Random Letters: 12-3-20

Is He Gone Yet?

Matt Wuerker’s cartoon about Lincoln [in the Nov. 12 edition] and today’s Republicans was spot on! ​Check Mattout these two Lincoln quotes:

These capitalists tend to act harmoniously and in concert to fleece the people.

Labor is superior to capital. Capital is but the fruit of labor and would never have existed had labor not come first. Labor is superior to capital and deserves much the higher consideration.

Lincoln is not the only Republican reaching for the Kleenex. So are Theodore Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower as they gaze down on the 2020 GOP. If alive today all three would be reaching for voter registration forms to change parties.

 Steve Varalyay, Torrance

Giving Tuesday

“Giving Tuesday”  follows Thanksgiving Day (in the U.S.A) in the wake of widely recognized shopping events such as “Black Friday”  and “Cyber Monday” kicking off the charitable season at the end of the year when many focus on their holiday and annual donations. 

It began in 2011 and  internationally known as a day of global giving generated by sincere altruism and understanding of the need to support various non-profit organizations who provide  fundamental, and cultural, and educational resources to communities and individuals.  

Those receiving this missive might have already supported the LA Harbor International Film Festival  (LAHIFF) through donations or sponsorship and we are deeply appreciative. You may receive many  requests, however we hope you will give due consideration the LAHIFF. We were very grateful last year to receive contributions on or about “Giving Tuesday.”

The LAHFF, a 501c 3  non-profit organization now in its 18th year,  has achieved its own prominence and recognition as a valued cultural and educational event. With no paid employees or staff the budget derives from fiscal and in-kind sponsorship. We have an exciting “virtual” program being planned for the 18th annual LAHIFF in 2021.

A contribution to the LAHIFF  demonstrates community awareness and support of the essential mission (see below); and partnerships between business and individuals in supporting cultural events is fundamental to perpetuate the humanity, creativity, and traits we value as citizens, and its significance can never be underestimated.

There is no donation too small (or too large!) and any amount is tax deductible to the extent the law allows (consult your tax advisor).  We urge you to consider the many worthy organizations that would benefit from your donation if LAHIFF is not where you choose to contribute.

We do not take credit card payments thus checks or money orders should be made out to LA Harbor International Film Festival or LAHIFF and mailed to: P.O. Box 5202, San Pedro, CA 90733.

Stephanie Mardesich, San Pedro

The Trump FCC’s Final Gift to Fox

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai is hellbent on doing as much damage as possible before the Joe Biden administration takes office. And that includes doling out one last favor for Rupert Murdoch.

Fox asked the Donald Trump FCC to permanently waive a restriction that limits Fox’s TV station and newspaper ownership in the New York City market — where the company already owns two local television stations and one local newspaper. This move would make Fox’s ownership of WWOR, WNYW and the New York Post permanent — despite the agency’s own rules that prohibit one company from controlling this many broadcast stations and newspaper outlets in a given market.

Chairman Pai is trying to quickly push this Fox request through the FCC, allowing public comment only until Dec. 4. He’s hoping that this big-media handout will fall under the radar during the holiday season. But we’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen. Sign this petition and make it clear to Chairman Pai that handouts to Fox and the Murdoch family are not in the public interest: https://tinyurl.com/freepresspetition.

It’s clear that the outgoing FCC’s Trump-allied members are set on doing as much damage as possible before they leave their positions in January. They’re moving quickly with their review of this proposal to bend the rules for Fox — even after House leadership called on the agency to refrain from making such controversial decisions in the final days of Trump’s term.

Chairman Pai’s eagerness to grant a permanent waiver to Fox is part of a pattern of bending over backward to put industry interests before those of the public. If we’ve learned anything over the last year, it’s that the Murdochs don’t have the public interest in mind. The last thing we should be doing is awarding them with more control over the public airwaves. Tell the lame-duck FCC that any decision to waive media-ownership limits for Fox is unacceptable.

Lucia, Candace, Matt, freepress.net