Letters to the Editor
Alternative fuels needed
Oil is a limited resource. Generations of petroleum geologists have scrutinized the entire globe for easily tapped high-quality oil. Nowadays lower-grade or less accessible deposits are drilled, and huge amounts of energy and materials are required. The most extreme example of this is offshore drilling, which takes a sea platform comparable in price to a jet aircraft.
Event shut out small guys
During a recent campaign stop in Colorado, Sen. John McCain expressed sympathy and empathy for small business owners. Being a small business owner in Bakersfield, I was fascinated at his choice of venue on his stop here recently.
Two parties necessary
A recent letter ended with the conclusion, "My momma never raised any Democrats" after the writer inferred Democrats follow in lockstep and vote blindly for legislation with desirable titles.
Try compressed-air cars
It is odd that no one is talking about the automobile plant that France is building in Mexico. They will be making cars that run on compressed air. While they certainly are not SUVs, they are much like a minivan before they lost their "mini" quality to larger tastes.
Bad air makes for bad drivers
After spending the day driving almost 200 miles, I decided to cut through Oildale to get to northeast Bakersfield. I was traveling with my companion down Merle Haggard Drive, going past the airport where the road turns into a single lane. A young man driving a black truck would not let me merge ahead of him, almost running me off the side of the road. I could not merge in behind him because the car behind him was too close.
Fuss over Chad overblown
It was nice to see Marylee Shrider's positive column about Chad Vegas. In my thinking, his controversial request to county supervisors about gay marriage might better have been considered as coming from a private citizen, rather than as a Kern High School District board member.
Surgery training beneficial
This is in response to the use of porcine subjects for war surgery training.
Should offshore drilling increase?
As oil prices climb and motorists feel more pain at the pump, opinion polls indicate an increasing number of Americans are pressing their elected leaders to come up with a "real" energy plan that will include more domestic oil production. Americans seem to be softening their opposition to offshore oil drilling.
Breast-feeding best for baby
Research is clear that breast-feeding is the gold standard in infant feeding, providing both nutritional and health advantages that last far beyond infancy. Nearly all women are able to breast-feed when they receive consistent and accurate information, and are supported by their "circle of care" of health care providers, family and community.
Tax is never temporary
So, Arnold wants a "temporary" 1-cent addition to the state sales tax. He says it will "expire" within two to four years.
What is writer implying?
I read a recent letter about the lead bullet ban with interest. His letter about the ban, which became law on July 1, has an interesting little detail in it. The writer states that mining of lead and other metals is occurring in the condors' present feeding areas and that the Black Bob and Wind Wolves Preserve areas have lead tailings and creeks that have been determined to have 99 times the allowable lead levels.
Stop catering to immigrants
It's only natural to think that if you live in America, you should speak or learn to speak English. Right? So, why is it when you go into a bank, go to a department store or order off a fast food menu, you see an English and an equal-sized Spanish sign or menu?
Woman should suffer
This is in response to a recent story on Anita Gilbert and the deplorable way she kept her animals. The paper said Brian Pitts, the county hearing officer, postponed the hearing to determine if the officers acted appropriately when they seized 15 dogs and 37 cats from Gilbert on July 16.
Letter writer wrong
I have read a certain letter writer rant in The Californian for the last two years about how inept George W. Bush is as our president. I had to respond to his recent accusations that John McCain somehow was responsible for our loss in Vietnam -- particularly in light of the fact that McCain was a POW in that war and honorably served our country.
Stop political correctness
In answer to a recent letter writer, I can't understand why gay people are puzzled about being rejected by most of society.
Redevelopment works
Redevelopment works! Redevelopment helps build better communities. It focuses resources in areas in our cities that need help to grow and prosper. It helps reverse the effects of urban decay by expanding local businesses, creating jobs, building affordable housing, renovating buildings, upgrading public infrastructure and encouraging new development.
Business first in Bako
Amusing as it may be, Bakersfield is one of the most business-friendly places in the country. And why not? It is the Abernathy family's own local government. However, what appears to be business-friendly Bakersfield is in reality business- corrupt Bakersfield, where politicians stand for business interests, not for the people.
No wonder no one votes
Under our Constitution, states are supposed to retain those rights not specifically reserved to the powers of the federal government. In California, voters are confused. Voters under Proposition 22 voted to reserve marriage between a man and a woman.
NBA still believes in town
After reading the recent editorial about the Blaze possibly leaving Bakersfield, I wanted to inform you that Bakersfield still has the highest level of professional sports teams still in operation.
Missing her baby
On July 12, my little dog went missing. We think she might have been in the front yard and someone came and took her. She does not run away. I am extremely heartbroken. I have been with this dog, whose name is Bella, since the day she came into this world. No one thought she would survive because of her size. But I nursed this dog back to health and she got a second chance at life.