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Hamas is roadblockto Gaza peace talks
Canada has joined France and the UK in proclaiming that they will recognize a “Palestinian state” by September of this year. This announcement ignores the fact that there is no agreement on the boundaries of such a state, and in addition, there is no government there to establish relations with.
The liberal leaders of these countries apparently think they know something that others don’t. For example, 22 Arab countries have all insisted that Hamas release the remaining hostages, disarm and leave Gaza before there are any talks on Palestinian statehood.
It would appear that these three countries value “virtue signaling” more than facts or details.
Mike HellerWalnut Creek
Halting child abuserests with all of us
Re: “Pilot, 34, arrested after SFO landing” (Page B1, July 29).
The topic of child sexual abuse is being reported nationally and now on a local level.
A man with ties to San Ramon and an accomplice were arrested Saturday on charges of sexual abuse of a relative minor. It is important to remember that the prevention of child abuse is an ongoing process, always facing new challenges. The dramatic mental and physical effects of such abuse endure into adulthood. Each of us can work to preclude further abuse by becoming educated about the signs of child exploitation, strategies for its prevention and by gaining an understanding of how to respond to an incident of abuse.
As parents, caregivers and community members, we can listen to our children, believe them when they say they feel unsafe and let them know it is not their fault. Remember, child abuse is 100% preventable.
Carol CarrilloExecutive director, Child Abuse Prevention CouncilConcord
Peace Corps shinepositive light on U.S.
On July 21st, 170 people from around the country traveled to Capitol Hill to support the Peace Corps.
I want to thank the offices of Sens. Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, and Reps. Sam Liccardo and Lateefah Simon for meeting with me to discuss Peace Corps issues. This is an important time to support the Peace Corps. That is why I urged lawmakers to support strong funding for the Peace Corps. The Trump administration supports funding of $430 million for the agency for the next fiscal year.
The Peace Corps in 2026 will mark its 65th anniversary. Of the nearly quarter-million individuals who served, 32,503 came from California. Peace Corps volunteers are as needed now as when President Kennedy established the agency. Our world is just a little better every day because of the volunteers who represent the very best that America has to offer.
Frank PriceBerkeley
Smithsonian changeserase lived experience
My parents have a photo they took in Tiananmen Square before the protests. The street was filled with smiling faces, both old and young, making the peace sign with their fingers. It captured the moment citizens were filled with hope for a country that was only going to get worse. You would never see that photo in China today, where all signs and mentions of that protest have been erased.
Which is what I thought of today when I read that the Smithsonian was removing mention of the two impeachments of Donald J. Trump. The exhibit now explains that only three presidencies have faced significant impeachment.
All my life, I have revered the Smithsonian like the sacred vault of America. This is shameful. This is our lived experience, which we have allowed to be erased.
Heidi PerrymanMartinez
Don’t let Ukraine warfade from headlines
I am writing to express my opinion that continued coverage of the war in Ukraine is essential.
I believe that if public attention and support were to fade, so too would the support Ukraine needs to defend itself. I don’t want Russia to be able to wait out the other world powers until they can finish their military operation without resistance.
Ongoing media coverage ensures Ukraine does not fight alone. It is essential to the integrity of our country that we uphold our commitments and support our allies.
Camden SmithMoraga