Modesto’s “No Kings” protest was a unifying, energizing community event | Opinion

No king in America

“‘No Kings’ draws thousands in Modesto protest,” (modbee.com, June 14)

“No king. No crown. We, the people, will not bow down.” The physical embodiment of this chant, from the “No Kings” protest I attended in Modesto last weekend, organized by Indivisible Stanislaus, is the over 4,000 people with whom I marched and rallied in opposition to the would-be mad king.

Isn’t it interesting that over 5 million people managed to march peacefully, in solidarity, across this country, with virtually the only violence caused by a few far-right extremists and the overzealous law enforcement this president has weaponized against us?

Peaceful protest, in the face of lawlessness and governmental overreach, is not only our right, it’s our duty. We fought for and won freedom from a king before, and we’ll certainly fight to keep it.

There will be no king in America.

Lisa Lopina

Waterford

Unifying protest

“‘No Kings’ draws thousands in Modesto protest,” (modbee.com, June 14)

Over 5 million Americans marched this weekend in more than 2,000 protests across the country. We each had our reasons, some personal, some political, but beyond our individual needs one rose above them all: freedom.

Until last weekend, most of us marching were white Boomers, the generation raised on the Pledge of Allegiance: “With liberty and justice for all.” We recited it daily, never imagining it could one day be taken away.

On Saturday, in Modesto, our group of about 300 gathered to march once more. As we waited in our lines, suddenly — and unexpectedly — we heard chants coming from a side street. Over 4,000 individuals, mostly Latino families and children waving flags and chanting in Spanish, emerged. When our two groups merged, something amazing happened: We became one group with a single purpose to speak out and fight for freedom.

This is how it happens: With unity, with hope, with love and with the sound of freedom ringing out loud and clear.

Diana Brazil

Manteca

Outraged

“California Sen. Alex Padilla handcuffed, forced out of news conference in LA,” (sacbee.com, June 12)

The arrest of Sen. Alex Padilla is outrageous, and every Californian should be furious. A sitting U.S. Senator was handcuffed for using his voice. If that doesn’t terrify you, you’re not paying attention.

This isn’t about protocol, it’s about power and silencing those who fight for democracy, voting rights and basic human dignity. Padilla stood up, and for that he was targeted.

This is how authoritarianism creeps in: Through fear, intimidation and the normalization of political retribution.

We cannot let this slide. We must speak out, show up and fight back, or we risk losing the very freedoms that people like Padilla are trying to protect.

I stand with Padilla, and I will not be silent.

Neil Pople

Sacramento

Serious reform needed

“Sacramento councilman again investigated by California for failing to disclose finances,” (sacbee.com, Dec. 15, 2023)

California’s conflict of interest rules for elected officials are far too weak and it’s time for serious reform.

State legislators, including senators and Assembly members, are elected to serve the public on a full time basis. Yet many continue to hold outside jobs or consulting positions, often with corporations or industry groups that have a direct stake in the legislation they influence.

This is not just poor ethics, it’s a direct threat to the integrity of our democracy.

Allowing side arrangements opens the door to self-dealing and corruption, while eroding public trust and doing measurable harm to the people of California.

Public office is a public trust, not a platform for personal enrichment.

Jim Lawrence

Former mayor, Foster City

Uphold animal welfare proposition

“Congress looks to undo California animal welfare proposition,” (sacbee.com, March 8)

I’m writing to express strong opposition to the Food Security and Farm Protection Act (S.1326), which threatens California’s voter-approved Proposition 12, passed overwhelmingly in 2018.

Prop 12 ensured that egg-laying hens and breeding pigs have the freedom to move — basic humane treatment that reflects our state’s values.

S.1326 would not only endanger animal welfare, it would also hurt California farmers who have invested in meeting Prop. 12’s standards. This bill represents a disturbing shift toward inhumane, industrialized farming; and it threatens our state’s leadership in ethical agriculture.

Kayla Capper

Ojai