Sacramento Bee readers criticize comments made by Kevin McCarthy, Kevin Kiley
Kiley hates CA
“California ‘the state everyone can’t wait to leave behind,’ Kevin Kiley tells CPAC audience,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 7)
Coming up with a campaign strategy is hard. You can hire the best consultants and focus-group various slogans and policy initiatives, but ultimately one winning sound bite can define a candidate’s campaign. Who would’ve thought Kevin Kiley would choose to make California his punching bag on the way to what he hopes will be his new job representing … California.
Kiley did plenty of California-bashing when he spoke at a March 2021 extremist rally in Sacramento, but he refuses to talk about that. Then there’s his fawning, “truly honored” acceptance of an endorsement from Trump, whose antipathy toward our state is legend. Finally, he trashed California onstage at the recent Conservative Political Action Conference.
The voters must reject Kiley’s “California Carnage.”
Barbara Smith
Auburn
Save our elections
“Justice Department details threats against election workers,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 3)
I was disheartened to read about how the Justice Department has charged five people for threatening violence against election workers. Having lived in Russia for two years, I understand what it means to live under an authoritarian regime. I do not wish that for the United States, and I feel that if we don’t secure free and open elections, we will quickly head in that direction.
We need to take action to ensure that our democracy is not taken from us. Support our election officials, or become one yourself. Once we have fair and open elections secured, we can start to ensure that our government is for and of the people.
Deanna Josephson
Grass Valley
Wrong solution
“Congress could give seniors a break on prescription drug costs. Here’s how the plan works,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 3)
Provisions of the federal drug-pricing proposal will improve care for our nation’s seniors and extend the Affordable Care Act. However, other components that call for price controls or “negotiation” will diminish patient access and exacerbate health disparities and gaps in care. Cancer patients, particularly Black women diagnosed with breast cancer, struggle to get desperately needed care. Congress shouldn’t pass any measure that will make it harder to access lifesaving treatment options.
As a 17-year breast cancer survivor, I’ve tackled more barriers than I can count to ensure that I received the care I needed. Because of my experience — and the work I do helping others navigate their own diagnoses — I know that policies like these will only hurt us more. This is not the legislation we need. Instead, we need workable solutions that improve health and address disparities without risking access to medicine and treatment.
Rev. Tammie Denyse
Sacramento
Consider Cal Expo
“Sacramento County to move toward clearing homeless camps,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 7)
I suggest the Sacramento City Council and County Board of Supervisors use Cal Expo as an immediate and viable solution to solve the homeless encampment controversy. With over 250,000 square feet of well-maintained, air-conditioned facilities and bathrooms, plus over 20 acres of secure, open area with night lighting for vehicles, campers and RVs, it’s an ideal location.
A Cal Expo facility would allow necessary social, food and medical services, along with better security, at a central location. Millions of dollars would be saved using an existing facility, meaning more money for personnel and services.
This would also help lessen concerns among local businesses and residents. Everybody wins.
John Stephen Banchero
Sacramento
Keep Diablo
“Not so fast: California’s last nuke plant might run longer,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 8)
On behalf of the American Nuclear Society’s 10,000 members, we urge California’s policymakers to take prompt action to preserve the option of generating clean, reliable power at the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant. It’s not necessary to make a final decision today on continued plant operations beyond 2024. However, steps must be taken now to ensure that that option is available down the road. The costs will be small compared to the overall cost of decarbonization.
Regarding the safety of continued operations, our country’s independent nuclear safety agency should be making that assessment — not avowed foes of nuclear energy. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has the resources and expertise to evaluate a license renewal; its only bias is toward protecting public health and safety. California’s leaders ought to facilitate the submission of a Diablo Canyon license renewal application by Pacific Gas and Electric Co. That will enable an informed and impartial safety assessment by the commission.
Steven Arndt
American Nuclear Society, president
La Grange Park, Ill.
CA’s disgrace
“Kevin McCarthy chooses party over country by defending Trump,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 9)
Kevin McCarthy is an absolute national disgrace. As with many of his Republican peers, he is scared to death of former President Donald Trump, who lied his way through public office and allegedly committed crimes in addition to spearheading an illegitimate effort to overthrow a free and fair election.
McCarthy not only speaks out of both sides of his mouth; he is seemingly unconcerned with the current fragile state of our democracy given his continued desire to be an autocrat and overthrow the government. McCarthy’s behavior is not only terribly abhorrent; it is also a danger to the well-being of the foundation from which this country was built. McCarthy must put country before his own political aspirations and party.
David Phillips
Midland, Texas