Fresno Bee letters: On Biden, filibuster, climate change and more

On Winston Churchill and Biden

A few words from Winston. Regarding President Biden’s speech in Atlanta recently, Winston Churchill in 1908 made a relevant if slightly before-the-fact observation. Changing only the name of the guilty: “Mr Biden used very strong language on this subject. Now, strong language is often used by weak men and it is never used more strongly than on a weak case.”

Ditch filibuster and save democracy

We call on our senators to work with Senate Majority Leader Schumer and voting rights advocates to modify the filibuster in order to pass The Freedom to Vote Act and The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. The filibuster has been modified more than 160 time in the past.

We need this legislation to be passed to protect our democracy and the fundamental right to vote for every eligible voter. Should we allow our democracy to fail simply to preserve the filibuster? No. Just the opposite, we must modify the filibuster to preserve our democracy.

Pick candidates who get climate

The “C” word is everywhere now. That’s C for “climate.”

And I’m glad to see it’s being talked about. The article by Seth Borenstein on Jan. 11 spelled out the problem — all the credible experts like NASA and NOAA say our rising greenhouse gas emissions “are making weather-related disasters nastier and more frequent.” The horrendous costs of the damage are clear. The 2020 Yale Opinion Poll showed that 70% of people in Fresno County are worried about global warming (which causes climate change). And over 70% say it will hurt plants, animals and future generations.

What we aren’t seeing enough of is the “S” word. That’s S for “solutions.”

That same poll shows most people in Fresno County want to see policies that help solve the problem. These include things like tax rebates for energy-efficient vehicles and solar panels, funding research into renewable energy and requiring fossil fuel companies to pay a tax on emissions.

We are headed into elections soon. Let’s only elect Valley members of Congress who will support policies like these to protect our air, water and climate, so we can look forward to a healthy future.

Biden not golfing? Something is amiss

I’m beginning to waver in my assessment of President Biden’s ability to perform his duties.

It has now been a full year since he took the oath and yet, he has not spent one minute on the golf course. Compared to the previous occupant, something is seriously wrong.

I would urge Kevin McCarthy to put this at the top of his list of Articles of Impeachment if he becomes speaker.

Let’s get U.S. aid to Tonga, and fast

With the devastating volcanic eruption near Tonga, it is imperative that the United States sends material aid as well as skilled personal to these people immediately.

Americans have a long and proud history of bringing aid and hope to people around the world in their times of need. This disaster is no different, as our allies New Zealand and Australia move to bring assistance to Tonga, we must also do the same to show the world our commitment to humanitarian missions around the world.

You won’t see humanitarian missions from China or Russia mounting relief efforts in Tonga. To ignore this crisis and the people of Tonga due to politics is disgraceful and unpatriotic.

Yes, we have more bananas, thanks

It’s time to question the empty shelves and rising prices of everyday products. One explanation is the lack of shipping infrastructure and transportation.

Let’s look at one staple that hasn’t been interrupted. We can find bananas in every store and market across the country. They sell for 50 to 75 cents a pound and are fresh and ripe.

What secret of transportation do the so-called “Banana Republics” of Mexico, Guatamala, Ecuador, Belize and the like know that the supply giants of American commerce can’t figure out?

Let’s ask the real questions and get the answers before we become the next “third world country.”

Taggers must learn to respect property

I would like to respond to the question, “Is the money spent on graffitti abatement worth it?” Absolutely.

The notion of providing a “canvas” for the taggers is positive, but not the total solution, as evidenced by many cities’ efforts using this tactic. Truly, the only lasting solution is a tough one with many, many facets: the tagger generation needs to develop respect for others’ property.

Note I do not suggest we “provide” an environment for this respect to be developed. That’s the responsibility of others related to the kids. But, if we continue to work on that environment, making it attractive to people, may we can balance this with personal accountibility and reach a better place.

Problems with GOP, Democrats

I’ve been a registered Democrat since I was 18, and along that journey I’ve voted Republican from time to time. Always voted for the person I thought was best for our country.

Now here’s my dilemma: I cannot vote for Trump or anyone who endorses him and his lies in any way. Where are the good character, honest, law-abiding Republicans that witnessed the same things that I saw on TV and read in the newspapers. Trump is a vile man, our worst president ever, and many Republicans know that, too. How many Republicans with a backbone were fired, resigned or were pressured to step down by Trump.

Now for the Democrats that have made our country a joke, too: Put our people, our country first. Stop trying to help all of the people that show up at our southern border, we can’t help everyone, nor should we. I’m tired of Democrats using the phrase “you are anti-immigrant” because one wants a strong, secure border and an end to illegal immigration. I want to keep our economy and democracy strong for future generations. There is nothing morally wrong with limiting immigration to keep the integrity and principles of your own country.

This story was originally published January 30, 2022 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Fresno Bee letters: On Biden, filibuster, climate change and more."