Skip the ‘No Kings’ signs — write to Congress instead | Opinion

The pen is mightier than the protest

I see friends and relatives taking part in these street demonstrations that are so common. They usually show opinion signs and pictures.

Some are actually clever. They take time and talent to produce. What it tells me is they really go for a party rather than the serious belief in the cause.

I believe that if they respected our republican type of government that our ancestors fought for, they would realize that this amount of effort and talent could be better used by writing and personally communicating serious ideas, opinions and objections to the actions of our elected representatives.

Just imagine these reps getting that volume of feedback from voters expressing their thoughts by referring to the next election.

Dale Thompson

San Luis Obispo

Trump’s ‘depraved and uncouth’ comment

I appreciate your guest editorial, “In celebrating Mueller’s death …,” discussing the life and death of Robert Mueller and President Trump’s comment that he was glad that Mueller is dead. Such a depraved and uncouth comment from the so-called leader of our country is unacceptable.

The United States will continue to elect people like Trump as long as its moral and ethical values continue on the same track. Electing people like Trump says something about the values of the country when 35-40% of the voting public approves of his rhetoric and behavior.

Trump is a symptom of the moral integrity of our populous. At the same time, politicians can set an example for those who might have a weak ethical and moral system. It is important that people take responsibility for their lives (how they vote). Otherwise, we will continue to get politicians like Trump and consequently lose our good standing in the world.

John Zinke

Cambria

Weakening Diablo’s oversight

As San Luis Obispo County residents consider the future of Diablo Canyon, an important change is underway in Washington. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is moving to weaken its public hearing process, compressing timelines and limiting the exchange of technical evidence. These changes could reduce independent safety scrutiny and make it harder for experts and the public to raise concerns. For a community living with a nuclear facility in its backyard, that should raise red flags. Independent review has made a real difference. The Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards has identified safety issues that led to stronger protections. Weakening these pathways increases the risk that important concerns could be missed. If federal oversight is being scaled back, responsibility shifts to the state. California leaders must ensure Diablo Canyon receives rigorous, transparent review, especially as its operating life is extended. San Luis Obispo County deserves a full, independent accounting of the risks and safeguards surrounding Diablo Canyon’s future.

Molly Johnson

Templeton

Unforeseen consequences

Who could have foreseen that an attack on Iran’s entire leadership would result in a drastic increase in oil prices?

But let’s start earlier. Donald Trump has been a long-time supporter of the fossil fuel industry — maybe because oil and gas workers are his supporters. Or maybe because the industry donated around $250 million in support to his relection campaign. So, Trump says no to alternative energy sources and yes to “drill baby drill.” He rolls back enviornmental regulations and pays a French company $1 billion to abandon wind farms off the East Coast.

Do you believe the drastic increase in gas prices was unforeseen?

The blocking of the Strait of Hormuz was a forgone conclusion; 20% of the world’s oil and LNG goes through there. Cutting that flow will increase prices. And don’t forget we have also “captured” Venezuela’s output. So other producers have raised prices, and USA producers are making a lot more money.

Since the war in Iran began, oil companies “extracting oil from places like West Texas are earning a lot more from each barrel they sell,” The New York Times reports. The increases in fuel prices represents “windfall” profits for oil companies. Not that the wind blew that money into their coffers — they pulled those profits out of our pockets.

And while oil companies are making excess profits, someone, somewhere, had their ear to the ground and seemed to know announcements from DJT via Truth Social would impact oil futures prices, and put about $580 million into what seemed like a long shot. Or maybe, just maybe, some insider knowledge? I’m sure it was just a lucky guess.

And who could have foreseen that spewing falsehoods about vaccines would result in a reduction in the number of children being vaccinated, with a corresponding surge in illnesses those vaccines had nearly irradicated?

Ron Gottesman

Arroyo Grande

Pinder is right

Clive Pinder sure has a way of cutting through chit-chat. Yes, two opposing things are often true at the same time: 1) Our political soul is passionate, we have our convictions, and 2) being human, our tribalism is pretty hard-wired and fuels outrage and division.

Let’s applaud that brave woman for her passionate conviction and let’s understand the comfort of the tribal community where outrage can be so much fun with support of your brothers in rage. It turns out that passion alone is not enough. To step out of the trenches of righteous outrage, we need a leg up, or an outstretched hand. That Braver Angels Alliance she helped to get off the ground is now soaring in our community where exhausted voters are finding that a third thing is also true: Our passion for our convictions can also fuel our courage!

So join with other problem solvers: Learn to stay at the table, listen with empathy and curiosity, and honestly explore what matters in our community. We are the courageous citizens our democratic republic requires to survive. Put your passion to work! Learn more at www.braverangels.org

Kate Christensen

Co-Chair, Braver Angels of the Central Coast

Show the Red Cross some love

Every March, we observe Red Cross Month to honor the people who deliver support when help can’t wait. In my role as board chair for the American Red Cross Pacific Coast Chapter, I get to see our mission in action every day. Here in our community, neighbors caring for neighbors may be a volunteer comforting a family after a home fire, or a neighbor donating what they can to deliver hope in someone’s darkest hours. Last year, Red Cross volunteers and supporters helped 363 people displaced by 81 home fires, showing just how quickly crises can unfold close to home. Every one of these families needed help immediately. Thanks to generous donors, we were able to provide comfort, care and a path forward. That’s why, ahead of the next disaster, we’re asking our community to join us on Red Cross Giving Day. A gift of any size truly makes a difference. And if you’re unable to give financially, you can support our mission by volunteering. Visit redcross.org/givingday to learn how you can help. Together, we can make sure no family faces an emergency alone.

Sabrina Ashjian

San Luis Obispo