Calvert says he wants to lower inflation, gas prices. But he really has no power to do so
I recently got a robocall from Ken Calvert asking for my vote. He said his top two priorities are lowering inflation and gasoline prices. I’m not particularly political, but I know a thing or two about economics, and I know that what Calvert proposes is hogwash.
Congress can’t do much about gas prices. The international market determines prices. The U.S. is the world’s leading oil producer. But we can’t control the price. Gasoline prices have decreased lately due to the price of oil slipping on demand and recession fears. The president has ordered large releases from our strategic petroleum reserve to increase supply. But, many knowledgeable sources predict high oil prices in the future.
Someone should tell Calvert that inflation is also a worldwide problem. U.S. inflation is less than countries like the U.K., where it’s around 10% and Turkey, where it’s over 70%.
Only the Federal Reserve can have any real effect by raising interest rates, which it’s doing. We can look forward to rising borrowing costs, job losses, business failures and probably a recession. I wouldn’t want to be in Congress for the next two years. It's not going to be a happy place. But, based on his economic ignorance, we certainly don’t need someone like Calvert there.
Jerry Marshak, Palm Springs
Movie magic, but in real life
In response to “The Darling Details,” print edition, Sept. 22:
Canyon View Estates in Palm Springs is, in fact, a special place, forever immortalized in the new film "Don’t Worry Darling." And if you want a mesmerizing mid-century extravaganza unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before, in the identical cul de sac next to where the filming took place, you’re in luck!
Cul de Sac A Go-Go is a groundbreaking, immersive time capsule experience and it takes place on Oct. 16 during Fall Modernism Week. You can tour six William Krisel homes (identical to the ones in "Don’t Worry Darling") and see the circle transformed with rare curated classic cars in all the driveways, our own Cul de Sac go-go dancers, live vinyl music, and participants dressed in high fashion from the 1960s.
Now in its fourth year, Cul de Sac A Go-Go was created by several Palm Springs creatives, and raises money for the community’s transition to water-saving landscaping and new neighborhood signs. Tickets are available at ModernismWeek.com.
Tom Dolle, Palm Springs
Trubee is knowledgable, energetic and fair
I have recently seen several letters to the editor promoting Evan Trubee for Palm Desert City Council. I echo the accolades mentioned in those endorsements.
Evan and I have worked together on a variety of civic activities in the past five years and I’ve come to know him well. He has three attributes that I find especially compelling;
Having lived in the Coachella Valley for many years, Evan is familiar with its provenance and that knowledge can inform and guide future decisions for the Palm Desert community.
Making a commitment to be on the Council takes a great deal of thought and a passionate desire to participate. Evan knows the commitment he is making and is ready and able to give his time and energy to fulfill his responsibilities.
Evan Trubee is a great example of a leader who is very approachable and will fairly represent his constituents and evaluate the issues at hand without bias.
Ellen Kane, Palm Desert
We must elect leaders who aspire to our higher angels
Our democracy is in peril with the upcoming mid-term elections.
Patriots don't advocate for violence and destruction of the three hallowed branches that constitute the tripod of our democracy — executive, legislative, and judicial branches; each leg sustains a reflective pool. As one leg of this tripod goes, so goes the rest.
On Jan. 6, 2021, we saw an attempt to undermine one leg with violent attacks on the legislative fountain. We witnessed the judicial waters poisoned with extreme right-wing dogma unreflective of America's vision. Donald Trump desires to feed his empire and ego by draining the waters of the three sacred branches of our democracy with divisive language.
We must move beyond our political lobotomy and demonization. We are all created equal from the same divine source. Monsters only exist in our minds from our early childhood traumas and tragedies we carry into adulthood. We must address the fears on both sides of the aisle; both contain half-truths. Our brains and hearts — and our democracy — need both sides for healthy functioning. We must elect leaders who aspire to our higher angels and understand the moral imperative to ensure the healthy flow of the three sacred branches.
John Rivett, Palm Springs
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Calvert says he wants to lower inflation, gas prices.
