Anti-ICE youth activism in Stanislaus is inspiring to see | Opinion
Action matters
“By the hundreds, Modesto high school students stage districtwide anti-ICE walkout,” (modbee.com, Feb. 6)
Too often we hear that young people are not as actively involved in politics or current events as previous generations. That is why I was heartened to see Stanislaus High School students protesting ICE overreach in Minneapolis. My advice to young people is to get and stay involved in issues that matter to you.
There is a fresh perspective that youth brings to the table, and we need their voices.
As an elder, many of us are with these young people. To them I say: Do not be concerned that what you do may not make a difference, it is the action that matters — not the outcome.
Kent Mitchell
Riverbank
ICE agents are not the victims
“Fresno leader: ICE is not a danger or threat to our communities | Opinion,” (modbee.com, Feb. 6)
This piece is filled with hate and misinformation. It expresses concerns for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents hiding behind masks, protected by helmets and body armor, and often armed with three lethal weapons, but not for the victims of these masked men, who have been shoved, pepper-sprayed, gassed, flash-banged, thrown to the ground, repeatedly punched, and in some cases, executed by gunfire without charges, trials or any other due process.
This is not law enforcement.
The writer objects to the use of the term “gestapo” to refer to these government agents, but as a student of history, it seems to me fair and defensible to use that term. If you don’t want to be called the gestapo, don’t act like the gestapo.
Jeff Sanders
Merced
Fear is justified
“Fresno leader: ICE is not a danger or threat to our communities | Opinion,” (modbee.com, Feb. 6)
People are seeing masked, nameless federal agents armed for the battlefield, tear-gassing, pepper-spraying and shooting to death unarmed, fleeing protestors who are exercising their First Amendment rights. The deployment of troops on U.S. soil is scary. It invites protest.
It demands diligent, judicious use of force and the ultimate level of accountability.
Chris Reynolds
Sacramento