California forum letters: Bee readers react to abortion news, Kevin McCarthy, ADU process
Democrats wake up
“Possible overturning of Roe sends abortion fight to states,” (sacbee.com, May 3)
Abortion will become illegal because of the justices appointed by George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Donald Trump. What’s next? Gay marriage? Voting rights? It’s time for us to rise and hope our representatives in Congress rise with us. This is not about abortion, this is about control.
I sure hope Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Rep. Mike Thompson and Sen. Alex Padilla don’t have daughters or grandchildren who might be denied their rights. Democrats running in 2022 must use their voices to bring this message to the voters. Democrats need to wake up before we lose our democracy. We, the voters, can only do so much. But if gerrymandering and cheating continues to be allowed, we vote for naught.
What are my legislators going to do about this? Enough is enough.
Janet Levy
Hidden Valley Lake
Supreme Court’s integrity
“Leaked court document galvanizes anti-abortion activists,” (sacbee.com, May 4)
Chief Justice John G. Roberts’ statement condemns the leaked draft of the court’s abortion opinion, saying it was “intended to undermine the integrity of our operations,” and that it “was a singular and egregious breach of trust that is an affront to the Court.”
The court’s own legitimacy and integrity long ago left the station. Justice Roberts’ choice of words in its defense suggests he knows that.
Spencer P. Le Gate
Sacramento
Protect bodily autonomy
“Our rights — and lives — are on the line. Roe v. Wade decision must embolden us to fight,” (sacbee.com, May 3)
The Supreme Court has confirmed the draft opinion overturning Roe v. Wade is genuine. Roe v. Wade ensures a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion.
It is clear that opponents of Roe want to punish women and take away their rights to make decisions about their bodies.
Paul Bacon
Hallandale Beach, Fla.
Modernize ADU process
“Sacramento is building more of these housing units. Will it help the affordability crisis?” (sacbee.com, May 3)
The article states that Sacramento Encourages ADUs to help ease the housing issue. I’m putting one in my backyard now. The county, fire department, water company, school district and anyone else looking to make a quick buck have made it so hard and expensive that I can see this will never be an answer to the housing issue.
To illustrate one of many costly hoops, it cost me around $400 just to see whether my property is in an area that can be built on. My current house has been here since 1960. If Sacramento County really cared about the housing issue, this process would be modernized.
Michael J. Rose
Rio Linda
Not to be missed show
“May arts roundup: Pearl Jam, new theater experiences and art shows hit Sacramento area,” (sacbee.com, May 1)
This article failed to mention an important show: the Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra will perform Verdi’s “Requiem” on May 14 at 8 p.m. at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. This is the 26th season for the local chorus, and this performance — originally scheduled for 2020, but interrupted by COVID — is dedicated to the late restaurateur Biba Caggiano.
The 175-voice choir and its full orchestra will make its post-COVID debut on the SAFE Center stage. Directed by Sacramento State Professor Emeritus Dr. Donald Kendrick, the choir will also sing the Ukrainian National Anthem in honor of the invaded country.
Bob Aldrich
Sacramento
Wasteful tourist parks
“Surge of desert surf parks stirs questions in dry California,” (sacbee.com, April 26)
Building luxury water parks indulges wealthy tourists and ignores the state of emergency in California. Our state has had the driest January, February and March in recorded history this year. We are currently in a “megadrought,” further exacerbated by climate change. In fact, Gov. Gavin Newsom has extended drought water emergencies in California.
As a beginner surfer, I understand the appeal of building artificial surf parks. Artificial parks can create consistent waves and safe conditions that make it easier for people to learn. However, building massive pools in the middle of a desert — at a time when water is scarce — is wasteful and extravagant.
The money could be better used to build more environmentally sustainable tourist attractions.
Sophie Yang
Cerritos
McCarthy is a coward
“McCarthy’s push to ascend to House speaker relies on Trump,” (sacbee.com, April 24)
After he lost the 2020 election in a landslide victory won by President Joe Biden, Donald Trump, in his inimitable, anti-American fashion, tried to overturn his humiliating defeat.
Initially, Rep. Kevin McCarthy stood strong and joined patriotic Republicans like Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger in calling out Trump’s traitorous scheme, committing to ask Trump to resign the presidency before the end of his term. But McCarthy, never a capable leader and always a coward, abandoned his courageous fellow patriots when confronted by the then ex-president.
McCarthy is a clear and present danger to our country because of his lawless fealty to Trump and to himself — rather than to the Constitution and the American people.
John McCarthy
Sacramento