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Trump policies are
path to regression
Re: “Trump’s ‘new order’ will be global anarchy” (Page A7, Nov. 15).
As the article clearly notes, a Trump 2.0 regime, with or without Musk and other “geniuses,” may claim that the goal is to “Make America Great Again,” but it actually cares only about “Again” at the expense of “Great.”
The article cites several examples of how Trump’s desired policies seek to return America to the isolationism and protective tariffs and classism policies of the 1930s and the 19th century.
Gee, remember how great America was back then? Me neither.
While a return to those policies would be horrible for America, a retreat in the 21st century, when disruptive technologies and economic dominance by virtually anybody and everybody can happen extremely rapidly, could spell a nearly instantaneous return of America to Third World status.
George Licina
Santa Rosa
Let’s keep our eyes
on transit’s big picture
I support a funding measure to protect and expand Bay Area public transit, which remains essential.
Bay Area residents still want better ways to reach work, school and all the journeys of daily life. More Santa Clara County residents are choosing transit. September was the first month since March 2020 in which VTA has seen more than 100,000 riders on multiple days of service. Even with remote work, BART’s ridership recently set a single-day post-pandemic record.
Look to Nashville’s successful transportation measure as an example. Their campaign emphasized how better transportation choices can address the problems in our lives: housing affordability, traffic safety, neighborhood walkability and even loneliness.
Let’s focus on a shared vision for great transportation options that elected officials, transit operators and voters can support together. Policymakers and activists have been bogged down in wonky details negotiating a measure — let’s not lose sight of the big picture.
Calley Wang
Cupertino
Storm reminds us to
plan for resilient future
Re: “Atmospheric river storm brings first waves of precipitation to the Bay Area” (Page B4, Nov. 21).
I was encouraged to hear that an atmospheric river storm will bring much-needed rain to the Bay Area this week, addressing California’s ongoing water shortage.
However, the accompanying flood watch is a stark reminder of the challenges we face. As climate trends intensify, policymakers, government officials and engineers must prioritize proactive urban planning. It’s essential to move beyond treating these storms as isolated events. Planning for a resilient future is not optional — it’s imperative.
Junyao Chang
Morgan Hill
Authorities should get
serious about robocalls
The plague of illegal robocalls is eroding trust in our communication systems and frustrating millions of Californians daily. Despite this, enforcement has been shockingly inadequate.
Public records reveal that 577 million illegal calls targeted Californians registered on the National Do Not Call list last year alone. Nationwide, these scams swindled nearly $30 billion in 2021.
Although Attorney General Rob Bonta joined a bipartisan task force to address this issue, progress has been slow. Gateway providers, who enable many foreign robocalls, often profit by ignoring legal requirements. If we cannot tackle something as “simple” as robocalls, what hope do we have in protecting ourselves against sophisticated cyber threats?
It’s time for policymakers to demand accountability from both telecom companies and regulators to ensure meaningful enforcement.
Andrew Ratermann
Santa Clara
Solution underway for
solar energy storage
A solution for storing solar power without expensive, toxic batteries is underway.
The “Advanced Clean Energy Storage Hydrogen Project” (ACES Delta) in Delta, Utah, will store excess hydrogen made from solar and wind in the summer into existing underground salt domes for generating emission-free electricity. It’s primarily funded by the Department of Energy and will commence operation in 2025. It could reduce the cost of maintaining backup fossil fuel plants.
Ed Kahl
Woodside
Republicans continue
their effort to divide
Re: “House Republicans to ban bathroom access for first transgender member” (Page A3, Nov. 20).
At a time when the country’s leaders could be exploring and understanding issues together that challenge mankind, we can’t get there. It’s sad and frustrating.
The decision by House Republicans to rush to single out transgender individuals by making everyday life more difficult for them sets a tone. So many cities have already created nongender bathrooms in an easy solution to facilitate compassionately living together as we all discover our way forward. But not in our nation’s capital.
Where are the Republicans who would take a lead in fighting the cruelty that is upon us?
Vivian Low
Cupertino
Birthright citizenship
crucial to immigration
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With recent news about policies that will be put in place by Donald Trump, I want to express my opinion on birthright citizenship.
I think due to our country’s history, children of immigrant parents should be given citizenship. Since our country’s inception, immigrants have been the backbone of our country, a lot of them having to work in blue-collar jobs that affect us daily.
Taking away birthright citizenship will make immigrants stay away from the United States, which will lead to fewer people working these crucial jobs.
Elias Jimenez
San Jose