Vote no on Measure E for Ross Valley schools

I have several reasons for strong opposition to the proposed Measure E on the May 6 ballot for residents in the Ross Valley School District

It makes little sense that the wave of new and ever-escalating taxes for schools continues in a county with significantly reduced school enrollment. It was very noticeable after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. I don’t think our schools have ever really recovered. Although the district has added transitional kindergarten, and this additional scope has added children, the rest of the system post-pandemic is flat. The sad truth is that, in this environment, schools should be contracting, both in terms of facilities and employment. Everyone has to live within their budget.

The general trend in Marin is to keep raising property taxes, on top of a truly exorbitant existing baseline cost. Though I am personally exempt from paying this tax as a senior, I know from conversations with younger people, many with growing families, that they don’t believe they will ever be able to afford to buy a house in Marin because of the property taxes. Not only is the basic cost of housing very high but the operating costs are exorbitant, largely due to the tax burden.

To add yet another parcel tax will amplify long-term problems for the county in its basic housing market, as well as in diversity and demographics.

I am concerned that the placement of this proposed measure in a special election is both unnecessary and a cynical political decision. I think placing it in a year without a general election is a stealth strategy based on voter optimization — the supporters of the measure can rally to vote while much of the general voting population (who might question the measure) are uninformed and often skip the vote.

— Charles Dilworth, San Anselmo

This review of ‘Sinners’ differs from the one in IJ

After reading the review of “Sinners” in the Marin IJ (“‘Sinners’ review: Ryan Coogler’s latest film is his best yet,” April 11), I raced in to be the first on my block to see what was, at least according to that article, destined to be one of the year’s or decade’s most intriguing, groundbreaking films ever.

Man, was I wrong and, I might add, so was the reviewer. It went from anticipatorily interesting to quirky, violent, weird and ridiculous. It started off as a cultural drama with promising musical gems, then turned into a sort of violent TV-type action sex thriller before finally devolving into what I consider a ludicrous parody of a “Texas Chain Saw Massacre” style horror film.

What a waste of effort and money for all who worked on it and for me as a viewer. My advice is don’t bother.

— Tom McAfee, Fairfax

Americans must continue protests of MAGA myths

I consider those who follow “Make America Great Again” doctrines to be in a cult. They appear to believe dissent and challenges to President Donald Trump’s power are unconstitutional.

Retired Gen. Mark Milley said Trump would start persecuting his political opponents if he won the 2024 presidential election. If you recall, after the siege on the U.S. Capitol of 2021, Milley called Chinese leaders to reassure them, which to Trump writing that it was “an act so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH.” Republican Rep. Paul Gosar wrote “In a better society, quislings like the strange ... General Milley would be hung.”

Retired Gen. Barry McCaffrey said, regarding Trump’s statements about retribution, that “what we are seeing is a parallel to the 1930s Nazi Germany.”

In these dark and polarizing times, I feel most fortunate to be residing in an area where MAGA affiliation is very low. It is reassuring to see that, throughout the country, others are protesting MAGA and its efforts to take away our rights. I suggest we all continue to regularly and loudly exercise our freedom of speech and right to peacefully demonstrate against the authoritarian takeover of America.

— Dennis Kostecki, Sausalito

Letter critical of April 5 protest missed the mark

I am writing in response to Francis Drouillard’s letter published April 19 with the headline “Reaction to Trump, Musk raises serious questions.” He described the April 5 demonstrations in Marin this way: “what we’re witnessing is an attempt to silence dissent, punish political opposition and enforce ideological conformity.”

I think that’s true, except it’s the Trump administration that is doing those things.

Assembling to express opposition does not constitute “ongoing tantrum-like rants” or “mob rule.” Rather, I think our citizens are holding serious protests aimed to retain science, preserve the social safety net and assure due process for all.

No one supports “waste, fraud and abuse” (as Drouillard implies), but funding for veterans’ services, early education for children and humane foreign aid should be evaluated, not just mindlessly slashed. Our democracy has the best chance of surviving if committed voters continue to express their concerns.

— Elaine C. Johnson, Greenbrae

Trump doesn’t fit this definition of a patriot

I think President Donald Trump has proposed a peace for Ukraine that is nothing more than saying “surrender or else we will walk away and provide no more arms or diplomatic support.”

He appears to be requiring that Ukraine give up a fifth of the country and never form an alliance that can aid them, should the Russians attack again. Other than that, he appears focused on calling Ukrainian leaders fools.

Trump has been known to hug our flag and proclaims himself a “patriot,” as do his supporters, but I don’t think he knows the meaning of the word.

Here is how I describe it: In November of 1776, when the Continental Army was at its worst condition,Thomas Paine wrote a pamphlet titled “The American Crisis.”

It reads: “THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. “

Paine’s words are a major reason why we have a country and every patriot today should know them.

The Ukrainians may not know Paine, but they know his meaning. They are not summer soldiers and sunshine patriots. In my opinion, Trump does not, because he doesn’t know patriotism.

— Chet Seligman, Point Reyes Station

The Democratic Party should put trust in Gore

Speaking during an event at the start of San Francisco’s Climate Week on April 2, former Vice President Al Gore compared President Donald Trump’s administration to Nazi Germany and issued a dire warning about Trump’s use of power.

After reading about this, I now think he’s better suited to run against any Trump-minded Republican, should one be nominated, in the next presidential election.

I am aware that Sen. Bernie Sanders is making the rounds ahead of 2028, but I don’t think he has the ability to win the White House with division like this.

I still remember in 2000 when George W. Bush narrowly defeated Gore. Bush’s decisions led to horrible outcomes in Afghanistan and Iraq. I recall a strained economy. Now, I marvel at the damage Trump has been responsible for after just a few months back in office. What’s next?

Up to now, I didn’t think there was anyone fit to lead the weak Democratic Party. Now I think it’s Gore. He’s only 77 years old. Now’s the time for Gore to strike. I hope everyone will speak up to encourage Gore. He needs to return to politics.

— Joel Schwartz, San Rafael