Letters for August 1, 2019

Questionable intelligence

Regardless of the mixed-message chatter on Russian intelligence interfering in our 2016 election, and Russia’s effort to continue its attacks, it is dismissed by Trump as a hoax, and he maintains his election is legitimate. He has forced those who publicly support our intelligence agencies’ findings to resign.

Our intelligence agencies concur that the Russians attacked the presidential election, and maintain a threatening presence. The director of national intelligence, Dan Coats, has testified to Congress on this serious matter, supporting the findings of our 17 intelligence agencies. Republicans in the Senate, led by majority leader Mitch McConnell, have twice in 24 hours blocked the advancement of bills aimed at strengthening election security. This just hours after special counsel warned of the continued threat from foreign powers, and Trump’s recent claim that he welcomes foreign help.

Following Coats’ announced resignation, Trump said he intended to nominate Rep. John Ratcliffe to replace Coats and would name an acting director in the interim. I guess his audition with the audience of one during his unabashed attacks on Robert Mueller went well.

The DNI unifies our intelligence community toward a stronger, safer nation. To put a William Barr clone in this key leadership slot puts our nation at risk.

Roger Beadle

Chico

Correcting the record

Re: “Funding and farming,” Letters, by Patrick Newman, July 25:

Mr. Newman is incorrect in his statement that Catalyst Domestic Violence Services doesn’t provide shelter to men. Catalyst provides emergency shelter to victims of domestic violence regardless of gender. This is true of all the agency programs and services. Additionally, providing safe housing for victims of domestic violence who are homeless or at risk of homelessness is an identified national, state and local funding priority in the continuum of services designed to address homelessness.

Anastacia Snyder

Chico

Editor’s note: Ms. Snyder is executive director of Catalyst.