Fish, undocumented kids, Trump-phobia

Eliminate bass, save the salmon

Re “In state’s water wars, striped bass vilified as predators of native fish” (Insight, May 7): An April 19 report to the state Water Resources Control Board by Dr. Sean Hayes of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration discussed multiple stresses that impact salmon. Hayes’ study confirmed the results of 25 years of similar studies: As few as 3 percent of migrating salmon survive their Delta journey.

Eliminating predatory bass and catfish won’t entirely solve problems in the Delta. Addressing hot spots in numerous areas where salmon numbers suffer their greatest losses should be the first focus of predator control, reducing effects of nonnative species in the Delta.

Allowing unrestricted fishing for bass or other predators in those areas would reduce risk to endangered salmon. That’s a step in the right direction toward a healthier Delta for everyone.

Don’t give aid to undocumented

Re “Undocumented immigrant youths get state-funded care” (Page 6A, May 17): Our Legislature continues to spend our tax dollars on benefits for illegal aliens. Health care is just the latest misuse.

As a taxpayer, I am tired of putting illegals in front of our kids, our poor and our elderly. This money could pay for college for poor families. Illegals should not be taking space in colleges. We need to stop providing benefits to illegals, if we ever hope to stop the migration from Mexico.

Bring back citizen-politicians

The founders envisioned citizen-politicians who would serve for a few years, then return home to live under the laws they passed. Now we have career politicians, who are mainly concerned with being re-elected.

There are few statesmen. We must preserve equality of opportunity. But as our politicians are pushing equality of outcome, all we can expect is mediocrity.

Trump-phobia is not warranted

Re “A selfless Sanders is our only hope” (Erika D. Smith, May 12): At least The Bee states that the column was opinion and not a news article. It is an opinion that reflects the bias of The Bee’s editorial board.

Unfortunately, the same statements can be heard throughout the biased media – that the prospect of living under Trump is absolutely terrifying. Where is the evidence? There is none. When I look back over the years of “The Apprentice,” I see contestants of all types: gays, females, Latinos, blacks, foreigners, atheists, Christians, Jews, and winners of all types.

I have seen no evidence of the phobias or biases expressed by this opinion. The only phobia that is evidenced in the article is Trump-phobia, and it seems to be epidemic among liberals.

No need to spend big for gap year

Re “Gap year is a great idea if students can afford it” (Viewpoints, May 17): Writer Karin Klein brought up some great points about the hurdles our state college systems put in front of students wanting to take a gap year. However, I disagree with her main premise that a gap year is only accessible to the wealthy.

My daughter is graduating from high school this spring and will take a gap year abroad next year, as will two of her close friends. Not one of our families is wealthy. What we have in common is a conviction in the enormous value of a year to pause, reflect and grow before leaping onto yet another treadmill of college and career. That type of experience is completely available to any student.

Some researchers have demonstrated that a gap year may save parents and students money, because students return more ready for college and less likely to drop out, switch majors or get distracted by common freshman mistakes like frequent partying. They are calmer, more mature, more self-aware and more ready for the road ahead.

This story was originally published May 18, 2016 at 5:30 AM with the headline "Fish, undocumented kids, Trump-phobia."