Moderate Democrats and oil industry, Zika funding, GOP, Benghazi and McCarthyism

Voters want climate leadership

Re “Voters deliver a markedly moderate message” (Viewpoints, June 19) and “Voters stand up to oil industry” (Viewpoints, June 17): The two op-eds clearly represent two very different interpretations of the primary election results. But only one mentions the unprecedented $29 million in oil industry spending on behalf of conservative Democrats.

The fact that candidates benefiting from an avalanche of independent expenditures made it through the “top-two” primary should surprise no one. The success of pro-environment candidates despite oil industry dollars reveals the true values of California voters, who are younger and more progressive than Assemblyman Jim Cooper would have us believe and who remain firmly in favor of California’s climate and clean air leadership.

Compared to the polling Cooper cites about political orientation, the 2015 Public Policy Institute of California statewide survey on the environment (“Californians see global warming as a serious threat”) is far more useful, with strong support noted for hallmark environmental legislation AB 32, SB 32 and SB 350 – all opposed by the oil industry.

Zika funding needs our input

Re “Gridlock in Congress gets dangerous” (Editorials, June 30): Excellent editorial showing the problematic side of Congress in its effort or lack thereof, in passing the funding to battle the Zika virus.

Keep in mind, there has been good work in the past, like robustly funding the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and malaria. The results from that funding are millions of lives saved and the possibility of controlling these three pandemics on the horizon if the funding continues.

Perhaps it’s because so many people wrote or called their representatives asking them to vote for that funding. So let’s try it with Zika: Call or write your representatives and ask them to pass the $1.9 billion.

Remember McCarthyism

Re “Benghazi sham finally exposed” (Letters, June 30): I am a history teacher, and I would like to remind the GOP of Sen. Joe McCarthy (another Republican) and his practice of making accusations of subversion and treason without proper regard for evidence and the practice of making unfair allegations.

His career ended in failure. When are our leaders in Congress going to stop creating chaos and propaganda for their side and actually do some real work that advances prosperity for everyone?

This story was originally published July 2, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Moderate Democrats and oil industry, Zika funding, GOP, Benghazi and McCarthyism."