Opinions
CONT’D
11th Annual
Friday, April 6, 2018 11:30-1:30 p.m. 11:30 Networking 12:15 Luncheon & Program The Ritz-Carlton Bacara 8301 Hollister Avenue, Goleta
letters
T
he stories multiply of how Donald Trump treats and talks about women; his racist promotion of offensive stereotypes, demonization of immigrants, and defense of white supremacists; the compulsive lying, endless cover-ups, blatant appeals to authoritarianism, and what appear to be more instances of corruption and ethics violations than can be easily counted. Because he has the unconditional and unwavering backing of one of America’s two major political parties (and that party controls both chambers of Congress), it seems Trump can do anything, say anything, and degrade people — and, indeed, entire communities — with absolute impunity. But there is a limit. For all the Republicans’ abuses of power to shield Trump and his team from accountability, the fact remains that no one is above the law — not even the president. Trump has crossed so many lines. For his attacks on people and communities, his assault on institutions and norms, and his war on our constitutional rights and values, we must work hard to make sure that he and his party are held accountable on Election Day. But if America itself — as a nation and, perhaps even more importantly, as an idea — is to survive the Trump presidency, there’s a line that he must not be allowed to cross. If Donald Trump fires Special Counsel Robert Mueller or moves to derail the Russia investigation with other actions (like the firing of other key Justice Department staff) clearly meant to obstruct justice, we must be in the streets in towns across the country, with a robust coalition of Americans who are committed to defending our democracy and holding power accountable. —Leoncio Martins, S.B.
Four-Way Go
T
he Angry Poodle Barbecue of March 8, about the traffic ticket Nick Welsh earned by ignoring
the stop sign at an intersection while riding his bike, resonated with me [independent.com/scofflawcyclists]. I am a short-distance bike commuter. In this climate and in this city I have found it the most convenient way to get to appointments, stores, and leisure spots. It is inefficient that a law requires bicycles to halt at stop signs even when the intersection is clear. When I arrive at an empty four-way stop with no vehicles present, it makes much better sense for me to proceed without stopping. If I stop, any vehicle that shows up can start an inadvertent game of “chicken.” Though I got there first, will the arriving vehicle recognize my right to go first? If it’s an uphill slope, my bike is even slower. Will an irritated driver allow my bicycle to impede his or her car? It would allow more efficient traffic flows if California would follow the example of other states by allowing a bicycle arriving at an intersection that is empty of other traffic to continue legally without stopping.
To register, visit us online at www.GoletaChamber.com For questions, contact Michele@GoletaChamber.com or call 967.2500 ext. 5
—Susan Bjork, S.B. EMPTY MANSIONS
Justice for All
Friday 25th, Saturday 26th, & Sunday 27th 2 0 1 7
Where the Easter Bunny Shops! Springtime Spa & Bath Treats Beautiful Jewelry & More!
For the Record
¶ Last week’s cover story on Bellosguardo inadvertently ran a photo of one of the caretakers rather than longtime estate manager John Douglas. He appears on the right in the photo above with Paul Clark Newell Jr., coauthor of the Huguette Clark biography Empty Mansions.
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MARCH 29, 2018
THE INDEPENDENT
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