Editorial spoke clearly on the RTC and the train

No need to state the obvious again, the Sentinel’s June 10 Editorial about the RTC speaks to it clearly. What bothers me is the entrenchment of the RTC. When a member joins the board, are they required to take an oath or bend a knee to making a train reality? Are there varying opinions among board members? Does any member ask what the consequences of a “no build” option might be? Financially, the remedy appears worse than the disease.

— Jim Bentley, Santa Cruz

Where was National Guard on Jan. 6 insurrection?

That is quite a response by the president, sending the National Guard and the military to quell the so-called “insurrection” in Los Angeles. Too bad he didn’t act as decisively for the actual insurrection he himself instigated on Jan. 6, 2021. Oh, that’s right, those people were patriots since they were acting on his behalf as he sent them to disrupt the official proceedings declaring him a loser, and they violently attacked the U.S. Capitol and wanted to hang Vice President Pence. Nothing wrong with that!

— Phil Hormel, Scotts Valley

Seeing many parallels to pre-war Nazi Germany

As a student of history, I urge all to see the parallels between the current time and pre-war Germany. In June 1923, Hitler and the Nazi Party were voted into power. The 1929 market crash provided the perfect rallying cry for Hitler’s words of fear and antisemitism. In 1933, a fire in the Berlin national parliament of Germany, supposedly started by a Dutch communist became the basis for a military state. The Nazis then suppressed civil rights, used military force to intimidate voters and political opponents, and opened the first concentration camps for political prisoners. The Nazis passed the Enabling Act, which gave Hitler dictatorial power. Please realize that this is what is happening in America right now.

— Della Davis, Watsonville

Opinion cartoon finally told truth about LA riots

Finally, a political cartoon from Lisa Benson.

Probably the only thing in the paper on June 12 that shows the truth about the LA riots.

— Cheryl LaMorte, Santa Cruz

America deserves better than Trump administration

The June 5 opinion piece by the Santa Cruz Republican chair seems hypocritical considering the cruel actions and derogatory statements of the present Republican administration, whose actions and words are meant to divide us. The inhumanity and lack of empathy in current policies are so overwhelming that I no longer recognize my country, where so many people have embraced these policies.

If things like “woke” and empathy disturb the Republican base, there is something wrong with their priorities. If climate change is not a critical issue for future generations, then there is a lack of common sense. You do not force the country to use expensive polluting technology to make a point.

If you believe we should be free to live without fear of reprisal, then talk to your government to control your president who is on a retribution path, while he and his army of white supremacists (ICE) tear the country apart. Look in the mirror! I believe there is a goodness in this country that has been overwhelmed by a minority. America deserves better.

— Dennis Morris, Santa Cruz

Hypocrisy of local GOP’s complaints on protests

The June 5 Guest Commentary from author Michael Lelieur, chairman of the SC Republican Party, must have accidentally appeared in the wrong section of this paper. It should have been in the comic section. It’s pretty funny! It was meant as a joke, right? According to Lelieur, “As members of the Republican Party, we fully support the constitutional right of every American to protest peacefully.” I just had to laugh. He can’t be serious, can he? Perhaps what he meant was “native-born, white, Christian Nationalist American men” have the right to protest.

I’m curious: has Mr. Leileur, as a representative of the Republican Party, ever submitted any letters to this paper expressing his dismay concerning the rights of any person residing in the U.S. whose constitutional rights are currently being abrogated by the Trump administration? Has he expressed any concerns about the administration’s deportation of people simply for expressing their opinions? Like most self-centered Republicans, he only complains when he is personally affected. As long as someone else’s rights are violated, he couldn’t care less. What hypocrisy!

— Sam Burkhardt, Santa Cruz