"In your report on the horrific killing of coach John Beam, Alameda County Chief Public Defender Brendon Woods argued that "Instead of more jail and prison, we should invest in more effective solutions, such as diversion, mentorship and violence interruption." Ironically, Coach Beam exemplified the diversion, mentorship and violence prevention programs that Woods advocates, but the effective result was Beam's own murder. Stop coddling offenders and restore punishment as a societal norm."
"The government shutdown is finally over. This is good news for the nearly 42 million people receiving SNAP, as their full benefits will resume soon. But there is something seriously wrong when our government can take benefits from low-income people (many of whom have jobs). Food banks, though important and appreciated, are simply not in a position to substitute for SNAP funding. Our government has trodden on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and my personal values that food is a right."
Alameda County should stop coddling offenders and restore punishment as a societal norm. Diversion, mentorship, and violence interruption are promoted as alternatives to jail and prison, yet a coach who participated in those programs was killed. Nearly 42 million people receive SNAP benefits, and full benefits resumed after the government shutdown. Food banks cannot substitute for SNAP funding, and removing benefits harms low-income people, including those who work. The government must protect programs that reduce poverty and ensure taxpayer funds are spent as Congress intended, with a budget deadline of Jan. 30. A surgeon general nominee emphasizes lifestyle changes such as healthy eating over medical interventions.
Read at The Mercury News
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