Letters to the Editor
by Jim Buckley
(The following is just a trickle of some of the many comments we’ve received after the fourth week of Santa Barbara Current. – Jim Buckley)
Doesn’t Want to Hear About It
Only someone who has been under a blanket and afraid to peek outside would not know what you just sent (“Welcome to Your New Dependents” Brent Zepke). I do not mean to be rude, but I don’t need to be advised of the obvious. You need to be at a level that stimulates the intellect of someone who is very much in the know, or I will probably find it necessary to discontinue. I’m going to be watching what I receive going forward before I subscribe and make it more important to me.
No Name
(Editor’s note: Wow, so should we just send you our copy ahead of time to find out whether you approve or not? Mainstream media has downplayed what has been happening at our southern [and northern] border for the past three years, so we probably have to continually remind people of the chaos created by our president and his simple-minded crew. We regret that you already know all about it. – J.B.)
Still Got the Smarts
Hi Brent! Good to see that you are still a very intelligent guy.
All the best to you,
Roy Miller
East West Motors
“Dear Jim Buckly”
That’s how my favorite fan letter of all time begins. Here’s the rest of it:
“My name was on the mailing list that you purchased to obtain customers to support your new enterprise. It is ok because I do.
“I have a protective part of me that is averse to giving out my credit card online, so I am sending you this check to support you a bit (enough to pay for your coffee for a week) and to get my name on your subscription list.
“BTW, I really enjoyed your response to “Small D” who wanted to intimidate you with his anti-Trump posture. I think that this election is one of the most exciting in the history of our country. Someone can write a book.
“Wishing your company future success in the liberal stronghold of Santa Barbara.
“Regards,”
David Swell
(Editor’s note: Thank you for your check, your support, and your kind words. As far as this election being “exciting,” I can only hope it turns out well, exciting or not. By the way, I too am cautious about giving out credit card info, especially to political causes. I always send a check too! – J.B.)
Not “Fair and Balanced”
Mike Stoker has done a grave disservice to voters by excluding representation of 4th District Supervisor candidate Krishna Flores. I read fair and balanced periodicals, so am now unsubscribing from your newsletter.
A Smart Woman
Los Alamos
(Editor’s note: Mr. Stoker only wrote about the candidates that he believed had the best chance of winning. He meant no disrespect to your candidate or any other candidate [then again, maybe he did?!]. – J.B.)
Andy Caldwell’s “Death of a Thousand Cuts”
Many of my clients who used to be small business owners and tradesmen have downsized their businesses and now work alone, as I do. Far better – once the plague restrictions crushed our livelihoods – to just continue on as limited enterprises. In the trades they tell me they can't get American citizens with skills, or appropriate work ethic, so when they do need extra hands, they hire illegals and pay cash. This is the future of our sanctuary state.
Pat Fish
(Editor’s note: In much of Europe you’ll find single-owner and/or family-run businesses are the only businesses that can survive outside the giant chains. Hiring someone is an almost insurmountable obstacle but not because one can’t find qualified help. It’s because once you hire someone, you cannot fire him or her and you now are mandated to pay for any number of perks required by the state. The U.S. is headed that way. – J.B.)
On “Courage” (Part I)
I would venture to state that many conservatives are in businesses and can't afford to speak out because of the threat of "bricks through windows," or worse. I will also speculate that the "rent a demonstration crowd" don't own a business and are employed by a government related agency (including schools).
One protester expresses freedom of speech and suffers possible loss of livelihood and the other protests and risks nothing. Conservative courage has to be channeled in a less obvious way to be effective; being able to gently discuss the facts is a valuable choice. Thank you for the piece.
Michael Schaumburg
(Editor’s note: Right you are, Mr. Schaumburg. Conservative business owners are at a real disadvantage in this area, and speaking up has consequences, so courage is required. See the next letter for example. – J.B.)
On “Courage” (Part II)
What a great message Henry Schulte offers in his “Courage” piece! I agree with him 100%. We must look at the progress we are making, no matter how big or small. They have everything to lose, and we have so much to gain. They are losing and we are gaining on them, and pure courage by continuing to speak truth is going to be the fuel that keeps us going and gets us to the other side. Truth is a lion; you do not need to defend it; it will defend itself.
Christy Lozano
On “Courage” (Part III)
To quote Bonhoeffer, who died for his convictions – “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil. God will not hold us guiltless Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”
This is courage. Each one of us has the opportunity to share truth with people blinded by lies. This is called being “salt and light” in a dark and rotting society.
Glad to see the Current doing just that.
Paul Aijain, MD
(Editor’s note: For the record, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was an anti-Nazi Lutheran pastor executed in Germany in April 1945 for his work in the resistance to Nazi rule. – J.B.)
Your Silence is Mandated
A most recent example of official silencing happened when "the state" eagerly passed the "medical misinformation" law. This legislation could result in the loss of one's medical license if the medical practitioner did not conform to a very vaguely defined consensus about "Covid".
From Medical Economics: "Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2098*, which designates “the dissemination of misinformation or disinformation related to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, or ‘COVID-19,’ as unprofessional conduct.” Physicians found doing so could face sanctions from the state’s licensing boards and some news reports described the law as the first of its kind in the nation."
AB 2098 was later overturned by the courts – yet it passed easily through the California Medical Association, the state legislature, and on to Governor Newsom's desk. The preemptive threat of punishment was built into the legislation, should anyone dare demonstrate the courage to protest.
Will this be the face of government-run universal health care?
J. Livingston
(Editor’s note: The short answer is “Yes.” The long answer is “Yes, it most certainly will be.” – J.B.)
Couldn’t Agree More
I appreciate and agree with all of Bonnie Donovan’s recent “Did You Know…” columns and am concerned about the potential uphill battles.
On an upbeat mention; Coast Village Road is currently looking so charming and festive, decorated by the county and the different restaurants and shops. Venture down Coast Village Road in the evening and delight in the beauty of the lights and ambiance.
Katherine Steele
One of Bonnie’s Best
“Tis the Season” is one of Bonnie Donovan’s best “Did You Know…” columns on a vital issue. Political negligence in addressing it is disgusting and a stain all Americans. Where are the demonstrations in the streets. Where are the demonstrations in Sacramento? Where are the demonstrations outside the homes of Scott Wiener and his enablers in power?
Derek Hanley