Letters to the Editor, Sunday Nov. 9

Government Rewrites January 6 History

Two federal prosecutors have been placed on leave by the Justice Department after the references to the January 6 Capitol event were removed from court filings (pressdemocrat.com). By erasing those mentions, it suggests the government denies that the event occurred.

Several countries, including Russia, Hungary, China, and Germany, have rewritten or chosen to forget parts of their histories. The question remains: what else does the Justice Department want the public to forget? For me, it would be the ideal of the "land of the free and home of the brave." If that ideal is discarded, what comes next?

Opposition to Another Audit in Santa Rosa Schools

Teachers and staff at Santa Rosa City Schools have urged for another audit of the district's finances ("Teachers union rallies for outside audit," Nov.). However, an audit only verifies if spending and balances are properly recorded; it does not assess whether the expenditures are necessary or effective.

Audits require significant time and resources, which the teachers, staff, and district currently lack. Past audits over the years have returned perfect or nearly perfect results. A formal audit typically takes about six months.

Using the Public Records Act a few years ago, I reviewed detailed financial records of the district thoroughly.

"So, according to our own government, the event never happened."

"An audit only determines whether spending and balances are properly accounted for. An audit doesn’t determine whether spending is needed or effective."

Author’s summary: The letters reveal concerns about historical revisionism by the government and question the effectiveness and timing of another financial audit in Santa Rosa schools.

The Press Democrat — 2025-11-10