I can’t remember when I’ve read a more one-sided and biased rant than the one by Muhammad Naeem (Another Pandemic) as I read this past week in the Chronicle. Name-calling, misinformation, racist comments, and blatant lies rip this great nation apart on every front, and his submission was replete with them.

Fortunately for the states in America, united together under a Constitution, we are governed by a binding set of laws. Fortunately too, we don’t have a king overseeing our constitution – it stands alone. Unfortunately, it takes only one person seizing advantage of a do-nothing congress to run over our Constitution and pretend kingship – as President Biden is now doing!

Throwing President Trump under the bus and the 73.6 million Americans who voted for him only shows ignorance of our remarkable Constitutional Republic. Thankfully our system was engineered to work with a check and balance system, but when that stalls, we end up with 22 months of failed leadership and a sharp decline for the United States and its people.

As a Washington Times opinion reporter stated, “The Democrats have turned politics into raw sewage that stinks to high heaven. Watching President Biden’s continuous blunders and missteps should tell everyone to be very weary of our downfall as a society.”

I couldn’t agree more! Our energy independence is being destroyed. Biden has pandered to China and given them a full pass over Covid. Our current president has all but surrendered our Southern boarder, with millions of illegals crossing over, including drug dealers, human traffickers, terrorists and other violent criminals.

The Biden administration knowingly left over $7 billion in military equipment in Afghanistan for the terrorists to keep in his disastrous withdrawal. And – the U.S. is officially in a recession, with unemployment at levels unseen since the Great Depression. It’s said to be the worst economic downturn in the history of the industrialized world.

So Mr. Naeem, you are telling us that Trump is the bad guy here and people are “sick” for supporting him? I think you’d better rethink that diagnosis!!!

Susan Beckett

Hemet, CA

• DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various author’s articles on this Opinion piece or elsewhere online or in the newspaper where we have articles with the header “COLUMN/EDITORIAL & OPINION” do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints or official policies of the Publisher, Editor, Reporters or anybody else in the Staff of the Hemet and San Jacinto Chronicle Newspaper.

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It should be red-alert news that our President and Dr. Fauci both now have had covid. Why? Because we, the “non-vaxed” – have been endlessly harassed and ridiculed for not giving into the shot: we have been denied work, schooling, and social privileges etc on a mass scale over this jab!

We’ve been lectured and doggedly told that “If people get the vaccine they can feel safe they are not going to get covid.” So get it or else…loose your job…don’t attend college, stay home, etc

The definition of a vaccination is: “The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce immunity to a specific disease.” A great example of an actual vaccine is the smallpox or mumps vaccine. These give people true immunity and families are safe in the knowledge that they won’t end up getting either of those diseases. Not so with the covid jab!

So obviously, this was not true, and now even Biden – after two shots + two boosters – has had covid. Let’s say that again – he has now had 4 (FOUR) of these “trial and error” jabs. And to what avail?

So – my question: why still the vilification of those of us who choose to not participate in the shot? Any apologies on the horizon for us? It should be glaringly obvious by now that this is not a vaccine – it’s a jab that is still in the experimental stages, with evidence of harm to many who have taken it.

• DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various author’s articles on this Opinion piece or elsewhere online or in the newspaper where we have articles with the header “COLUMN/EDITORIAL & OPINION” do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints or official policies of the Publisher, Editor, Reporters or anybody else in the Staff of the Hemet and San Jacinto Chronicle Newspaper.

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I was truly saddened to read all the great publicity given by the Chronicle to the R-rated Paranormal Cirque coming to our valley this week, complete with trendy pictures. What a catch of free publicity for the dark-horror show! As if our nation isn’t seeing enough blood and gore with mass shootings each week – and with violence & sexual perversion at an all time high – we are now importing this sleaziness into our community!

Americans are a very tolerant group of people and have been conditioned for years to stomach all types of abhorrent public conduct. But – I can only hope that basic discernment hasn’t gone out the window. Are we now content with being entertained by depravity and lewdness?! In this hour, when our society is in dire need of morals and human decency, we should be doing everything in our power to promote decency and moral character for a healthy community.

Your paper has a unique opportunity each week to make difference – but, this week, you choose to advance baseness. So many are working so hard to bring healthy values to our valley. We are truly at a time when everyone who believes in godliness and decency needs to stand and be counted!!

Susan Beckett

Hemet, CA

• DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various author’s articles on this Opinion piece or elsewhere online or in the newspaper where we have articles with the header “COLUMN/EDITORIAL & OPINION” do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints or official policies of the Publisher, Editor, Reporters or anybody else in the Staff of the Hemet and San Jacinto Chronicle Newspaper.

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I just finished checking out the political cartoon in the Chronicle’s “Politics” section this last week. It pictures two children with measles asking their mom to remind them why they didn’t get the measles shot. Her reply: “They’re bad for you. I read that somewhere on Facebook.”

Of course, this is a shot (no pun intended) at those who haven’t taken, nor will take, the Covid shot. I don’t know who designed and wrote this silly cartoon, but certainly they must have their head in the sand regarding this jab – do they ever listen to honest news? At least half the people I know personally who have had Covid had gotten the jab! They got Covid anyway and many others have suffered with side effects! One friend has just gotten out of the hospital with Covid after having had the initial jab plus a follow-up jab #2!

And just a sideline: Not one person I have known has ever gotten the measles vaccine and then contracted measles!!! As the age old question begs: Is a fisherman still a fisherman if he never catches any fish? So, if a vaccine doesn’t protect against what the vaccine is supposed to protect against, is the vaccine still a vaccine?! I think not.

Susan Beckett

Hemet, California

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Here is your Hemet City Treasurer’s speech:

My name is Sue Savage, I am Hemet’s City Treasurer whom the citizens of Hemet voted for and elected a year ago.

You overturned the vote of the people in March of last year and appointed the City Manager to invest Hemet citizens’ money.

Not a single City Council member has made an attempt to restore the vote of the people nor show some respect for the taxes Hemet citizens must pay.

Last January I gave four treasurer reports. One of the reports was: “ Hemet is not poor. Where is all the money coming from?”

First, A little history. Six years ago, Hemet was investigated for bankruptcy by the state of California. Then Hemet passed measure U, taking Hemet‘s portion of sales tax from $.01 to $.02, doubling Hemet’s share of sales tax. Back then Hemet had $57 million in the bank.

Everyone talks about how poor Hemet is. Our police department stands up here meeting after meeting and begs for a raise. Our city employees have marched with picket signs begging for a raise. All of us drive on our Hemet streets and we know what they’re like.

Does a city going from $57 million then to about $155 million now sound like a poor city to you? Two years of the pandemic has left other cities complaining about no money.

Last year’s Treasurer Report asked: “where is all this money coming from? And how do we know it actually isn’t even more?”

Hemet’s City Council appointed City Manager, Chris Lopez, and Staff, Lorena Rocha, to invest Hemet taxpayer dollars. Chris Lopez and Lorena Rocha have not made a report on Hemet’s money in 11 months. Tonight, as city treasurer, again I ask: “Where are the legally required Treasurer Reports for the last 11 months?”

The citizens of Hemet are forced by City Council to pay Hemet taxes. The taxpayers deserve a report on their money.

So, tonight, Hemet’s Treasurer is giving a “Mini-Treasurer report”.

Last year, $117,005.11 in interest was paid to Hemet citizens in January. Hemet had $107,601,742.42 million in the bank and I was investing as City Treasurer.

This year $66,505.61 in interest was paid to Hemet citizens in January. Hemet has $155,279,811.16 million in the bank. The City Manager, Chris Lopez and Finance Director, Lorena Rocha are doing the investing.

Hemet earned $50,499.50 less under Lopez/Rocha than when I was investing. Why? Because Malcolm Lilienthal, Joe Males, Russ Brown, Linda Krupa and Karlee Meyer overturned the vote of the people.

Hemet has more money in the bank, during the pandemic. This year alone, Hemet has $47,678,068.74 more in the bank. Christopher Lopez and Lorena Rocha earned half the interest on nearly $50 million dollars more in the bank.

What is Christopher Lopez, Lorena Rocha, Malcolm Lilienthal, Karlee Meyer, Joe Males, Russ Brown, Linda Krupa and Stephen Graham costing Hemet citizens?

The $155 million Hemet citizens have in the bank could be earning 2 1/2 million dollars in annual interest. This is costing Hemet citizens $208 Thousand each month.

Let me repeat, $208,000 every month is the cost to Hemet citizens.

It would be nice if the City Council, City Manager and Finance Director could show respect and earn Hemet citizens their 2 1/2 million dollars interest on their money. Better yet, put the Treasurer back in charge and put her to work earning the interest.

Sue Savage, Hemet City Treasurer working hard for Hemet citizens

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I recall as a young child hearing my grandfather say, “Those that have nothing appreciate everything they receive, and those that have it all expect it to flow like a river forever.” It never much occurred to me then what he was talking about. Today I understand. We have become a nation of spoiled brats, overweight, self-serving nincompoops who want immediate gratification without concern for consequences.

Families not only fight others but turn against each other within their own clans. Discussion and compromise have become kill or be killed. My way or the highway. The historical Hatfields and McCoys have become political parties who would rather raise money for reelection than to do the job they were elected to office to do.

Crime has become the order of the day. Guns are the instruments of exercising power. Our streets house illegal drug traffic, sex trafficking of minors to satisfy the high and the mighty’s taste for young blood. Our sidewalks are littered with the homeless whose bedroom is the doorways of businesses.

Business people fear so much what might happen to them if they protest when shoplifters raid their shelves that they do not protest for fear of being shot and killed.

We may soon implode as did the Roman Empire and other great societies. The clock is ticking. We are sleeping past the alarm. It may already be too late, but we need to get our heads out of the dark place and start by knowing who we elect to office before voting, and more importantly, try to return to what was taught to us as children; be kind and thoughtful of others, respect your neighbors, be a giver instead of a greedy taker. It is not so difficult if you try. Once it all goes down the drain, there will be no next chance. Don’t let us fall into the trap of “if only I had paid attention.

Raymond Strait – Hemet

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At the January 11, 2022 city council meeting, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A79JGYgjBSE Stephen Graham, attorney for the city of Hemet, told Malcolm Lilienthal: “Being king is good, sir” (time: 1:08:58)

We live in America, Mr. City Attorney. We do not have kings. In America, kings have no power. In America, Attorney Graham, we have Mayors of cities, and Mayors do have power.

Mayor Lilienthal, you are the Mayor of Hemet. You DO have power.

For example, last year’s Mayor, Karlee Meyer, overturned Hemet citizens’ vote. Karlee Meyer and the rest of Council appointed the city manager and finance director to invest Hemet’s money instead of the Treasurer the citizens had elected. You have the power to correct the disservice to Hemet citizens.

Free speech is the first amendment in America. The first amendment allows me to speak freely. Yet, Mayor Lilienthal, (time 1:29:05) you can be seen turning off my microphone during my speech and then telling me what I could and could not say. A clear violation of my first amendment rights recorded for all to see on YouTube.

Not only does the city of Hemet overturn the vote of its citizens, it denies them their constitutional rights. As Mayor, Mr. Lilienthal, you do NOT have the power to restrict my speech or tell me what to say.

Citizens are allowed three minutes to speak in front of city council. As the elected Treasurer of Hemet, I do not interrupt you nor do I tell you what you can say. It would be much appreciated if you would not use my time with your words and would not tell me what to say.

As Mayor, Mr. Lilienthal, you have the power and the opportunity to restore the will of the people and their vote. You have the power and the opportunity to cause the Treasurer of Hemet to invest on behalf of Hemet citizens.

The citizens of Hemet would appreciate you restoring their vote. As Mayor, you can cause the city Treasurer to do the investing for Hemet, just like the other city treasurers invest for their cities.

Sue Savage, Hemet City Treasurer,

Working hard for Hemet Citizens

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To the Editor:

Mr. Weiner’s thesis is that James Madison would have wanted to see more support in Congress for any legislation as sweeping and enduring as Build Back Better. Mr. Weiner is likely correct, but this is hardly a meaningful argument against voting this bill into law.

There are two realities that argue against the Madison perspective. First, polling shows that many parts of the legislation are very popular with most voters. Second, Republican Party “no” votes are predominantly based on opposition for the sake of opposition.

Substantial public support far outweighs any thoughts Madison may have had about a need to justify laws of enduring impact by counting margins of victory in congressional voting tallies.

Joe Grossman, Boulder, CO.

LETTER 2:

To the Editor:

Greg Weiner’s essay is carefully reasoned and eloquent. The takeaway is that American democracy as envisioned by James Madison is structured to keep narrow majorities from making large policy changes quickly, and that this is one of the great virtues of our Constitution. I take exception.

For at least two decades our government has been unable to reasonably respond to a great variety of social, economic and environmental issues because a supermajority is required for any contentious legislation to pass the Senate.

We are quite likely past the point of no return on global warming, an issue President Biden appropriately calls “existential.” I can think of no better reason for eliminating the filibuster (and gerrymandering for that matter) and getting on with the monumental work that’s needed if we are to avert the end of human civilization. David Sligar, Grants Pass, OR.

LETTER 3:

To the Editor:

Greg Weiner argues that progressive Democrats unhappy about the failure to pass social legislation should blame James Madison, who wisely engineered a constitutional system that filters and constrains majorities and requires the slow building of support for legislation. But these are not “normal” times.

The reason progressives are anxious to legislate before 2022 is that they know that a Republican reconquest of the House will not represent a “normal” midterm electoral defeat but the victory of a far-right party, with an even farther-right base, and that this endangers democracy itself.

Quoting Lincoln, Mr. Weiner waxes eloquent about “a patient confidence in the ultimate justice of the people.”

But Republicans are now systematically changing state-level election laws to restrict voting and to place vote-counting in the hands of partisans. Under these circumstances, patient confidence is a recipe for disaster. Democrats must use their legislative majority to pass social legislation and the Freedom to Vote Act now if democracy is to have a future.

Jeffrey C. Isaac, Bloomington, IN.

The writer is a professor of political science at Indiana University.

Response to “Another Democrat to Be Mad at,” article by Greg Weiner (Page B2 in this issue)

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It would sure be great if these reporters would check out the facts surrounding Jan. 6 before propagating these continued myths – the facts are out there if you take the time to look. But, as the saying goes, if you repeat a lie long enough, people will eventually believe it.

First – how many people know that the Capitol building was evacuated because of a bomb threat, not because of demonstrators. We know this because former Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund testified to it earlier this year. Wonder why the major news outlets ignored this fact?! The Washington Examiner reported this in February, “The discovery of a pipe bomb outside the Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington on Jan. 6 prompted police to evacuate two congressional buildings, not, as was believed, the attack on the US. Capitol.”

Another important fact that most of our media are not bothering to report is that no one at the event has been charged with “insurrection.” A public search of the charging documents for those involved in the Jan 6th demonstrations reveals exactly zero charges for “insurrection,” “treason” or “rebellion.” If this were truly a “coup” attempt or an “insurrection,” as much of the media continues to report, then any rational person would think that charges would have been brought by this time! Instead, charges such as “Knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority” or “unlawful entry” are being filed. Gosh – wonder why we haven’t heard that?

There is so much more to the persistent false reporting, but space here has its limitations. People may not have liked President Trump’s Tweets, but he sure gave the United States a boost on every front! It was definitely “America First” with him – not “America Last” as we are currently experiencing!

I will agree with Mr. Strait on one thing – he said: “Beware who you follow down a rat hole because there may be many rodents there thinking of you as tonight’s meal.” Innocent people today are indeed being led down a rat hole – unfortunately, it’s one they recently voted for.

There’s a phrase that’s been around a long time – “Truth in Advertising.” Federal law says that when consumers see or hear an ad, whether it’s on the internet, radio or TV, the ad must be truthful, not misleading. Wouldn’t it be nice if we had a Federal law governing truth in reporting too?!

Susan Beckett

Hemet, CA

Susan Beckett | Contributed

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Let’s get real. The “destruction of community character” argument is just a thinly veiled argument for upholding structural segregation.

The unspoken terror isn’t having rental units go up in your neighbor’s backyard but rather the potential for minorities and less affluent people who are different than you from moving in.

To nuance the conversation, single-family zoning originated to legally encode racial segregation after racially restrictive covenants were deemed unconstitutional. The legacy of this racist housing policy has been increased racial and economic segregation, and now a housing crisis in California’s growing cities like San Diego.

An end to single-family zoning is part of the solution.

The question I’d like to ask my fellow San Diegans is, don’t you want to live in a neighborhood whose “character” celebrates diversity and fosters respect and appreciation for others’ cultures?

Whitney Francis, Clairemont

U-T Letters | Contributed

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