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Trump’s agenda aims
to boost the economy
Re: “Trump’s agenda is government by and for the wealthy” (Page A6, March 14).
Arguments against Donald Trump’s agenda can only be based on empathy and morality, not simplistic envy of the rich.
Trump’s tax cuts and deregulation stimulate economic growth, benefiting all Americans, not just the wealthy. Lower taxes on businesses create jobs, raise wages and stimulate investment, benefiting all workers. In Trump’s first administration, tax reductions after high unemployment rates created a booming job market (prior to COVID). “America First” is designed to reduce trade deficits, and bring manufacturing back to the U.S. by curbing unfair foreign competition. Renegotiating trade deals, like NAFTA, benefits American workers. Regulation rollbacks reduce government overreach. A less burdensome regulatory environment empowers small businesses and individuals.
Policies that benefit the wealthy benefit the broader economy by increasing capital investments to drive economic growth and create jobs.
Fred Gutmann
Cupertino
Homeless need our
humanity, not penalties
Re: “Homeless have responsibility to the wider community, too” (Page A8, March 9).
As I read letters to the editor that indicate support for Mayor Mahan’s article that would lead to criminalizing our unhoused neighbors, it is time for me to speak up and ask, where is our humanity?
Having worked with many in downtown San Jose who are unfortunate enough to be unhoused to help them reintegrate into society, I know many back stories that caused them to be in this situation: everything from drug and alcohol addiction to a large medical expense that left them unable to afford rent and mental health issues that are expensive to deal with and prevent them from working.
Let us not, as San Jose residents, take an us-versus-them approach but use kindness and compassion as there but for the grace of God go any of us. Any of us can fall on hard times. Let’s talk about solutions, not penalties.
Karen Gillette
San Jose
Musk should aid schools
with an eye on legacy
Elon Musk has been on my mind lately. He is, by far, the richest person in the world — over $300 billion.
A word of advice, Elon. Having even more billions will not make you happier or change your life. If you really want a better life, you might consider giving away even half of your money to worthy causes that make our climate and our world healthier. You would still have copious amounts to spend on mansions and yachts — and for your progeny for the next 1,000 generations.
With the other half, you could lead the effort to save humanity and the planet. Think about it. For the rest of eternity, you would be considered one of the great figures of all time. Even if you couldn’t care less about the world or its inhabitants — do it for yourself and your legacy.
Gordy Burton
San Carlos
U.S. is complacent amid
rising authoritarianism
At what point will the Republican Congress acknowledge the parallels between Nazi Germany and the second Trump presidency?
His declaration that criticisms by CNN and MSNBC are illegal should be the wake-up call. His and Elon Musk’s actions are unconstitutional, and the flagrant conflicts of interest are undeniable.
Eighty years after the Holocaust ended, we wonder how the German population could have been so complacent, yet here we are.
David Wilkins
San Jose
Checks and balances
are failing country
Something I’ve been dwelling on recently is the politics of our country and the history behind it.
The problems with the political schema are a result of the human need to control and have power. It feels like we’ve lost our sense of what would actually be good for the country and the people. Our country’s leadership is blinded by its own ideals and interests: the power that comes with the presidency and government positions.
I had thought that the system of checks and balances was supposed to prevent the abuse of power, however, I found myself doubting this the more time went on. The idea of voting to influence this is powerful, but the Electoral College makes me feel like my vote is more of a suggestion if anything, a suggestion to those who truly have the power to elect.
Madeline Chan
San Jose
Trump’s deportation
policy spreads fear
While watching TV, I saw an ad from Donald Trump’s administration. It stated, “President Trump has a clear message for those who are in our country illegally: Leave now. If you don’t, we will find you and we will deport you. You will never return.”
As I listened to this my thoughts immediately turned to those immigrant children watching. The tone of this ad creates an atmosphere of fear in immigrant communities, especially for children. These children live in constant fear of family separation and many experience bullying from classmates because of their status. The tragic case of 11-year-old Jocelynn Rojo Carranza who died by suicide after she was bullied about her family’s immigration status is an example.
This is a heartbreaking reminder of the impact fear and discrimination can have on children. It is infuriating that these messages continue to be publicized because they amplify hate and hostility against immigrant families.
Lisbeth Becerra
San Jose