Barack Obama encourages Democrats to reach across the aisle. Why should we? | Opinion

Double standard

“Kamala Harris to tell nation she’s a daughter of the middle class ready to unite America,” (Aug. 22, fresnobee.com)

Former President Barack Obama said at the Democratic National Convention the other night that “we need to remember that we’ve all got our blind spots and contradictions and prejudices, and that if we want to win over those that aren’t yet ready to support our candidate, we need to listen to their concerns, and maybe learn something in the process.”

I’ve heard those sentiments on MSNBC (which is peppered with former Republicans) and from elected Democrats for a long time. Do elected Republicans or conservative media folk say anything like that? If they did, they’d have to admit that liberals and Democrats aren’t demons — despite their demonization.

Don Smith

Fresno

Not a ceremonial role

“Filing closes for city council races in Stanislaus County CA,” (modbee.com, Aug. 12)

It was disappointing to see The Modesto Bee refer to the Turlock City Treasurer as a “mostly ceremonial role.” Unlike other cities who appoint or elect a treasurer to oversee the work of a hired consultant, Turlock residents elect their treasurer as the sole person responsible for safeguarding and managing $300 million of taxpayer funds.

While the treasurer role holds no policy-making authority, it deserves the voters’ attention, as the treasurer’s performance can have a very real impact on funding services that residents depend on, like public safety, water and roads.

I’m running for treasurer because I want to use my time, energy and professional training to serve my community. As a professional investment manager, I manage $500 million for 375 clients. I know firsthand what it means to be a fiduciary and act in my clients’ best interests.

I plan to use my experience to bring more transparency to the position and ensure our city’s investments are managed safely and wisely.

Michael Abram, PhD, CFA

Turlock

Constitution’s lasting importance

“Is it time to begin the process of thinking about a new U.S. Constitution? | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 22)

Thank the founding fathers for their wisdom in sculpting the U.Constitution. The founders were true scholars of world history. They knew it would take fairness, honesty and forthrightness to govern our new nation.

Our constitution is not perfect, but the fact is there would not be a United States if not for the compromises that had to be made to form it in the first place. The electoral college system was one of those compromises, as the founding fathers knew that a pure democracy would mean large populated states would have all the say in government and small, less-populated states would have none. The founders formed a republic, knowing that a pure democracy would not be the answer to fairness and justice for all.

John Mendosa

Ceres

A different perspective

“California climate program hurts Central Valley families,” (fresnobee.com, Aug. 16)

An effective climate solution will not come at the cost of low-income communities.

The author cites rising gas costs under California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard. And, as a new driver myself, I too wince when I pull up to the pump. But I also care about my future.

Enter the carbon fee and dividend. This proposed policy would charge a fee at the source of fossil fuel production, encouraging businesses to become more energy efficient and expand clean energy. Not only would Central Valley residents benefit from cleaner air, we would benefit from renewable — and reliable — energy sources becoming affordable and plentiful. The money collected from this fee would then be directly returned to all American people as a monthly check. This “carbon cashback” would not only help low-and-middle-income families afford the transition, it would actually help them get ahead. Legislation like this is equitable, effective and, thankfully, bipartisan.

Anna Villavicencio

Three Rivers