Thank you for your recent article on Tianna Arata (“Protest symbol,” Aug. 27). I used to be proud of SLO. Now, I’m embarrassed. While the anti-racist outrage throughout the country (particularly here in SLO), is hopeful, I remain perplexed and disillusioned as more is learned about the arrest of Tianna Arata and the charges brought against her.
What about charging the drivers who drove lethal weapons into the protesters as evidenced in posted videos? SLO Police Chief Deanna Cantrell is responsible for charges against Arata as well as the failure to charge the drivers. Meanwhile, SLO County District Attorney Dan Dow fiddles while the situation burns into national news.
Further, Dow spoke on local (Tea Party) and national platforms proclaiming disdain for protesters, along with dismissing the governor’s mandate against large gatherings and public singing. He believes we are “commanded to sing praises to our Lord”—the most recent platform (Family Research Council) has been designated a hate group.
Dow does not deserve the respect due to a public official and has endangered the health of SLO County. Personal religious and political beliefs should remain private. As a white woman of a “certain age,” I am more than embarrassed. I am outraged.
Susan Pyburn
San Luis Obispo
This article appears in Sep 10-17, 2020.
Ms. Pyburn must live in an alternative universe. Breaking the law has consequences in any modern society, right? Does she think that what Ms. Arata was primarily responsible for was not lawlessness? Is desecrating our flag and dropping f-bombs in reference to our society acceptable in her world?
At some point all reasonable law abiding citizens are going to stand up and say “ENOUGH”. Riots are not protests. These types of actions will be met with responses far beyond hand slaps and make believe eye rolling. Law and order and the proper processes to effect change is the American way. Anything else is criminal and needs to be dealt with accordingly.