Letters To The Editor Of The Desert Sun In Support Of Gov. Newsom And Against The Recall
The following articles were published in the Letters to the Editor section of The Desert Sun. They were written by DOD members to explain why they support Gov. Newsom and are saying "NO" to the recall. Feel free to use these messages when talking to friends; sending in email to your contacts and networks; and on your social media sites. Thanks!
Even if you don’t like Newsom, vote no
Why you should vote no on the recall, even if you don’t like Gavin Newsom:
1. He has done NOTHING illegal. If it is a policy dispute you have with him, he is up for re-election next year.
2. The process is undemocratic and sets a terrible precedent where a tiny percent can install a new governor. Remember, Donald Trump was president with less than 45 percent approval rating for four years. He never got to 50 percent approval.
3. If Newsom is recalled, the lieutenant governor by right should replace him, not a candidate with small support.
Eileen Stern, Palm Springs
Why not wait until next year?
I am at a loss to understand why California Republicans weren’t willing to wait one year, for the next statewide election, to put forth a serious candidate for governor and appeal — based on policies — to a majority of California voters.
Instead, they want to take the helm of our state government, at a cost to taxpayers of over $200 million, with a person who might get into that office with 10 percent of the vote, or even less. It’s getting hard to believe they believe in majority-rules democracy.
Don’t sit this one out — send a message — vote.
Anita Rufus, Palm Desert
Vote No On Recall
Ballots for the Tuesday, Sept. 14, California gubernatorial recall election will be in mailboxes soon. Please join me in voting against this purely political effort to overturn Californians’ votes for Gov. Gavin Newsom, who was elected with a margin of 69.2% of the vote.
Newsom has governed through unprecedented challenges — under the unstable Trump administration, the horrific and shifting COVID-19 pandemic, historic drought and wildfire seasons, a disturbing surge in white supremacy and continuing disinformation. Newsom is, by far, the most qualified leader to keep California on a pathway to progress and wellness.
This is important: The recall ballot will have only two questions:
(1) Should Gavin Newsom be removed from office?
Please vote no on Question 1. And do not vote on the next question.
(2) If Gavin Newsom is removed, who should replace him as governor?
There will be a long list of other candidate choices.
If more than 50% of voters vote “yes” on Question 1, Newsom will be removed.
One of the ill-equipped and unqualified listed candidates, with the most votes, will replace him, even if they do not have the majority of votes.
Remember, a no vote on Question 1 is a vote for Newsom!
Anita Hoag, Rancho Mirage
Moral Imperative To Vote No
In my opinion, voting no on the recall is a moral imperative and a matter of social justice. At stake are reasonable gun safety laws, moving ahead on climate change, protection of the rights of women, the right of workers to a living wage, the dignity of seniors and immigrants, preservation of water and wetlands, sensible guidance on the use of masks to keep us safe, and strong support for our public schools and community colleges.
Finally, from my faith tradition, we answer yes to the Biblical imperative in the Torah/Old Testament: “We are our brother's keeper.”
Remember to vote. Replacing Gov. Gavin Newsom would be disastrous. Vote no on question one, skip question two, sign it and mail it.
Charlie Ara, Palm Desert
A Power Grab
Everyone should check their mail because 1.3 million ballots are being sent to every voter in Riverside County as the Republican Party wants the state to waste over $250 million to remove our properly elected governor and replace him with someone who has never held statewide office to serve a little over one year before the next election. How insane, and what a power grab.
Please do not throw away that ballot but vote no on recalling Gov. Gavin Newsom. In the 2018 primary, I voted for someone else, but in the general election I voted for Gavin. I am satisfied with his leadership as he and the legislature have increased medical coverage, spending on education, and money for housing the homeless and all during a pandemic.
Add to that he is the only governor who appropriated real money to start work on helping the Salton Sea. Others have talked, but Newsom started by spending the first $200 million for the Salton Sea.
Vote no on the recall.
Bob Warburton, Indio
The Consequences
If there is any doubt, think of the consequences of a possible Gov. Gavin Newsom recall.
Many fewer Californians getting affordable health care; fewer environmental protections; higher food prices and lower standards for farmers and farm workers we depend on; unsafe schools from un-vaccinated folks and fewer safety measures; important highway, bridge and airport improvements halted or dropped; the number of neglected and abused children increasing; budget cuts for our communities impacting fire and police help, street and park improvements, and so on.
Government is for the people, and Democrats do a much better job of providing for us. Democrats far out think, out produce, out protect, out appreciate and out plan for California.
Vote no on the recall.
Rob Westwood, Rancho Mirage