I was reading the January 7th article comparing Rep. Tom McClintock and candidate Michael Masuda's statements regarding the US's attack on Venezuela, and I felt compelled to write this letter in response to it. Rep. McClintock claimed that this attack "advanced the cause of justice and freedom," despite the bombings on Venezuela killing tens of innocent civilians and, per the Trump administration's own words, the strike being motivated by interest in Venezuela's oil supply. 

It is my firm belief that Tom McClintock does not stand for anything - he will say anything to justify any decision made by the current administration, no matter how it affects the rest of us. He has claimed to be against financial waste, while posting on social media in support of the recent demolition and reconstruction plans for the White House's West Wing, plans which I can only describe as "a staggering misuse of taxpayer dollars." Despite supposedly representing Californians, he voted earlier this year to severely cut funding for Medicaid, a program which roughly 40% of Californians rely on via Medi-Cal (especially Californians in rural areas). The cost of living shows no signs of improving and he insists that we just need to bear with it for a little bit longer while providing little to no pushback as the current administration has recklessly jerked our economy back and forth with tariffs that will do nothing but make things more expensive for the average American. I don't know yet which candidate I'll be voting for to represent the 5th congressional district later this year, but I am absolutely certain that Rep. McClintock is the wrong choice. We need a representative who actually believes in something.

— William Bowerman, Turlock