A moral compass for a politician is a good thing
I congratulate Greg Caput for having a moral compass and following it. It is refreshing in this day of rationalizing everything for a public servant to actually have a concept of morality and then act upon it. As for Zach Friend being willing to sign things he does not agree with, that is tantamount to saying that when he knows what is right, he will not stand up for his beliefs. This is still a free country (I think) where people should not be forced to act against their consciences.
— Bruce Brough, Watsonville
Supervisor Caput can’t be trusted as a politician
So Supervisor Caput feels he cannot sign or vote on any legislative action that he believes is contrary to his own religious dogma (Sentinel, Nov. 3). We do live in a republic and a democracy, not a theocracy. I suggest he read “A Letter Concerning Toleration” written by the English philosopher John Locke in 1689, pointing out why it is so important to keep the separation of church and state in place.
If he still cannot take the actions that the majority of his constituency should demand of him, he should resign. He is entitled to his beliefs but his actions should not impact representing the citizens of Santa Cruz County. Church and State must be kept apart.
His actions about defunding Planned Parenthood, even though that infamous video has been proven to be a travesty, calls into question whether Caput can be trusted to evaluate truth from fiction.
— Charles Levine, Santa Cruz
Tuesday’s election a step in the right direction
On Tuesday four states saw the “right” move forward. In Houston, Texas, the voters — by a 2 to 1 margin — said “no” to the LGBT measure allowing anyone to use any public restroom and more. In Ohio, it was a big “no” to pot. Virginia “no” to more gun control and the San Francisco sheriff got booted out of office for the absurd stand on sanctuary cites, that in this case caused the death of an innocent young woman, due to the direct violation of Federal Law.
These are just the start. In the coming year, all over this country, the people will be heard, and at lest some of the madness will be corrected. Sadly, we will have to wait for early ‘17 to get the GOP back in the White House.
— Lee Weir, Ben Lomond
Seniors need cost of living adjustment
I am writing to express my deep disappointment in the recent announcement that there will not be a cost of living adjustment for Social Security beneficiaries next year. As healthcare costs continue to rise, the strain on seniors, like me, is becoming unmanageable — especially as previous COLAs have failed to keep pace.
They say the lower cost of gasoline has a lot to do with the lack of a COLA even though the seniors and disabled see very little benefit as they drive far less then the average person/family.
Though there is a growing movement in America to expand Social Security, next year’s lack of COLA demands immediate action. 79 percent of likely voters — Democrats, Republicans and Independents support expanding Social Security benefits and paying for it by asking the wealthy to pay their fair share.
It is critical that Congress acts now to maintain dignity for seniors and people with disabilities by addressing the lack of a cost of living adjustment next year.
We desperately need a COLA. People like me are counting on it
— Stuart Dunsmore, Santa Cruz
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Last week’s GOP Debate on CNBC finally uncovered the mainstream media for what it really is — the propaganda arm of the Democrat Party masquerading as a legitimate journalistic enterprise. The pretend moderators, Carl Quintanilla, Becky Quick and John Harwood were unable even to moderate their own leftist zeal. Rather than propose topics suitable for a civil debate they hurled loaded questions filled with their own assumptions of the candidates’ positions. Their rhetoric and tone of voice scarcely concealed their hateful intent as they themselves, rather than moderate, actively joined the debate, shouted down the candidates and asked hardly any questions of substance.
I would hope that the Democrats would have the courage to let Fox News broadcast their next debate, if they have one. I believe that they would be received by Fox in a more courteous manner.
— Paul D. Browne, Scotts Valley