What Cesar Chavez Day teaches us about kindness toward others, human and non-human alike | Opinion

Serious River Walk concerns

“Public details on Riverbank housing development proposal,” (modbee.com, Feb. 25)

The Stanislaus Audubon Society has serious concerns about the proposed River Walk Project that would convert 1,500 acres of prime farmland in the floodplain of the Stanislaus River to urban use. Continued fragmentation and loss of habitat for birds and other wildlife is a serious problem in this county. Mitigation is not keeping up with development.

Nests of Swainson’s hawks — designated as a State Threatened Species — were found in and near the River Walk Project area. This area is also suitable habitat for burrowing owls, another species in decline due to habitat loss. Continued urban sprawl is devastating for these birds of special concern.

The Local Agency Formation Commission’s main goals are to make logical and timely changes in local government boundaries, preserve agricultural land resources and discourage urban sprawl. Approval of the River Walk Project would be a failure on all counts. The 2016 expansion of Riverbank’s Sphere of Influence by 1,500 acres for the Crossroads West and Costco area projects were meant to last at least 20 years.

Does Riverbank need another 1,500 acres of housing and development when Crossroads West is still under construction?

Jody Hallstrom, Conservation Chair

Salvatore Salerno, President

Oakdale

Vote for Jessica Self

“Stanislaus-area state candidates debate housing, retail theft,” (modbee.com, Feb. 13)

Every vote counts when electing someone who is caring and intelligent and who will work toward a positive future.

I am asking readers to vote for Jessica Self for California Assembly-District 22. Self cares about helping constituents reach their full potential. Right now, women’s bodily autonomy is on the line. Jessica’s strong, determined voice will look out for us.

If elected, her voice is yours.

Diane M Kroeze

Modesto

Opinion

Where is our democracy?

“Trump evokes more anger and fear from Democrats than Biden does from Republicans, AP-NORC poll shows,” (modbee.com, March 27)

The Republicans’ day-one-dictator has promised that, if elected, he will destroy democracy as we know it. But who says Americans live in a democracy now? When a Speaker of the House can single-handedly delay a vote on Ukrainian aid that would pass overwhelmingly if brought to the floor, how is that democratic?

If a single senator can obstruct hundreds of military officers’ promotions because he demands concessions on a separate issue, how is that democratic? If a majority leader can defer replacing a Supreme Court Justice because a presidential election is “only nine months away,” then rush through another nominee six weeks before the same election, how is that democratic?

If a state with fewer people than the City of San Francisco is allowed the same number of senators as California, how is that democratic? If a private citizen who once held office can compel Representatives to do his bidding in Congress, why have elections?

And if an American electorate can’t elect a president by popular vote because an outmoded system of “electors” can overrule the majority, how is that democratic?

Perhaps we do need another revolution… in our system of government.

Mark S Haskett

Modesto

How to debate a liar

“Trump evokes more anger and fear from Democrats than Biden does from Republicans, AP-NORC poll shows,” (modbee.com, March 27)

After ducking debates with Republican nominees in order to not have to defend his many crimes and repugnant actions, Donald Trump now wants to debate President Joe Biden. But how does one debate a serial liar? Hopefully Biden will resist Trump’s invitation to a circus of old and new lies.

Jim Hoagland

Ripon

Chavez’s words

“Modesto crowd celebrates Cesar Chavez’s 96th birthday,” (modbee.com, April 1, 2023)

On March 31, we celebrate Cesar Chavez Day, co-founder and president of the United Farm Workers. In the minds of many, Chavez deserves a national holiday. He was a champion of the downtrodden, human and non-human alike, a disciple of Gandhi and his philosophy of non-violence.

Unbeknownst to many, Chavez was also a vegetarian for ethical (not health) reasons. Here’s an excerpt from a letter Chavez wrote to Action for Animals in 1990: “Kindness and compassion towards all living things is a mark of a civilized society. Conversely, cruelty, whether it is directed against human beings or against animals, is not the exclusive province of any one culture or community of people. Racism, economic deprival, dogfighting and cockfighting, bullfighting and rodeos are cut from the same fabric: violence. Only when we have become nonviolent towards all life will we have learned to live well ourselves.”

These are words to live by.

Eric Mills

Action for Animals, coordinator

Oakland