Letters to the Editor Reflect Concerns Over Measles, ICE, and Trump Presidency

Readers share personal experiences and call for action on key political issues.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 2:31am

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The letters to the editor published in the Press Democrat on February 1, 2026 cover a range of political topics, including the importance of childhood vaccinations, concerns over the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the desire for a president who respects and earns the respect of citizens. Readers share personal stories and call for greater civic engagement to address the challenges facing the country.

Why it matters

These letters provide a window into the concerns and perspectives of local residents, reflecting the broader political and social debates taking place across the country. The range of topics covered - from public health to immigration enforcement to presidential leadership - highlights the multifaceted nature of the issues impacting communities.

The details

The letters include a personal account from a reader who survived the measles as a child, while a classmate died from the disease, underscoring the importance of childhood vaccinations. Another reader criticizes the tactics of ICE, arguing the agency has lost its legitimacy, while others express a desire for a president who respects and earns the respect of citizens. One reader even raises the possibility of invoking the 25th Amendment to remove the current president from office.

  • The letters were published on February 1, 2026.

The players

Karl Fisher

A Petaluma resident who survived the measles as a child, while a classmate died from the disease.

Karen Kellam

A Santa Rosa resident who argues that ICE has lost its legitimacy as a law enforcement agency.

Jan Klebe

A Petaluma resident who expresses a desire for a president who respects and earns the respect of citizens.

Pamela Tennant

A Sebastopol resident who raises the possibility of invoking the 25th Amendment to remove the current president from office.

Connie Codding

A Santa Rosa resident who calls for restoring the country as a "beacon of hope, possibility and, yes, joy."

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What they’re saying

“Vaccinate your children with all the shots that prevent possible death. The life you save may be your child's or your neighbor's child.”

— Karl Fisher

“Since when is it lawful for anyone from any agency to make unlawful seizures and arrests anywhere, dressed in full combat gear and masks no less?”

— Karen Kellam

“I love my country, but I have no love for him. I am looking forward to again having a president who respects the citizens of America and whom I can respect in return.”

— Jan Klebe

“Have we reached a red line for Donald Trump-supporting Congress people yet? If not, how much worse must it get before they say enough?”

— Pamela Tennant

“We must stand up for our beloved country and again make it a shining beacon of hope, possibility and, yes, joy.”

— Connie Codding

The takeaway

These letters reflect the deep divisions and concerns within the local community, as residents grapple with issues ranging from public health to immigration enforcement to the leadership of the country. The diversity of perspectives underscores the need for continued civic engagement and open dialogue to address the challenges facing the nation.