CommentsRANTZ & RAVES-There have been many Presidential elections in America over the past 244 years -- some more interesting and exciting than others.
While there have been two major political parties for years, other political parties have emerged over time to represent varied political beliefs ideals and interests. Is one better than the other? That is a question for you to ponder and determine.
As for me, I am a registered N.P.P. (No Party Preference). I vote for a candidate or issue regardless of political affiliation. Recent surveys show that many California voters are registering as N.P.P. and more are moving away from the two traditional political parties long identified by symbols of a Donkey and an Elephant.
Impeachment
During the recent Presidential election, the media had a field day. Allegations were thrown around like a basketball at an NBA playoff game. In the end, Joe Biden emerged as the 46th President of the United States and moved into the White House while Donald Trump flew off to the friendly Republican State of Florida where he will reside with his family. He will wait there as the Senate conducts his second impeachment trial in Washington, D.C.
It’s customary in our country to congratulate the winner while the losing candidate ventures off to write a book and live a peaceful life with Secret Service protection. This time, though, thousands loyal to Donald Trump, along with members of Antifa and other anti-government groups, decided to attack the heart of our Democracy at the U.S. Capitol.
Following a huge rally featuring Donald Trump, protestors and others stormed the Capitol building fighting with law enforcement officials and forcing their way in where they took control of many rooms, including the private offices of elected officials like Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House. People were killed during the siege and many others were injured including members of law enforcement. We watched the attack unfold on live TV not believing this could ever be happening in 2021 America.
In February, the Senate will decide Donald Trump’s fate. He is the only president in American history to be impeached twice. True to his nature, he is making history one more time. The debate at his trial will focus on his comments at the rally prior to the attack on the Capitol.
I believe this trial will further divide the country and not unite us as hoped for by President Biden. I pray that America can move forward into brighter times with all people coming together in unity for the good of our country.
Do you need or have a gun to protect you and your family? Have you applied for a C.C.W. and been denied? What is President Joe Biden’s attitude on guns?
The recent LAPD COMPSTAT citywide crime profile dated 1-16-21 has some frightening statistics. LA City homicides are up an incredible 136.4%; shooting victims are up 261.5%; and shots fired have increased 128.6%. These are frightening statistics that tell a compelling story about the lack of safety affecting you and your family in Los Angeles.
With Mayor Garcetti and the majority of the LA City Council defunding the LAPD and with the number of LAPD officers shrinking -- now at 9,832 sworn personnel down from 10,000 and continuing to drop daily – each of us is at risk. Could you become the next crime victim or body lying in the street covered with a sheet waiting for the Coroner to transport you on your last ride before burial?
Just look at the facts in Los Angeles. The homeless population is totally out of control and expanding. The City is ignoring the problem and wasting millions of dollars on administrative programs with dismal results to try and improve the situation. Crime is increasing with more victims losing their lives, yet nothing is being done by LA’s elected “leaders.” The situation is bad and getting worse. I don’t make up the crime statistics to frighten you. They are the official crime stats of the LAPD.
While the LAPD refuses to grant a C.C.W. (concealed carry weapon) to most applicants for personal protection, LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva has started issuing C.C.W. permits on a limited basis. Additionally, residents of Ventura County with a clean record have been granted a C.C.W. by the Sheriff for personal protection.
While President Joe Biden states that he will “defeat the NRA while in office,” Americans have purchased around 21 million guns in 2020. Compared to last year, this is a 73% increase based on the number of FBI completed background checks.
The NRA, which has been incorporated in New York for nearly 150 years, recently filed for bankruptcy and is moving from New York to Texas. The NRA has fought to protect the 2nd Amendment and this move will release the hostile actions of New York’s elected representatives against them.
If you ever thought of purchasing a gun to provide protection for yourself and your family, you should act before President Biden lives up to his promise to levy a huge tax on millions of guns and magazines in America, totaling in the billions of dollars, and establish more restrictions on gun sales and possession.
The Recall Governor Gavin Newsom has generated over one million signatures.
I urge you to join me and sign the recall petition. Petitions can be obtained on the internet by going to www.recallGavin2020.com. Download the petition, fill it out and mail it. This will send a strong message to all elected officials that we are tired of failed leadership in California.
(Dennis P. Zine is a former and retired LAPD Supervisor, former and retired 12-year Los Angeles City Councilman and current General Manager at Bell Canyon in Ventura County.) Graphic: Chelsea Stahl / NBC News. Edited for CityWatch by Linda Abrams.
