Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the editor | Sunday, July 10, 2022: Spend public money wisely in Modesto

Spending public money wisely

Regarding the proposed sales tax increase on the November ballot: From my perspective, as long as the idiotic proposed baseball stadium is still a viable option I will never support any additional funding for Modesto. Remove consideration of that project, permanently, and I will support additional taxes.

Lou Hampel, Modesto

Alanis for Assembly

I proudly endorse Juan Alanis for California State Assembly.

I have known Juan many years and I can honestly say he is one of the most truthful and caring individuals around. One of Juan’s best attributes is his concern for public safety. As a sergeant for the Stanislaus Sheriff’s Department, Juan puts his life on the line to keep us safe. We don’t need another representative in Sacramento who will let bad people out of prison or jail early. We already have an attorney general and governor who do that. I give my endorsement and support to Juan Alanis because I know he will always put the safety of California citizens first.

George Carr, Hughson

Another take on bearing arms

Strother Martin offered a classic line to Paul Newman in the movie “Cool Hand Luke” — “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.”

The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is subtle. “A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”

Every community should have a militia headquarters with an armory to keep our arms safe. Whenever we train, periodically, we may bear arms. When we are invaded by Russians or whoever, we will report to the armory and secure our weapons and join all the other militia groups to defend our nation.

Ken Garst, Turlock

What about pursuit of happiness?

So, my inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness bumps up against your right to bear arms. Could you compromise by allowing for the banning of assault rifles so I’m not reluctant to attend gatherings like concerts, Fourth of July parades or other events which might make me happy?

Steve Ringhoff, Modesto

Find and grow peace

The key to ending all our anger and hate toward each other is found in the deepest part of our heart. A bit of peace exists within us all and we call upon it in our times of despair to help us survive the hardships of living.

Find your peace and help it grow. It is God inside.

Danny Dean, Manteca

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