Letters to the Editor Reflect Concerns Over Political Turmoil

Readers comment on hostile takeovers, energy deals, and the role of the military

Feb. 24, 2026 at 8:04am

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The latest Letters to the Editor published in the Press Democrat cover a range of political topics, including concerns over a perceived "hostile takeover" of the country, praise for a California-UK energy deal, reflections on how neighbors can assist those treated unjustly, and the role of the military in protecting constitutional rights.

Why it matters

These letters provide a window into the diverse perspectives and concerns of readers in the local community, highlighting issues around leadership, the environment, civil rights, and the state of American democracy that are resonating with the public.

The details

The letters touch on several key issues, including criticism of the current political leadership for embracing views and tactics that "don't resonate" with the majority, support for a green energy partnership between California and the UK, and praise for a fruit farmer who protected his Japanese-American neighbor's property during WWII internment. One letter also reflects on the role of the military in safeguarding constitutional freedoms.

  • The letters were published on February 24, 2026.

The players

Noel J. O'Neill

A resident of Willits, California who expressed concerns over a perceived "hostile takeover" of the country by the current political leadership.

Nathaniel Scoble

A Santa Rosa resident who praised the California-UK energy deal as a "win-win-win" for the economy and the environment.

Brian W. Erwin

Shared a story from his late father's journal about how his grandfather and neighboring farmers protected a Japanese-American farmer's orchard during WWII internment.

Jeff Heaney

A Petaluma resident who emphasized the role of soldiers in protecting constitutional freedoms in America.

Tom Fantulin

A Fort Bragg resident who criticized the current political leadership for leading the country "from one controversy to the next."

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What they’re saying

“Fortunately, stakeholders aren't happy with the direction things are going, and citizens want to recover what has been lost. The values the new leader embraces don't inspire the majority. Views such as morality are only for the 'sad woke, and anyone who opposes the new leader is the 'enemy' just don't resonate.”

— Noel J. O'Neill

“So Gov. Gavin Newsom and British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband signed an agreement to promote green tech in California and the United Kingdom. California gets a boost to our economy, and the environment protected, and Donald Trump is furious. It's win-win-win. What's not to love?”

— Nathaniel Scoble

“Whenever the Japanese farmer … needed money he would contact my father who had a procedure for getting the requested funds to him. When the war was over and our Japanese friend and his family came home, my father and he went to the bank and my father had his name taken off the account' and all accrued income was returned to the neighbor.”

— Brian W. Erwin

“It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer who has given us the freedom to peaceably assemble.”

— Jeff Heaney

“Part of America's problem is that we don't recognize our delusions. Therefore, we can harm anyone Anywhere. All we need is an excuse. Once armed with a mental mirage of righteousness, morality no longer exists. Any tactic is acceptable if it achieves one's goal.”

— Tom Fantulin

The takeaway

These letters highlight the diverse range of political views and concerns held by readers in the local community, reflecting ongoing debates around leadership, the environment, civil rights, and the state of American democracy.