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We should support statedefense against Trump
Re: “Newsom prepares for Trump skirmishes” (Page A1, Nov. 8).
In these turbulent times, the role of states in safeguarding fundamental rights has never been more crucial.
It is great to see California’s proactive attempts to protect its citizens from Donald Trump’s agenda of federal overreach on certain issues like climate action and health care access. California’s choice to resist potential policies that are threatening to its citizens is very necessary. Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney Rob General Bonta’s resistance to such harmful policies is inspiring.
California was able to successfully challenge policies regarding clean air standards and abortion access, and with growing threats to other communities, it is important that California is ready to uphold its values. I urge readers to support the Department of Justice in order to ensure sufficient resources to fight these battles and allow California to protect its people.
Advika AnandSan Jose
We must keep state’sprogressive policies
Re: “Election 2024: Five takeaways from Election Night” (Nov. 5).
As an international student in California, I’ve come to appreciate the values that make this state unique, including its commitment to environmental protection, inclusivity and progressive policies. With former President Trump reelected, it’s concerning to see these principles potentially undercut. His plans threaten California’s clean air standards and immigration protections, affecting families, communities and the very quality of life that defines this state.
For someone like me, who came here for both education and opportunity, the stakes are high. Imagine the impact: stricter policies on immigrant communities, weakened environmental laws, and an atmosphere that discourages the diversity California is known for.
I urge Californians and fellow students to contact representatives and support local efforts to protect these values. Standing together, we can preserve the inclusive future that drew so many of us to California.
Ellen DrantmannSan Jose
Comprehensive planneeded for homeless
Re: “Facing Homelessness in Antioch: From spaghetti dinners to transitional housing” (Nov. 7).
I read the article on the efforts to combat homelessness, and I felt compelled to respond.
The dedication and passion shown by individuals like Nichole Latrese Gardner and her team are inspiring. Their work, from distributing essentials to providing hot meals, shows the power of community.
While these efforts are commendable, they do not address the root causes of homelessness. The number is increasing and the resources are insufficient to meet the demand. If we do not address this issue, it will continue to worsen.
There needs to be a comprehensive approach that involves immediate relief and long-term solutions. Imagine a community where every individual has a place to call home. There will be many positive outcomes and the stories of those who have transitioned out of homelessness will demonstrate our efforts can make a difference.
I urge all residents of the Bay Area to take action.
Tristan CristobalSan Jose
Popular vote compactis wrong call for state
Is it time for California to reconsider its participation in the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact?
If this agreement were actually successfully put into effect (and survived the inevitable constitutional challenges), then on Dec. 17 when the Electoral College meets, if I understand correctly, California (like a lot of other “blue” states) would be forced to cast all 54 of its electoral votes for Donald Trump having won the popular vote.
Based on the state’s election results, it appears that’s not what the majority of California residents would want.
Jim KrachtCupertino
Economic DEI couldunite the country
Re: “Hope and faith are values that set us apart” (Page A6, Oct. 29).
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) are wrongly achieved by focusing on differences among groups of people.
The general public has been convinced that cultural diversity is the only way to achieve DEI, only to further divide people and divert attention from the real source of DEI: economics. Focusing on economics rather than cultural division, Martin Luther King, Jr. carried out a “poverty” march on Washington, D.C. He understood the path to freedom and equality was economics, providing all people with an opportunity to succeed financially. A win-win for everyone.
In promoting DEI by focusing on people’s differences, rather than economics, society has lost its way and caused untold damage to our culture by dividing rather than bringing together groups of people. Look no further than the election of our next president.
Dan CasasSaratoga
We shouldn’t blameloss on Harris choice
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Re: “Liberals need introspection to understand loss” (Page A7, Nov. 7).
Bret Stephens, from the New York Times, describes the many reasons that he thinks led to the Democrats’ defeat in Tuesday’s election.
While his description of worldview mistakes on the part of liberals is eye-opening, I disagree with placing the blame of the defeat on the choice of Kamala Harris’ or the lack of a primary.
Regardless, I still don’t understand how the majority of the electorate can justify placing in the White House such a flawed, immoral candidate as Donald Trump rather than Harris.
Roberto BarrandeguySan Jose