Christmas gratitude reflections | Letter to the editor: Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022
Christmas gratitude
Seasons greetings. As I sit here by the fireplace listening to and appreciating Christmas music, I cannot help being thankful to those who came before me. I’m one generation removed from complete poverty. My grandparents came to California from Oklahoma, “Okies” in the mid-1950s to escape the inescapable poverty of other states. My parents were both farm laborers who started working at a young age to help feed their families, never having enough to afford the very basics and seldom any extras. Through hard work, perseverance, and pride they were able to work themselves out of complete poverty. They sacrificed luxuries to ensure their children were able to attend higher education.
I reflect on the many opportunities offered to me by my parents. I also, think about all the people and families (immigrant and homeless) who must rebuild their future destinies through hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. Sometimes we forget our forefathers’ sacrifices and others that others are currently experiencing. As middle class or upper-middle class we must never forget that we came from poverty and we are closer to poverty than to being rich. Have empathy for all mankind.
Daniel Walker, Turlock
Mayor’s letter to Turlock
Turlock residents, I am humbled to have your support and thank you for returning me as your mayor. Turlock is a special place. Our shared love of this city and each other makes us Turlock Strong.
We have accomplished so much, but there is more work to be done. We have two new council members whom I look forward to working with as we continue to work on behalf of you. We have an outstanding city manager, and with his leadership, have reorganized our departments and services for better quality and efficiency. Our executive team and staff are doing an outstanding job.
Your council unanimously voted to support our plan to operate the Stanislaus Regional Water Authority project, ensuring we have accountability and savings in costs associated with future surface water service. We have completed some road repairs and have additional road projects under construction. We are filling vacant positions in the fire and police departments. We are working with community partners on homelessness in our efforts to assist those who want assistance when they’ve fallen on hard times while not sacrificing standards for community well-being. We are under construction on the Columbia Pool. We will ensure our businesses have every opportunity to compete and thrive in a difficult economic climate.
Amy Bublak, mayor, Turlock
Brace yourselves
When Republicans take over the U.S. House majority, they have promised “to get spending under control.” Saving taxpayer dollars that spendthrift Democrats wasted on frills like fighting COVID, repairing our 20th century infrastructure, and trying to save the environment before we get buried in our own waste. Not to mention their shameful promotion of a health care system that promotes care for the users and not just Big Pharma and Big Medi.
But hey, why not try to get earnings under control, too? You know, like a tax code that doesn’t just reward the rewarded, corporations paying something close to their fair share or reining in support programs for businesses that do just fine without a government crutch.
Try that on for size, Repubs, and really make it a happy new year.
Jack Heinsius, Modesto
`This is not hate’
The best part about free enterprise in America is that an owner can sell what they want.
A restaurant can choose not to sell liquor. We would think it ridiculous if a customer wanted to sue the restaurant because they wanted an alcoholic beverage and couldn’t get one. We would hopefully encourage them to go to another restaurant. The restaurant owner is not refusing to serve the customer, just refusing to sell alcohol. Some websites promote vampires or witches, some do not; the customer goes to the website where they can purchase what they want. Why would we force a business owner who chooses not to sell or promote anything LGBTQ to do so? This is not discrimination like it was when signs were posted that said “Whites only.” There is no signage that says “No LGBTQ.” They are happy to sell them what they have to sell. They just choose not to sell items that promote the LGBTQ lifestyle.
This is not hate. This is the freedom we have in America of owning your own business and selling what you want to sell. The customer has the freedom to choose another business.
Robin Lafreniere, Modesto