Let’s ban noisy, noxious Fourth of July fireworks — all of them | Opinion
Fundraising should be firework-free
Re “Firework booths across Modesto support nonprofit groups” (Front Page, June 25): Each year fireworks are responsible for hundreds of fires and injuries. We are reminded, “It doesn’t take long for fires to spread.” So, what does the city of Modesto do? They permit 52 stands across Modesto that sell fireworks. Fifty-two places that sell noxious chemicals that pollute, leaving behind some of the dirtiest air imaginable. Fifty-two places that will harm children, people with allergies and asthma sufferers. Fifty-two places that sell noise. Noise so loud it scares children, startles vets with PTSD, and sends small animals crawling under beds for safety.
It’s not just the so-called illegal fireworks that are the problem. It’s all of them. The Bee even published the names of those 52 gross polluters. Do-gooder agencies who have been planning since last July 4 how to make the lives of most of Modesto’s citizens uncomfortable, while enriching themselves. The Bee article did point out the obvious: they, the 52 stands, get the money. The rest of us pay a real price in health care and safety.
The state of Massachusetts is the only state that completely bans the sale and use of fireworks. Something to think about, Modesto.
Ed Bearden, Modesto
Dems excel in doublespeak
Re “Calif. Democrats blast Supreme Court on admissions ruling” (Front Page, Jun. 30-Jul. 1) It took longer than George Orwell expected, but 1984 has finally arrived. California Democrats and Gov. Newsom have perfected the art of doublespeak.
Apparently, we all don’t even speak the same language. How does Proposition 209, which “barred weighing race, gender, and other factors in hiring, contracting and admissions” discriminate against a race or gender? If what you really want is an advantage for some based on their race or gender, then have the courage to say so, and come up with a logical reason in which it makes sense to do it. Then pass a law.
The story quotes our governor accusing the court of “changing the law.” The job of the Supreme Court is to ensure that laws passed in Congress and signed by the president are in accord with the supreme law of the land, our Constitution. This the Supreme Court has done in its recent decision on affirmative action. Precedent should never be the last word on how to apply the Constitution. If anyone does not agree with the Constitution or thinks that it is unclear in a certain area, then please amend it. But at least say what you mean and eliminate the doublespeak.
Dave Turnbaugh, Modesto
Trump’s supreme court rules for discrimination
Kudos to Trump. His “supreme” court has given the green light to all businesses to bring out their “straight whites only” signs! Whether you are white enough will be the business manager’s decision, not yours.
Ken Garst, Turlock
Religion isn’t essential to democracy
Re “Americans’ dismissal of religion doesn’t bode well for the republic” (Page 3C, July 2): How to react to the Heritage Foundation’s screed regarding their fear that the decline in Christian fervor by Americans bodes ill for democracy? The author selectively quotes our (white male) founders, citing several instances where they seemingly endorsed religion and its positive influence on our freedom. She confidently states that without religion there could be no morality and virtue. Huh?
So, in her world, I can be neither moral or virtuous? I look at today’s religious advocates (not just Christians) with a combination of horror and amazement. They advocate censorship of ideas that they, or more likely their religions, don’t agree with. They discriminate indiscriminately. They support perhaps the most amoral president in our history and abhor one of our most pious. Their worldview and mine are incompatible.
Our founders were not infallible. They got more than a few things wrong when they set the rules for our democracy. And I’d wager that, if they were alive today, they would agree.
Lou Hampel, Modesto
Remembering Judge Vander Wall
Judge Dave Vander Wall passed away on June 14. “Let the record show” that Dave, besides being an excellent judge, was also an outstanding presiding judge during his tenure on the Superior Court bench. Dave appreciated the need for rules that would make a court more cohesive.
More importantly, he clearly understood the limitation of judicial independence in the administrative operation of the court. He knew how the administration needed to work with other county and city departments. He often said we weren’t an island. His support of the court as an independent third branch of government was critical when conflicts would occur. During Scott Peterson’s preliminary hearing, hallways and the street outside were jammed. On one occasion an ambulance had difficulty getting to the court during an emergency. Dave made a local rule that, with the cooperation of the sheriff and Modesto Police Department, controlled the courthouse. He understood calendar management and how goal-setting and internal measurements were an integral part of case flow.
As the court executive officer, I appreciated his active support. Dave listened in the truest meaning of the word. He was a team player with a good sense of humor.
Mike Tozzi, Oakdale
Eating contests not sensitive to those without
As July 4 came to an end, I turned the television to SportsCenter. One of the top stories was the world famous hot dog eating contest and how Mr. Joey Chestnut won his 16th title.
And that got me thinking of a student I had in my class 17 years ago. You see, this student started showing up early to school when the weather started to get a bit chilly. He just wanted to sit in his seat, back of the class. After a few days, I asked him why he wanted to just come in and sit while I prepared for the day. He said that he and his mother and his little sister lived in a borrowed car and this was the only time in the day he could be warm, safe and alone. When the breakfast was served at school, he’d go get his meal and come back to my classroom, and I’d leave for 15 minutes so the young man could have time to himself and eat in peace.
There are 828 million starving people in this world, 34 million here in America and 9 million children. Yes we can have food eating contests, but should we?
Tim de Lorimier, Modesto