Churches speak out against ‘hate and anti-gay prejudice’ in SLO County | Opinion

Support for SLO County’s LGBTQ community

For the past 50 years, The Episcopal Church has been welcoming LGBTQ+ people. The seven Episcopal churches in San Luis Obispo County all have LGBTQ and non-gender binary members, many of whom are in leadership positions.

As welcoming and inclusive churches, we abhor all expressions of hate and anti-gay prejudice such as those seen at the recent Board of Supervisors meeting. We celebrate Pride, and commit ourselves to continuing to build a community here in San Luis Obispo where ALL people are welcome.

Episcopal Clergy of San Luis Obispo County

Submitted on behalf of the group by the Rev. Caroline Hall

Pay to move dirt and debris?

“ Would Measure 24-A block Morro Bay battery plant project ?” (sanluisobispo.com, July 8)

As I understand it, the ballot initiative A-24 in the November election would freeze land use zoning on the power plant site for visitor-serving/commercial only. I have been told this land would be valuable to people who want to start new hotels and restaurants and such.

I wonder who would pay to clean up the sites? I know there are legal restrictions on how the land can be used because it is polluted and the giant power plant itself is a huge mess to

tear down. Who is going to foot the bill?

It just can’t be Morro Bay. And no regular developer is going to spend millions cleaning the sites before they even start to build. Maybe an industrial use would be better anyway but you couldn’t do that if A-24 passes.

A-24 is a bad idea that ties our hands.

Lynda Merrill

Morro Bay

What’s a Democrat to do?

I have spent much of the past week watching the Republican National Convention with more than a bit of morbid fascination, much like watching a violent car crash in slow motion.

The Republicans seem to be rallying around their party’s ticket at the same time Democrats are pulling away from President Joe Biden. Unfortunately, Biden is presenting as an old man whose faculties are failing him, but he refuses to see and acknowledge the loss.

While he is still so much better a man and human than DJT, many who are polled say they won’t vote for someone who, in their view, is not capable of handling the job of president. If Biden were to step aside, the logical and I think best candidate for the Democrats is Vice President Kamala Harris.

So, who might be the best running mate for Harris? I would love to see a uniting step across the aisle with one of the many decent, thinking and morally upright Republicans who have and continue to oppose DJT. I recently saw an interview of former Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger and was impressed with his views and how he stated them. And I have also been impressed for many years with Liz Cheney, who stood up against DJT, knowing it would cost her dearly.

I know. I know. Their stands on many issues are not completely in line with Democrats’ positions. But having their views heard within the team, behind closed doors, and hammering out compromises is so much better than a radical GOP team that would round up millions, take revenge on opponents and generally operate with the knowledge that anything they do cannot be judged as illegal.

Ron Gottesman

Arroyo Grande

Keep Biden

Don’t the Democrats realize that by trying to persuade Joe Biden to resign from the 2024 election they are opening the presidency to Donald Trump? Any other candidate for the Democrats wouldn’t have a chance of replacing Biden at this late date. Biden should be supported, not picked at constantly about resigning.

Janet F. Langton

Templeton

This makes me angry

Democrats complain about Republicans and right wing organizations doing this and that and the other. After decades of this nonsense, Democrats are still behaving as if political decisions are in the hands of Athena, Greek goddess of wisdom.

Listen carefully, Democrats. These right-wing organizations and individuals are well-financed, patient and persistent, among other qualities, and play seriously with whatever it takes. They also understand that they are the minority and therefore do what it takes.

The serious ones are deadly serious and not interested in democracy. So, Democrats, what will it take to make you behave as if your future is a matter of life and death? How long are you going to let a minority of religious bigots, blind ideologues and ruthless politicians dictate the direction of the nation? How long?

Fabrizio Griguoli

Shell Beach

Immunity ruling

The July 1 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court gave too much power to a former president, and the ruling by Judge Eileen Cannon granting him further immunity from prosecution for stealing classified documents when he left the White House is outrageous and a dangerous precedent for our democratic system of government.

No one is above the law, including Donald Trump. He is an extremely dangerous person, and should not be allowed to run for any government office. How dare he challenge our democracy and our American rights. He must be held accountable for his many criminal actions. How long do we continue to “admire the Emperor’s new clothes” and forgive his many abuses of power?

I beg all Americans to realize these facts before voting in the general election. Everyone would lose if he wins, including reduction of Social Security payments, Medicare, civil rights protections and climate change laws. He is a convicted felon (X34) and incited insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, against the U.S. government. What more evidence do you need to oppose him?

Peggy A. Woodruff

San Luis Obispo