Owning guns, stopping Trump, eating plant-based diet, and the bigotry of humans

Gun ownership not just a privilege

Re “Sheriff Jones’ liberal gun permit policy comes at a cost” (Editorials, June 1): Regardless of whether the fee for concealed-carry permits should be increased, the Constitution says “the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” It does not say this is a privilege. And again The Sacramento Bee editorial board states this policy does not make it feel safer, yet the board has never provided any evidence to support this claim. No reports of crimes committed by permit holders, no reports of illegal activity by permit holders.

Almost everybody has an opinion, but that does not make them all correct.

Sanders, Clinton can stop Trump

Re “Brown backs Clinton as way to halt Trump” (Capitol & California, June 1): Although Hillary Clinton is the current front-runner, she is not the only factor that will stop Donald Trump from getting the presidency. Even if Bernie Sanders does not win the Democratic nomination, he is forcing people like Clinton and Trump to talk about topics that will sway voters based on their stances.

It is important and necessary for someone like Sanders to continue pushing topics other candidate fail to address. I think that Clinton and Sanders together can stop Trump.

Good info about plant-based food

Re “ ‘Plant based’ a mix of health, pleasure” (Food & Drink, June 1): Thank you, Blair Anthony Robertson, for writing an article about eating plant-based foods, for giving the information on what to read and for letting people know that it is much healthier for them. It is also better for the environment and for the animals.

Our contribution to climate change

Re “Warming threatens some of the world’s iconic historical, cultural sites” (Page 14A, May 28): We do not make the connection between the warming that is happening everywhere on earth, and the pounds of excess CO2 we each put into the air.

If we wanted to stop our individual contribution to global warming, we would not fly in airplanes or drive gasoline-powered cars. We would learn how many pounds of CO2 were required to make everything we buy, and we would buy items that required the least amount of CO2.

Graduation honors accomplishments

Re “Make graduation memorable” (Letters, June 1): I wholeheartedly disagree with Michael R. Gorman. Whether or not you are in favor of the school’s dress code at graduation ceremonies, not following it shows a total lack of respect for the rules.

Schools have these policies to avoid having kids show up in gang colors or other garments to cause a disruption. Graduation is the time to honor accomplishments, not heritage. If students want to honor their heritage, they should wear such items underneath their gown. In the meantime, they should proudly wear their cap and gown with the cords and sashes that show their academic and athletic accomplishments.

Human bigotry and a gorilla’s death

Re “Cincinnati Zoo did the right thing” (Letters, June 1): John West states that “no human’s life should be sacrificed or endangered to protect any animal,” referring to the gorilla, Harambe, who was killed to protect a human who got into his zoo enclosure.

This fact is we humans are animals, too. All animals, human and nonhuman, are different by physical characteristics only, but the same in basic ways – like the ability to feel pain and suffer, as well as the desire to live.

Human beings continue to believe they are superior to all others on the planet because of intellect and because of outward appearances. Bigotry in this regard is referred to as “speciesism.”

This story was originally published June 2, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Owning guns, stopping Trump, eating plant-based diet, and the bigotry of humans."