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Control by punishment

Although I agree with Larry Treffry (“It’s all about control,” April 11), he didn’t take his argument to its logical conclusion. I will not quibble about what percent of climate change is due to industry. Rather, I will comment on the desire to punish factories for producing requested goods.

Our president was very wise to back out of the Paris Accord. The last thing we need is a feudal law in which government dictates to manufacturers. If we allow this, then it will want more.

There now exist several cities with cameras on every street corner. China has taken this further. Every Chinese citizen is part of a computerized rating system. Punishments for “bad” behavior range from small fines to being denied access to public transport. In extreme cases, people are even denied buying a house or traveling to other countries.

America is still the land of liberty. Let’s keep it that way.

Douglas R. Benn

Spokane

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