On Medicaid work requirement

With respect to the Big Beautiful Bill’s provision that Medicaid be conditioned on employment: RFK Jr. and Mehmet Oz have argued in an op-ed that requiring recipients to work will be “transformative,” presumably because it will improve their self-esteem.

I agree that the new requirement will be transformative. A member of the working poor who is laid off or cannot submit the proper paperwork will be transformed into a person who is both poor and uninsured. There is evidence that lack of health insurance is associated with shorter life expectancy and higher infant mortality, among other things.

Do we really want this?

— By Kristina Marcy, Indivisible Yolo

Why marching for Pride still matters

Flashback to 1990. Emboldened by the activism of our predecessors and the newly found independence afforded our generation, we entered a brave new world in which we learned that SILENCE=DEATH and that certain sexual behaviors between consenting adults were a punishable offense in more than half a dozen states.

Still reeling from the onset of the AIDS epidemic and not feeling entirely comfortable in our skin, we were apprehensive about what lay ahead. Those early bonds were formed in the time of Don’t ask; Don’t tell. We thought that we had arrived, but we could not have been more wrong.

Thirty-five years later, as I marched with my LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters on a glorious Sunday morning in Sacramento, my personal journey seemed quaint in comparison to the pressing issues of the day and reminded me of why it is still so very important to march for Pride.

Surrounded by an impassioned and inclusive community of activists, there was nothing more important this day than rallying for our basic right to exist free from all forms of discrimination, hate and bias. Indeed, decades after the Stonewall riots, these issues are alive and well. Just days ago, my supervisor threatened to kick my fa*g#t ass to the curb and fire me for questioning his behavior.

As the grassroots group ACT UP fought to improve the lives of people with AIDS through direct action, we must let the world know that we will not be silenced.

— By Eric Zarate, Davis, California

In response to League of Women Voters letter

This is in response to the League of Women Voters’ letter that was published on 05-06-25.

In it, the LWV claimed they are bipartisan, but it didn’t seem that way. You state, “The League neither supports nor opposes any political party or candidate for public office,” but that’s not what comes across in your article.

You cite “an overwhelming flood of legal challenges” due to his leadership and Executive Orders that we have asked him for. That is your opinion and not a fact. Solutions vs. resistance would be much more helpful as he navigates the muddy waters that he has inherited.

You heavily address the money shortages Yolo County “may” experience due to changes we have asked for. President Trump is downsizing a bloated and far-reaching government and unveiling the corruption. Federal debt is out of control, which equals “cuts.”

The Federal Government cannot cash the checks it is writing. Change offers opportunities to do things differently. This is a time in which state and local officials can be creative and seek solutions to fund what is most important and cut the fat from what isn’t. There is no “one size fits all.”

You state that “Tariffs will impact our farmers and the businesses that support farming in many ways.” President Trump has only been in office for four months. He has the monumental task of repairing a broken system. There will be pain along the way, but at least give it a chance.

In the LWV article, you express opposition to proving citizenship in order to vote. I believe it makes sense to prove citizenship in order to vote for the person who will lead this country for the next four years.

You state that this Executive Order will make it more difficult for women, in particular, to vote. Women are capable of figuring out how to vote.

You say, “This executive order is an assault on our republic and a dangerous attempt to silence American voters,” which could not be further from the truth. These are “opinions” that cloud the truth.

Perhaps the LWV should seek solutions rather than blocking President Trump. I can say with confidence that you do not represent me, nor many other women. I believe your article has compromised your mission.

— By Karen Fox, Woodland