AB 1455 can help fight meth labs

Re "Make pseudoephedrine prescription-only" (Viewpoints, Aug. 6): State Sen. Roderick Wright brings attention to the need for our elected officials to assist in law enforcement's fight against the production of methamphetamine in our state.

Since the implementation of a federal law requiring retailers to keep paper logs of behind-the-counter pseudoephedrine, or PSE, medicine sales, we have seen a reduction in labs, but we know that a stronger preventive measure is necessary to finish what we started.

Assembly Bill 1455 creates a mandatory electronic registry for allergy and cold medicines containing PSE. By requiring all PSE sales to be monitored by a statewide, mandatory electronic tracking program, it becomes impossible for a person to travel from store to store as a way of purchasing illegal amounts of PSE. Electronic tracking allows retailers to block illegal purchases and enhances law enforcement's suppression and investigative efforts.

The California State Sheriffs' Association strongly supports AB 1455 because it provides a real-time and proactive approach to combating meth production in California. We hope that California state legislators will do the same.

– Clay Parker, Tehama County sheriff and president of the California State Sheriffs' Association

Let democratic principles rule

Re " 'An honest dialogue' is in order" (Letters, Aug. 7): Several editorials and letters over the past two weeks make it plain that an honest, respectful and informed dialogue about the rewards and challenges of public service is absolutely critical.

We Californians must have conversations that will help us, our children and grandchildren live in a challenging world that requires a balance of public and private initiatives. We Californians are responsible for our own futures and others' in the sense that our lives are so closely linked.

To remain a democracy where the social contract is strong and viable, we need to create structured opportunities to practice those democratic principles. Schools and universities, agencies, clubs and other organizations have the spaces and the missions to build capacity for informed, engaged citizens for democracy and what the American Democracy Project calls "Stewards of Place."

What if Sacramento public institutions in partnership with The Bee developed and carried out such an agenda? What if we listened and learned from each other? What if we enacted democracy? Absolutely, Virginia, we can make a difference.

– Janet Hecsh, Sacramento

Health care elusive in prisons

Re "Judges: Reduce inmate total" (Page A1, Aug. 5): Reducing the population becomes the only real option given the state's ongoing fiscal limitations and the requirements to provide reasonable health care – and in particular, mental health care – for inmates.

I am not talking about coddling criminals. I am talking, as the court did in 184 pages, of the absence of legally mandated minimal care for prisoners. The court's order recites the history and the state's inability to provide what the constitution mandates. It was a shocking and sad recitation of the system's shortcomings.

It is easy to pass laws mandating tough sentences – it is good politics – but there is a price tag, and that means more expenses to house the growing population.

The court considered the evidence of the state's inability to provide legally mandated care and said that at this point, the only option is to reduce the population. The governor proposed to reduce the population to help with the budget. It was a good idea and a brave statement.

Other states have population limits to avoid overcrowding, but sadly and shamefully, it took a court to order that here in order get California to provide constitutionally mandated health care.

– Matt Brady, Gold River

Health care's problem: Access

Our health care system is the best in the world and does not need reform. It is the access that needs help. However, by making access available only through the federal government, the quality of our health care system would fall dramatically.

When one factors out the deaths due to murders and accidents (the lifestyle unique to us), our mortality is lower than other industrialized countries with socialized medicine. When one looks at our survival rates from cancer and other diseases, we far surpass those countries.

Profit allows for research and development, and it rewards excellence. That may make you uncomfortable, but profit is necessary. Instead of going down the road to socialized medicine, let's try some reforms first, such as tort reform, medical savings accounts, tax breaks for individuals buying insurance, buying cooperatives for smaller businesses and people with pre-existing conditions, not-for-profit medical insurance, more retail clinics, etc.

– Mary Siegel, Rocklin

Be extra-careful, single moms

Re "Mother faces charges after tale of abuse, death of son, 5" (Our Region, Aug. 7): How sadly familiar the story. The single mother allows a low-life, usually unemployed boyfriend to move in. Her judgment impaired by poverty and ignorance, maybe loneliness. No doubt she sees an opportunity to save money on child care and alleviate her boredom and isolation. A tragic and sad scenario.

Please, single mothers! Do not bring your bum boyfriend, or any strangers, into your home.

– Sally Worthing, Fair Oaks