Modesto’s homeless are human beings, too | Opinion
Lack of humanity toward homeless
Re “It’s high time to end Modesto’s intractable homelessness problem” (Page 1C, March 12): Modesto’s homeless are, once again, the subject of a seemingly well-intentioned opinion piece in The Bee. The author writes of the impact that the homeless have on “our parks, our waterways and our sidewalks.” What struck me as most odd is the use of the word “our.” It seems that the author, whether intentionally or through lack of knowledge, does not recognize that the parks, waterways, sidewalks, etc. belong also to the homeless. As citizens of Modesto, they, too have the right to those areas.
Additionally, this column failed to consider that the homeless are human beings. The lack of empathy in this piece is jarring. Through hardships that many of us cannot even fathom, these human beings have ended up without the security of a home, nourishing food, the warmth of a comfortable bed.
When our humanity is replaced by a single-minded vision of what is normal, correct and proper, we tend to lose sight of a viewpoint that encompasses the variety and diversity of our human family.
Carole Swan, Turlock
Dreams don’t end with disability
Re “California law could backfire, hurting disabled workers” (Front Page, March 5): I would like to thank Garth Stapley for the well-researched and thorough commentary on Senate Bill 639, which is set to be implemented in 2025.
As stated in the commentary, SB 693 is detrimental to many adults with intellectual disabilities. As a parent of a daughter with intellectual disabilities who hopes to be employed one day, I see this bill as an end to her dream. This bill will cause numerous worksites to be shuttered, leaving little hope for my daughter and others like her.
The desire to make one size fit all is unpractical, and many times harmful. I pray people in Sacramento are taking notice.
Cathy Walke, Hickman
Vote third party
It was not so long ago that one could claim an adherence to fiscal responsibility and a commitment to social justice. The two are not mutually exclusive. One can support the family as the foundation of society and vow to uphold the civil rights of all who live in the United States. Religious liberty, freedom of speech, access to anyone willing to work hard and sacrifice to achieve a level of security for themselves and their family — all these things are and always have been values upheld by Americans regardless of political affiliation.
Because we are so divided today, I had to find a political party outside of the main stream of the duopoly. I registered American Solidarity Party because I do not support the platforms of either the GOP or the DNC. I urge all of voting age to think carefully before they register. Look and see if there is another group that more closely aligns with your personal values. Do not get sucked into the group-think of today’s politicos.
Leslie Shaw Klinger, Modesto
Need a new plan for cans
Re “Cans, cans, and more cans” (Letters, March 12): I would add my vote against the terrible decision of the city to pick up green cans every other week. I am swamped with yard waste while the big blue can has a small bucket of items. We need a new plan that works based on the amount of types of refuse that are to be picked up.
Ronald E. Oswald, Modesto
MAGA saga
Re “Not a MAGA fan” (Letters, March 12): I served for almost four years of my youth in the Army so that we can all have freedom of speech, but I am in complete disagreement with the regular contributor from Turlock’s point of view. Sir, you have every right to express your views, but in my opinion they are un-American. Your plan would violate several amendments of our Constitution.
However I think you should be grateful that your last words, “pray for America” and “God willing,” were printed. So while we disagree with almost everything you say, I agree that we should pray for America.
Gene Dias, Modesto
Junk math
If you add up the IQs of Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene, you’d be lucky to reach 100.
Alan Seliger, Turlock
