Readers Write: Protections of political donations; battling to save all wildlife; why Malala is an inspiration

Protections for political donations

The Sept. 11 online article “Is money still speech? Yes, as constitutional amendment bid fails in Senate” (CSMonitor.com) touches on one of the most important points of campaign finance – the First Amendment and the rights that it gives citizens. The First Amendment gives all US citizens the right to “freedom of speech.” Therefore, if an individual wishes to express his or her political viewpoints by donating to political campaigns, the government has no right to restrict that.

Caitlin Brown
Chattanooga, Tenn.

Common battle to protect wildlife

Regarding the Oct. 13 cover story, “The whale savers”: I especially appreciated the closing quote by researcher Scott Kraus: “[Y]ou don’t just save the animals, you save the home of the animal. If you don’t save the home, there won’t be any animals.”

I live near the best spot for animals to cross the 101 freeway in Los Angeles. Currently the free movement of mountain lions and other wildlife in search of mates and more habitats is restricted by the freeway; the animals’ options are a freeway exit under a bridge or a deadly sprint across the road. 

Local citizens, schoolchildren, area politicians, and groups such as the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the National Wildlife Federation are joining in an effort to have a wildlife corridor constructed in this area. The venue is quite different, but the problem is similar. 

Anne Hughes
Agoura Hills, Calif.

Malala is an inspiration

In response to the Oct. 10 online article “Nobel committee dodges controversy by choosing Malala, Satyarthi” (CSMonitor.com): At 17 years old, Malala Yousafzai has already survived an assassination attempt and won a Nobel Peace Prize for her unrelenting advocating for girls’ right to education. Not only is Malala an inspiration, but she’s become a legend in her own time as well.

Joann Lee Frank
Clearwater, Fla.