Don’t forget power of energy conservation

The Baltimore Sun’s recent editorial, “Maryland’s leaders warm to nuclear power: Are they wrong?” (Feb. 8), references many sources of power: coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear, wind, solar and biomass. But you do not mention a potential major source of power: conservation.

Power saved by better insulating buildings and reducing lighting could be a source for other energy needs, reducing the need for producing and transmitting power. Years ago at a forum, I asked a Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. vice-president how useful would investment in conservation be? As I recall, she said about three times as useful as spending on creating energy.

— Bill Marker, Baltimore

Are the Commanders really a Maryland team?

Am I the only one wondering whether letter writer Robin Ficker has ever heard of an NFL team known as the Baltimore Ravens (emphasis on Baltimore, a city in Maryland)? In his recent letter to the editor, he calls the Washington Commanders (emphasis on Washington) “Maryland’s premier NFL team” and argues that we have to “fight… to keep our [Commanders] football heroes in Maryland where they belong” (“Maryland should fight to keep Commanders,” Feb. 7).

Frankly, I don’t have an opinion as to whether the Commanders should remain in Maryland or move all the way to Washington, D.C. (consistent with their name), but I certainly disagree with the Montgomery County resident’s characterization that the Washington Commanders are Maryland’s premier NFL team and that they must stay in Maryland “where they belong.”

— Claire Hoffman, Lutherville

Maryland must stop protecting BGE monopoly

In the article, “Alternate suppliers are bypassing Maryland just as BGE bills skyrocket, squeezing choices and budgets” (Feb. 5), David Lapp of the Maryland Office of the People’s Counsel credits last year’s Senate Bill 1 for protecting consumers. Sorry but by regulating alternative electricity suppliers out of the market, the bill protects BGE monopolistic pricing necessary to cover the cost of numerous green initiatives.

This is exactly what Maryland electricity choice was designed to prevent. His statement earns five stars for gaslighting. Marylanders must be prevented from undercutting BGE pricing by using alternative suppliers: That was the goal of the bill and it has been successful.

— William D. Sauerwein, Phoenix

Why US must protect its southern border

As a journalist, I interviewed two presidents of Mexico, Miguel de la Madrid and Carlos Salinas. When I interviewed President Madrid, Mexico was having problems with Mexican truck drivers not being allowed to transport goods into the United States. I asked President Madrid how he planned to handle that problem. He said he would threaten the President of the United States. If Mexican drivers could not enter the U.S., he would send one million Mexican immigrants over the border. Soon thereafter, Mexican drivers were allowed to enter the United States.

When I interviewed President Salinas, I asked him how Knight-Ridder, the publishing company I worked for, could buy Mexican-based magazines. He told me to meet with his public affairs official. His public affairs official told me I should give him $100,000. He would keep $50,000 and he would give a broker $50,000 to make an introduction. That is not legal in the U.S. but it is how business operates in Mexico.

I appreciate all people who want to come to this country. Every single person of Mexican heritage I have ever met was hardworking and often God fearing. But it disturbs me when those of Mexican heritage wave a Mexican flag while holding rallies in the United States and voice their criticism of this country seeking to deport illegal immigrants who have committed crimes (“Border czar Homan says ICE raid leaks are likely coming ‘from the inside,'” Feb. 11).

The U.S. has every right to protect its borders just like any other country. For years, Mexico has allowed people of all nationalities to go through their country and enter ours illegally and then complain about us. May I suggest American citizens who have no problem with this attempt to enter Mexico illegally? They would end up in jail.

— Stanford Erickson, Baltimore