Coal v. Nuke


I am amazed at the resourcefulness of the Japanese after the tsunami and nuclear disaster (“A Study in Resolve,” Aug. 4-10). The sister aquarium to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Aquamarine Fukushima, lost all power from the tsunami and all their fishes died. Somehow, through their own prodigious efforts and the generous help from many other aquariums in Japan, they have just re-opened to the public.


Regarding the release of nuclear radiation from the damaged Daiichi plant, I feel that climate change from the continued use of fossil fuels is a far more serious problem. Droughts and floods from major climate change would impact the production of food and result in starvation for millions of people who are already living close to the edge. Aren’t we already seeing that in Somalia?


The generation of power of any kind is dangerous, whether it be hydroelectric dam failures, oil or mining for coal power plants. See www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/04/comparing-dangers-of-top-energy-sources.


For every single death from nuclear generation, 4,000 die from coal-generated power. The terrible destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki has created an unrealistic fear of nuclear energy. But like any source of power, its dangers can be managed if approached with safety as the highest priority. Until we can switch to renewable power, I feel nuclear is the best option we face. - David C. Powell | Pacific Grove


Duh You


Without any training in seismology or geologic engineering, I still feel fully qualified to “hazard a guess” on a dire risk glaringly omitted in the discussion on Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant perched at the margin of the scenic San Luis Obispo coastline: TSUNAMI!!! Duh! (“Relicensing for Diablo Canyon Nuclear plant is on hold, but seismic studies draw critics,” Aug. 4-10.) - Michael Baer | Monterey


Sopping Wet


It should not surprise anyone that developers defaulted on the $850,000 owed to the district for a lease agreement with Marina Coast Water District (“Former Fort Ord developers owe the district big bucks. So why aren’t they paying up?” Aug. 4-10). Marina was so obsessed with bringing big-bucks developers into the city that they let them have whatever they wanted to get them to sign on the dotted line, with no ramifications if they failed to follow through on their ends of the bargain. No wonder they aren’t paying up. There’s no sense of urgency to pay a bill if you never actually hear from the folks you owe money to. Fear of being sued over collecting on a legitimate debt is simply no excuse. Our local cities can barely afford to keep schools and libraries open, and an $850,000 debt oversight is unacceptable. - Thea Martinez | Marina 


Milk and Sugar?


Tea Party mentality reminds me of what has always concerned me about fundamentalist Christianity. Dictatorial, uncompromising religion or politics have no place in a democracy. Neither fits with humanitarian aspirations. That is why our wise and benevolent Founding Fathers created separation of church and state. And now, in an effort to circumvent this important constitutional law, fundamentalists have created their own political party. 


I might add, you don’t have to be religious to espouse this form of anti-democracy. All you have to be is insecure and selfish. No one who cares about the future of the Earth and nature need apply.


Both religious and political fundamentalism are greed – and fear-based ideologies. How people vote often indicates their emotional state rather than their political or intellectual understanding. Remember, a pure democracy is the best form of government for the majority. - John McCleary | Monterey


Debt Rage


I’m so angry I could punch a hole in the wall (“Time for Real Liberals to stand up and kick Team Dem to the curb,” Aug. 4-10). 


I’d like to take John Boehner and the Tea Partiers to the homes of the very poor, the very sick and the penniless, and make them see what they have done and continue doing. - Anonymous | Carmel