Letters to the editor

Socialism

To paraphrase Alexander Pope, those with little knowledge tend to overestimate their intelligence. The author of “Local reps oppose denouncing socialism” (Feb. 9) is a perfect example of Pope’s trope. Uncritically accepted viewpoints pertaining to the evils of socialism pervade society’s consciousness, with images of people fleeing from dictatorial governments in search of liberty. But all it takes is a tiny bit of effort to learn that the principles of socialism are rooted in actual democracy and liberty. On the face of it (for many) this may seem contradictory, but that’s because we’re accustomed to conflating oppressive governments with socialism. It must be noted that dictatorships don’t work well in mixed economies (China), capitalist economies (Russia) or socialist economies (USSR). To be clear, socialist values are not the issue or foolish. But support for power-hungry, election-averting tyrants will have dictatorship at America’s doorstep. Now that would be downright shameful.

— John C. Duff, Los Alamitos

CALPERS/CALSTRS

Re: “Keep politics out of pension investments” (Feb. 8):

The idea that investment decisions are divorced from “politics” is not true. Screening of investments is done for many reasons other than simple concerns over risk and profits; no reasonable person would support investing in sex and drug trafficking, no matter how profitable. Slavery is usually avoided, fortunately. Climate change is equally important. Citing tobacco investments is telling: divestment did not stop smoking, but as part of a societal rejection, it has seen a drop from 42% among adults in 1965 to 13.7% in 2018, according to the American Lung Association. Alone, CALPERS can’t fix climate change. That’s why we must all join in the efforts, including cessation of building out fossil fuel infrastructure along with electrification and decarbonization of industry and agriculture.

— E. J. Parker, Long Beach

Defunding LAUSD police

Re “District to invest in alternatives to policing” (Feb. 6):

In Utopia there would be no need for school police. Los Angeles isn’t Utopia. School police play a fundamental role in providing for the welfare and safety of the faculty, staff and students. Having a police presence on campus provides a sense of safety and a deterrent to violence and crime. To defund the school police department by 35% puts everyone’s safety at risk. When faculty need a police officer they have one readily available to them. When those officers are removed the school must call 911 and wait for help to arrive. School psychologists and social workers can’t throw handcuffs on a student when that kid threatens the safety of others. Safe schools begin making the climate safe for everyone. If that requires having multiple cops on campuses, so be it. Faculty, staff, parents and students deserve to know that

Republicans don't want to end SS or Medicare

Re “Biden digs into Medicare, Social Security debate” (Feb. 9):

President Biden may be too old to understand simple math. Many important people in the government who have studied the figures realize that the programs could easily run out of money by 2035 unless changes are made on how to finance both programs. Republicans are trying to support both laws by changing the way they are funded without printing money and raising the debt limit. The Democrats do not want a healthy debate because it suits them in voting cycles. The Republican message is not being heard and they have not succeeded in developing a presentable plan.

— Stephen Lucas, Van Nuys

State of the Union

I watch the State of the Union no matter who is president. I think it’s important to hear news firsthand rather than through partisan talk show hosts. I also consider it our civic responsibility to be informed. A misinformed electorate is a danger to democracy, especially when voting. I would urge people to watch on a public news station such as PBS rather than the sensational commercial cable “news” stations. Then do the thinking for yourself.

— Kurt Meidinger,

Beaumont