Letters to the editor, Sunday, Nov. 23: Bill imperils climate goals; no ‘sour grapes’

Bill would derail climate action

Massachusetts cannot afford to move backwards on climate action, but that’s exactly what bill H.4744 would do. This bill guts Mass Save, weakens our renewable energy requirements, eliminates a money-saving electric discount for moderate-income residents and even creates a new “pipeline tax” that forces electric customers to subsidize gas infrastructure. It rolls back our 2030 climate goals at the very moment we need to accelerate progress.

H.4744 also removes the social cost of carbon from decision making, rigs “cost-effectiveness” tests against long-term climate solutions, and blocks pollution-reduction payments from funding clean energy projects. These changes would raise costs for families, slow the transition to clean energy and lock us into more fossil fuel dependence.

The House must reject this bill. I urge representatives, especially those on House Ways and Means, to oppose H.4744 and protect Massachusetts’ climate leadership.

Norah Dooley, Royalston

No call for ‘sour grapes’

While I supported and voted for Keith Linhares in the recent election, I fundamentally disagree with his “sour grapes” opinion column about his loss in the election. 

It is true that many of us live in quiet neighborhoods in Worcester, but please remember that we all did not grow up in those neighborhoods. We grew up in the same environment that now encourages and supports newer residents to our city. We support immigration to our city by eating in those restaurants and shopping in those stores owned by those immigrants – just as our parents and grandparents did. Of course, I support new housing construction in the city – that is a basic economic benefit to the local economy. 

And many of us work and support the agencies in Worcester that give aid to those less fortunate than us – food pantries, advocacy groups. We are not letting state and national government handle the “big stuff,” as Mr. Linhares says. It is about wanting to see things change and working to make those changes on our local level. 

I do agree that national issues should stay out of our local politics. We have enough to deal with locally, and time and effort toward changing our national policies should be done outside of the City Council chamber. 

Please stop complaining about your loss and continue to work to improve our city and work with the committees and our elected officials toward our common goals.

Robert Pulda, Worcester

Reining in rodeos

Regarding “Last rodeo? Worcester City Council to discuss cracking down on events”:

Cowboy hats off to Worcester’s City Council for considering a crackdown on rodeos, a barbaric holdover from earlier times when we didn’t know who animals are. When I was a cruelty investigator, long ago, I witnessed a bull with a cinch around his midsection to make him buck. Desperately flailing to lose the irritating binding, he crashed into a fence, fell onto his front leg and broke it. Next stop: the slaughterhouse. 

Animals forced to participate in rodeos are routinely hit, kicked, spurred, slammed onto the ground, and goaded into participating in violent displays. They have suffered broken backs and necks, pulled muscles, heart attacks and aneurysms. Veterinary care is scant.

Bills like this one are critical since most rodeos are self-policing, and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s “humane rules” are worthless. On the rare occasions a fine is imposed, it is a drop in the bucket compared to the prize money competitors are vying for. The cost of doing business.

Those of us in the stands are rooting for Worcester’s City Council to vote against cruelty. It’s almost 2026. Rodeo is nothing to “yahoo” about. Enough!

Ingrid Newkirk, founder and principal, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Washington, DC

A toast to animal lovers

Second Chance Animal Services would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who helped make our Barking ’20s Cocktails for Tails fundraiser such a memorable night. The Spencer Country Inn was filled with energy and compassion as we came together to support shelter pets with significant medical needs – pets for whom Second Chance is often their only chance.

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us in person and to all who took part in our Great Catsby online auction from home. A special thank-you to DJ Brian for generously volunteering his time so guests could dance the night away, and to the incredible volunteers who worked behind the scenes, gathering items or making sure the evening ran smoothly. We also appreciate the many local businesses that donated raffle and auction items to help raise much-needed funds.

We are truly thankful for our event sponsors whose support makes a real difference for the pets who need us most: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Herlihy Insurance Group, Joe Campisi, Patrick Motor Group, Cat Topia, Fontaine Community Foundation, Westside Billing, GS-JJ, Ardor CrossFit Fitness, Associated Electro-Mechanics, Cornerstone Bank, Embie Industries, Florence Bank, McDonnell Contracting, Lyons Plumbing & Heating and TD Bank.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, more pets with serious medical needs will get the second chance they deserve. We are grateful for your kindness, your participation, and your continued belief in our mission.

Lindsay Doray, chief development officer, Second Chance Animal Services