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We can all help
defend democracy
For those watching the dismantling of our government institutions, it’s time to get off the sidelines and actively start to raise our voices in protest. Here are three suggestions to get involved.
First, invest the time to stay up to date on the actions being taken by reading credible, fact-checked daily news reporting. A free press is essential to stopping the power grab underway. Next, communicate on a regular basis with your federal and state elected officials to express your concerns about what is happening and exhort them to stand up to the efforts to destroy the protections and benefits built by and for the people over generations. Finally, find and join one of the local grassroots organizations forming across the country to combat the authoritarians taking over our government.
Our best shot at stopping some of the damage is to show our collective strength and not give up.
Keith Hatschek
Livermore
Ill-informed Trump has
new crash scapegoat
Re: “Trump now blames ‘obsolete’ system for air crash” (Page A2, Feb. 7).
I was relieved to read in the article that our “expert in chief” has been able to assign blame for the fatal passenger jet-Army helicopter collision on an obsolete computer system.
It is reassuring to know that he has pinpointed the problem and that it was not a DEI-related issue. With all of the other problems he has tasked himself with solving in the world, including the crisis in Gaza, where does he find the time? As a “lesser expert,” I have a number of “solutions” I would be willing to offer on national and world issues if anyone cares.
The thought that a public official with no knowledge should make unsupported pronouncements and that they get reported without comment or criticism only serves to show how far we as a people and a nation have fallen.
Roger Wood
Fremont
Speak out against
Trump administration
I am stunned by the wanton efforts of the Trump administration (e.g., Elon Musk) to raid and pillage our government organizations without the benefit of checks and balances and congressional oversight. Regardless of party or its views, our Constitution should never be usurped by individuals hell-bent on seeing their agendas realized.
Please write to your congressperson and senator asking them to take immediate action.
Sandra LeBoy
San Ramon
Waters should apologize
for harassing guard
I was shocked to see Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Los Angeles, harassing and berating a federal security guard who was just doing his job.
Waters’ behavior was disrespectful to the guard and an abuse of her power as a United States representative.
I believe Waters should publicly apologize to the guard, and then move forward to focus on her responsibilities to the people of California to eliminate waste in government.
John Kirkish
San Leandro
Cuts are gutting CSU
and hurting the state
Re: “Beleaguered Cal State University’s AI partnerships defended, attacked” (Page A1, Feb. 10).
The California State University is the backbone of the Golden State. One in 10 employees in California graduated from CSU. The relentless budget cuts from the state of California are killing the golden goose that built the Golden State.
CSU graduates get jobs and pay state and federal taxes. The returns on investments in the CSU system are huge. We cannot allow the CSU system to crumble under the weight of budget shortfalls of up to $1 billion.
California needs to invest more in the CSU system to support the state’s economy and future tax revenues. CSU needs stable annual funding from a statewide bond measure.
David Lerman
Berkeley
Let’s stop costly,
ineffective bullet train
Re: “Trump might be right about our bullet train” (Page A6, Feb. 7).
I’ve come to rely on Dan Walters’ objective descriptions of the goings-on in the murky world of California politics. But his recent column stating federal action to finally euthanize California’s “Train to Nowhere” “could” be a mercy killing seems understated.
It’s true the scheme was sold in 2008 as costing $33 billion, while the number to complete it is now over $128 billion, but that’s just the beginning. Remember, the $33 billion “bullet train” was supposed to reduce the climate consequences of fossil-fueled traffic between Northern and Southern California. What happens to that justification now that Sacramento plans to legislate everyone into switching to partially or fully electric vehicles? If even 25% of the traffic on I-5 becomes electric, there goes one-quarter of the justification for the original $33 billion project.
It’s insane to now talk of spending ten times as much on this huge, 21st-century train wreck.
Jack Fallin
Walnut Creek