‘Happy microcosm’: A Modesto opera performance gave one audience member hope in humanity | Opinion

Inspirational performance

“ Opera Modesto celebrates 40th anniversary with gala ,” (modbee.com, April 25, 2023)

Recently, my husband and I attended an Opera Modesto performance of “The Marriage of Figaro.” The extensive program notes listed the musical study and experience of every performer. Their dedication and goals to enhance natural talents were obvious, and the result was a beautiful, joyful production.

The uplifting feelings from the performance — shared with the whole audience — lasted us many days.

Can this happy microcosm of what humanity is capable of somehow grow to reach all of us in this political period? To inspire us to forgive and pray for one another? To grasp what is real and what is deceit? To contribute what we can? And, especially, to vote for office seekers who have hearts desiring to serve?

To solve or mitigate the many serious issues continuing to face our country and planet, we need special people — good people — who are ready to give all they have for the common good.

Diana Doll

Modesto

Trump and Hitler

“ David Urban Blasts Dem Strategist Who Links Trump to Hitler: ‘Shame on you ’,” (modbee.com, Oct. 7)

The Nazis in Donald Trump’s family tree explain his personal penchant for Hitlerian rhetoric.

“Poisoning the blood” was Hitler’s race doctrine. Now, this is Trump’s fundamental trope: He has said immigrants are “poisoning the blood of our country.”

Rita Yamaguchi

Atwater

No time to be polite

“ Trump Surges to Close Gap Against Harris with Key Voting Group: Poll ,” (modbee.com, Oct. 9)

Democrats are being irresponsible during this presidential campaign.

Former President Donald Trump has said he will have a one-day purge if he is re-elected. What does that mean to him and his followers? Does it mean deportation for illegal immigrants? Or do his followers hear something worse (like in the movie, “The Purge” in which all crime, including murder, is deemed legal for a 12-hour period)?

Who would do the killing and who would be the targets of murder? Will they be the homeless, the poor, the weak — those who are deemed not of value to society?

We see Trump as a lunatic, but there are many who don’t. This is no time for the Democrats to be urbane and polite.

Penny Williams

Patterson

Don’t leave pets behind

“ Can you afford to evacuate during severe weather? Many Americans can’t, poll finds ,” (modbee.com, Oct. 8)

Hurricanes Helene and Milton are heartbreaking reminders that disaster preparedness saves lives. American Humane is urging pet owners to take simple steps to ensure you and your animal companions are ready when the next catastrophe strikes.

Develop a disaster plan, including a list of safe places that could house your pets in a crisis. Pet-friendly hotels, emergency shelters and friends or relatives in another area are good places to start.

Make an evacuation kit with supplies, including enough water and nonperishable pet food for several days, an extra leash or harness, a comfortable pet carrier, a week-long supply of any medications your pet requires, copies of your pet’s medical records and vaccinations and recent photos of your pet.

Ensure your pet always wears a collar with up-to-date contact information, including a cell phone number, in case of a power outage. American Humane also recommends microchipping your pet. However, microchips aren’t GPS trackers: The devices simply store emergency contact information, which owners are responsible for providing and keeping up-to-date.

If you’re forced to evacuate, don’t leave pets behind.

Robin Ganzert

American Humane, president and CEO