12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MARCH 20-26, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com STARS AND STRIPES I wouldn’t attend the event but there is absolutely no reason to deny someone speech and a venue just because their values “don’t align” (“Association of Monterey Bay Conservatives to host six pardoned Jan. 6 insurrectionists,” posted March 13). Free speech isn’t just what you agree with. It’s ridiculous to see so many comments here are just awful and filled with such bitter vitriol. The divide between people is so disgusting. Mark Cunningham | via social media I’m sorry, these are convicted felons who show no remorse and want to come and brag about the violence they committed on police officers. I believe that is hate speech and not protected as free speech. Patricia Sue Rutowski | Pacific Grove I support their right to meet. I served in the military for over two decades so that everyone is free to assemble and share their point of view. But the J6 crowd are criminals and insurrectionists who should answer for their lawlessness, so who can I talk to about the counterprotest? Phil Candreva | via social media Monterey County Hospitality Association, probably a good idea to warn your members that the Association of Monterey Bay Conservatives is looking for another venue in the area to honor convicted violent criminals. Reputation is everything. Hilary Le Fort | via social media If you go to the website of the association they are still selling tickets for this event. It states venue changed, location provided upon registration, $45 “donation.” D.W. Daniels | via social media If people want to hear them talk, let them. Honestly my liberal friends, you are so close-minded. You are the reason Trump is president. Normal open-minded people are sick of your wokeness. Jane Benight | via social media Convicted by juries of their peers, pardoned by a convict. They befoul any room they enter, they dishonor our country. Their pardon diminishes the rule of law and the definition of honor. They are perfect MAGA heroes. Joe Livernois | Monterey Calling them insurrectionists is a liberal fantasy. At best a riot. A few hundred people couldn’t overthrow anything. You would need the armed forces to do that. It’s a stupid argument. Frank Kalauch | via social media What makes “Monterey Bay Conservatives” conservative? The Republican Party is no longer conservative, but a bunch of radicals attempting to tear down our democracy. It’s not my father’s GOP! Patrick Walberg | via social media FOLLOW THE LEADER Thanks to Congressman Panetta for his town hall to highlight the possible cuts to Medicaid by Trump and DOGE (“Constituents press U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta to be bolder,” March 13-19). Jimmy and his guests made the case for how critical Medicaid is for so many in Monterey County. Jimmy also answered a lot of questions about the budget, reconciliation and his extensive work for us in our big and diverse congressional district. Beyond his service, Jimmy spoke about his fight to stop Trump, Musk and DOGE from undermining our democracy. At a time when so many Americans are struggling with uncertainty—when chaos and instability are purposely being created by reckless leadership in the executive branch—it is more important than ever to have steady, principled leaders who focus on real solutions rather than performative outrage. Too many politicians yell, scream and grandstand, and some have even come to believe that’s being “bold.” Thank goodness your readers and voters know better. Thank goodness Jimmy is already strategizing about what it will take for Democrats to win in 2026, as he was California’s #1 overperforming Democrat in November’s election, according to TheBallotBook.com. You can have your showhorse politicians. I’m proud Jimmy is our workhorse who’s fighting for us. Melissa Krueger | Carmel Panetta is not speaking for all constituents. We the people voted for Donald J. Trump. Kathrine Thomas | Salinas Employing a variety of media sources, Democrats must counter Trump’s lies with coordinated, articulate messaging. Instead, Chuck Schumer is proudly using a flip phone. Instead, Jimmy Pannetta says, “I am not a performer, I’m a public servant.” At this critical moment, it is about performance; it is about communicating effectively. Just look at what happened to President Biden. He had a stellar record of accomplishments, but he didn’t communicate in a consistent or cogent manner. Unfortunately, he gave Trump and the far-right propagandists an opening to unfairly denigrate his record. Nazario Martinez | Prunedale PUB FARE Great people! Let’s go! (“Restaurant veterans look into purchase of Britannia Arms in downtown Monterey,” posted March 11.) However, it will always be The Brit. I started there the day of my 21st birthday and met some of the most amazing people who I consider family to this day, including the previous owner. So many unforgettable memories. Rachelle Davi-Razzeca | via social media Great operators and people. Excited to see what Benny and Susan [Mosqueda] come up with. James Velarde | via social media I just hope nothing negatively affects The Butter House, them not being around as much or other possible issues. Keeping my fingers crossed for them. Vicki Reeves | via social media OPEN AND SHUT He’s the best! (“Bistro Moulin owner Federico Rusciano turned the wrong time into the right places,” March 6-12.) Christina Kim | via social media LETTERS • COMMENTSOPINION Submit letters to the editor to letters@montereycountynow.com. Please keep your letter to 150 words or less; subject to editing for space. Please include your full name, contact information and city you live in.
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