It must pass vs. it must lose: California readers weigh in on Prop. 50 | Opinion
A balanced government
“‘We hope it loses’ vs. ‘a fighting chance.’ Stanislaus thoughts on Prop. 50,” (modbee.com, Oct. 23)
We need to pass Proposition 50. When red states were told to redraw their district lines to marginalize their Democratic voters, many did. Gerrymandering is not right, but it cannot be fought with just words.
What we need in Washington is a balanced, functional government. This is just one step in that direction.
Jane Huffaker
Mariposa
Protect integrity
“Why a Sacramento voice urges Californians to back Prop. 50,” (sacbee.com, Oct. 27)
This piece argues that Democrats must discard our principles and try to win back the House by out-cheating President Donald Trump — a contest we are sure to lose. Will cheating help us appeal to an ever-increasing number of voters in Republican-leaning districts who are fed up with Trump?
I oppose Proposition 50 for an even more important reason: It is wrong. It disenfranchises millions of California voters and will likely destroy the fairest redistricting system in the country. I refuse to allow Trump to compromise my integrity.
David H. Bell
Sacramento
Delicate time for democracy
“It’s time to end government shutdown. Californians can’t lose food aid | Opinion,” (modbee.com, Oct. 22)
At such a delicate time for our democracy, when so many Americans are losing faith in our leaders, the Trump administration cannot be allowed to use this as an opportunity to further its efforts to override Congress.
Daniel Marsh
Modesto
Environment remains a political issue
“Sacramento pastor: Churches must lead in protecting God’s Earth | Opinion,” (modbee.com, Oct. 20)
I’m grateful for Pastor Alvaro Gamez’s recent op-ed calling on Christian churches — and, by extension, all religious communities — to incorporate the “stewardship of God’s creation” into their spiritual practices.
The piece reminded me that three decades ago, InnerFaith Resources (forerunner of today’s Stanislaus County Interfaith Council) held a panel discussion on environmental issues, during which representatives of Modesto’s diverse faiths affirmed responsibility to care for Earth’s resources — with one exception. One evangelical Christian pastor repeatedly expressed skepticism. After all, the Second Coming was imminent, so why should we worry about “saving the planet” when everything would be renewed after Christ’s return?
Why, indeed, should we worry about lead poisoning or the destruction of natural resources? Donald Trump’s presidency is only the latest chapter, and if he’s dismantling environmental law and the agencies overseeing them, surely it’s God’s will.
Unfortunately, the environment really is a political issue for some Christians, despite their growing dismay at Trump’s utterly unChristian behavior and disrespect for our Constitution.
Fortunately, there’s still time to repent.
Mark S Haskett
Modesto