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Newsom joins crowd
with transgender stance
Re: “Newsom breaks from party with comments” (Page A1, March 10).
So, Gov. Newsom agrees that transgender girls and women should only play on teams of the gender assigned at birth. I guess it’s official, he’s running for president.
Apparently, these people haven’t been watching women’s sports lately if they think just being born a male gives an athlete an advantage. They haven’t seen how competitive and strong today’s women athletes are. I don’t think a transgender woman is going to give a team that much of an advantage. That aside, does that also mean girls are no longer going to be able to go out for boys’ teams such as football? They fought hard to be able to do that.
Just because the polls say Americans favor this view doesn’t make it right. Anyone who allows their values to be determined by polls really has no values.
Linda Ramus
Fremont
Oakland must oppose
unchecked antisemitism
Re: “Oakland leaders are ignoring the city’s antisemitism problem” (Page A8, March 9).
It’s more than time for Oakland to face the fact that it has unchecked antisemitism throughout the city. The City Council has not dealt with it in any way. In fact, it has done the opposite by passing a ceasefire resolution that did not condemn Hamas’ invasion of Israel and the atrocities and murder perpetrated on Israeli citizens. These are war crimes.
The Oakland City Council is supposed to represent all the citizens of Oakland. It has thus far failed to address this problem. The city must come out with strong words to oppose hatred of Jews and educate the public as to what antisemitism is in all its forms. Allowing vandalism, exclusion, violence in and out of our schools, and propaganda in our schools that supports hatred of Jewish people needs to be pointed out as undemocratic and destructive to a pluralistic democracy and for all minorities.
Dorothea Dorezn
Berkeley
CSU’s AI initiative takes
from the students
Re: “Beleaguered Cal State University’s AI partnerships defended, attacked” (Page A1, Feb. 10).
I was shocked to read the article about CSU’s $16.9 million AI initiative while students struggle with overcrowded classes, limited mental health services and budget cuts. With a billion-dollar shortfall, why is CSU prioritizing AI over student needs?
Instead of flashy tech projects, CSU should hire more professors, expand counseling services and improve campus resources. AI won’t help students who can’t get tutors, talk to a counselor or even find a seat in class.
Imagine a CSU school where students don’t have to wait months for mental health support and where professors actually have time to engage with the students. That is what we should be fighting for — not unnecessary tech investments.
I encourage CSU leaders to rethink this and put students first. Contact the CSU Board of Trustees and demand real change.
Akhil Prakash Adhiyaman
Pittsburg
Restoring USAID will
restore U.S. standing
The recent dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development is a serious mistake with far-reaching consequences. Operating on less than 1% of the federal budget, USAID has helped reduce extreme poverty, eradicate smallpox, curb HIV/AIDS, and decrease malaria and tuberculosis. It has also provided access to safe drinking water and empowered millions of girls through education.
Domestically, USAID supports U.S. farmers and small enterprises while promoting economic stability globally and countering influence from countries like China and Russia. It also tackles the root causes of illegal immigration by creating jobs and offering training in high-migration areas.
The shutdown of USAID has caused the loss of American jobs and severed critical aid to vulnerable regions, undermining national security and America’s global credibility. Congress must act quickly to restore USAID and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to humanitarian aid and global leadership.
Anastasia Bertolet
Oakland
Defeat SAVE Act for
democracy’s sake
My mother integrated Woolworth’s as a teen employee. She was also delivered by a country doctor in rural Texas. She got the run-around by the county for years to get a birth certificate.
The SAVE Act bars Americans from registering to vote with driver’s licenses. Twenty-one million Americans do not have accessible birth certificates nor passports, especially college students. Sixty-nine million women don’t have birth certificates with their current legal names. Seniors might not have access to a passport or birth certificate. Veterans with military ID will be disenfranchised. Congress must reject the SAVE Act and pass the Freedom to Vote Act, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and the Native American Voting Rights Act. These bills secure fair representation for all Americans.
I urge Congress to uphold their oaths of office, honor the Constitution and vote no on the SAVE Act. Protecting our democracy means ensuring that every voice is heard and every vote counts.
Elizabeth Cooke
Oakland
Public opinion could
derail Trump agenda
Donald Trump’s reelection is accomplishing the goals of his failed Jan. 6, 2021, coup. He’s seized complete control, breaking laws, destroying institutions, axing staff, targeting anyone opposed, causing chaos so the fat cats get fatter and he becomes king. Fascism is here. Nothing is stopping him … yet.
His constant onslaught of dictatorial actions is challenging what he can get away with. So far, it’s a lot. The system of checks and balances is failing. The president illegally and unconstitutionally grabs power. Congress does nothing. Courts issue rulings against him, but he will likely ignore them.
The only force that can stop Trump is strong public opposition. Anger was so great at recent town hall meetings in deeply red districts that the Republican Party told members to stop having meetings. Anti-Trump protests are growing. If his disapproval numbers rise to 60 percent, he will have to pull back.
Keith Nakatani
Oakland