Young and climate change: Letters to the editor, March 28, 2019

And the young shall lead them

Though true that climate change is a “new” issue for adults, young people have heard about it their whole lives. And it’s continually becoming more and more clear that it will be the younger generations to finally get action; we don’t have time to wait around for the powers that be to decide it’s worth doing something. Young people around the world are demonstrating and demanding action on climate change, as they should be!

As a student determined to get the action that we need on climate change, I volunteer with the Fresno chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL). This organization is working hard for a climate solution, and is on its way to one with the bipartisan Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act being introduced to Congress. Being a part of this organization has truly given me hope for the future of our planet.

So, to young people: You can be a part of the solution! CCL and the students involved are paving the way for a livable world. Young people are the future, and the future depends on our nation reaching a climate solution.

Put Cesar Chavez’s name on street

The annual holiday commemorating Cesar Chavez is on March 31. Now would be a good time to reflect on how our community can appropriately recognize and honor one of the most prominent humanitarian leaders that came from our Valley.

Toward that end, I recommend the renaming of North Van Ness Boulevard (“The Extension “) to Cesar Chavez Boulevard. The Fresno City Council has grappled with the renaming of streets to honor Cesar Chavez. Unfortunately, nothing has come to pass. A proposal to rename Ventura and Kings Canyon was rejected because of concerns regarding the costs of new commercial signage and stationary.

There are practical reasons for renaming Van Ness Extension. As it is a residential street, concerns regarding signage costs are mitigated. Additionally, the renaming of “The Extension” would eliminate one of three disconnected streets that are named Van Ness. Have you ever tried explaining Van Ness to a Fresno visitor?

The time has come to give this serious consideration. How about it, Fresno?

Trump keeps on mistreating McCain

Where, pray tell, is the outrage from all those folks who were so righteously upset over Prof. Randa Jarrar’s ill treatment of former first lady Barbara Bush upon her demise in consideration of the similar treatment from President Donald Trump re: the seven months ago departure of Sen. John McCain? Personally, I had sincere empathy with those expressions. I thought the professor was totally out of line and should have kept her antipathy for Ms. Bush to herself, if for no other reason than respect for the loss of the Bush family.

I most certainly did not always agree with the political positions espoused by Sen. McCain. On the other hand, the man nobly served his (our) country both in the military and the legislative process. I never had any doubt that whatever course he pursued it, was because he honestly believed in what he was saying and doing. Certainly, no one has ever provided evidence of his compulsion to lie again and again and again in pursuit of his goals. Not so of his accuser!

And yet the president has chosen to attack and denigrate Sen. McCain long after his passing in terms that should ring true to the professor. Perhaps they should team up for the 2020 campaign. They’d make a cute couple.