Mass deportation is unconstitutional, immoral and a form of state-sponsored terrorism | Opinion

Mass deportation is a crime

“Central Valley organization steps up to aid immigrant families amid mass deportation fears,” (modbee.com, Jan. 14)

Mass deportations should not commence. It is illegal and immoral, and it constitutes ethnic cleansing.

It seems that a form of collective insanity has gripped our nation, driven by anger, hatred and the thrill of engaging in deviant, extra judicial and vigilante acts. Immigration raids are a modern day incarnation of the lynch mob: a type of state-sponsored terrorism executed by invading masked paramilitary groups who operate under the cloak of darkness.

And detention centers are another stain on American history. They are not being used to deport, but to permanently detain people and use them as slave labor in American industry. The commission of new crimes is being used to deny and justify the commission of old crimes.

Ultimately, legal and illegal immigration is a net gain to American society.

Zachary Davidson

Modesto

Oppose proposed plan

“Valley air advocates question plan to generate power with wood pellets from Tuolumne forest,” (modbee.com, Jan. 8)

This article details Golden State Natural Resource’s (GSNR) proposed biomass project, whose sourcing radius extends into our community and the surrounding Sierra Nevada forests. But this industrial-scale project to support overseas markets is a waste of time and energy.

The draft environmental impact report for GSNR’s proposal reveals a project driven by profit — not responsible forest management. The proposal demands far more whole trees than would be produced by creating defensible space. Rather than focusing on overstocked forests, GSNR proposes thinning forests that are mostly not in high-density areas.

The environmental impact report fails to prove that the project would mitigate wildfire risk. This boondoggle must be stopped.

Our communities need Firewise USA programs like defensible space, smoke centers, improved evacuation routes and buried utilities. Experts, scientists and the Forest Service agree that these are the best ways to protect us during extreme fire events. GSNR’s project is just another biomass boom and bust for overseas markets.

Megan Fiske

Sonora

President Musk

“Donald Trump appointees pledge to slash the government,” (modbee.com, Nov. 19, 2024)

I did not vote for President Donald Trump and I did not vote for President Elon Musk, who is already exerting significant influence on Trump and the Republican Congress.

Vivek Ramaswamy, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and other millionaires and billionaires now wield great influence over Trump. Their goal is obvious: massive tax breaks for billionaires to be preceded by an increase in the debt ceiling which our children will have to pay.

During his last term in office, Trump added eight trillion dollars to the national debt after promising to balance the annual budget, lower national debt and reduce government spending. Some of the debt increase was for COVID relief, but most was for tax cuts for the rich and increased government spending.

Plus, his proposed tariffs will hurt agriculture exports. What is happening to our country?

Bob Yribarren

Modesto