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Valley Times Tuesday letters to the editor
Letters from our readers
May 12, 2008
In a March 5 letter, a writer brushes off 2001 IPCC projections for global warming, but that they've yielded reasonably accurate predictions actually lends credibility to the IPCC computer models. His claim that the models could have the same weaknesses is specious. Over 30 prestigious international laboratories developed and continue to refine these models to closely reproduce climate observations.
The fourth IPCC report (http://www.ipcc.ch/) describes the detailed and sophisticated science the models incorporate. Their estimated confidence levels exceed 90 percent for the anthropogenic contribution of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, are medium-low for sulfur aerosols, but are low for clouds, a frequent and legitimate complaint of global warming skeptics. However, clouds and water vapor, major contributors to global warming, are successfully modeled as feedback to carbon-dioxide forcing.
The writer cites physicist Willie Soon's rejection of carbon-dioxide forcing, but computer models reveal that solar radiation only partially accounts for recent global warming.
Unfortunately, Soon and Sallie Baliunas, prominent astrophysicists, presented a 2003 Climate Research paper that was not properly reviewed, suffered major errors, received severe criticism and led to protest resignations by half of the editorial board of Climate Research. The paper is still referenced by global warming skeptics. It even instigated Sen. James Inhofe's infamous congressional investigation to rebuke global warming.
The fourth IPCC report discusses other errors in work by global warming skeptics and laments that they keep presenting the same misleading work.
Contrary to the letter writer's opinion, recent papers describe an alarming increase in glacial melting and flow rates. This awaits further discussion.
Cliff Price
Livermore
Measure D
Recently I received a flier from "Friends of Guy Houston" in support of Measure D. It said "Measure D will strengthen math and science programs in the San Ramon Valley School District." Also, it said "Measure D will put additional resources into San Ramon Valley Schools to improve math and science programs."
Additionally, it said "Measure D provides additional classroom resources that teachers need to prepare children with the skills necessary to be successful." How will all this be done? How will Measure D strengthen programs? What additional resources will be provided? We can't expect support for Measure D with vague assertions. We need specifics.
Bob Eckert
Danville
Confused
Please forgive me, I have been traveling a bit, so I pick up news piecemeal and often confuse stories. Also, I have not been trained in misinformation. After a pizza parlor shooting in San Francisco, the police announced they had jailed the person responsible for the homicides, a few weeks later they reversed their statement.
A person in San Diego was released after two years in jail, because it seems that the evidence used to convict her has now proven to be completely different? A man was released after 27 years in jail for raping and killing his girlfriend? He was denied repeated appeals. He was denied repeated requests for DNA testing. Twenty-seven years? The D.C. madam faced 55 years, Nevada madams get cable TV specials. Vallejo spends 75 percent of its budget on police and fire? A cop at UC would have actually made more money if retired, rather than working? She had so much extra time she was able to help out with the budget of another department, and make extra money? Again, I'm sorry for any mistakes. Oh, didn't one of our local-national politicians rail against the Chinese on the way they run their system?
Edward Ott
Danville
Israeli milestone
Israel, America's ally and the only modern democracy in the Middle East, is celebrating its 60th birthday this week. All Israeli citizens enjoy freedom of religion, freedom of speech and political rights including the right to vote. For example, the Israeli government funds Korans and the operating costs for more than 100 mosques as well as the salaries of Muslim religious leaders and pays for the upkeep of holy sites for all religions — including some of the most important Christian sites in the world.
Arabs have been elected to every Israeli Parliament since the founding of the modern state of Israel. Since the establishment of modern Israel in 1948, women of all ethnic groups have been elected to key government leadership roles including Prime Minister Golda Meir, the world's third female prime minister.
In 1958, Israel adopted an official humanitarian aid agenda as a principal element of the country's international cooperation efforts. Over the years, the country has extended international humanitarian aid assistance to more than 140 countries, including those that do not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel.
Most of all, however, Israel is a country that deeply wants peace. Though surrounded by enemies who want Israel "wiped off the map" — especially Iran and its proxies Hezbollah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad — Israel is still working toward a solution in which both Israelis and Palestinians will live side by side in peace.
Please join us in congratulating Israel at this historic time.
Ellen G. Levine, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Castro Valley
Accountability
In reading your article entitled "Plan to build luxury homes put on hold," May 8, I take issue with the use of the word "small" to describe the group Citizens for Civic Accountability. This is a diverse group of more than 85 people who feel strongly that the "small" group of Danville employees are acting prejudicial in recommending approval of this project as it stands.
We do feel vindicated at this point in the process and will continue in our efforts to make sure the Town of Danville acts appropriately under the California Environmental Quality Act as well as their own municipal code.
Kristen Trisko
Danville
Trisko represents Citizens for Civic Accountability.
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