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Nuclear power is anexpensive boondoggle
Re: “Wind, water, solar energy won’t do it. California needs nuclear.” (Page A6, Dec. 9).
I was dismayed to see an opinion piece by a former professor implying expertise in nuclear power, which is a subject that’s completely different from his field of expertise.
He abandoned the requirements of a scientific analysis by ignoring information that contradicts his opinion. Specifically, he claims that nuclear power is needed to fill the gaps when wind and solar are not sufficient. He mentions batteries but discounts the possibility of increasing their capacity. And he fails to mention other storage possibilities such as pump storage, compressed air, heat batteries, etc.
We were promised in the 1950s that nuclear power would be so cheap it wouldn’t need to be metered. Instead, it has proven to be a dangerous multibillion-dollar boondoggle.
We should be wary of nonfactual promises regarding nuclear power, which has been surpassed by much cheaper and safer green energy.
Fred GeigerSanta Cruz
Articles inspirehope in humanity
Re: “Work is music to their ears” (Page A1, Dec. 10), “Visitors glow with the flow” (Page B1, Dec. 10) and “Ousted tribe to purchase 896 acres of land” (Page B1, Dec. 10).
I have renewed hope, appreciation and faith in the goodness of people after reading the Mercury’s three stories.
So much terrible and distressing news abounds every day about what bad things are happening in our country and the world. It is truly heartening for me to read about innovative efforts to protect whales in the Pacific near San Francisco; people flocking to San Jose’s traditional Christmas in the Park; and our truly native Southern Sierra Miwuk Californians being given back their land occupied by them but taken away 175 years ago.
I believe and trust that the goodness of people will eventually prevail.
John TurnerSan Jose
Sober housing wouldbenefit many homeless
Fentanyl overdose deaths reached an all-time high in recent years, and the problem not only resides in Californians’ homes but on the streets as well.
California’s current housing-first and harm-reduction policies are not enough for the homeless population still suffering from drug addiction. While it’s important that we get our homeless population placed into homes, it’s just as important to continue supporting them afterward. Sober housing, a recovery-oriented framework, would be a more direct approach to the current crisis, especially in cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles, where overdose deaths in the homeless population are high.
Despite this, Gov. Gavin Newsom recently vetoed a bill proposed by state Assemblymember Matt Haney for sober housing. I urge the community to reflect on this matter and consider the implementation of sober housing or other viable recovery-oriented policies for our homeless.
Sharon DangSan Jose
Influencers havingdire effect on kids
Prime, the newest “hydration” drink launched by Logan Paul and KSI, contains 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, significantly higher than competing energy drinks such as Red Bull (80 mg) and Monster Energy (140 mg).
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that there is no proven safe dose of caffeine for children. The underlying issue is the exploitation of our youth and kids. Logan Paul and Prime are not here to ensure kids get their electrolytes or stay hydrated. If kids keep drinking caffeine, they’ll develop long-term health problems such as cardiovascular stress, sleep disruption and early caffeine dependency.
Kids don’t choose to drink Prime or these energy drinks because they need the caffeine — they choose it because it’s “cool” and because of other branding influences. Prime’s success is a failure of both regulation and the blind trust that people have in influencers. If nothing changes, we will be primed to fail our future generations.
Kevin LuuSan Jose
Federal workers shouldrefuse illegal orders
Donald Trump has managed to surround himself with kingmakers (Supreme Court justices, Congress and all other positions of power) while firing those who would stop or question him.
These lackeys, however, are not the people who carry out the dangerous, illegal orders. Pete Hegseth doesn’t pull the trigger on the boats and people in the Caribbean, or stand guard as a political pawn in our Democratic cities. Similarly, every official act to attack our nation’s vital services, such as Social Security, health care, clean water and air, and on and on, has to be executed by federal workers.
Just as the military must refuse to follow illegal orders, federal workers must do the same. Federal workers, like those in the military, work there because they want to serve, not harm, our country.
Karen MandelSan Jose
US system must treatmigrants with dignity
I am writing to express my concern about the current immigration system of the U.S.
Right now, thousands of individuals and families are either violently taken from their homes with no notice or have been waiting years for a hearing on their status. During this time, people are living in constant fear and uncertainty, thus unable to fully live their lives.
America was built on the idea of freedom and opportunity; however, the recent acts on immigration prove otherwise. Improving the immigration system is not only a political issue but also a human one. Immigrants contribute to so much of America’s success, including our schools, workplaces and neighborhoods. They deserve a system that not only treats them as humans but also with respect.
Lily KuoSan Jose