Innocent Iranian civilians have been killed. Is this acceptable to us? | Opinion

Civilian casualties

“Iran shoots down U.S. fighter jet; one pilot rescued, one missing,” (fresnobee.com, April 3)

We all know about the American servicemen and women killed in the line of duty during President Donald Trump’s “excursion” into Iran, but they are by no means the only casualties in this war. Iranian combatants have also been killed, and we should also consider civilian casualties.

According to estimates from the Human Rights Activists News Agency, approximately 1,700 civilians have been killed. Is this acceptable?

Gerhard Carrle

Fresno

A madman is office

“Hegseth proclaims ‘overwhelming victory’ after cease-fire with Iran,” (fresnobee.com, April 8)

President Donald Trump has lived up to his moniker, TACO: Trump Always Chickens Out. I am relieved that he has backed down from the ultimatums he has given to Iran.

And so we wait for the next ultimatum. That gives Congress and Trump’s Cabinet two weeks to depose this madman. Threatening genocide is a war crime. Changing his reasons daily — sometimes hourly — for starting this pointless military invasion, destroys our country’s reputation, alienates our allies and depletes our defense stockpiles.

Bruce Joffe

Piedmont

Fight against The SAVE Act

“The SAVE Act is not about voter ID — it’s about voter suppression | Opinion,” (fresnobee.com, March 28)

I am a wife, mother and grandmother in Tracy. I serve my church and community in multiple ways: in callings at church, as a member of the Environmental Sustainability Commission at the City and as a community political organizer.

After 40 years of voting consistently, I am appalled that when I reregister, I may have to bring my passport, birth certificate or even marriage license. This is an unfair burden. But it’s not me I’m worried about: I’m more worried about the poor and marginalized citizens who don’t have the means to obtain their birth certificate, a costly passport and/or a marriage license (possibly for a marriage that has ended).

This, to me, seems onerous and deliberate. Urge your representatives to vote against the SAVE Act, which would impose this burden on innocent citizens.

We must fight this.

Jenny Wood

Tracy

It starts with our plates

“Most Americans don’t know when Earth Day is, do you?” (fresnobee.com, April 8)

Earth Day highlights the urgent need for evidence-based solutions to the climate and ecological crises. But what most people don’t realize is the biggest impact we can make as individuals starts on our plates.

Extensive research shows that animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, biodiversity loss and freshwater depletion. In contrast, plant-based food systems require significantly fewer natural resources and generate lower emissions, making them a more efficient and sustainable way to feed a growing global population.

Adopting plant-based meals — even incrementally — can substantially reduce one’s environmental footprint while supporting a more resilient food system.

Will Finnibrec

Fresno

Where is Fong?

“Why Rep. Vince Fong believes Trump’s action on water is right for California | Opinion,” (fresnobee.com, Feb. 7, 2025)

Where is Rep. Vince Fong? I’ve written numerous emails and have heard nothing. I have called his offices — both the local office and his D.C. office — and discovered that he has not even set up his voicemail system.

Christianne Marie Osle

Fresno