Mailbag: No sympathy for Trump supporters

I want to endorse all of Ray Richmond’s observations and emotions in his Nov. 19 column, “An open letter to Trump voters.”

You all baked this foul dish. I for one am not eating any of it. And don’t cry to me when Trump delivers on zero of his campaign promises. He is not going to indict Clinton, for example. And he is not going to cut middle-class taxes either.

No, you broke this egg, let me see you put it back together. Good luck with that.

Kevin Harrop
Burbank

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Precedent and the president-elect

Re: “An open letter to Trump voters,” Ray Richmond. Although both of the leading presidential candidates were untruthful hypocrites, only one of them brought the specter of racial hatred and religious intolerance to the table. That candidate did not win the popular vote, but he won the electoral vote and will be our next president. Millions of Americans now fear what will happen to them after Jan. 20 instead of looking forward to a bright future for our country.

Seventy-four years ago, my parents were incarcerated by our government and relocated to concentration camps. They were born in California and had never committed any type of criminal act. Their “crime” was that their parents came from Japan and that they looked like the enemy. They were perceived as potential traitors and Executive Order 9066 justified their imprisonment. Their families lost everything and the experience affected all profoundly, including me. Both of them had to endure racial prejudice and discrimination for more than half of their lives.

No Americans, native born or immigrant, should be forced to dread the possibility of incarceration or being placed on a registry because of their appearance, the color of their skin, or the god they believe in. What happened to the American ideals of equality and freedom of religion? Those ideals should not be interfered with by some hateful politicians or a fearful public. The new president has the opportunity to show that our fears are unfounded. Let us hope that he does that and makes a sincere effort to stem the divisions in our country. Otherwise, he will face a unified opposition of millions of Americans who will not accept an agenda of hate and intolerance.

Thomas Saito
Burbank

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Big helpings of civic gratitude

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving.

As I celebrated Thanksgiving with family, I gave thanks for the blessings and the freedoms we enjoy every day. I am very appreciative of the great opportunity you have given me to serve as one of your council members in our great city.

I am thankful that we live in a city with so many caring residents who are involved in our community to help those who are less fortunate. I’m also thankful for all of our city employees, our police and fire departments who are dedicated and work hard every day to provide all residents with great services.

Happy Holidays!

Councilman Bob Frutos
Burbank

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Let’s target traffic concerns

For a month we have been wondering whether or not a proposed Target on Hollywood Way was a rumor. Last week we got some confirmation when Patrick Prescott gave a presentation to the City Council. The Target Express is going to be roughly two-thirds the size of our Ralphs on Buena Vista, but with far less parking, even when you subtract the CVS parking lot. I don’t see where the overflow is going to park. Mr. Prescott mentioned that a traffic study might not be needed because the property was formerly retail.

The past 20 or so years of driving by, I have not seen much evidence of retail at this property — an occasional piano sale, yes, but not a steady stream of people going in and out. I welcome a Target facility that is a 10-minute walk from my house, but I have some concerns about the parking and the traffic. I urge the City Council to order a traffic study. Don’t grandfather this in. Let’s proceed with caution.

Carol Tensen
Burbank

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Grateful for the Spirit of Giving

Thank you to all who donated to our fundraiser for Spirit of Giving on Nov. 4. The Burbank Coordinating Council will use all profits for the upcoming Holiday Basket program. To all who helped to put on this event, our thanks and love.

Sponsors, you are terrific! You are on our website for everyone to see and appreciate.

Caterer, musicians, site manager, Pastor Ross Purdy and First Presbyterian Church, National Charity League, and our amazing committee — you did it!

A special shout out to our wonderful emcee, Marsha Ramos, to Sister Regina, and our amazing honorees, Emily Gabel-Luddy and the Burbank Fire Department. You are the best ever! We are grateful to everyone who helped and everyone who attended. This will help us serve the families who are “unadopted” (nearly 200 each year).

Anyone wishing for information on how to adopt a family or donate to Holiday Baskets can find it by visiting our website at www.burbankcoordinatingcouncil.org and downloading an application (if you are a family in need) and donor forms, found under volunteer opportunities (to help out). You can call us (818) 238-7647 or email ccholidaybaskets@aol.com.

We are not done yet. The food drive is Dec. 10, we’re packing bags Dec. 14, building baskets Dec. 16, and delivery day is Dec. 17.

Janet Diel
Burbank

The writer is president of the Burbank Coordinating Council.