Letters to the editor | Wednesday, May 27, 2020: Reactions to Ted Howze’s extreme use of social media

Howze spin ignores political history

Ted Howze’s comment about the Black Lives Matter movement, “as a culture, 95% of you vote in lock step for the same political party who held you as physical slaves...” shows that he wants to place the onus of slavery on the Democrats; but anyone who knows politics and history understands that the Democrats of the 1860s — mostly southern, conservative and rural — are not the Democrats of today.

And the Republicans of that era were mostly northern, urban and liberal, again a major shift from today. The southern Democrats split ideologically from the rest of the Democratic party beginning in the 1930s, becoming known as the “Dixiecrats.” In the ‘60s and ‘70s these same conservatives gravitated to the GOP, most notably Senator Strom Thurmond.

So the people who kept African-Americans in servitude are the forebears of those now proudly calling themselves Republicans. Howze is certainly aware of these facts, but he won’t let facts get in the way of spinning a divisive lie.

Ted, not only does the NAACP want you to drop out of the race, even your own GOP has in large part turned its back on you. You should drop out and let a more truthful candidate run.

Gary McNett, Modesto

Howze is a man of character

Do we really want another season of negative, untrue politics? I am supporting Ted because he is a positive, hardworking man wanting to represent the people and issues of this valley. He is an honest person who has lived and worked here his whole life.

He is a husband, father and businessman. He worked his way through UC Davis as a fireman and is a Turlock veterinarian of 25 years. He knows this district and its needs. He and his team have served people through Operation Compassion delivering food to those in in our local cities. He is man of character who deserves our vote.

Sue Houser, Modesto

Be consistent, Mayor Brandvold

Re “Several local officials withdraw support for candidate Ted Howze” (Page 3A, May 24): Last year, the mayor and City Council of Modesto adopted a resolution that the city condemns hate and oppression, decries violence, supports inclusion, and embraces diversity. They opposed the use of words, images and ideologies that feed fear, hatred or intolerance.

A series of hateful, racist tweets and posts appearing on congressional candidate Ted Howze’s social media has come to light. They attack and demean Latino immigrants, Muslims, blacks and others. Howze has been endorsed by Mayor Ted Brandvold, Council Member Bill Zoslocki and council candidate Janice Keating. I call on you all to withdraw your support, joining the other Republicans who have already done so.

Mr. Mayor, you say you still support Howze out of loyalty. I implore you to be consistent with your words denouncing hate last year. Please show loyalty to the tens of thousands of your constituents whom Howze has disparaged.

Ken Schroeder, Modesto

His values are disgusting

Oops, he did it again. Another round of racist posts and tweets by Howze, denouncing minorities and advancing conspiracy theories while chatting with family and friends? His weak rebuttal that someone else did this is akin to “the dog ate my homework” in school excuses.

While we are talking about schools, I don’t know how anyone can endorse his rhetoric, denigrating DACA (Dreamer) students with disgusting innuendos. I wonder how a Turlock Unified School District trustee can support this candidate who obviously has prejudices against many children in our district. How we raise and educate all of our children is important to our community.

Our representative is a reflection of who we are as a community. Let’s not put into office a person with such vehement underlying hate and prejudices. Howze will not advance the need for honesty and social justice. I will never support a person with such disgusting values. I hope that those who support Howze, regardless of party, will take a long look at who this man really is.

Donna Endsley, Turlock

This story was originally published May 27, 2020 at 5:00 AM.