Special interests, transportation budget, Iran deal and public service

Taking a back seat to special interest

Re “East entrance to state Capitol will be used by only staff, lobbyists” (Capitol & California, Jan. 18): The announcement that legislators, staff and lobbyists will be afforded access to the Capitol through their own special door and receive expedited entry certainly sends the definitive message as to where California constituents and taxpayers stand. Even in building access, the divide and disconnect between the public and government becomes more and more apparent while access to our legislators and their representatives takes a back seat to lobbyists and special interests.

If the security ruse is good for the public, it’s good for those in government and those with direct influence.

Trading openness for false security

This new rule, restricting use of the east doors to the Capitol to only staff and lobbyists, is shockingly brazen. Our elected representatives have decided that openness in government is too much trouble. Whoever told citizens they are entitled to access to their public buildings, anyway?

The astounding cowardice of the people we elect to do our business will not enhance security. But it will keep the people out of the people’s business. Adding insult to injury, it’s been decided that lobbyists can keep on coming. This edict is the equivalent of declaring corporate government is here to stay. Mussolini would call it fascism.

Governor, walk it like you talk it

Re “Brown’s roads budget is bad for environment and health” (Viewpoints, Jan. 19): Thanks to Daniel Weintraub for the budget alert. It is outrageous that Gov. Jerry Brown proposed a $3 billion increase for transportation but no increase to promote active transportation – human-powered movement, walking and biking.

I started daily biking in my senior years for commuting and pleasure. Friends who could do it are afraid of traffic. We need protected bike lanes. Brown should walk it like he talked it in Paris.

Adjust the budget to help biking, walking and limit greenhouse gases.

Diplomacy with Iran is a good thing

Re “Iran nuclear deal has made the world safer” (Editorials, Jan. 19): It seems it is undeniably true that those who opposed to the implementation of the multination agreement with Iran on its nuclear program have no ideas on how to improve the accord.

None of those complaining about the editorial offered any rebuttal or facts to support their position that this agreement is a failure or that Iran’s progress toward a nuclear weapon has been halted. Instead, predictions of disaster are made and Iranian deception is virtually guaranteed.

Nevertheless, the agreement is not a “trust me” document, and those who want it fulfilled must verify what happens. As others have written, if you don’t implement this accord, whose family members will be sent to fight and die on the claim that an evil nation has or will have a weapon of mass destruction?

Pushing the war button is easy and unpredictable, but burying the dead is far more difficult and certain.

What about a soldier’s pay?

Re “Metro Fire dominates list of top-paid firefighters” (Local, The Public Eye, Jan. 17): It bothers me, and I hope others, to see public servants reap huge rewards while our men and women in the military barely make ends meet. An E-5 staff sergeant with 20 years of service earns less than $40,000 per year. A captain, O-3, with 20 years service makes less than $80,000.

Now think about the rewards for service and sacrifice of young men and women, those with less than 10 years service, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. What are these firefighters going to make in retirement?

Some public employees have gamed the system, and the taxpayers are fools to let this continue. By the way, I’m a veteran and have a son serving in the U.S. Navy.

This story was originally published January 20, 2016 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Special interests, transportation budget, Iran deal and public service."