ICYMI -5 Stories And One Video From Last Week, RIP “Duke” Cunningham, & More
The “So, Does It Mater” Substack featured a lot of great, original content this past week. Below are the highlights! But first I treat you to this amazing home-made image. Exciting news!
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ONE VIDEO [UNLOCKED!] - A One-On-One Interview With California Assemblyman Joe Patterson!
Join us for an engaging and candid conversation with Assemblyman Joe Patterson on the So, Does It Matter?, where we dive into the issues that truly shape California. In this lively interview, Jon Fleischman sits down (virtually) with his friend, Joe Patterson, a Republican representing California’s Fifth District. Elected in 2022 and reelected in 2024, Joe brings his experience as a former Rocklin city councilmember and mayor to the table, championing fiscal responsibility, public safety, and local control.
Expect a dynamic discussion that covers the highs and lows of serving in the California State Assembly, from the challenges of being in the super-minority to the rewarding moments of making a difference, such as naming a highway after a fallen constituent. We’ll explore Joe’s motivations for running, the impact of recent redistricting controversies, and the frustrations of navigating a legislature dominated by one party. Joe also shares personal insights, balancing his legislative duties with life as a father of four, and even touches on lighter topics, such as his love for Superman and his reading of the Bible.
REST IN PEACE DUKE CUNNINGHAM
This week former Congressman Randy “Duke” Cunningham passed away. I am posting up this photo of the flying “ace” from back in the day. He was elected to Congress, and served until the mid-2000’s when he was convicted of selling his votes in Congress. I enjoyed my friendship with him until I didn’t. I could not maintain a friendship with someone who would so egregiously violate the public trust.
John Gizzi of NewsMax reached out to me for some words about Cunningham’s passing — this is what I ended up saying to him:
The story of Randy Cunningham is a reminder that people are complicated. On one hand he exhibited great bravery on behalf of our nation. But it is a reminder that military service, no matter how exemplary, does not mean that these heroes are not capable of doing bad things. I was one of many who rallied to the Duke in his campaigns, I was so excited to support someone of his achievements. And like many of us who were there for him, we were so disappointed in his fall from grace. In the end, Cunningham took money in exchange for his votes, and it was a blow to all of us that backed him. I was never able to forgive him.
Okay, the week that was on the “So, Does It Matter?” Substack!
Top Ten Winners & Losers In California Politics This Week
California politics never sleeps! Our Top Ten Winners & Losers for the week ending 8/29/25 is here, spotlighting Attorney General Rob Bonta’s ballot misstep and Assemblywoman Natasha Johnson’s big win. From Newsom’s savvy moves to Harris’s poll slip, we’ve got the unfiltered scoop on who’s up and who’s down in the Golden State’s wild political ride!
California Patriot Profile: Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes
Meet Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes, this week’s California Patriot! With over 30 years in law enforcement, Barnes blends public safety with fierce defense of individual liberties, notably resisting COVID-19 overreach. From fighting crime to championing conservative leaders, his principled leadership shapes Orange County and beyond. Dive into his inspiring story of conviction and impact in our latest profile!
New CA High-Speed Rail Report: Newsom's Presidential Albatross?
Gavin Newsom’s 2028 White House dreams could hit a snag with the 2025 High-Speed Rail report, revealing an $87 billion price tag, delays to 2032, and $4 billion in lost federal grants. This boondoggle, dubbed his “presidential albatross,” exposes wasteful spending and shaky leadership. Dive into the full scoop on how this train wreck could derail his national ambitions!
California’s Power Grab Can’t Outrun the Census
Proposition 50’s special election on November 4 could reshape California’s congressional map, tilting it heavily Democratic. New polls show momentum for Newsom’s plan to counter Texas’s gerrymandering, but undecided voters and turnout will decide. With millions in funding and a tight campaign window, dive into the high-stakes battle over redistricting and its impact on national power!
Hollywood Tax Credits? 🤮 No Thank You!
California’s $750 million Hollywood tax credits spark outrage! In a fiery five-minute video, we unpack why funneling taxpayer money to a wealthy industry is a policy flop, favoring political allies over everyday Californians. From cronyism to misplaced priorities, dive into the case against these subsidies and why they undermine fairness and fiscal sense in the Golden State!
IF YOU ARE OVERCOME WITH FOMO? - it may be because while we have highlighted five posts from last week — there were actually 13 different original items published on So, Does It Matter? Click to the main page below and scroll down to see anything you may have missed!
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ON THIS DAY IN 1997: THE PASSING OF PRINCESS DIANA
On August 31, 1997, Princess Diana tragically died in a Paris car crash at age 36, sparking global mourning. Known as the “People’s Princess,” her compassion and advocacy for AIDS patients, landmine victims, and the homeless reshaped the British monarchy’s image. The accident, caused by a drunk driver and paparazzi pursuit, fueled debates on media ethics. Her legacy endures through her sons, Princes William and Harry, who honor her through charity work. Twenty-eight years later, Diana’s warmth, humanitarian impact, and ability to connect with millions continue to inspire, cementing her as a timeless icon.
Here’s a memory. When Sir Elton John sang a special version of his song Candle In The Wind, “Goodbye England’s Rose,” at Princess Diana’s funeral…
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Have a great Sunday and enjoyable Labor Day tomorrow!
Jon