Advocating violence undermines civil discourse

Editor: This letter is an attempt to add to the chorus that recognizes the innate dignity of every person. Let us begin with a singular proposition: Whatever the ethnicity, gender, creed, political affiliation (disagreeable opinion notwithstanding), no person deserves to die at the violent hand of another. Those who relish the death of any person with whom they disagree are without a moral compass. Moreover, the chilling effect of such beliefs creates a dissonance in the sphere of public discourse. Teachers, law enforcement personnel, lawyers or politicians need to be able to speak without fear of retribution or reprisal. We do need to speak out so we do not foster and encourage the mob mentality of those who would do us harm. In that spirit, we can hope that you are receiving hundreds (if not thousands) of letters decrying the despicable delight in the violent death of others.

-- William M. Shea, Sonoma

Cowering corporate media conglomerates

Editor: With one fell swoop of the executioner's blade, yet another court jester has been swiftly removed from the once upon a time, open forum entertainment stage ("ABC suspends Kimmel's late-night show over remarks about Kirk's death," Sept. 18). As corporate media conglomerates cower to the whims and falsehoods of the now reigning king, America has suddenly and undoubtedly hit the wall of complete intellectual development through mindless degradation.

-- Ray Van de Star, Sebastopol

Sheriff should cooperate with IOLERO inquiry

Editor: This dispute between IOLERO, Sonoma County's independent law enforcement review authority, and the sheriff is disturbing ("Sheriff-watchdog spat reignites," Sept. 7). During his campaign, the sheriff promised he would cooperate and respect the role of community oversight. While Measure P, with its landslide approval by the voters, provided more authority to IOLERO, including independent investigation authority, the sheriff is failing to follow the will of the people.

Clearly the sheriff's labor group has influenced the decision and reflects its past efforts to reduce the authority of IOLERO and shield deputies from accountability. As a former law enforcement officer, I am grateful for the leadership of John Alden, the director of IOLERO, and I hope the sheriff will reconsider his position and direct the deputies to provide statements in regard to the killing of David Palaez-Chavez vs. taking the Fifth Amendment. This is the standard for responsible law enforcement leadership. The district attorney declined to prosecute the case, and the civil case has been settled. The is no rationale to not want to get to the truth of the shooting.

-- John Mutz, Sebastopol

Divide and conquer vs. unite and prevail

Editor: The majority of us still value democratic principles, bit many of us feel helpless. Anti-democratic forces want us to feel helpless and submit to their tyranny. This is how bullies work. What defeats bullies is united opposition. Think of the classic schoolyard bully. In the rare cases when good-intentioned kids combine forces, bullies often back down. This needs to be applied to the bullies now running the U.S. government. They only want their type in this country; the essence of which is white "real Americans." Never mind the first Americans, who were called Indians but weren't from India as the explorers thought.

How do we overcome these bullies? Unite and prevail. This is what unions have done for a long time. Universities should combine forces. Law firms should do the same and so on. They will become strong adversaries who will make the bullies back down.

Donald Trump's bullies are picking off individual entities and making them submit. The millions of demonstrators show us outrage, but it will take our prestigious institutions and businesses to possibly take a financial hit until America becomes the country that cares about all again.

-- Joe Lieber, Sonoma

Questions, concerns about candidate

Editor: Eric Jones raised $1.1 million for his congressional campaign in one day. Some may consider that broad support for his candidacy. However, it raises serious concerns for me, and it should for all in the district. I have doubts that all that money came from within the district. We know he's a venture capitalist, so he has ties to other very wealthy individuals outside the district who can use their wealth to influence our district election and will have his ear regarding policies that affect them.

What was the number and amounts of the contributions he received? Has he released his tax returns, and if not, will he? Has this millionaire paid his fair share? Perhaps he has. What has he done to elect Democrats to office? He has stated positions that are popular in Sonoma County but has no record I know of to stand on.

-- Jeff Parr, Santa Rosa

Break Democrats' stronghold on California government

Editor: Kevin Parsons warned against one-party control in government ("Voters have a simple choice on Prop. 50," Letters, Sept 16). In California, Democrats hold all major positions. Before focusing on federal issues, we should address this local imbalance. Vote no on Proposition 50. Giving politicians more power invites overreach.

-- Larry Tausch, Penngrove