Shame on Turlock residents, leaders who oppose plans to house mentally ill individuals | Opinion

Advocate for Turlock housing plans

“Housing plan for mentally ill in Turlock CA draws protests,” (modbee.com, Feb. 15)

Shame on those in Turlock — specifically elected leaders — who oppose plans to house mentally ill individuals in a former senior care home on Colorado Avenue. Our “leaders” love to give lip service about aiding the mentally ill, but when they are actually called on to do it, they buckle under pressure from people whose fears are irrational.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “most people with mental health conditions are no more likely to be violent than anyone else.” And those who have severe mental illnesses will not be placed in this facility. These kinds of clients have been housed there for over 40 years. They are people’s children, parents, siblings and spouses. They are ill and need to be near their support systems, not on some 10-acre island in the middle of nowhere.

I live less than a quarter of a mile from the facility and welcome its presence in our neighborhood. I know parents want to protect their children from every possible threat. But it is our responsibility to do that based on sound evidence, logic and reasoning, not scapegoating and fear.

What message are we sending our young people when we treat the mentally ill like pariahs and criminals?

Monica Cooke

Turlock

Mass of a walnut

“Donald Trump again compares his criminal indictments to imprisonment and death of Putin’s top rival,” (modbee.com, Feb. 20)

If you took the brains of Donald Trump Jr,, his brother, Eric, and even added the brain of their father, Orange Face (U.S. President #45), you would not have the mass of a walnut.

Alan Seliger

Turlock

Opinion

Dangerous man

“Donald Trump again compares his criminal indictments to imprisonment and death of Putin’s top rival,” (modbee.com, Feb. 20)

Donald Trump’s list of accomplishments? His ability to shoot someone in Times Square and not be charged; mocking and insulting our military heroes; characterizing COVID as a hoax; removing many of our air, water, food and endangered species protection acts; encouraging the Jan. 6 insurrection, resulting in citizen deaths; supporting Vladimir Putin’s policies; appointing Supreme Court puppets; encouraging nuclear war by bragging that his red button was bigger than North Korea’s; put on trial for rape and assault; having tantrums and throwing food in the White House; making racist comments; and more…

This dangerous person is seeking the presidency. Please remember this when voting.

Ken Westervelt

Modesto

Clearing up misconceptions

“Nebraska GOP bills target college professor tenure and diversity, equity and inclusion,” (modbee.com, Feb. 15)

I have taught for 20 years, in two states, at seven schools and at grade levels 6-12. I’d like to take a moment and clear up a few things I hear and read in the media:

History and social studies is taught in school, at every level, every day and in all 50 states. Indoctrination is not happening in schools. In order to indoctrinate or brainwash a child, they need to be docile and unquestionably accepting of everything their teacher says. And, dear reader, I have been in arguments with my students about whether or not the Earth is flat and whether or not the sun will rise tomorrow. Children question everything (as they should) and can’t be indoctrinated in a free society.

Children are not being “transitioned” in schools. We can’t even give a child an aspirin, let alone a hormone blocker. If a child goes to a teacher and says they want to be called something other than their legal name, do you really want us to conduct the Spanish Inquisition over a kid’s nickname?

Perhaps the ire about society’s woes should be aimed a bit higher (above our pay grades). Sacramento? Washington, D.C.? Or, dare I say, home life?

Tim de Lorimier

Modesto

Guide your vote with honesty, facts

“VOTER GUIDE: Who and what’s on the March 5 primary ballot in Modesto and Stanislaus County,” (modbee.com, Feb. 15)

Today, I mailed my ballot. It felt like an honor to have this bit of power. Voting is personal, but the results are collective. Reviewing accurate information about candidates and prospective laws is therefore crucial.

While I love every person as a child of God, I recognize some people are not suited to hold office. They may be simply lacking judgment or pertinent knowledge. More dangerously, they may be lacking a core of peace and self-worth and seek to fill that void by manipulating others. Through practice, they can become very skilled at this and at recognizing those who might fall prey to their tricks.

Regarding political aspirants, I use various reputable sources. For more depth, I recommend “Too Much and Never Enough” for Psychologist Mary Trump’s view of her uncle, as well as Republican Liz Cheney’s new book, “Oath and Honor,” for a mesmerizing report on the recent past in government.

Whatever we study and however we vote, may we all be guided by honesty and facts — not by lies or prejudice.

Diana Doll

Modesto