Save the oceans: Letters to the editor, Jan. 26, 2020

Need to act now to help the oceans

The article that ran last month about ocean acidification, and how it is disproportionately affecting our own California coast, was deeply distressing to me. While I certainly don’t make my living from the ocean, my devotion to it extends far beyond my love of seafood. Even if I only put my feet into the Pacific three or four times per year, it’s always a homecoming. The idea that our ocean is sick and getting sicker because of human-caused climate change is unbearable.

We’ve looked to our precious ocean to absorb the consequences of our poor stewardship for long enough. As Osborne was quoted in the article, “There’s no question that the answer is to curb our emissions.” We must start that process by passing H.R. 763, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act. This resolution is the real deal. Even at this late date, it offers a chance to set us on the path to a livable future, on land and in the water. Take care of your ocean by supporting this critical piece of legislation.

Thanks for support for vets parade

This letter contains a simple message: “Thank you.” On behalf of the countless veterans in our community and beyond, we would like to thank Table Mountain Rancheria for its long-standing support of the Central Valley Veterans Day Parade, which has now grown to be the largest parade in our United States.

Each year, the parade, which is seen worldwide, honors all veterans. This year’s 100th anniversary saw the highest number of participants and spectators in the parade’s history. Our team of dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly to make certain this parade was a showcase appropriate to recognize our troops, who so richly deserve our gratitude.

Always remember that we enjoy our freedom because of those who serve.

Media misses point in church coverage

It is disappointing to see that, like CNN, The Bee chose to reflect the changes in the United Methodist Church as a “split,” when the agreement document, “Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation” is designed to avoid that very thing.

Instead of splitting, as would have occurred based on the church’s actions in 2019, the agreement allows individual churches to choose one of two conferences, “Progressive” and “Traditional,” each one recognizing the “dignity, equality, integrity and respect of the other’s.” When a church can choose whether to remain “traditional” or go forward in ways more acceptable to younger, more diverse congregations, recognizing that all of us are children of God (”progressive”), a split can be avoided.

The United Methodist Church remains united, retaining all its members instead of losing those dissatisfied with others’ treasured traditions. A church changed, but intact. The differences are not limited to LBGTQ issues, but include racism, sexism and ageism as well.

The United Methodist Church is to be congratulated for facing this issue head on, moving quickly to draft an agreement that allows its members to go forward in the direction of their choice without leaving their church to do so.

Spare the trees from pruning

Many of us who live in the Bullard High neighborhood are devastated by the lack of professionalism in the pruning of the mulberry trees which line the BHS soccer field along Barstow. I wonder if they will be able to survive such brutal treatment!

The trees, which once offered lots of shade, have been chopped down to ugly stumps, eliminating the cool respite they provided for student athletes and neighborhood walkers. They can no longer help to improve our air quality. Their beauty is gone.

Fresno Unified, please review your grounds maintenance policy, so as not to cause further damage to existing trees.

This story was originally published January 26, 2020 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Save the oceans: Letters to the editor, Jan. 26, 2020."