Press Democrat readers share their thoughts on USAID cuts, a front-page photo choice, literacy and the need to stand united
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and don’t necessarily reflect The Press Democrat editorial board’s perspective. The opinion and news sections operate separately and independently of one another.
EDITOR: The destruction of the U.S. Agency for International Development isn’t just a policy shift — it is an economic and humanitarian disaster. While politicians spin this as a budget cut, the reality is it will cost thousands of American jobs and erase decades of progress in global education, all for pennies on the dollar.
USAID’s educational programs have transformed millions of lives. In Kenya, its primary literacy program has lifted entire generations out of poverty. In South Sudan, education initiatives have provided stability in war-torn communities. These programs don’t just benefit those abroad — they create economic opportunities for American businesses and ensure global stability that directly impacts U.S. security.
On the home front, USAID supports thousands of jobs through nonprofits, universities and faith-based organizations. From program administrators to field experts, this decision has left American workers in limbo. These are not faceless bureaucrats — they are our neighbors, colleagues and community leaders.
Cutting USAID is not about saving money — it’s about abandoning American leadership, economic foresight and moral responsibility. Congress must step up, restore funding and protect an agency that has done more good in the world than any political stunt ever could.
KARNA SLIFER
Santa Rosa
Pick a different photo
EDITOR: While I appreciated your coverage of the Hands Off! protests across the country, I disliked your choice of front-page photo of the toilet seat signage (“Show of Force,” April 6). This was not representative of what these protests are about and only aims to crudely attack Republicans and further polarize the two parties. The demonstrations were peaceful and upbeat across the nation with no arrests reported, while anger and dismay at what is happening in this country was clearly voiced.
So many creative signs were out there that focused on true American concerns regarding education, Social Security, health care, the economy, immigration and the potential demise of democracy. I believe these nationally widespread protests and their media coverage can potentially be informative and instill a bit of doubt in some minds of those still supporting Donald Trump’s actions and policies. Your choice of photo was not productive. Choose better next time.
MICHELLE VON KNORRING
Santa Rosa
Literacy lacking
EDITOR: According to the National Literacy Institute, 21% of adults in the U.S. were illiterate in 2024. Fifty-four percent of adults have literacy below sixth grade level (20% are below fifth grade). These low levels of literacy cost the U.S. up to $2.2 trillion per year.
This is exactly what Donald Trump and his billionaire supporters want. The last thing he wants is a literate and educated public that is able to evaluate his actions and his many lies. That is why he wants to cut down and finally eliminate the Department of Education. He is a traitor to democracy. This is shown clearly by his acting against the Constitution of the United States.
ED OBERWEISER
Fort Bragg
Highlight resistance
EDITOR: I am troubled by your decision to post news of Cory Booker’s historic 25-hour speech on the Senate floor on Page A6 of the April 2 paper (“Booker sets record in Senate”). Millions of people tuned in to hear Booker clearly frame the import of this moment in history and the urgency of the public to voice its concern. From cutting funds for the elderly, the disabled, veterans and schools to denying due process and refusing to adhere to court orders, the current administration is frightening millions of us. When you bury our worries on Page A6, you seem to be minimizing the courage of the resistance in standing up to the threats that are building, endangering us all.
MADELYN HODGES
Tomales
Stand united
EDITOR: United we stand, divided we fall. Apathy and silence for wrongs inflicted upon the few can lead to wrongs inflicted upon the many.
Below, a poem, attributed to German pastor Martin Niemöller that was found in a church post-World War II, is paraphrased and tailored for our present time under the twilight zone of the Trump-Musk DOGE administration:
First they came for the Department of Education and I did not stand up because I was not an educator. Then they came for the judges and I did not stand up because I was not a judge. They came for the media and I did not stand up because I was not a journalist.
They came for the Environmental Protection Agency and I did not stand up because I was not an environmentalist. They came for the Social Security Administration and I did not stand up because I was not eligible nor in need of Social Security. Finally, they came for me and there was no one left to stand up for me.
GENE COLOMBINI
Santa Rosa
You can send letters to the editor at letters@pressdemocrat.com.
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and don’t necessarily reflect The Press Democrat editorial board’s perspective. The opinion and news sections operate separately and independently of one another.
