A tragedy in Minneapolis and a hypocritical presidential administration | Opinion
The tragic murder of Renee Good
“Renee Good’s death is the consequence of unchecked presidential power | Opinion,” (modbee.com, Jan. 14)
What happened in Minneapolis was tragic. Renee Good, an American citizen, lost her life unnecessarily when she was murdered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. I can’t imagine how she felt when surrounded by masked, heavily armed men in full tactical gear, yelling at her and then smashing the side window of her car.
When political commentator Charlie Kirk was murdered, there was outrage — and rightfully so. The president, attorney general and director of Homeland Security promised that justice would be done. Yet, hours after Good was murdered, these same people were calling her a “domestic terrorist,” without any actual evidence that she was.
They said the ICE agent who murdered her did nothing wrong, and “followed protocol.” It’s not the hypocrisy of this administration that bothers me the most, it’s the people who think this behavior is keeping us safe.
As with all autocratic governments, this behavior will increase and become standard in suppressing people’s freedoms. There will be a time when there is no turning back.
Larry Podolsky
Oakdale
Modesto police performance
“Modesto police stops doubled in 2024. Who was stopped and why?” (modbee.com, Jan. 8)
As a 60-year resident of Modesto, a retired Modesto Police Department lieutenant, a doctor of education and a criminal justice professor, I’d like to highlight a few overlooked issues from this story: The data in this report is much more reflective of good police work than it is of any kind of racial or ethnic discrimination.
The data collection problems in regards to race, ethnicity and LGBTQ status is all based on the officer’s perception and not the actual identity of the person.
Second, the data provided (62.6% traffic stop, and 27.5% reasonable suspicion of criminal activity) means that 91.1% of the stops were doing exactly what the police are expected to do. That is a very good percentage.
A commonly accepted benchmark for a government agency performing its primary function is approximately 65% to 80% of total organizational resources.
It seems like the police department is doing an excellent job.
Dr. Chris Fuzie, Ed.D.
Modesto
Hypocrisy
“U.S. Moves Some Personnel From Key Air Base as Tensions Mount With Iran,” (modbee.com, Jan. 14)
Apparently, for President Donald Trump and his administration, Iran cannot shoot their protestors, but it’s okay to do that in the U.S.
Jack Heinsius
Modesto
Corporate interests prevail
“Republicans Move to Block Effort to Check Trump’s Power in Venezuela,” (modbee.com, Jan. 14)
American professor Noam Chomsky was once asked if the United States acts in the national interest and replied that nations act in the interests of powerful internal groups that control policy.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the Trump administration’s efforts to take control over Venezuelan oil and President Donald Trump’s recent meeting with major oil executives at the White House.
When fossil fuel profits define both foreign and domestic policy, it’s ordinary people — and the planet — who pay the price.
Terry Hansen
Grafton, Wis.
Prioritize domestic concerns
“Republicans Move to Block Effort to Check Trump’s Power in Venezuela,” (modbee.com, Jan. 14)
Instead of attacking Venezuela, President Donald Trump should prioritize U.S. interests.
Let’s start by reducing healthcare costs, making housing more affordable, and addressing our homelessness crisis.
If we reduced our military budget, we could utilize that money for our own good.
Ken Cemo
Orangevale