While media focuses on Biden’s cognitive state, Trump keeps calling the president Obama | Opinion

Trump’s cognitive status

“As the son of a parent with cognitive decline, I know President Biden must step down | Opinion,” (fresnobee.com, July 3)

I’m noticing something very dangerous in the mainstream media that could have disastrous consequences for our nation: Day after day, the media focuses on President Joe Biden’s cognitive state, giving the impression that he is incapable of being president. When information comes up that refutes this notion, it is not reported.

I think pretty much everyone agrees that during his debate with Donald Trump, Biden was awful. He was sick and should not have debated that day. Meanwhile, Trump lied dozens of times during the debate. Why is this not significant? Why is he not constantly questioned about lying, and the implications for our nation if he should be elected?

Trump has also shown definite cognitive decline. But, yet again, I don’t typically see that reported — and never on the front page. Here are some recent examples:

On July 4, Trump claimed the army retook airports during the revolutionary war. Has Biden ever said anything so outrageous? And for the third time in the last few months, Trump was talking about Biden but called him “Obama.” Why is Trump not questioned about this?

Stephen Sacks

Fresno

Opinion

Valadao’s actions

“David Valadao, Rudy Salas rematch in CA22 House election,” (fresnobee.com, March 13)

Congressman David Valadao can’t have it both ways on the gas tax

In recent weeks, Valadao has restarted his annual tradition of sending a letter to the governor to complain about the gas tax. Nobody likes high gas prices. But I don’t know anyone — outside of politicians like Valadao — who think gas prices will come down just by sending a letter.

My dad always taught me that actions speak louder than words. In Congress, laws are changed by voting. When Valadao had an opportunity to vote to lower the gas tax, he voted against it (specifically, he voted against House Resolution 22, a measure to lower the federal gas tax by $0.15 per gallon). His vote is costing Valley families every time they fill up their tank.

Remember Valadao’s actions, not his letter words.

Flor Olvera

Wasco

Readers ought to know

“Donald Trump Reveals His Views on Project 2025,” (modbee.com, July 5)

The Modesto Bee often runs articles in its Opinion Section from writers affiliated with the Heritage Foundation. Readers ought to know some information about this organization.

The Foundation has produced a document, Project 2025, meant to serve as a blueprint for a second Donald Trump administration should he win the election. According to an article in the New York Times, entitled “Heritage Foundation Makes Plans to Staff Next G.O.P. Administration,” a new president typically replaces around 4,000 “political appointees” who are above the federal workforce. Below these individuals is a group of government workers who for the most part are apolitical bureaucrats.

Trump has said he wants to demolish career civil service — or, what he calls pejoratively, “the deep state.” One of the major tenets of Project 2025 is to fire far more than the 4,000 government employees typically let go (some estimates are up to 50,000 career government officials) and replace them with Trump loyalists.

This is the vision of an autocrat, and the Heritage Foundation is doing his bidding.

Kent Mitchell

Riverbank

Your vote matters

“With Supreme Court’s historic Trump immunity decision, how did California Democrats react?” (sacbee.com, July 1)

“Why vote?” “No matter who we elect, nothing changes.” “Government has little impact on my life.” Meanwhile, Republicans have packed the courts, handcuffed government regulatory agencies and given corporations special benefits.

The Supreme Court is packed with unelected political activists. They’ve reversed Roe and they will ban contraception and undo gay rights. They’ve gutted voting rights, allowed extreme gerrymandering, rejected gun safety laws and enabled big money to buy elections. Now, they’ve created presidential immunity, reversing the foundation of our country.

They’ve enabled Dictator Donald Trump. MAGA Republicans want a return to the ’50s. They want women, Black people, Latinos and the LGBTQ+ community to be considered second-class citizens.

Take back our government, before it’s too late. Vote!

Marvin Keshner

Sonora

Protecting unhoused neighbors

“After Supreme Court’s contentious homelessness ruling, what’s next for California cities?” (sacbee.com, July 3)

Where does the Supreme Court ruling leave people struggling without a home? We must ask our representatives at all levels of government to step in and end this tragic situation in the world’s richest country.

Nationally, Congress could renew the expanded child tax credit that cut child poverty in half, enact a renter tax credit so those in poverty are able to stay housed by not paying over 30% of their income for rent and expand the SNAP program so people don’t have to choose between rent and food.

At the state and local levels, our leaders can make sure there are enough shelters and needed programs to help those in need. This will only happen if we ask for it. After all, we elect them, so let’s speak up for all Americans struggling to be housed!

Willie Dickerson

Snohomish, Wash.

Newsom’s choice

“Sacramento County stops delivering water to homeless as heat wave starts. Here’s why,” (sacbee.com, July 4)

I would like to graciously extend an invitation to Gov. Gavin Newsom to spend the next week sleeping in his backyard (or in his car in his driveway). I have been in this position, staying in my car for more than five years. Some people say it’s a choice, but, in my case, it’s been all I could afford.

California is in the midst of an extreme and deadly heatwave. Newsom has left the option of emergency heat shelters up to the counties of this great state. And that is a mistake. I would prefer to live in a state where a governor takes personal responsibility for this weather crisis by declaring a state of emergency. This would ideally include shelters or hotel vouchers for homeless individuals.

Newsom holds many lives in his hands. He can choose to act, or do nothing.

Lyndi Duckworth

Roseville