We must control guns and drugs through fear of punishment | Letters to the Editor

Not enough fear

Local, regional and national gun violence headlines have created waves of gullible Americans who actually believe our government is capable of controlling the illegal sales and use of firearms. History has shown that our government failed to control the sale of liquor and the use and sale of drugs, as well as the protection of our borders. Today, media wants us to believe that government will be able to handle the control of firearms.

The only way to control our firearms, illegal border crossings and the use of fentanyl, cocaine or heroin is through fear. That means immediate punishment of all who illegally sell, transport, plan, use or distribute firearms or drugs illegally entering this country. There are legal means of getting into this country as well as buying firearms and drugs; the media need to demand those means are followed.

A recent editorial regarding for controlling guns was basically accurate except the writer totally missed that humans already control guns and now what we need is to control those humans. It is not the gun’s fault it was used.

Larry Dovichi, Modesto

MJC deserves better

The Modesto Bee published an editorial on Jan. 13 “Dignitaries hammer college district for MJC turnover” (Page 7A, Jan. 13) where several unelected “community leaders” asserted that they spoke on behalf of the public. That’s funny. I don’t recall being asked if they spoke for me. Nevertheless, The Bee highlighted many concerns, complaints, and attacks launched by these self-anointed leaders. At the conclusion of this editorial, The Bee had the audacity to conclude with the following statement: “A community college doesn’t belong to the people on Wednesday’s dais. It belongs to the community. It belongs to us. We don’t deserve what’s happened to our beloved MJC.”

Seriously? The Bee has a history of ignoring, avoiding, and neglecting MJC and its parent district the YCCD for the last two decades as our community’s educational red-headed stepchildren. MJC celebrated the commencement of our graduates April 29 but there has not even been an article written about our graduates achieving their milestone in The Bee.

Jim Sahlman, Modesto

The Vine dies, but the roots remain

Re “Longtime Modesto radio station The Vine has stopped the music. Why its Valley owners decided to sell” (Page 3A, May 4): My heart sank when I got in the car this week, tuned into my favorite, 920 AM The Vine, and was met with a new format. Everyone loves the music of their youth, and now we’ve lost those great tunes of the ‘50s and ‘60s that held so many memories.

Many thanks to Jim Bryan and Doug Wulff for the years they gave us. Times change, but it’s one more knife in the heart of us older folks who enjoy good, popular music that is increasingly difficult to find.

Marian McNicol, Modesto

Homeless takeover?

The city is allowing the homeless to take over our parks, denying children and families their use, and open drug use and littering all over town. They have broken my office building windows, destroyed landscaping, stolen expensive anti-syphon valves, and disturbed female employees. This risks every landlord’s ability to keep buildings leased.

With all this the management of the city deems it more important to hire garbage inspectors, going through our garbage, with potential for huge fines. This is another overreach violation of government.

John B. Hinchey, Modesto

Strength through unity

“80 rounds fired into a 3x4 bathroom” ... ”16 children crammed in that tightly had not had the space to fall where they stood” ... “the experienced worker who had seen before“ every possible configuration of the human body did not even understand what he was looking at.” Quotations from New York Times Magazine, April 23. The narcissistic minority yammer on about their ego-driven individual desires, ignoring the basic needs of the many. The leaders in their struggle for power and lucre pander to this minority.

I try to imagine hope. But the arrogance and ignorance of “I, the Individual” supersede the humility and truth of “We the People.” We are a country paralyzed, unable to learn from its mistakes and unwilling to consider the actions of other countries that do it so much better. We will have to grow and learn to shut out the misinformation. I the Individual will have to relearn the history that transformed us into We the People. And we will have to rededicate our efforts to that transformation.

Linda Lagace, Riverbank

Any conservatives out there?

Five woke letters and Gary Nelson; what an embarrassingly skewed representation of the views of our community in Letters to the Editor. I am thankful that The Bee still publishes Gary’s exceptionally thoughtful and common sense points of view. I challenge and encourage The Bee to do a better job of representing a cross section of the views of our community, and not just publish the narrow voice of the same writers who parrot the left-wing party line.

Ross W. Lee, Modesto

Bumpy road no more

For many years, Wayside Drive has been one of if not the worst roads in Turlock. It is located in a low-income area of the city. One had to drive slowly and carefully to avoid vehicle damage. Recently the entire street was repaved, making driving on it much more pleasant. I commend the city for this action. Work is still needed around the utility holes, and the center divider needs to be painted. I trust that will be done soon.

Hopefully, the city will now address the repaving needs of other streets in low-income areas, especially on the city’s west side.

Elton L. Nelson, Turlock

Simpler times, rich memories

Re “Sights, smells and memories of Modesto in the 1940s” (Page 1C, April 30): I loved Bunny Smith’s memoir. She is a beautiful example of what makes this country a delight and privilege to be a part of. When the bare basics are met (food, shelter, stability, love and kindness) wonderful human beings develop and endeavor to make our country and world a better place for others. A community of kindness, empathy and consideration works for all. Thank you for sharing this talented writer’s true American spirit!

Daniel J. Bruce, Modesto

Thank you, police

I found myself stranded after being taken to a Modesto hospital with a medical scare. It was late and they released me in good health, thank goodness. I couldn’t reach my family member to pick me up. It was after midnight and there was no ride sharing to take me home. I decided to walk. As I headed toward Dale Road I fell down the embankment and skinned my knees and hurt my toes. I went to a gas station across the street and asked if they would call 911 for me because I needed a ride home and my cell phone wasn’t working. He directed me toward a Starbucks. He said a lot of cops go there for coffee.

I was fortunate. Just as I planted one foot on the parking lot, there showed up two police officers. Fortunately for me, Officer J. Pershale and Officer J. Moore came to my rescue. As a 63-year old grandmother, I was so afraid. These kind police officers took me home. Chivalry does exist!

Lorelei E. Garcia, Modesto