Don’t lose sight of values
I really don’t understand. Knowing what we know about our so-called President and his lies and attitude towards the Constitution, and knowing the Courts are finding more breaches of the law every day, how can we allow these deportations that are ruining so many lives be carried out? How can the Homeland Security people continue this dirty work when they know they’re following orders that are probably unconstitutional? Where are the “Sally Yateses” to tell this would-be dictator they would rather lose their jobs than obey his immoral and probably illegal Executive Order?
Over the past several months, we’ve heard a lot about “mass deportation”. It has not become reality yet for the masses but it certainly is for a few immigrants here, a dozen or so there. Individuals who may or may not have committed crimes and more often than not have been arrested for nothing more “violent” than marijuana possession. The Department of Homeland Security seems to be making its own rules for what constitutes a “danger” to our society. The new Executive Order has vastly increased the population of immigrants who are targeted, and will be detained, and deported. It makes clear that even being charged with a criminal offense, regardless of the opinion of a judge or jury, is now grounds for deportation. That’s not how our justice and immigration systems should work.
They’re bypassing due process. They’re cracking down on vulnerable asylum seekers. They’re stripping protections for unaccompanied minors. They’re calling for a massive increase in mandatory detentions. DHS is creating a “deportation force” by hiring 10,000 more ICE agents and 5,000 additional Customs and Border Protection agents. And they plan to deputize more local law enforcement officers to immigration enforcement and drastically expand detention capabilities.
Such draconian measures will not strengthen our national security, and it’s difficult to understand why law enforcement would ignore due process and the proper function of our justice system and cause so much pain and misery while spending billions in taxpayer dollars on this crackdown.
What kind of people are these that carry out these orders? Have they lost sight of their values? How long will WE put up with this clear violation of our humanity and beliefs? Let’s listen to our better angels and refuse to take part in or tolerate this travesty… Can we make the whole State of California a Sanctuary State?
Shirley Howland, Clearlake
Veterans with arthritis
Members of our Armed Forces sacrifice a lot for their country, including their health. With help from Congress, we can reduce the physical, financial and societal toll of one of the leading cause of disability for those who serve in our military: Arthritis.
Arthritis is rampant in our military, affecting one in three veterans. It is the second leading cause of medical discharge from the U.S. Army, second only to battlefield wounds. Yet despite epidemic-level rates, there is no dedicated research budget at the Department of Defense (DoD) to study arthritis prevention, treatment and cures.
This is a public health crisis that must be addressed by creating a stand-alone arthritis research program at the DoD.
The money’s already there: The DoD operates Congressionally Dedicated Medical Research Programs for more than 20 diseases, many of which are not specific to military service. Meanwhile, arthritis competes with 30 other medical topics in a general research budget, so funding is not guaranteed. Congress has the power to set aside $20 million of that existing budget for arthritis research. This research can help us understand how to prevent the injuries that lead to arthritis, reduce the health costs associated with life-long medical care, and unlock new treatments and cures for all Americans living with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
Our service members living with arthritis have answered the call to serve their country. Now it’s time for Congress to ensure their sacrifices are not forgotten.
Doris Day, Sebastopol
