Help fight downward trend

EDITOR: John Burn’s contributions are treasures. His latest, “Helping our neighbors in need” (Dec. 19), asks us to help because “many of our neighbors are struggling to put food on the table.” The problem is national.

America has 4% of the world’s population and 25% of its gross domestic product. Yet our level of inequality is the greatest among developed nations. In 50 years, average wages for workers have grown only 6.7%, while $50 trillion has been transferred from the bottom 90% to the top 1%. Elon Musk owns more wealth than 50% of Americans.

Social scientists attribute our excessive inequality to many of the world’s highest instances of the following problems: Limited class mobility (the “American Dream”), diminished trust in government, the rate and amount of incarcerations, infant mortality, mental illness, drug abuse, obesity, food insecurity.

Corporations and a small number of billionaires have matched the total political contributions of the rest of us. About 85% of media is owned by billionaires. Why do some believe that government assistance is socialism? All other developed capitalist countries have better safety nets. Was the failure of Kamala Harris to mention “inequality” in her presidential bid due to the power of wealth in controlling governance and what we believe?

Technology and globalization have also added to government’s failure to function for all of us. This, and artificial intelligence, force us to rethink governance and democracy. Locally. now, we need to donate.

—Robert D. McFarland, Petaluma

Photo obscures the issue

EDITOR: Thank you for your editorial on farming in Sonoma County (“Farming is essential to Sonoma County’s past and its future,” Dec. 19). I was struck, however, by the photo accompanying the editorial. The image from a farmers market shows a large vegetable stand, with beets and other produce. Zoe Rosenberg was sentenced for taking chickens from a large-scale poultry operation in Sonoma County, not for taking vegetables. Using a farmers market photo in this context feels misleading and sidesteps the real issue at hand. If Sonoma County’s poultry and dairy farms are truly a source of pride, why not show them directly?

Readers deserve transparency, not imagery that deflects from the conditions activists are protesting. Honest visuals, like honest reporting, help the public engage with the truth of the issue rather than imagery that sidesteps it.

—Sara Crane, Toronto

A wonderful Boat Parade

EDITOR: As the newly crowned Commodore of the Petaluma Yacht Club, I want to express my gratitude and thanks to the Petaluma Downtown Association, the city of Petaluma and our sponsors — Hansel Auto Group, Lace House Linen, Breen Wealth Management, Van Bebber Brothers, Doug Hecker/Realtor, the Gealta Family and Petaluma Coffee and Tea Company — for making this year’s Lighted Boat Parade such a successful event for our wonderful community. A huge thanks to our judges: Mayor Kevin McDonnell, City Manager Peggy Flynn, Police Chief Brian Miller, and Fire Chief Jeff Schach.

Petaluma Yacht Club is humbled and proud to have sponsored this annual community-driven holiday event. I want to express my sincere gratitude to all the fantastic volunteers who stepped up to make this event as grand as it was. Our fine city witnessed some incredibly decorated sailboats and motorboats, as well as SUPs, kayaks, and canoes. Thank you to our human-powered friends on the river! What a magical evening seeing our community lined up all along the river and Turning Basin.

Santa and Mrs. Claus were especially overjoyed seeing all the kids’ smiling faces. They even stopped by the Yacht Club for a hot chocolate and a hot dog or two.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday and New Year! Be kind to one another.

—Anne Gealta, Petaluma Yacht Club