B9 
Mountain Views-News Saturday June 27, 2026OPINIONOPINION B9 
Mountain Views-News Saturday June 27, 2026OPINIONOPINION 
MOUNTAIN 

VIEWS 

NEWS 

PUBLISHER/ EDITOR

Susan Henderson 

PASADENA CITY 
EDITOR 

Dean Lee 

SALES 

Patricia Colonello 
626-355-2737 
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WEBMASTER 

John Aveny 

DISTRIBUTION 

Peter Lamendola 

CONTRIBUTORS 

Lori A. Harris 
Michele Kidd 
Stuart Tolchin 
Harvey HydeAudrey SwansonMeghan MalooleyMary Lou CaldwellKevin McGuire 
Chris Leclerc 
Dinah Chong WatkinsHoward HaysPaul CarpenterKim Clymer-KelleyChristopher NyergesPeter Dills 
Rich Johnson 
Lori Ann Harris 
Rev. James SnyderKatie HopkinsDeanne Davis 
Despina ArouzmanJeff Brown 
Marc Garlett 
Keely TotenDan Golden 
Rebecca WrightHail Hamilton 
Joan Schmidt 
LaQuetta Shamblee 

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A member of 
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Mountain Views News 

Mission Statement 

The traditions of 

community news


papers and the 

concerns of our readers 


are this newspaper’s 
top priorities. We 
support a prosperous

community of well-
informed citizens. We 


hold in high regard the 

valuesoftheexceptional

quality of life in our 

community, includingthe magnificence of 
our natural resources. 


Integrity will be our guide. 

STUART TOLCHIN PUT THE LIGHTS ON 
NATURAL RIGHTS AND CIVILITY 


What is right and what is wrong? What are rights 
and what are simply privileges? As a lawyer I learned that a 
“right” is a power or claim that is recognized, secured, and 
enforceable by law. Individuals are entitled to act in a certain 
way, own property or make demands for redress if their rights 
are violated. Specific laws enacted by the Legislature define 
and protect these rights. 

Natural rights are fundamental universal rights that 
every person owns simply by being human. These rights are not granted by 
government or laws. They apply to all people, regardless of culture, nationality, 
or status. Primary among these right are the right to live and protect oneself 
from harm. Really, the sole purpose of forming a government is to protect this 
inherent right. All of us are entitled to feel safe and secure and I am sure that 
many of you will agree that these basic natural rights are ignored by the present 
Trump administration which is wrongly abridging our natural rights. This total 
policy must be understood as a huge civil wrong. 

It is almost pointless to review the harms of this administration’s 
authoritarian practices. There is a huge risk to journalists and people who 
speak out or dissent, including protesters, lawyers, students, and human rights 
defenders. At one time or another I was a member of all these categories and 
am certain that many of my readers have also belonged or still belong within 
these categories. What are we going to do? Does it feel safe to simply speak out? 
Should we allow ourselves to become passive observers to the destruction of our 
natural rights? Passivity I believe is a civil wrong. 

. Right now, the first thing I think we all should demand is “civility”. What 
is the virtue of civility? I believe that respectful dialogue, active listening, and 
compromise are essential for any well-functioning society. Strong partisanship 
and political factions were identified by our founders such as Washinton, Jefferson,
Madison, and Hamilton. In my article last week which regrettably un-published 
for reasons difficult to explain, I described the importance of the separation of 
Powers. I quoted John Adams, our second President, who wrote “There is nothing 
which I dread so much as a division of the republic into two great parties, each 
arranged under its leader and concerting measures in opposition to each other. 
This in my humble apprehension, is the greatest evil under our Constitution”. 

Can you imagine how Adams would feel today seeing two parties which 
could be defined as pro-Trump and anti-Trump such that no conversation is even 
possible. Where is the hope? Well coincidentally after I wrote this article, I visited 
the Monrovia Library and in the used book section I chanced upon a copy of 
the book John Adams authored by David Mc Cullough. I bought the book for a 
dollar and read about Adams who became such a partisan himself that he refused 
for ten years to speak with Thomas Jefferson, the man who defeated him in the 
election. This election of 1800 is sometimes called the Revolution of 1800 and 
is recognized as the first peaceful transfer of power in the history of the United 
States. 

Well, as you might well know; things did not seem to go well after 
that election. Thomas Jefferson was elected President and Aaron Burr was 
elected Vice-President. While still acting as vice-president Aaron Burr killed 
Constitutional framer Alexander Hamilton in a dual. Believe it or not after the 
dual Burr finished his term as vice-President as he faced murder charges in New 
York and New Jersey. Meanwhile the defeated candidate, John Adams, was so 
angry at newly elected President Thomas Jefferson that he did not talk to him 
for ten years. After the election they each made vicious personal attacks upon 
the other, but here’s the good part, after over a decade of silence the two men 
reconciled in in 1812 and began a 14-year correspondence, this reconciliation 
lasted the rest of their lives. In a legendary twist of fate, both men passed away on 
July 4, 1826, which happened to be the fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of the 
Declaration of Independence. 

So, what’s my point? Things change! I think civility and friendship can 

heal all wounds and the date of their deaths reminds me that there exist other 

forces that at this time none of us understand. So, be nice and keep an open mind 

and one day perhaps we may all be surprised to learn that our strongest weapon 

is humanity’s commitment to remain civil, which is really a part of our nature.

If you have a better idea, please share it with the world. Meanwhile, don’t 

forget to vote. 


HOWARD Hays As I See It 

“Ok, so let me get are trying to get rich off America’s 250th is 
this straight . . . the the exact opposite of what was intended.” 
dude who puked on Presumably, what was intended instead 
himself live on tv was an Ultimate Fighting Championshipduring his weigh in, cage match on the South Lawn of the White 
is hurling insults at House for the president’s birthday. 
the former First Lady 

For this occasion, the Trump Organization

now? Disgusting. 

offered commemorative coins ranging from

Welcome to the Trump Administration.” – 

$250 to $12,000. The coins feature Trump’s

Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), on UFC 

face, with labels having both Trump’s face

fighter Josh Hokit’s remark about Michelle 

and that of UFC CEO Dana White. While

Obama at the UFC cage match on the 

unusual for a White House event, ticketing

White House lawn. 

was handled not by the White House, but 
It’s almost here – our country’s by UFC – with CEO White seated next to 
Semiquincentennial. (Had to look it Trump at ringside (“octagon-side”?). UFC 
up – literally means “half of 500 years”.) controlled marketing and press access to 
Arrangements to mark this anniversary this White House event, as well. 
began ten years ago. In 2016, Congress 

Also in attendance was David Ellison,

authorized a bipartisan commission to 

CEO of Paramount Skydance - which

oversee the celebrations, through a non-

had paid $7.7 billion for rights to UFC,

profit group “America250”. It’d be led by 

including streaming. Whatever the cost

four U.S. Senators; Lisa Murkowski (R-

to taxpayers of the combined effort of

AK), Shelley Capito (R-WV), Alex Padilla 

seven federal agencies needed to stage the

(D-CA) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), 

event, to watch it we’d have to pay Ellison

along with four U.S. Representatives; 

$8.99 for a subscription to Paramount

Rober Aderholt (R-AK), Maria Salazar 

Plus. This comes just days after Trump’s

(R-FL), Dwight Evans (D-PA) and Bonnie 

Justice Department approved Paramount

Coleman (D-NJ). There were four 

Skydance’s merger with Warner Bros.

honorary co-chairs; George W. and Laura 

Discovery – which would allow Ellison to

Bush, with Barack and Michelle Obama. 

gut CNN to Trump’s liking as he’s done 
If you’re counting, those positions are with CBS. 
evenly split between Democrats and 

On this Flag Day, the Flag Code (“should

Republicans. It wasn’t about one party or 

never be used as wearing apparel”) was

another; it was about our country. That 

tossed aside, with the Stars and Stripes

was the problem - it wasn’t about Donald 

used as apparel for the Octagon Girls. Our

Trump. Accordingly, Trump had it 

military served as props and ushers for the

shunted aside and replaced with his own 

attendees. Advertisements for Monster

“Freedom 250” group – enacted through 

Energy drinks, Bud Lite, Polymarket

executive order - to ensure the focus 

and Crypto.com were plastered across

would be on himself. The logo for this new 

the venue – the South Lawn of the White

group was also issued with an alternate 

House. The Trump family’s World Liberty

name, “Trump 250” – to be used on tote 

Financial kicked in $250,000 of its own

bags, sweatshirts, blankets and golf balls 

crypto for fighter bonuses.

marketed by the Trump Organization. 
With all those performers having pulled

Corporate sponsorships for Freedom 250 

out from events planned for the Fourth,

ran from $500,000 to $10 million, with $1 

Trump announced instead a program of

million buying a private reception with 

military bands, flyovers and fireworks at

Trump. In last year’s budget bill, $150 

the Lincoln Memorial. The focus, though,

million was allocated for 250th anniversary 

wouldn’t be on celebration of our country’s

celebrations. Of that, $100 million has 

Semiquincentennial, but rather on what

since gone to Trump’s Freedom 250, with 

he promises will be “the most spectacular

$50 million for Congress’ bipartisan 

TRUMP RALLY of them all”, in which

America250 – though they’ve maybe 

he’ll “deliver keynote remarks that you will

gotten half that. America250 is required 

not want to miss.” 

to maintain full disclosures - leadership,
sponsors, where the money comes from 

In her article on fighter Josh Hokit’s 

and where it goes - publicly accessible. 

remark about Michelle Obama, Zahara

Trump’s Freedom 250 isn’t – regardless of 

Hill suggests Hokit “would be better 

whatever taxpayer funding. 

served by questioning why his idea ofmanhood includes belittling women for

An “Events Toolkit” for Freedom 250 

applause.” Her piece is titled, “Michelle

identifies the “CORE THEME TO 

Obama’s womanhood isn’t in question.

ELEVATE” as “President Trump’s Freedom 

Josh Hokit’s idea of manhood is.” She

250 Vision”. This led to the embarrassment 

mentions “strongman” as a word having

of nearly all acts pulling out that had been 

different connotations; it could suggest big

scheduled to perform; they’d expected to be 

guys beating each other bloody, or a certain

participating in a nation-wide celebration 

kind of dictatorship. Trump seems to have

of our country, rather than a promotion for 

an obsession with both.

“President Trump’s Freedom 250 Vision” whatever 
that meant. 

Reuters/Ipsos found only 16% of 
Americans regard that UFC event on the

As to that Congressionally allocated 

White House lawn as appropriate. Zeteo

funding diverted from its America250 to 

reports the president still regularly asks

Trump’s Freedom 250, the Atlantic reports 

aides how to go about making his birthday

that Trump officials explained, “Spending 

a national holiday. “Welcome to the Trump

taxpayer money on frivolous, poorly 

Administration.” 

attended events and D.C. consultants who 

RICH JOHNSON 


ABOUT DADA DAY 

(My most important column ever) 

Before we get into the real grit regarding Father’s Day, you should know,
according to experts, the first word most often uttered by babies?…Dada!
(Sorry mom, I looked it up.) 

Before we get knee deep into this scintillating column, here are a fewopening statistics: 

There are approximately 72-75 million fathers (biological, adopted, stepchild, test tube) Oneof my favorite descriptions of dads is: “Dads are humans who have replaced the cash in theirwallets with photos of their kids”. 

Before I become funny (I hope) let me be serious …I promise I’ll be brief: If you are a dadblessed with daughters, please take this suggestion very, very, very, very, seriously: Spenddaddy and daughter time with your daughters regularly. This could very well be your mostimportant parenting accomplishment. Why? Because you can role model what a good manis supposed to be and do. You can set the standard. If she has you as a good role model, shewill compare every guy she meets through the prism of your relationship. Capiche? (Get 
it?... for non-Italians) 

Truthfully you are rolling the dice with your daughter’s future. Make this time investment 
in your daughter’s formative years and you will save both you and mom the risk of a greatdeal of grief down the road due to your daughters ability to know what a good guy is. 
Daughters with good relationships with their dads will be less prone to make the same 
mistake ONCE! 

Here is a neat daddy and daughter suggestion: One of my favorite experiences out and aboutwith my daughter Olivia, was when she was six or so. She and I went out clothes shoppingfor her (yes, just the two of us). Helped pick out a few blouses, pants, even a dress or two.
It was a hoot. Now, granted, Mom took some of the clothes back later (well okay…mostof the clothes back). But it didn’t matter cause Olivia and I had a great time. Yeah, so payattention…I also role modeled what a good guy is like. How do I know my quality one onone time with her was effective? Simple…whenever I hear her sadly wondering why a girlshe knows would hook up with a loser. So far, Olivia has never made the same mistake…
ONCE. Dads: The time you spend with your daughter(s) will reap rewards for the rest ofyour, AND THEIR lives. 

Back to scintillating trivia about Father’s Day. The rose is the official flower of Father’s Day.
Red if dad is still alive, and white if they have passed on (I encourage my daughter to buyone in each color…(plus one in pink just in case I’m on the brink.) 

How about some Dad related questions? 

What is the classic dad response when the lights are left on? “Do you think I’m made 

of money?”

What do most dads claim when they walked to school? “It was uphill both ways.”

What is the usual answer by a dad when you ask, “Where are we going?” “Crazy, 

wanna come?” 

Which parent’s chromosomes determine the sex of their children? Sorry Mom, but 

it’s Daddy. 

Of course, I’ve paid little attention to the sons in your lives. I promise I will address thatin an upcoming column. They are equally important. 

On a final note, I have discovered the coolest place to get your hair cut and trimmed. If youlive anywhere within 300 miles (lol) you need to stop by Rally Point Haircuts and Shavesin Arcadia, California. The husband wife tag team of Steve and Sheila are the hair stylistsextraordinaire. Don’t get funky with Steve as he is an ex-Marine. I don’t know who thebetter stylist is, but if I have Sheila cut my hair, I’m stuck looking at Steve. Let Steve trim itand I can look at Sheila. Better view lol! 

Their address is Rally Point, 28 No. First Avenue, Arcadia (626) 623-6103. Tell them Richsomebody recommended them. Really cool shop (Guys, it’s a Mancave!) They are openTuesday through Friday, 9:00 to 6:00. Saturday, 9:00 to 4:00. 

And thank you readers for reading my columns. If you ever have a suggested topic (G-rated)
want me to pursue, write to the paper and let me know. Finally, do something small andspecial for someone you know. Enhance the quality of their life for just a nanosecond and 
you will contribute to the quality of both of your lives. After all, we’re all stuck in this 
insanity together. 


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com