Letters to the editor | Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022: Support student loan debt relief
Student loan debt relief
Tax cuts for the wealthy help the wealthy. Loan forgiveness for college graduates helps everyone. When wealthy people get tax cuts, they typically keep it. When college grads have $10,000 forgiven, they typically spend that money like it’s going to rot.
Wealthy people keeping more money, or college grads spending more money? We, as a society, pay for both. Which is a better use of our tax dollars?
Tim de Lorimier, Modesto
Raises out of line
There was a recent vote to increase pay for some county workers 3.5% plus an additional 5% (on top of two increases of 3.5% in the past two years). Channce Condit had a small speech on it prior to the Board of Supervisors vote, which unfortunately still passed. The county plans on doing another increase next year by 3.5% again.
We shouldn’t have department heads on average making upward of $203,000 a year in Stanislaus County. Honestly, this is outrageous. I just feel this should be talked about so our voters can see what our leaders are doing with our tax dollars, when they could use that money for other community services. Our county system is broken and needs to be fixed. The only way is to call out those who are in power and get new people in who can think before they vote.
Nico Solorio, Modesto
Bring back scholarships
As a 2017 American Heritage Scholarship recipient, I am deeply disappointed that the Stanislaus County Office of Education has ended the program, which The Modesto Bee partners in.
High schoolers research a constitutional issue and argue a position in an essay. While researching my year’s topic of the death penalty, I read the entirety of Justice Stephen Breyer’s opinion in Glossip v. Gross, where he outlined the unconstitutionality of capital punishment. Even as an AP government student, I never would have done that level of legal research. Writing my essay made me excited about the Supreme Court and constitutional issues, and I can see the throughline between that essay and my career now as a journalist.
Even when students disagree on politics, we must have the knowledge to back our position – a skill more important now than ever before. Even if SCOE says “fewer and fewer essays are being submitted from students,” shouldn’t those students still be given the chance that I was: to research, make their voice heard and be recognized for it? I strongly urge SCOE to revive this program, and for high school teachers across the county to push their students toward it.
Katherine Swartz, Ripon
Just a corrupt windbag
What short memories we have — forgetting, conveniently, what Biden received as leftovers from Trump: Massive deaths and medical equipment shortages from COVID-19 and no planning to contain or prevent it, and Putin emboldened to start taking over Ukraine.
Trump withdrew from climate and Iran nuclear treaties. He stopped immigrants from coming, creating a Mexico ghetto with sickness, corruption and fear. He lowered taxes for the rich, including himself, increasing the national debt and allowing some not to pay taxes at all. Trump lied about the wall; Mexico didn’t pay for it — we did. Trump used power to pay back those who told the truth or disagreed with him, mafia style. He used temper-tantrum intimidation. He concocted the stolen election lie and scammed hard-working people out of millions of dollars to help his power grab. Women accused him of predatory actions.
You blame Biden for all this? Get real. The party enabling Trump knows his faults and just sees power. I’d vote for Biden any time over a corrupt windbag, a dictator without basic human values. Inflation and shortages are global and inevitable. No president can cure all.
Diane M. Kroeze, Modesto
U.S. flag more than cheap prop
Old Glory symbolizes our nation’s long, arduous, bumpy road to freedom. Americans show their respect and loyalty by proudly flying her. Sadly, she is being defiled daily by Trump supporters who plaster their yards, windows, clothing, and pickup trucks with our beautiful flag. Why are Trump supporters so suddenly patriotic? Certainly not for love of country. This newfound patriotism is nothing more than perverse adoration for Trump. To them our flag is nothing more than a cheap prop (or weapon) to promote Trump and his big lie.
Isn’t it time Trump supporters find another flag that is truly representative of Trump? A cloth flag adorned with Pinocchio wearing a MAGA cap would do just fine. Trump puppets can now easily get their point across without shaming and defiling our Stars and Stripes.
Old Glory deserves our nation’s full and total respect. Americans who fully understand this will hopefully continue to proudly fly her, while Big Lie Trump supporters, who are still unable or unwilling to understand this, can shamelessly hoist their Pinocchio flag.
Brooks Judd, Turlock
Wallace tourney kudos
The recent Deputy Dennis Wallace memorial golf tournament was a huge success. It is a true testament to how well Dennis was appreciated by the public. All funds raised will go back to youth organizations — just what Dennis would have wanted. Besides being a proud member of the Stanislaus Sheriff’s Department, as a D.A.R.E. officer Dennis always worked hard with our youth keeping them educated and on the right path.
When registration opened the tournament sold out in 38 minutes. That is remarkable. Dennis’ wife, Mercedes, and his mother are extremely proud of the support and hope Dennis’ legacy will live on . Thanks again to all the golfers, people who attended the dinner, participated in the raffle, silent auction, and the live auction. I hope to see everyone else out there again next year.
George Carr, Hughson