Readers React: California’s drought is a national issue

To the editor: California is turning itself upside down because of the water consumed by an agricultural industry that has only a modest impact on the state’s overall economy and produces food only a modest percentage of which is consumed by Californians. (“Drought unlikely to cause major damage to California economy, analysts say,” April 14)

What it wrong with this picture? Our drought is a national issue and deserves federal government consideration. The billions needed for water infrastructure, desalinization or both should be a national expense.

Otherwise, California should figure out a pricing mechanism to cause the cost of fruit and vegetables grown here to reflect the true cost of the water being used for irrigation.

Michael Weinbaum, San Clemente

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To the editor: This article takes a narrow view of a problem that will repeat in coming years. Population growth in the interim will require more drastic cuts when drought occurs again. Business, job creation and economic growth will all be impacted.

Impact now appears low because the full effects of cuts in supply and conservation efforts have not fully taken effect. It’s one thing to treat the current problem, but the long term needs to be considered, and the only way to ensure the long-term economic health of the state is to increase the supply of water.

Barring some scientific breakthrough that would allow us to create water, we need to consider desalination as a viable option.

Michael Solomon, Canoga Park

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To the editor: A doctor diagnoses his patient with a cancer so advanced that he knows she has but a few weeks to live. He gently advises her to go home, get her affairs in order and occupy whatever time is left with pleasant pursuits with loved ones.

The patient, incensed, replies: “Don’t you know I have important responsibilities at work? I can’t just quit!”

There is no water, people. Get used to it.

Carole Cooper, Manhattan Beach

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