Letters to the editor | Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020: Your call could save a child’s life
Don’t turn blind eye to child abuse
Re “Woman pleads not guilty to abuse in son’s death” (Page 3A, Sept. 23): The death of 7-year-old David Turner was tragic. Though officers had responded to a call of child abuse in March, they did not have enough evidence to pursue the allegation, and now this little boy is dead. The only good to come of this is that perhaps the 18-month-old child who has been removed from the home now has a chance to survive. Our thanks to the person who made that call in March. It was the right thing to do.
If you encounter a situation where you suspect a child is being abused, call 911 if there is immediate danger. If not, call Stanislaus County Protective Services at 800-558-3665 so an investigation can begin. If you are not sure, err in favor of the child. If you don’t make that call, you may never forgive yourself. Do this in honor and memory of David Turner.
Betty Stewart, Denair
Zwahlen can move Modesto forward
Sue Zwahlen has my vote for Modesto’s mayor.
I am tired of the carping and turf battles on the City Council. An optimistic realist, Sue will bring enthusiasm, experience, commitment and drive to the city that she has called home her entire life. Keys to her success: careful listening and a willingness to take the time to ensure all people feel heard. Sue is the right person to bring forward movement to our city, a direction we desperately need.
Maree Hawkins, Modesto
Howze for sensible forest policy
We have all been breathing the smoke of bad policies which Josh Harder supports.
Firefighters battle forest fires while standing in knee-deep dry grass and underbrush that is kindling for the fast-moving fire. When cattle were allowed to properly graze the forest, removing the tender underbrush and grass, we did not have the super fast-moving fires of today. Ask a firefighter or a cattleman or a lumberman.
As our new representative, veterinarian Ted Howze will fight to bring an end to this nonsense megafire policy. Vote in Ted Howze, an honorable, plain-spoken man. He will do what needs to be done. Or, you can breathe Josh Harder’s smoke again next year. Did you know while we buy lumber from Canada, California has burned up enough good lumber to build every homeless family in the United States a new home?
Grover Francis, Modesto
What is Howze afraid of?
I’m a bit incredulous to learn that candidate for U.S. House of Representatives Ted Howze has refused to participate in a debate with incumbent Josh Harder. What is he afraid of? Every candidate for elected office should be willing to engage in debate with their opponents to provide the public with information in order that better judgments can be made. In fact, it should be mandatory.
I may not agree with Josh Harder on every issue, but I can attest to his being an honest public servant who attempts to create bridges between people to solve problems. He is a man of integrity who does an outstanding job of staying in contact with the people in his district, and is worthy of continuing as our representative in Congress.
Kent Mitchell, Riverbank
Byrd is a water veteran
As the retired Modesto postmaster, small-business owner and lifelong resident, the words Water Wealth Contentment Health have great meaning to me. I’m keenly aware water is our lifesource. Protecting our water from the state’s water grab should be our No. 1 priority.
Having pledged this goal with Worth My Fight, I have watched and attended both MID board meetings and (state) Water Board hearings. The energetic and passionate Larry Byrd has always been a staunch advocate for keeping our water. He’s often the first one to arrive and the last to leave, always sitting front and center, making sure the Water Board knows he’s there fighting for ratepayers. While Suzy Powell-Roos is a notable athlete and role model in our area, she seems to be showing up late to the game. This is especially concerning to me because she is running as a farmer.
True, you won’t find Larry Byrd at Rotary meetings, a Chamber meeting or a country club but that is not what we need. We have enough board members in it for networking opportunities. The seventh game of the World Series is not the time to replace a knowledgeable seasoned player with a rookie.
Jennifer Gowans, Modesto
Bird supports underserved students
The passing of civil rights icon John Lewis reminded us that social change does not come without a few people willing to make some “good trouble.” We also know the Central Valley has a history of gaping academic achievement gaps for a number of traditionally underserved demographics in our public school system.
Lindsey Bird has a track record of empowering, engaging, and advocating on behalf of the exact students being left behind. We need leaders willing to disrupt the status quo by using data-driven and equity-minded decisions to reinvent education in our region, and that is exactly the type of leader she has proven to be. Please join me in supporting Lindsey Bird for Yosemite Community College District Area 6.
We can’t afford to accept the disparities of educational outcomes in the Central Valley. Change can and will happen when we elect leaders that are connected to the very students that education has the opportunity to transform. We all benefit from providing students the quality education needed to become self-sufficient and contributing members of our community.
Jamey Olney, Waterford
Wheelchairs need sidewalk space
Re “Man in wheelchair seriously injured by delivery van” (Page 3A, Sept. 25-26): Many sidewalks have obstacles: light posts, power poles, fire hydrants and trees, and the disabled in wheelchairs drive instead on the edge of the road. I find some sidewalks so narrow, even on foot I go to the road to walk. It seems such obstacles would be a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
David Louis Johnson, Waterford
Trump rallies ignore safety
I cannot help wondering as we pass the 200,000 loss of life mark, why not me and my loved ones? I am in the senior, most at-risk group and I’m still here. Is it because I do not live in a large city, in crowded neighborhoods? Is it because I follow the CDC guidelines? I wear a mask, I social distance and I avoid crowds.
The thing I do know is the lack of grace President Trump continually exhibits. He encourages devoted supporters attending his rallies to be in crowded venues both outside and in more dangerous venues indoors. His supporters are shoulder to shoulder, cheering loudly, while the air becomes infested with COVID-19. We see the majority of his supporters not wearing a mask. This makes them extremely vulnerable to contracting and then spreading the virus, not only to loved ones but other unaware individuals they come in contact with.
This pandemic has taken so many of our loved ones. I hope for the sake of his supporters, they come to the understanding that this president is using their loyalty to win his second term without concern for health or life.
Barbara Porter, Groveland
Peaceful transition in jeopardy
Trump is about to attempt his biggest con yet. After fleecing everyone from college students to congressmen, he is now going after the big one: our democracy.
You can hardly blame him. There is a lot on the line, including possible post-presidential prosecution. If he succeeds, you supporters who apparently want a dictator are going to get your wish.
When your kids are in school studying Russian as a first language and wearing their combination COVID/environment protection masks, just remember how cool you looked in your MAGA ball cap.
Jack Heinsius, Modesto
Living large on taxpayers
In August of 2019 Donald Trump Jr. took an eight-day trip to Mongolia to hunt a threatened species, the big horn Argali sheep. U.S. Secret Service protection was provided and cost the taxpayers $75,000. The documents to confirm these costs were obtained by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, D.C. On July 11 and 12 of 2018 Trump Jr. and his girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle traveled to Paris, France for a two-day vacation that cost taxpayers at least $64,000 for Secret Service protection. The hotel was $1,000 per night per room. This information was provided by the Huff Post.
Many families in this country struggle to make rent and mortgage payments each month. How many senior citizens are living at poverty level? How many children do not have adequate nutrition and health care? The Trump administration wants to reduce food stamp benefits and dismantle the Affordable Care Act.
Please tell me, what is wrong with this picture?
Thomas Tyler, Modesto
Honoring our POW heroes
Sept. 18 was National POW/MIA Recognition Day. I want to highlight this day for a personal reason. This week my father turns 97 years old. He is one of a dwindling number of WWII veterans and ex-POWs.
I felt compelled to write this letter for two purposes: First, this is a little-known day of recognition for my father, and all the POWs and MIA families. Second, the current commander in chief of our United States armed forces has disparaged and demeaned this segment of our veterans. This has been particularly egregious and despicable to me.
I am utterly perplexed as to how many veterans and citizens can support such a president. How can I, or anyone, possibly support a candidate of this caliber? What has gone wrong? The president has declared that he likes soldiers who “don’t get caught.” Thankfully, my father did get caught and survived. When we go to the polls on Nov. 3, I will honor my father by electing a president who can recognize a true hero.
Randee Sughrue-Stidham, Oakdale