|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Retort to critics of my letters
Mr. Sanborn, you dismiss my concerns as “MAGA talking points”, however, the scale of Biden’s failures such as canceling critical meetings, limiting press conferences and avoiding cabinet meetings suggests a concerted effort to obscure his capacity, which differs in scope and intent from other political cover-ups.
My point is not about age but about transparency, accountability and honesty. If no decisions were affected, as you claim, then why the need for such extensive measures to shield Biden? And why did the mainstream media go to great lengths to be a part of the cover-up?
Ms. Patterson, my letters are published frequently because they are well-written from a conservative point of view. I write to spark discussion on issues I believe matter to our community and nation.
The Pleasanton Weekly’s role is to provide a platform for all views, not just those aligning with one perspective. My goal is to raise questions about the failed Democratic leadership and their over regulation that negatively affects us all.
Ms. Kelly, dismissing my arguments as “rants” or comparing them to satire overlooks the strong evidence I present. My letters are neither rude, nor personal, but I do know that truth can sting. Robust debate, and open and honest discussion, can improve our community’s understanding of these critical issues
I hope the Weekly continues to serve as a forum for different perspectives, especially the conservative view that gets very little coverage in the Bay Area media.
— David Ott
The real cover-up
The most egregious political cover-up in politics wasn’t Biden’s mental fitness. Far more appalling, and worse than Watergate, was what happened on Jan. 6, 2021 at the Capitol, and again on Jan. 20, 2025 when Donald Trump pardoned those violent insurrectionists.
That was reprehensible, unjust and a slap in the face to all of the Capitol Police officers who served/serve to protect our democracy. Trump calling it “a day of love” and the insurrectionists “patriots and hostages” … This was shameful and showed blatant cognitive decline or pure evil.
The silence of the GOP and the fake Fox News isn’t only an egregious political cover-up, but a dangerous one! The cover-up continues when Republicans ignore DT’s constant word salad at press conferences, his ramblings at the West Point graduation and NATO summit, and his constant and endless stream of nonsense when he publicly speaks.
When he diminishes women, when he denigrates people or says a female reporter should be “thrown out like a dog”, and the GOP says nothing, it’s a cover-up!
Their silence when it comes to his nonstop grift: his family profiting off of his presidency while he sells visas, million-dollar dinners, bibles, coins, watches, cryptocurrency, trading cards, sneakers, and most egregious his recent pardons to criminals — screams cover-up!
We teach our children to tell the truth, behave with decency and integrity, to not be a bully or name-call, to be respectful and kind, and we have a POTUS who is the exact opposite and his GOP says nothing. Cover-up!
— Kerry Pickett
Gerrymandering complaint
I filed a citizen’s complaint with the Alameda County Civil Grand Jury when the then-Pleasanton City Council voted in the new voting districts. I identified gerrymandering as my complaint. I enclose articles from the Weekly and other publications in the packet I mailed to them.
I suggested people as witnesses, etc. I received a letter of acknowledgement, which stated they would have no further communication with me. They did nothing with my citizen’s complaint. I held onto copies of everything until last December when I shredded them all.
Gerrymandering is voter disenfranchisement. Voters feel powerless because they feel their voice doesn’t matter; why show up when the results are already baked in?
Lower voter engagement. When elections become less competitive due to partisan maps, there’s often less political engagement, debate and voter turnout, which makes compromise rare. With districts designed to be “safe”, elected officials can become less accountable and more beholden to partisan interests.
When district maps appear rigged, faith in the system falters. Voters may believe their government is no longer truly representative. Gerrymandering will trigger lawsuits, delays and controversies that further erode trust and transparency.
In short, gerrymandering isn’t just about oddly shaped maps; it’s about power, fairness and whether voters really choose their representatives, or the other way around. With gerrymandering, the next election for the City Council is most likely to have new faces.
— Michael Austin
Workday and Little Miracles join forces
Workday Marketing, in partnership with Little Miracles, Inc., proudly hosted a successful “Giving & Doing” initiative to provide essential baby supplies to families in need throughout the Tri-Valley area.
From June 16 to June 24, employees and community members came together to donate gently used baby clothes, blankets, board books in both Spanish and English, as well as baby and toddler toys. The generous donations filled collection bins and highlighted the community’s shared commitment to supporting families with young children.
The initiative culminated on June 24 with a hands-on Volunteer Day at the Little Miracles donation center in Pleasanton. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help sort, organize and package the donated baby supplies. Participants also received a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility, gaining insight into the critical work Little Miracles does to serve families facing hardship.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Workday employees who rolled up their sleeves during their ‘Giving & Doing’ day to volunteer with us, and who also organized an in-office diaper drive to support local families in need,” said Tom McEvily, director of corporate outreach for Little Miracles, Inc. “Their hands-on support makes a real difference in the lives of the families we serve.”
We’re also honored to receive a generous $15,000 grant from the Workday Foundation, which will help us continue providing essential baby supplies to those who need them most.
This collaborative effort reflects Workday’s ongoing dedication to corporate social responsibility and community engagement, as well as Little Miracles’ mission to bring hope and practical resources to families in need.
— Diana Keller, co-founder, Little Miracles
