Aug. 21, 2025 5 AM PT
To the editor: I’m positive that I couldn’t be a extra generic or much less essential voice or voter. And rely me in for being uninformed in some ways, however I can’t assist however say one thing. Mark Z. Barabak’s column struck me as a know-it-all-type criticism (“Power grab may energize Newsom and Democrats. But it won’t fix their bigger problem,” Aug. 20).
I personal an actual property firm in Washington, D.C. Most of the liberal voices listed here are my shoppers or buddies. I care. And dwelling right here for the time being is extraordinarily difficult for all the explanations you already learn about.
In my little lane, I can’t assist however see that we’re all struggling for something we are able to do. Gov. Gavin Newsom no less than introduced one thing to the desk, an motion which may matter. One thing we are able to help which may make a distinction. And Barabak paints Newsom’s efforts as purely for his personal political achieve.
So what whether it is? Does Barabak have one other suggestion? What’s it?
If all we are able to do is snivel at each other about political philosophy whereas our democracy is being undone, then we’re cooked.
Judy Cranford, Washington, D.C.
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To the editor: If anybody thinks Newsom’s redistricting effort is something however a lift for an additional presidential marketing campaign, I’ve a bridge to promote you.
We don’t want extra Democratic districts on this state — we want stability. I’m not a MAGA believer or voter. I simply know when one celebration dominates, it’s not good.
It boggles my mind to consider what Newsom goes to speak about if/when he hits the nationwide stage. He and his buddies in Sacramento have brought about so many issues that if I named all of them, you would need to give me the entire web page. Residents of states which have their act collectively would snicker him off the stage.
Jan Slater, Irvine
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To the editor: It might be true, as Babarak opines, that Newsom is motivated by political ambitions in proposing the particular November “gerrymandering” election. However there’s rather more at stake right here and Barabak’s ire factors within the flawed path. Voters in different states who see our democracy slipping away don’t care about motivation.
Republican shenanigans in Ohio present this. Though we’ve overwhelmingly handed anti-gerrymandering constitutional amendments, Ohio stays one of the most gerrymandered states. Our Republican legislative supermajority has merely thumbed their noses on the voters’ will.
For our democracy to outlive, nobody might be so provincial as to disregard what is occurring in different states. The way in which to confront President Trump’s anti-democratic plan is to struggle hearth with hearth. Texas voters don’t have any alternative to voice their will on gerrymandering. Below Newsom’s proposal, California voters will. The message you all ship could also be one which helps protect our democracy.
Stephen Gladstone, Shaker Heights, Ohio
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To the editor: So, Barabak doesn’t need to use the “struggle hearth with hearth” analogy? How about “if we get punched within the face, we punch again”? Barabak fails to acknowledge that we should be pondering of the brief time period, as a result of that’s when the struggle for our democracy is. We can’t afford to attend and play by the foundations when all of the norms are being thrown out by fascists. Preventing again would possibly harm at instances, but when we don’t have interaction on this fistfight, it’s lights out.
I don’t help Newsom for president (Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez could be a greater candidate), however he hasn’t determined to put down and get knocked out. Let’s punch again.
Chase Brown, Rancho Santa Margarita
