Darrell Fong's efforts inspiring

Re "Enigmatic councilman a political wild card" (Forum, Jan. 8): There was a time when thinking independently, considering everyman and making hard decisions for the benefit of the whole rather than the benefit of special interests were required characteristics in a public official. It is inspiring to see Darrell Fong once again attempt to talk the talk and walk the walk.

To label Fong an "enigma" and chastise him for not being "more of a conventional politician" is a disturbing yet honest reflection of contemporary society's self-centered demands on those who hold public office.

Just imagine if the pendulum of public service were to swing more toward the virtues of statesmanship. I believe Darrell Fong is a public servant who strives to push the pendulum back in that direction.

– Carol Foster, Sacramento

Unconventional pol? Bring it on

If there's any way that Darrell Fong can stay his "enigmatic" self and avoid becoming a "conventional politician," all the better for this community. We presently have enough conventional politicians who talk too much, listen too little and are beholden to special interest groups.

Fong may not be utterly predictable or smooth or even comfortable in the limelight, but so what? It does seem he still champions the greater good, is accessible to his constituency and has some humility. That's refreshing.

– Zoe Hamlin, Sacramento

Feinstein's favor exposed

Re "Water barons will corner market in new 'Chinatown' " (Viewpoints, Jan. 8): I'm glad to see that others are watching for U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein's special favors for special friends antics. The language Feinstein inserted into a must-pass bill is just another example of why we 99 percenters are pissed off about getting ripped off again to fatten the pockets of others.

One has to wonder how much benefit Feinstein's husband, Richard Blum, is going to receive either directly or indirectly through his real estate development activities.

The 99 percenters see how easy it is for one to line one's pockets and those of your friends when you are an insider, but were elected to represent the greater public interest.

– Felix E. Smith, Carmichael

Keep north state's water here

Northern California water should remain in Northern California. The needs of Northern California will be increasing over the coming decade. Southern California water usage has not shown signs of appropriate conservation in the past and the south state would waste what water did actually arrive there.

History also has shown that previous Delta water allocations have been abused by large corporations. Northern California taxpayers have suffered by the inappropriate water use and would suffer more when water sources become strained.

– Carole Johannes, Mountain View

Get the facts on online poker

Re "Should we place bets on online gambling?" (Editorials, Jan. 8): The Bee's editorial board should start familiarizing itself about online poker with the facts before penning such a crock of hooey opposing Internet gambling. The problems start in the second paragraph when poker is lumped with "other games of chance." While there is a certain amount of luck involved in poker, the game itself is a game of skill – of that there is no debate.

The editorial points out that 2 million Californians currently gamble illegally online with offshore sites, yet somehow manages to find it a negative to have those people participate in a state regulated and taxed entity that would employ fellow Californians.

Finally, the editorial says, "The public is not clamoring for more gambling in California." Didn't the board just say that 2 million Californians were playing poker illegally online? Perhaps looking up the definition of "clamoring" would be a good start.

– Mitch Cox, Chico

Stop the saber-rattling

Re "Tone down the talk of war with Iran" (Editorials, Jan. 8): I commend The Bee for one its best editorials in 12 years. As an anti-interventionist Republican in the tradition of Robert Taft, I am appalled by the GOP's rush to war during the past decade.

Now there is talk of attacking a nation of 74 million people which would triple the price of oil, and hurl Europe and the United States into depression. Let us have an honest debate about whether or not Iran is a credible threat to an America with 20,000 nuclear bombs, or even Israel with 300. Let left-of-center, mainstream papers like The Bee give voice to a coalition of left and right, from Ralph Nader to Rep. Ron Paul, who oppose a stampede into another war.

This time, I pray, cooler heads may prevail.

– Robert Salge, Sacramento

© Copyright The Sacramento Bee. All rights reserved.

WRITE US A LETTER

Include: Name, mailing address and phone number.

Length: 150 words or less.

BEST WAY TO SUBMIT

Online form: www.sacbee.com/sendletter

E-mail: letters@sacbee.com Other: Letters, P.O. Box 15779, Sacramento, CA 95852

• Read more articles by