Letters to the editor | Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022: California mask mandate is not law
CA mask mandate is not law
Re “Hundreds of Oakdale students refuse to wear masks” (Front Page, Feb. 4-5): The erroneous statement is made that Oakdale schools continue to comply with the mask mandate because “it’s the law.” No, it is not the law. A law is debated and passed by the Legislature, open to public discussion and enforced by police and sheriff departments. A mandate is not.
In the same article, the erroneous statement is made that “vaccines are the most effective public health tool to protect people from COVID-19.” No, they are not. Although this position is supported by the CDC, which the author cites, it is essentially an emotionally-charged, faith-based, and money-based stance not supported by empirical research, logic, and critical reasoning.
Michael Akard, Modesto
Here’s an option
Re “Hundreds of Oakdale students refuse to wear masks” (Front Page, Feb. 4-5): If students don’t want to wear masks to school, parents should home school their children. It is a statewide mandate for the protection of all children, and common sense.
Korryn Koplen, Modesto
Does McClintock still back Trump?
Re “Desperately seeking Stanislaus County Republican to represent us in Congress” (Page 6A, Feb. 2): Garth Stapley’s column is right on point concerning who will represent us in Congress. The thing is if you follow national politics, you know who Tom McClintock, the Republican Congressman from Elk Grove is. Rep. McClintock has spoken out in defense of Donald Trump in the past.
We need to hear from Rep. McClintock, in light of recent developments from the January 6 Committee investigation, that he won’t support the ex-president. Say it out loud, Rep. McClintock. Make a statement to The Modesto and Sacramento Bees for us to see and read.
Randy Little, Turlock
Expand Turlock City Council
Having and maintaining a representative democracy is hard work. It requires a commitment to open dialogue and understanding. It requires consensus building and for government to be responsive, accountable, and transparent. One of the best ways to do this is by having and encouraging as much public participation in the process as possible and for elected leadership to be an accurate representation of the citizenry.
It would be appropriate for Turlock to expand the council by two members. It is unfortunate that this does not seem to be a point of discussion in the new proposed maps. Adding two districts will make the districts smaller allowing for better representation, greater competition, and lower campaign costs. All of which are important for healthy debate and a thriving representative democracy. Two more districts will ensure that all voices are heard and give Turlock a great foundation for the future.
Let’s have Turlock lead by example in an ever-changing and developing region.
Jeremy Rocha, Turlock
GOP no longer `grand’
In 2020, the Republican Party broke the tradition of rewriting and updating the party platform. As a result, the Trump party does not have goals for societal improvement. Lacking stated goals, trumpers do nothing more than obstruct. The party of Trump now operates according to two primary principles with many destructive goals.
Principles: Establish the lie that Trump won the election, then lie to defend the big lie, and obstruct all efforts to improve social justice and equity.
Goals: Eliminate the democratic system and install a dictator. Make the dictator above the law with ability to obstruct justice and abuse power. Decrease control of women over their own bodies. Eliminate gun controls. Deregulate the energy industry to exacerbate pollution and cause severe, lethal climate change. Change voting laws to make it difficult for non-Republicans to vote. Help bigots and white advocacy groups proliferate by maintaining sinister silence about their actions and morals.
Republicans Lincoln, T. Roosevelt and Reagan turn in their graves as they observe invertebrate Kevin McCarthy and his gang of depraved (Boebert, Brooks, Gaetz, Gohmert, Gosar, Greene, Jordan) seek MAGA (make America god-awful) crowns from their king by striving to divide and deceive vulnerable Americans.
Steven Murov, Hughson
Pardon insurrectionists?
Status report on the state of the Republican Party:
At his rally, the titular head of the Republican Party and possible 2024 nominee, Donald Trump, vowed to pardon anyone convicted of a crime committed during the Jan. 6 riot and insurrection, if elected.
On that day, four policemen were killed and over 100 were injured. Property damage was extensive — over $1 million dollars for repairs to our nation’s Capitol.
Members of Congress were hunted by the mob rampaging through hallways. Vice President Pence was threatened with being hanged from a gallows erected on the Capitol grounds.
And Trump calls for pardons?
Paul Neumann, Modesto
Quit stalling, take action
The January 6 Committee continues to gather evidence on Trump’s treasonous attempt to overthrow our government. Trump himself just publicly bragged that he ordered Pence to overthrow the legal election. Why is this man still allowed to walk free?
When will the committee quit dawdling, take off the gloves and get serious? The committee needs to put our nation, our democracy and our laws first.
Fully aware that the committee is nothing more than a paper tiger, Trump and his tribe of traitors are plotting and scheming to put an end to Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam. Trump will run again; the GOP-backed Jan. 6 experiment will end in victory for Trump and his militant minions. He will once again rule as king.
We only have ourselves to blame. Trump should have been in jail a long time ago. Rational, reasonable people if not now will later understand this. But then it will be too late.
Brooks Judd, Turlock
Love that Medicare Advantage
Medicare can be an abstract concept for a lot of people — until they retire. The reality of Medicare’s complexity hit me when I retired and learned the hard way about navigating Medicare’s bureaucracy. Medicare Advantage provides me with proactive, high-quality, and affordable health care. I’m able to get the prescriptions I need for an affordable price, and can continue to see the doctors I know and trust.
It is convenient, cheap, covers all the parts A, B and D under one plan, puts a cap on health care costs, and honestly, it allows you not to have to deal with the federal government directly. They are not known for customer service.
Handling difficult health issues can be taxing in many ways, and so the services and programs that can ease these burdens are incredibly important. Without Medicare Advantage, I would likely be facing high medical bills and have to sort through complicated insurance websites and phone numbers to coordinate my care. Medicare Advantage allows me to focus on what my top priority should be — my health.
Medicare Advantage funding is always at risk. Thanks to Rep. Josh Harder for his ongoing efforts to fight attempts to cut Medicare Advantage funding.
Mark Looker, Modesto