All those 2014 initiatives for early education, economic development, immigration reform and a better welfare system are wasted if we cannot breathe clean air. What good would it be to fix everything if we die from poor air quality?

These days, I have to take an airplane to escape the pollution and practice my basic right to breathe. Unless we ban certain vehicles that emit toxins, old and dysfunctional furnaces and other appliances that pollute the air, I see very little hope.

I object to my tax money being put into funding for early education because I am a psychologist and I know that there is a natural growth and maturation curve. A child needs to be developmentally ready to acquire certain skills. It is a mistake to push children into accelerated academics. A child should be allowed to be a child. Children today need fresh air, nature and outdoor activities rather than more class time. We have to emphasize connectedness, belonging and service at an early age. Some of the young terrorists who are bomb makers are geniuses. They certainly do not need more school; they need positive role models at home.

I am also against immigration reform. I watched the Spanish news channel and was disturbed by the fact that illegal immigrants plan to give birth to their children in the United States in order to receive citizenship. Then they send their children to the street equipped with signs to protest their deportation. These children are manipulated and brainwashed, and illegal immigrants become a burden on society, as we have to fund their stay with our tax money.

I came to the United States as an immigrant on a student visa and climbed through the system to become a legal citizen. It took me about 17 years with no shortcuts. I am proud of the law and order in the United States.

Last but not least, when I want a good chocolate, I want to enjoy it, and I am not looking for sugar-free, chocolate-less treats. It is deceptive to think that if it is a diet product, then I can eat much more of it. Why are we putting our tax money into an initiative that mandates placing calorie information on vending machines? Has the government become a health fanatic, telling me what food I should put on my plate?
It is really not about what we eat but about how much we eat. Life is too short; I eat to live rather than live to eat, and I do not want anyone to take this joy away from me.

Merav Nagel
Holladay