Kudos to Kyra for waving that flag

Kyra Gottesman’s thoughtful column reminds us that this is OUR flag, not to be co-opted by slimy politicians, money-grubbing enterprises, and disrespectful, mean-spirited enemies of our democracy.

Saturday’s parade was a clear celebration of the power of the American people to embrace our flag and all that it stands for, despite our disagreements and grumbles.

— Janet E. Rechtman, Chico

Religion is silent on elimination of PEPFAR

Religion in America has taken public stands on issues including abortion, same sex marriage, pornography, critical race theory, role of women in combat, school curriculum, sports betting, and gambling. Yet religion is curiously silent on DJT’s cancellation of PEPFAR (Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS relief) created by the George W Bush Administration.

To date it has saved an estimated 25 million lives. In the six months since its cancellation it is estimated 75,000 people have died without a protest from the politically tainted evangelicals.

Many Americans have closed their eyes to this ongoing tragedy with the means of prevention at our disposal but lacking the political and humanitarian will. Without reinstatement of this program DJT will have become the most bloody tyrant in not only our history but the world’s.

— Larry Baumbach, Chico

Most e-bikes, scooters are driven responsibly

After reading the observations of the Editorial Board of the Chico E-R in Sunday’s paper regarding the various options for South Park Drive, I thought I would add my “two cents” to one of the last comments, the “banning of e-bikes and electric scooters.”

A retiree, I have been riding in Bidwell several times a week for the last 20 years. In 2019, due to an injury I was forced to sell my Trek and purchase an e-bike. I now see quite a few, and for the most part they are ridden in a responsible manner. The “irresponsible” actions, mostly excessive speed, appear to be from the younger generation on the electric scooters and young men on regular bikes, frequently without helmets.

One other observation; what ever happened to the Park Ranger? The last time this individual saw one he was manning a barricade out by the golf course, and that was a while ago. If such a “person” still exists, wouldn’t it be appropriate to put said person on a bicycle to occasionally patrol the park’s trails? Why, they could even ride an e-bike.

— Steve Wolfe, Chico

Bidwell Park needs repair, not re-imagining

Yeah! What you guys said on the front page of Sunday’s edition. Reads like you advocate fixing what is worn and old instead of re-imagining the park’s visitor interface.

We don’t need a radical change to what Chico covets as one of it’s civic jewels. There is enough uncontrolled change and disturbance to the natural world as is, without costly alteration of what is good about Chico.

Most assuredly things are looking a bit shabby and “worn” which underlies how much use, and perhaps neglect, gets visited upon the park. Potholes are as prolific as oak trees (a phenomenon not unheard of outside the park boundaries) and sandy mud slicks are poor excuses for parking lots; however if repair is less expensive than redesign, why not do that?

Bidwell Park is a point of civic pride and public enjoyment. There’s not a need for any board of directors to add their “personal” touch to what is treasured by the community. Keeping it clean and safe while saving a few bucks, sounds like a plan to me.

— Chuck Kitterman, Chico

When 2 plus 4 equals perfect sense

Thank you, E-R Editorial Board, for your refreshing front page commentary in Sunday’s paper. Your suggestion to blend South Park Drive Options 2 and 4 into “Option Hybrid,” including “two new wrinkles,” is just a beautiful thing. It makes sense and makes me very happy.

— Julie Kennedy, Chico

When home delivery is worth the wait

My usual routine while waiting for the newspaper to arrive in the morning is to check the news on my I-phone. This news includes tragedies, both natural and manmade and the childish bickering of our elected officials who should be directing their energies at much more important things. All leaving me in various stages of anger and incredulity. Not a good way to start the day.

Then the Sunday edition arrived. First there was Evan Tuchinsky’s “Quiz” which is always interesting, informative and funny. Next was the former Santa Clara County Assessor’s almost philosophical response to being booed everywhere he went simply because he had a job everybody hated.

And finally, there was Mike Wolcott’s hilarious prodding and poking of AI. Nothing could be funnier. This will keep me laughing all week. Thanks all. Mood much improved.

— Martha Claudio, Chico

Protesting a ‘king’ that just doesn’t exist

The four laughable responses from the usual left-leaners to my June 24 letter about the “No Kings” protest miss the mark by attacking arguments I never made and ignoring the central point I did make: that the “No Kings” protest distorted historical context and mischaracterized a ceremonial military event.

Despite claims, I never questioned anyone’s right to protest. My letter critiqued the protest’s premise, not the right to assemble. Some responders conflated protesting lawful executive orders with protesting a “king,” as if the two are interchangeable. They aren’t. Our U.S. system, despite flaws, retains structural checks that prevent monarchical rule — a distinction protesters either ignored or intentionally blurred.

Further, none of the responses addressed my factual point that the parade was approved under Biden, or that the Los Angeles troop deployment targeted violent riots, not peaceful protesters. Instead, they pivoted to general complaints about Trump, putting words in my mouth as if I defended him personally. I didn’t. I analyzed specific events.

David Welch’s claim that the protests weren’t funded contradicts public records showing Indivisible’s involvement, Walton’s financial backing, and Soros’ money. His denial does not negate these facts.

Finally, citing Newsweek’s interpretation of legislation as evidence of monarchical intent is a stretch that assumes both bad faith and inevitable outcomes — hallmarks of fear-based narratives rather than fact-based critiques.

The issue remains: protesting a “king” in America, absent factual support for such a claim, is theatrics, not substantive political discourse.

Facts for the feckless are cited here: https://wattsupwiththat.com/newspaper-letter-references/

— Anthony Watts, Chico