The water problem in California is not “regulatory drought,” (“McClintock pushes for hearing...”, Journal, Nov. 2), but a lack of water to satisfy all users, fish included.

Part of the problem is overpopulation, part is dependency of Central Valley farmers on taxpayer-subsidized water for water-intensive crops, part is a deteriorating eco-system. Unless Mr. McClintock can create water, hearings with an attitude won’t help.

Farmers are used to taking the first drink from the well, allowing the rest of us to use what’s left to flush our toilets and make our morning coffee. The farmers would deplete all our rivers and streams if left alone.

But guess what folks – if the eco-system collapses it will take us all with it. Not just the farmers but the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker, too. It’s ironic that a lot of you conservatives out there don’t believe in conservation, but that’s what is needed.

Don’t expect God to step in at the last minute and save us all either. It just won’t happen.

J. Steve Bennett, Newcastle