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Lee’s legacy markedby love and kindness
Re: “Lee will leave inspired legacy” (Page A1, March 10).
I was moved by John Woolfolk’s article on Rep. Barbara Lee’s life and legacy after 25 years in Congress.
I consider her a champion in ending poverty. Her wisdom and patience in pushing for effective programs such as the Global Fund to Fight Aids, TB and Malaria, and global vaccination programs (way before COVID), as well as U.S. tax policies like the Child Tax Credit to help people lift themselves out of poverty saved millions of lives. I will miss her as my representative in Congress and hope her successor will be as effective and persistent in her work with congressional colleagues on both sides of the aisle as well as with constituents to fund and expand those worthwhile programs.
Thank you, Rep. Lee, for your love and kindness.
Susan OehserOakland
Let go of 19th-centuryphone technology
Re: “Reject AT&T bid to shed its landlines” (Page A8, March 10).
The editorial claims that in an emergency, such as a wildfire, copper wire landlines would be more dependable than cell phones. That’s not true.
Most people who still have copper wire landlines plug AC-powered cordless phones into them that don’t work when the power is out. Conversely, the California Public Utilities Commission requires wireless facilities in high-fire threat districts to have three days of backup power.
The better solution for warning people in emergencies is the use of high-powered loudspeakers that Berkeley and other cities have installed that can broadcast verbal messages up to a mile away. AT&T presented a very reasonable transition plan that isn’t going to put anyone at greater risk for not having copper wires.
If we can phase out gasoline cars, we can phase out 19th-century telephone technology. It’s time to cut the cord and stop paying for something we don’t need.
Dick PattersonEl Cerrito
Dublin students supportfair pay for teachers
As students within the Dublin Unified School District, we refuse to stand idly by as silent witnesses to the injustices facing our educators.
We reject the narrative of misinformation and manipulated statistics fed to us by the district, challenging the administration’s attempts to undermine the rightful demands for teacher compensation. Our commitment to truth and fairness compels us to speak out, not merely to watch and listen as our district’s policies push our dedicated teachers toward the brink of strikes. We are mobilized, informed and unwavering in our resolve as these critical issues unfold.
This fight is not just for our teachers but for the integrity of our education. Our unity and action reflect our determination to stand up for what is right, ensuring our voices are heard loud and clear.
Aakrisht MehraDublin
Call Trump whathe is: a crook
Re: “Polls reveal fewer voters think Trump committed crimes” (Page A3, March 6).
One reason the mainstream media seems unable to reach voters is its failure to use clear language. Reality is replaced by euphemism.
Case in point, your March 6 New York Times article reprint. Lamenting the point made by its headline, the article repeatedly uses these words: “criminal charges,” “indictments,” “trials” and “cases.”
Never once does it mention the historical fact that he already has been “convicted” and “found guilty” of 17 corporate fraud felonies (Jan. 7, 2023), sexual assault and defamation (May 9, 2023) and serial defamation (Jan. 26, 2024).
No wonder GOP social media lies are working when trusted news sources dare not tell us the truth: Just say it. Trump has been convicted and found guilty of being a common, serial criminal. This Republican is voting for Biden in November.
Chris ConradEl Sobrante
Presidents must beable to fire employees
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Re: “To defeat Trump, you have to know Trump” (Page A6, March 12).
A letter-writer complained about the prospect of Donald Trump issuing another Schedule F. In October 2020, President Trump signed an executive order to establish a new federal government employee category enabling him to terminate various federal employees. In the few months he remained in office, democracy did not fail.
A president’s ability to make sure that top-level government employees act in accordance with the president, be it Biden or someone else, is appropriate, if not critical. While a president may have legitimate concerns with FBI Director Christopher Wray, or directors of other federal agencies, there are also high-level employees who may improperly leak information or fail to support the president’s agenda. Such conduct violates the Constitution.
Federal employees should not undermine President Biden’s agenda or any other future president. All presidents should have the ability to terminate employees who are insubordinate. Obviously, this would not be wholesale terminations.
Douglas AbbottUnion City