Dishonest autocratic leaders: Vote them out
I recently learned that “The Biggest Political Party in America” is not the Democratic Party or the Republican Party, but the Non-Voter Party, according to former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich in his youtube video of the same name. According to Reich, 65.8 million people in the 2016 election voted for Democratic Party candidate Clinton, 62.9 million voted for Republican Party candidate Trump, but a whopping 100 million eligible voters, members of the Non-Voter Party, did not vote. These voters–mostly young, economically disadvantaged, and/or people of color– tend to be marginalized in our society, but they have progressive values and could turn the tide if they voted in the 2020 election. Reich also points out that the votes of young people have already made a great difference in the House of Representatives in the 2018 elections, with 36% of the 18-29 year-olds voting, a higher percentage of youth than has voted in 25 years.
The current mock-trial impeachment hearings are unfortunately demonstrating all too clearly that the best way now to get rid of dishonest autocratic leaders is to vote them out. Fellow citizens, if you care about restoring democracy in America, please reach out in any way you can to encourage all Americans 18 and over to register, to inform themselves on the issues, and to vote in the March 3 primary and the November election. Every vote matters!
—Rebecca Rees, Clearlake
Reader endorses Pyska for District 5
I am writing to share my excitement and renewed optimism for a brighter future for our County- after meeting and getting to know Jessica Pyska and her vision and passion for Lake County .
As I have listened to her vision and priorities for helping build a foundational future for Lake County, I realized that they are all of our priorities as well:
Working diligently to make sure proven fire prevention measures are implemented District/County wide. Work to make and keep fire insurance available and affordable.
Continuing to use her new insights and working relationships at the local and state level to rebuild, reestablish, and support a viable and lasting business/economic environment .
Strengthening support systems for families and schools to keep families thriving in Lake County.
Rebuilding the tax base and infrastructure; promoting rebuild efforts and a strategy to get the word to the remote-workers in the Bay Area about the advantages of Lake County living.
Helping the large Senior community in Lake County age-in-place with dignity.
Protecting the natural beauty of Lake County and improving the health of the Lake.
These are some of the reasons why Jessica has been endorsed by many other seasoned leaders and organizations- both State and local- across the political spectrum ( go to her website to see the impressive list (https://jessicapyskaforsupervisord5.com/)
For myself- As an engineer with decades of problem solving work under my belt, versed in both technical challenges and the techniques/skillset/knowledge/passion necessary to solve them – I recognize these many problem solving attributes in Jessica. In my opinion, she stands head and shoulders above her rivals for District 5 Supervisor.
That is why I enthusiastically say to everyone I talk to in my district: Vote Jessica Pyska into office for District 5 on March 3, and you can be assured of a young leader who has proven to be smart, pragmatic, proactive, articulate, and committed in the pursuit of a better future for her community.
—Mark Boyle, Buckingham
Residents support Bernie
A dozen citizens met recently in Clearlake and while we were not of one mind we agreed that it is important to get a large percentage of the population out to vote. The biggest “party” in America does not vote.
In order to vote in any election it is required to register to vote in the county where you reside. This can be done online by completing and submitting a written voter registration. Voter registration only needs to be completed one time.
Specifically, we three are supporting Bernie Sanders because of his platform, “Not Me Us”.
- He supports the people over corporate interest.
- He supports Medicare for all, and has a specific plan to pay for it.
- He supports the Green New Deal which will provide jobs for all
skill levels in alternative energy. - He supports free higher education
- And he supports a national minimum wage.
—Vicki Crystal, Clearlake
