Letters to the editor: Fewer private jets better for climate; against stricter gun laws

Private planes bad for climate

I was discouraged by Bill Maher’s recent comments about taking private jets. On one hand, I admire him for admitting his hypocrisy as a celebrity who professes to care about climate change, but still uses a private jet. That’s where my admiration ended. He then shrugged his shoulders, and jokingly said that everyone, including Greta Thunberg, would take a private jet if they could. He made it clear that he had no intention of altering his behavior.

The sad thing is, Maher missed a golden opportunity to influence other celebrities. Had he pledged to fly a bit less, he could have sent the message that while it’s important to be honest about our actions, it’s more important to do what we can to save our planet. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

Taking private jets is bad for the climate but taking fewer private jets can mitigate the damage. If more celebrities flew less, it would make a difference. Reducing our carbon footprint isn’t about stopping our lives. It’s about taking realistic, but impactful steps to tread lighter on the earth.

Bill Maher needs to hear from his fans on this. Why not contact him on social media and tell him that giving up on the planet is not an option simply because, as he said, “private jets are like heroin.”

Kristen Kessler, Ventura

Stricter gun laws aren’t a solution

The cartoons in the Opinion section of the paper are not meant to be taken too seriously. They provide amusement or stimulate conversation. On Jan. 29, Mr. Whamond’s caricature prompts the latter. Uncle Sam seeking the “... solution (to mass shootings) … connect the dots…” Stricter gun laws being the “solution.”

Please, consider how many laws were violated by these murderers before they even pulled a trigger. If one is so heinous that he would consider taking human lives, are we so naive that we will think another law would deter him?

There are few states with gun laws stricter than California’s. Those of us who are vetted, backgrounded, trained, and licensed will continue to obey the law. We’re a non-threat, but we’re restricted as to where we can legally defend ourselves, and what we can purchase to do so. Those with immoral, criminal intent don’t care about restrictions.

Daniel G. Mattera, Thousand Oaks

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Letters: Fewer private jets better for climate; issue with gun laws