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America must reject
Christian nationalism
As a multifaith organization committed to peace and justice, we call on all levels of the U.S. government to protect religious freedom. True religious freedom includes both the right to practice one’s faith and freedom from government-imposed beliefs. The rise of Christian nationalism threatens this freedom by using religion as a tool of political power, often suppressing fundamental human rights.
We reject efforts to govern by religious doctrine in ways that restrict reproductive justice, deny LGBTQ rights, or marginalize communities based on faith, race, identity or national origin. As people of diverse faiths, we are called to resist oppression and build a society where diversity is celebrated, and justice, equality and compassion prevail.
We urge all people of conscience to reject Christian nationalism and uphold the dignity, freedom and rights of all.
Rev. Tom Harris and Rev. Eileen Altman
Multifaith Voices for Peace and Justice
Palo Alto
Trump’s tariffs will
make economy worse
Re: “Trump’s tariff tactics carry more risk than during his first term” (Page A1, March 4 ).
President Trump has put 25% tariffs on both Canada and Mexico. (On Wednesday, Trump granted a one-month exemption on imports from Mexico and Canada for U.S. automakers. On Thursday, he delayed imposition of most of the tariffs on Mexico for a month.) That is going to hurt the U.S. consumer with price increases on everything from car parts to toys and clothing.
The article on Page A1 on March 4 shows that economically, things are different in Trump’s second term, which will affect inflation more.
I thought Trump campaigned on reducing grocery and gas prices, which the tariffs won’t help. Trump at least kept the Canadian energy tariff levy to 10% because of the cost to northern states.
Interest rates may not be able to come down for a longer period in 2025, according to the article. This would not be good for those seeking mortgages and loans.
Celeste McGettigan
San Jose
Trump’s, Vance’s fits are
a black eye for America
Re: “Trump, Vance berate Zelenskyy” (Page A1, March 1).
To me, President Trump’s self-spiraling angry outburst during a diplomatic meeting with the head of another country showed him to be unfit for the office he holds — his red face, raised voice and aggressive posture were reminiscent of a 2-year-old’s temper tantrum. Furthermore, Vice President Vance fueled the situation rather than calming it; his actions were not those of a seasoned politician.
Throughout the president’s gesticulating and shouting, President Zelenskyy did not shout and tried to interject calmly while maintaining his dignity, showing the world the mark of a true statesman.
America, we need to do better.
Pauline Chand
San Jose
Americans must send
message to Congress
Re: “Trump, Vance berate Zelenskyy” (Page A1, March 1).
Thank you President Zelenskyy for standing up to the efforts to bully you, during a publicly televised forum no less, by our elected executive branch leaders. You have the courage that the majority of our House and Senate members do not.
The concept of checks and balances between branches of our government is failing. The legislative branch is as culpable in the disaster happening in Washington, D.C., as the president.
When will the American public wake up and send the message to their representatives that this must stop?
Joe Urbassik
Palo Alto
How you can protest
Trump administration
Three actions to take while Republicans are cutting aid to Americans:
The Rockefeller Institute of Government Balance of Payments Report 2024 lists the donor states and welfare states. No donor state (including California) should have its federal money cut.
Those in need of food, clothing, shelter, medical care, etc., should go to a Republican legislator’s office or their county Republican Party office and ask for help.
If the Republicans are incapable of helping, go to a Christian church. They have an obligation to help you (Matthew 25:35-36), no strings attached.
John Cormode
Mountain View
U.S. must turn off
Trump’s reality show
When will America wake up to the fact that what we are watching from the White House is a made-for-TV drama? Donald Trump’s main concerns are his efforts to look good (tan), strong (bully everyone, especially Ukraine and other allies, but not Vladimir Putin), smart (read words from a teleprompter written by someone else) and busy (executive orders written by authors of Project 2025). It is not to deliver policy that positively affects we the people.
When will America decide to change the channel? Some of us have begun by writing an apology letter to Ukraine’s embassy for Feb. 28’s shocking display.
Marcia Hulberg
Campbell
Military excellence
means little to Trump
The recent firings of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the lead admiral of the Navy show the complete lack of respect the Trump administration and the current Republican Party have for the members of our armed forces.
Gen. Charles Q. Brown and Adm. Lisa Franchetti did not achieve their roles without a career where their peers and superiors advanced them based on their merit. This administration has just told countless members of the Army and Navy that their agreement that these defenders of America were the best of the best was meaningless. They have just told them and the rest of us Americans that a career of service for our country means nothing if you can be sacrificed on the altar of the MAGA agenda.
Kevin Goodwin
Santa Cruz