Reduce deficits immediately

Re "Courage again takes a holiday on debt ceiling" (Editorial, July 16): The Bee's editorial board has worked itself into a hyperbolic snit over the House vote last week for the "Cut, Cap, and Balance" Act.

A July 16 editorial calls it "ridiculous" and "reckless" to cut $111 billion from next year's budget. That's less than a 3 percent reduction after the 28 percent increase during this administration.

The editorial calls it "ridiculous" and "reckless" to cap future spending at 20 percent of the economy. Yet the editorial board cheered spending bills that caused the current debt crisis, driving spending from 20 percent to 25 percent of GDP in just three years.

S&P has warned that U.S. credit will be downgraded unless the projected 10-year deficit is immediately reduced by at least $4 trillion. The "Cut, Cap, and Balance" Act does so, granting the president his debt limit increase in return for a balanced budget amendment that 49 states already have.

The editorial board calls this "calamitous." Really?

– Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Elk Grove

Cut congressional pay now

Re "Obama, GOP push rival plans" (Page A1, July 26): The one thing both parties seem to agree on is not to cut their pay, benefits and pensions.

Is it any wonder that many voters do not respect our elected officials when they tell us we need to do one thing but they are unwilling to lead by example?

True, in the big picture any cuts to their perks would be a drop in the bucket. But it might merit some respect from those of us who have had to live within our means.

– Dan Burbage-Macaluso, Sacramento

'Never' replaces compromise

Never, never. Ever ever. How can intelligent people who want to govern ever say never? As in: never to tax increases.

I'm 86 years old and have seen many critical periods. In the past, however, those political leaders knew that compromise is the lifeblood of our government. They had backbone and a deep love of their country. They did what was right for the situation at hand.

Never have I seen such greed, both money and power, as I have seen in the last few years.

– Richard Boyd, Citrus Heights

Place solar appropriately

Re "Proposed solar projects stir 'sun vs. earth' conflict" (Page A1, July 25): Central Valley soils are the envy of farmers nationwide. If Yolo County intends to become a "cutting edge incubator" and lead the nation on renewables, install photovoltaic solar cells on all homes and commercial structures.

Renewable energy requires thoughtful planning, tailored to each farm's cropping system. The approach by developers Angelo K. Tsakopoulos is shortsighted.

What criteria will businesses use to "prove" that farmland is the only option available? Tsakopolous is an expert at turning soil into impervious surfaces. We wouldn't need to cover prime farmland with cement if we focus on areas already developed.

A neighbor took me on a glider ride over the Central Valley at the beginning of the recession. I was saddened to see acres of concrete and half-built houses.

On behalf of the next generation: Please leave the land to farming. Invest in projects that aim for energy self-sufficiency of towns and cities, first.

– Michelle Sisson, Fair Oaks

Solar doesn't fit with farmland

Solar energy or food? What good is electricity without food? We need to stop the destruction of our fertile farmland at every point we can. If anyone thinks that we are in danger because of our dependence on foreign oil, wait until the United States becomes a food importer and dependent on others for our food. Put the solar in deserts where the sun is fierce. Save our fertile farmland for production of what most sustains life.

– Robert Namanny, Auburn

Create uniform solar permits

Re "Cutting solar red tape could add jobs" (Business, July 25): While inconsistent government permitting processes are adding $2,500 to the average cost of installing a residential solar system, abusive lawsuits are also taking their toll.

A recent report from California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse found that a lawsuit prevented the creation of more than 200 jobs at a proposed solar energy facility in San Benito, and that's just one example.

The fact is California's legal climate and regulations are costing us jobs.

A recent study by the Pacific Research Institute showed that just one legal reform would create 141,000 jobs in California. But is the Legislature paying attention? The answer would be no.

It is business as usual in the Golden State. Not one serious legal reform has passed in California this year.

Remember, bad lawsuits cost good jobs.

– Tom Scott, Executive Director, California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, Folsom

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