Hey, C.K. McClatchy: Curtailing free speech was how the Nazi reign of terror started | Opinion

Appalling decision

“CA adviser suspended after school paper prints Hitler quote,” (sacbee.com, May 9)

As we all know, there are limits to freedom of speech. But those limits don’t include speech in a public setting just because it makes people feel uncomfortable. When I read that C.K. McClatchy High School had suspended their journalism advisor because the student newspaper quoted a student who said that Hitler had some good ideas, I was appalled.

Note that the paper didn’t say it agrees with that. They quoted a student who said that. Let’s be clear: the Nazi regime did unspeakable things. Hitler was a monster. But curtailing freedom of speech was part of how the Nazi reign of terror started. We need to be very careful not to follow in their footsteps.

Dawn Wolfson

Cameron Park

Kiley for sale

“Want to join Kevin Kiley’s “Cabinet?” Donate big money,” (sacbee,com, April 6)

Each member of Rep. Kevin Kiley’s “cabinet” has a campaign fundraising director to keep them “informed on when Kevin is back in CA if you’d like to meet individually.” Donors can also attend “roundtables” (the article mentions one at a very fancy French restaurant in Roseville) where you get to meet with Kiley for an hour. All you have to do to be included in his cabinet is donate $6,600 (or, as a couple, contribute up to $13,200).

Is this the way of our Congress now? Do we have to “buy” our representation now? I’m more than angry about this. How about you?

Rosalie Wohlfromm

Auburn

Opinion

Reduce incarceration

“California budget deficit could get worse for Gavin Newsom,” (sacbee.com, April 30)

To date, the state corrections budget has climbed to $15 billion. The current cost of incarceration per person is $132,860 annually — a 90% increase in the past decade. At a time when our state is facing a significant budget deficit, it is fiscally irresponsible to maintain empty bed capacity when thousands of Californians are facing cuts to the very social programs that keep them alive and out of crisis.

We can better balance necessary budget cuts by eliminating surplus capacity at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in a structured way, as Assembly Bill 2178 (Rep. Phil Ting, D-San Francisco) proposes.

Tannah Oppliger

Irvine

Cut prison spending

“California budget deficit could get worse for Gavin Newsom,” (sacbee.com, April 30)

Prison closures are a clear path toward achieving savings in a difficult budget year. While we are seeing proposed cuts to vital services like housing, climate change mitigation and education, we are also seeing increased spending on the infrastructure and staffing expenditures in the Department of Corrections. We need legislators to protect Californians in this budget deficit and cut spending on prisons.

California can and must reduce excess prison capacity, close at least five more prisons (which is in line with the Legislative Analyst Office’s recommendations) and cut spending on incarceration to preserve progress in these tough budget times.

Olivia Gleason

Long Beach

Concerns with AB 2751

“California ‘right to disconnect’ bill passes first vote,” (sacbee.com, April 18)

As an advocate for workplace excellence, I have concerns about Assembly Bill 2751 “Right to Disconnect” legislation. While well-intentioned, the bill’s one-size-fits-all approach fails to consider diverse industry needs and could stifle innovation and competitiveness.

AB 2751 unrealistically attempts to legislate work-life balance, ignoring the complexities of modern work and global collaboration. Its ambiguous language may lead to inconsistent enforcement and legal challenges, creating unintended consequences for employers and employees alike.

Instead of broad penalties, fostering clear communication and expectations between employers and employees is more effective in promoting a healthy work-life balance. I urge policymakers to consider targeted efforts like enhancing paid time off, improving retirement planning and increasing access to mental health resources.

Emily M. Dickens, J.D.

Society of Human Resources Management

A win for NorCal

“President Biden expands Berryessa Snow Mountain monument,” (sacbee.com, May 2)

As a Lake County Supervisor, I could not be more glad that my community’s calls to expand the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument have been heard! Thank you, President Joe Biden, for taking action to expand the monument and protect Molok Luyuk, and to Sen. Alex Padilla and Rep. John Garamendi for their continued leadership on this effort.

The expanded national monument includes Molok Luyuk, public lands on the ridge east of the monument that was left out of the original monument designation in 2015. On these public lands, people love to explore the outdoors, visit sweeping viewpoints and witness an incredible diversity of plants and animals.

Protecting Molok Luyuk is a boon to locals who have long enjoyed visiting these lands, making the area more appealing for visitors who support local businesses and protect rich tribal heritage for future generations. What a win for Northern California!

Eddie (EJ) Crandell

Lakeport

Representatives listened

“President Biden expands Berryessa Snow Mountain monument,” (sacbee.com, May 2)

I am thrilled to hear that President Joe Biden has expanded the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to protect Molok Luyuk. This action helps ensure access to the outdoors for locals. Access to nature is vital for communities of color, and in Lake County, 22.7% of the population identifies as Latino/Hispanic, and in Colusa County, 61.7% of the population is Latino/Hispanic. Molok Luyuk is also central to Patwin origin stories and is significant to the Pomo, Wappo and Miwok people.

Thank you to our representatives for hearing our collective call and ensuring a more accessible outdoors for all.

Jazzari Taylor

Oakland