Kudos for protesters outside McClintock’s Modesto office: ‘speak out when we see injustice’ | Opinion

Speaking out

“Update: Constituents protest outside McClintock’s Modesto office. What they want from him,” (modbee.com, Feb. 24)

As a Central Valley resident, stories like these, which share our community’s perspective on issues related to the current federal administration, are crucial. It is also important to emphasize the importance of Americans using their First Amendment right to talk with or send messages to our elected representatives.

I had not known about the Mobilize app, and appreciate this vital information about organizing protests in our community. If we don’t speak out now, while others are being impacted, who will speak out for us?

Gabriel Heredia

Tracy

Injustice

“Update: Constituents protest outside McClintock’s Modesto office. What they want from him,” (modbee.com, Feb. 24)

It was great to see so many people protesting the actions of President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. With Congress cowed and Republicans fearful of speaking out, it is essential that we, the people, express our discontent with the direction our country is going.

Political Scientist Timothy Snyder warns that in the face of budding tyranny, we should not obey. Instead, we should take a risk and do something. It is necessary to speak out when we see injustice.

Kent Mitchell

Riverbank

California’s anesthesia providers

“State bills would remove physician oversight from nurse anesthetists in Stanislaus County,” (modbee.com, Feb. 25)

The bill package from Assemblymember Heath Flora does not change the way anesthesia is provided in California, it reinforces long-standing laws that authorize Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists to practice independently.

CRNAs have had the authority to practice independently for decades in California. They provide safe anesthesia care in hospitals, surgery centers and rural facilities. Healthcare facilities continue to have the ability to mandate physician supervision, however, it is not a legal requirement.

Matthew McGuire

Visalia

Trump’s DEI agenda

“Donald Trump Hit With Major DEI Legal Setback,” (modbee.com, Feb. 26)

Don’t worry, diversity, equity and inclusion isn’t going away: President Donald Trump is imposing his own DEI agenda — division, exclusion and intimidation. It seems to be doing very well.

Glenore Flanders

Turlock

Protect the CFPB

“Commentary: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has irked billionaires, but it serves the public well,” (modbee.com, Dec. 19)

California’s Central Valley has some of the lowest incomes in the state. Families have experienced rising costs of food, energy, rent and insurance. This will only be exacerbated by likely cuts to welfare and healthcare. Staying afloat will make vulnerable families subject to unfair and predatory financial practices. The only federal protection from these financial depredation is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an agency that was formed to protect consumers and has even returned many times in value to the nation than it cost.

Now, this agency is being threatened with possible closure. This is a travesty. I urge everyone to contact their Congressional representatives to prevent this from happening. We are facing hard times again, and ensuring our communities are not unduly stressed helps us all.

Alex Tolley

Merced