New climate change study is no myth
Re: “Sinking ‘climate change,’ ” June 3
Cal Thomas dismisses climate change as a myth that is rapidly being discredited. However, just a few weeks ago, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences released a major series of studies on climate change (“America’s Climate Choices” http://americasclimatechoices.org/).
Perhaps the NAS is part of the left-wing media and enviro-wacko conspiracy to bamboozle the public that Mr. Thomas blames for the “myth.” Or perhaps there really is something to climate change.
John Z. Wetmore
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Metro board should look at labor costs
Re: “Metro to host hearing on $709m spending plan,” June 2
Metro’s capital budget should not be raided, even temporarily, to subsidize its operating budget. The Metro board needs to insist that the labor agreements be modified, as thousands across the country have been, to bring labor expenses down to a reasonable level.
With bus operators’ wages and benefits nearing $100,000 and climbing, the board should insist that the difference between revenues and expenses be closed by reductions in labor costs, not by raiding the capital accounts or increasing fares.
The system needs increases in safety levels, but deferring capital expenditures will reduce safety. More reasonable labor costs would allow Metro to both increase capital expenditures and reduce fares. The board should insist that this be done.
Jack Adams
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Flotilla article doesn’t tell whole story
Re: “Israeli commandos storm aid flotilla; 9 activists killed,” June 1
Both this headline and story line are misleading. The headline should read: “Nine terrorist Hamas supporters killed in battles with Israeli commandos searching for contraband materials.” The story should have noted that the personnel on these ships were asked to dock in Ashdod and, after being inspected for weaponry by the Israelis, would then be allowed to continue on to Gaza.
However, this was not the propaganda effect desired by these Hamas supporters, who wanted to break the sea blockade that has proved effective in preventing shipment of rockets and military equipment to Gaza from Iran, Syria and North Korea.
Israel had no alternative but to board these ships. The response of the leaders on the lead ship showed that they were anything but peaceful activists.
Turkey should be roundly condemned for allowing its ships, ports and facilities to be used by this terrorist group. The formerly secular government in Turkey that once cooperated with Israel has been replaced by an Islamic one that caters to Iran and Syria.
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