Renew affordable internet – Keep the Affordable Connectivity Program

My elderly and disabled clients have been inundating Congress with calls and letters demanding the renewal of the Affordable Connectivity Program. It is a lifeline for lots of folks and one bad Congressional decision away from homelessness. Thanks to Patrick Ryan for helping us make our case in his recent opinion piece.

Gene Roman, Bronx, New York

Why make business so expensive for BNSF locomotives?

In your paper the other day, a BNSF executive director of public affairs announced a proposed $1.5 billion state-of-the-art Barstow International Gateway. BNSF is the largest freight railroad company in the U.S. Considered the largest rail facility in North America, Barstow Gateway will allow the direct transfer of shipping containers from ships at Los Angeles and Long Beach ports to trains for transport through Barstow. The facility is expected to bring nearly 20,000 direct and indirect jobs to the High Desert, reduce highway and port congestion and maximize efficiency.

However, this apparent great plan may be derailed by a new rule by the California Resources Board. These "unelected" bureaucrats call for all BNSF locomotives to be "electric" by 2035. BNSF says they are doing their best to have an electric locomotive that works. In addition, a board edict says that by 2030 all BNSF locomotives that are 23 years or older can't operate in the state, even if they've been re-manufactured and they have a brand-new engine in them. The final kicker is that starting in 2026, both BNSF and Union Pacific will be required to put up $800 million each year into a fund that CARB (whoever they are?) will manage. It just seems like the non-elected eco-zealots make doing any kind of business in California so difficult and expensive. Companies continue to leave California to do business in more receptive environments.

Don Barnett, Palm Desert

Where does the allegiance lie in Congress?

It’s hard to believe members of Congress support a Russian dictator and also support a presidential candidate who wants to be a dictator.

Larry Joe Kurbatoff, Palm Desert

Dictator or democracy

Re: T.J. Sexton’s letter to the editor, "Uncle Sam needs a break." T.J. Sexton may need to pay more attention to his candidate's words and actions. There he will find the "stupidity" he referred to. Former President Donald Trump's four-year term proved to all of us he was unfit to run our country. He alienated some of our greatest allies, while conferring with Russia, China and Saudi Arabia. Sexton spoke of fear – yes, we are fearful. Trump attempted to overthrow our government; do you not get this? During this campaign, he has already told us there will be a "bloodbath" if he loses. Trump is dangerous and a real threat to America. Bottom line, there are two choices this election, dictator or democracy!

Rae Crider, Palm Desert

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Renew affordable internet – Keep the Affordable Connectivity Program