Race-based reparations must be earned | Letters to the editor
Reparations should be earned
One of the demonstrably false traditions of a wealthy country like ours is that we can solve any social problem by throwing money at it. As the wars on poverty and drugs have proven, it just doesn’t work. If racism is somehow perceived as systemic to a capitalist system, then of course money is going to solve that problem, right? But realistically, money is here today and gone tomorrow, and racism will still exist in those with a depraved heart.
The reparations debate continues the “everything is fixed by money” fantasy. If racism as a social problem is somehow repaired by money, then let’s try to use the money in a way that clearly benefits everyone — not only the expected recipients, but those paying for it, the taxpayers. Might it be better to use public money to create trade schools dedicated to educate Black plumbers, carpenters, electricians, mechanics — skilled tradesmen? We need these skilled people right now in our communities. People with these skills can earn good money, especially in unions, and they can start their own businesses with their talents.
This economic solution might prove effective. It’s a buy-in to economic prosperity.
Gary Nelson, Modesto
What about property rights?
Re “Court guts Clean Water Act, which could be devastating” (Page 6A, May 29): The reference is to the Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA. For 19 years, Michael and Chantell Sackett have tried to build a home on their property. They have been stymied by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ claim that their dry property is a wetland subject to federal regulation.
The Clean Water Act authorizes the EPA to regulate only “navigable waters” in interstate commerce. Yet the EPA said the Sacketts’ property was connected to a wetland some 30 feet away, which was connected to a ditch that connected to a non-navigable creek that connected to Priest Lake. Hardly a “wetland.”
The bottom line: if the EPA wants to regulate properties such as the Sacketts’, then Congress should amend the Clean Water Act to make that clear.
Joan Trombetta Clendenin, Modesto
Not the needy who are greedy
The idea that lower-income Americans are scamming public assistance is often the implied message from the Republican Party. They are insisting on an increase in work requirements for some government programs, but it doesn’t seem to bother them when taxpayers have to bail out banks and the CEOs walk off with millions of dollars in compensation, having led these banks to financial ruin. Funny how that works.
Also, as many conservatives suggest we run government like a business, please tell me what successful business cuts their collections department while trying to cover their budget? That is exactly what Republicans want to do by taking away funding from the IRS. The IRS has been working for decades with budget cuts that left the department with old computers and understaffed thereby making it next to impossible to audit and collect money already owed by wealthy companies and individuals.
If this system seems rigged and advantaged toward the rich and powerful, that’s because it is. Our representatives in Washington too often sit down to sup and party with lobbyists while the rest of us can get our voices heard only through protesting in the streets.
Anita Bruce, Modesto
New rules
How about work requirements for Congress? Must always put the country ahead of party, career and ego.
Jack Heinsius, Modesto
Debt debate
When are cuts not cuts? When they are discussed by politicians.
Let’s say you spent $1,000 this year and budgeted to spend $1,250 next year. Then, circumstances change so you rebudget to spend $1,100 next year. For everyday folks, that is still a spending increase of $100 over this year. But politicians describe it as a cut of $150.
Recently, Gene Dodaro the head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (who is also the comptroller general) reported to the president and congressional leaders that without a meaningful approach and solution to the deficit and debt issues facing the U.S., “the underlying conditions driving the unsustainable fiscal outlook pose serious economic, security, and social challenges if not addressed.”
Our financial house is clearly on a shaky foundation. We face enormous challenges in Social Security and Medicare, interest on the U.S. debt will soon be larger than the defense budget and yet no politician wants to deal with these fiscal issues. Frank and honest discussions must be had and real cuts will be part of those.
Jeff Burda, Modesto
