Fresno Bee readers share views on climate change, local politics and the DMV
Short-term thinking kills us
On August 1, The Bee published an op-ed piece headline “The return of stagflation,” by E. J. Antoni of the Heritage Foundation. Of course, Antoni blames the high inflation and the possibility of recession on the policies of President Biden and his administration.
He blames the high inflation in particular on Biden’s “... war on domestic energy, like coal, oil, and natural gas,” and the “death knell of fossil fuels.” Nowhere does he mention or seem to be aware of the results of growing reliance on fossil fuels, i.e., climate change, global warming, prolonged drought in the West, rampant forest fires, massive flooding in the East, shrinking glaciers, rising sea levels which threaten our coastal areas, growing extinction of species, and a host of other problems.
This a perfect example of short-term thinking. Let’s ramp up fossil fuel sources and worry about global warming later.
I submit that “later” is now.
Conrad Gaunt, Chowchilla
Columnist misses the point
Mr. Warszawski took a position on the Esparza criminal charge which I expected. As day follows night, you can expect him to defend Democrats and attack Republicans. That’s his right, I suppose.
However his attack on (District Attorney Lisa) Smittcamp ignores the fact that she has sworn several oaths to uphold the law — and could be charged by the state with dereliction if shown to be using her office to attack others on political grounds.
He also acknowledges that (former city attorney Doug) Sloan told others of the matter in question at the time it occurred — that’s called corroboration and goes to the issue of veracity — we don’t know what, if anything, shows up in emails and other potential evidence, but the prosecutors do. Finally and most egregiously Warszawski states that even if it happened, so what? That is insulting and, frankly, stupid. Sloan does not work for Esparza — he works for us, the people. He carries out duties for us and the entire City Council.
If Sloan were a woman and told to do something or be fired, that would be grounds for termination or a criminal charge. We should be outraged — and angry if these charges are true.
Larry King, Fresno
Chose garden chemicals carefully
When I see bees, butterflies and birds in my backyard, I know they bring more than joy to me. They also have an important role in the food that we count on.
It’s on us to protect them from harmful pesticides called “neonics” used in lawn and garden products. Just one square foot of grass treated with a typical lawn and garden product can kill 1 million bees and contaminate soil and water. Neonics have also been found in the bodies of about half the American population, with the highest levels in children. This is avoidable, with the use of nonsynthetic or less harmful synthetic substitutes.
Brenda Markham, Fresno
Fresno DMV to the rescue
Since COVID, I’ve made an extra point to tell people when they do their job well, sometimes adding, “Tell your boss to give you a raise.” So, when giant bureaucracies run like a well-oiled mom and pop, my gratitude cup runs over. Recently I accompanied my nervous-wreck friend to the Olive Street DMV to straighten out why it seemed impossible to get another Fresno DMV to honor Sacramento’s authority allowing her to take the written driving test with accommodations. This, a la ADA, which passed 20 years ago, because we understood all learners are not alike.
Having failed the renewal driver’s written test twice, this was her last shot. She was shaking, almost in tears, hugely overprepared and fearing her life would pretty much shut down if her wheels were taken away at 77. So, when someone at window 28 really listened to her senior angst, with care and understanding, and went to get the answer, I just want to kiss her and nominate her for the mayor’s medal of honor, if there’s such a thing. Fresno DMV works and Amanda, you rock!
Janet Miller, Fresno
FBI raid of Mar-a-lago was right move
I heard most Republicans and supporters of criminal Trump whining and crying about their “god” being raided by the FBI, rather than being proud of our judicial system and our department of justice.
No person is above the law in this country —that’s a fact, and most people know about it as a citizen of this great country. The raid of a very famous, rich and powerful man makes me very proud of my citizenship of this great nation.
The only people who should fear the FBI are career criminals, not average people
Guillermo Contreras, Avena
This story was originally published September 4, 2022 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Fresno Bee readers share views on climate change, local politics and the DMV."