 City Council Member.

Vicky Oetzell, Redondo Beach

Students are walking, skateboarding and bicycling back to school while cars run rampant in the streets. Time for distracted drivers to take some of the Yap out of your Giddy-Yap and pay more attention to the road, especially the unmarked crosswalk: When any pathway, whether street, sidewalk, or dirt trail, intersects a street at something like a right angle, there is a crosswalk; whether it is painted or not.

New York City rules pedestrians are fair game though cars may not accelerate or change lanes to hit them do not apply here. Pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks are legally protected. California Vehicle Code section 21954 codifies such protection. It specifically says that all drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk.

But righteous walkers, beware oblivious drivers and righty-turners. Its no good being dead-right. Survival depends on looking both ways for all vehicles upon the roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard

Tom Wooge, Redondo Beach

Ive lived in Manhattan Beach for 25 years and have been active in supporting our schools, even after my daughter graduated from Mira Costa in 2008. Im a participant in the MBEF Wine Auction and also help with MBEF information technology needs. Im writing to heartily endorse Amy Howorth for Manhattan Beach City Council.

Our city is facing some dark times ahead: the post-COVID confusion, the fiscal challenges in our schools, inflation and recession challenging our local businesses, culture wars polarizing us; while critical issues of water conservation and development are on our citys docket.

Fortunately, Howorth is running for council. She has the experience and character we need to consider opposing views, compromise, and then reach consensus to cut through inaction.

John Oshiro, Manhattan Beach

More:
LETTERS to the Editor: Week of August 25 - Daily Breeze

Nebraska Public Media reported earlier this month on another emerging culture war: Rural Republican governors in the Intermountain West and Great Plains statesled by Nebraskas Pete Rickets and including Montanas Greg Gianforteequating President Bidens conservation agenda with a federal government land grab.

It seems that Biden had the audacity in his first month in office to direct the Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to develop a program to conserve at least 30 percent of all lands and waters in the United States by 2030. The America the Beautiful plan, or 30 by 30 as it is now known, is a national call to action to conserve the countrys natural resources.

Currently, only 12% of Americas land and water are conserved, according to the Department of the Interior, most of which is federal land (wilderness, national parks and monuments, wildlife refuges). Much of the other conserved lands are under permanent conservation easements voluntarily entered into by private land owners, primarily farmers and ranchers, keeping agricultural land from being developed. Other farm and ranch lands have been conserved by private landowners voluntary participation in federal programs designed to protect natural resources, dating back to the New Deal of the 1930s. These federal programs have been successful at significantly reducing soil erosion and protecting water and wildlife.

But according to Gov. Rickets and his co-conspirators, We are deeply concerned about any effort to enlarge the federal estate(and) we oppose any increase in land-use restrictions on lands under our state jurisdiction (or) infringing on the private property rights of our citizens (from a letter by the Governors to the President, April 21, 2022).

The only problem is, of course, that none of these fever dreams are real. Its just another effort to convince rural communities that the federal government is out to steal their land or trick them into doing something that is contrary to their property rights.

These Republican governors are lying to farmers and ranchers. Its not working, yet. In deep-red Nebraska, at least, 95% of Democrats and Republicans, according to polling done by New Bridge Strategies, a Republican research and polling firm, agree that they support private landowners ability to conserve land through voluntary programs.

According to Dean Fedde, a farmer in southeast Nebraska quoted in the Nebraska Public Media report, There is no land grab. The government is not going to take your farm. Theyre here to help protect that ground. They want to see working farms continue to be working farms. Its just the opposite of whats being told.

But that wont stop the grifters from grifting.

These governors will escalate their campaign to confuse farmers and ranchers when President Biden signs the Inflation Reduction Act this week. The Act, among other provisions to address the climate crisis, contains $20 billion to boost voluntary land conservation in farm and ranch country.

In Nebraska, Rickets will step up his campaign to get county commissioners to adopt resolutions to oppose the creation of conservation easements on farmland. Already half the counties in the state have complied with this government overreach, and conservation easement applications in the Sand Hills have already been denied.

In Montana, expect the campaign to be led by the United Property Owners of Montana (UPOM), an astroturf public relations campaign waged by The Montana Group, a Helena-based political consulting firm of former Republican Party electeds and professional grifters who are known for hawking their Save the Cowboy yard signs (only $35!).

UPOM is opposed to the American Prairies land grab to establish a 3-million acre reserve for bison on public and private land in central Montana (and for several hundred years the home of the Blackfeet, among other indigenous peoples).

These grifters will undoubtedly be joined by Gianforte and Attorney General Austin Knudsen, both of whom have opposed the Reserve. American Prairie and other conservation organizations in Montana are simply using all of the tools developed by conservationists in and out of government for the last century to protect both the land and property rights. What they are doing is working for the benefit of all Montanans.

Like Nebraskans, lets tell the grifters that their culture war is not welcome in Montana.

Marshall Mayer, based in Helena, takes notes with a camera at take-note.com.

See the original post here:
The next front in the culture wars? Conservation of rural land and water Daily Montanan - Daily Montanan