Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Aug. 1, 2024

Be kind to your pets during bad heat waves

I would like to remind folks during this extremely hot weather to take care of their pets by not exercising them in the heat of the day.

Recently, I saw an individual running his dogs alongside his bike for about 90 minutes with no water for them. Luckily, there was a bowl near a water fountain that I filled for his two small dogs who were panting and obviously thirsty. The owner said he heard it wasn’t good to give them water while panting. I advised that is not the case (as long as they don’t drink too much). I have known owners who have lost their dogs to dehydration.

One other note about running your dogs while biking; It can be very hard on their foot pads and even burn them — especially on hot pavement.

— Marcia Basalla, Novato

Democrats need to have a true open convention

Some commentators say Vice President Kamala Harris is the best person to follow President Joe Biden. She did well as San Francisco district attorney and California attorney general in taking on sexism, racism and criminals. These are important matters to many voters.

However there are other issues, like personal and family economic stress, which are topmost on the minds of a large number of everyday working people. Harris has shown little ability to speak openly and passionately about a more comprehensive array of issues, as a campaigner and future president must.

We need to see other possible Democratic nominees, as well as Harris, who could have more in their favor. Biden needs to ask his formerly pledged delegates to vote as they see fit in an open convention next month. The convention delegates, who are selected from among generally civic-minded and informed citizens to represent the party, would be free to decide on a party nominee.

Having an open convention doesn’t have to be a chaotic mess. The Democratic National Committee needs to provide some structure for the selection of a candidate. Four thousand delegates cannot be expected to function without structure allowing for a fair and orderly operation.

Votes should be taken until a majority of the delegates select a candidate. The final choice might be an inspirational person from an important battleground state. If the presidential candidate is not a person of color, the running mate should be.

There might be a series of public town meetings prior to the convention in which a variety of candidates speak. These would not be debates. Each possible candidate would present what he or she would offer as president.

— Art Reiss, Greenbrae

Fight against growing threat of nuclear weapons

As we approach the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on Aug. 6, it is crucial that we reflect not only on the catastrophic events of that day but also on the ongoing threat of nuclear weapons that continues to endanger humanity. The bombing of Hiroshima in 1945 resulted in the immediate deaths of over 100,000 people and left countless others suffering from long-term radiation effects. This tragic chapter in history serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for nuclear disarmament.

Today, more than 9,000 nuclear warheads remain in the arsenals of nine nations, perpetuating a grave risk of nuclear conflict. The United States is currently embarking on an unprecedented nuclear project: the complete replacement of the Minuteman missile with the Sentinel missile, a program set to cost over $100 billion. As we remember the victims of Hiroshima, we must also reassess our commitment to these weapons of mass destruction.

In observance of the 79th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing, the nonprofit organization Tri-Valley Communities Against a Radioactive Environment will hold a peaceful and nonviolent protest. Go to trivalleycares.org for details.

This year’s action is part of the national “Back From the Brink” campaign, which seeks to unite communities in the fight against the growing threat of nuclear weapons. The event will commence with a rally to honor the victims of Hiroshima, followed by a traditional Japanese bon dance as a symbol of peace.

This anniversary provides a poignant opportunity to renew our commitment to nuclear disarmament. Let us honor the memory of Hiroshima by advocating for a future free from the threat of nuclear weapons and working toward a world where such devastation is a distant memory.

— Aidee Pressley, Sonoma