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Allowing free speechis better than a brawl
Re: “Cal serves up red meat for Turning Point” (Page A8, Nov. 16).
In his column, Max Taves seems to be blaming the victims (i.e., the organizers and attendees of a Turning Point USA open political forum at UC Berkeley) for the menacing, at times violent harassment which they experienced from left-wing protesters while they were required to wait in a line to enter the building.
It is particularly poignant that at the birthplace of the landmark 1960s Free Speech Movement, people cannot peacefully engage in political discussions at a prominent American university without being heckled at and harassed by protesters who claim to be opposed to fascism. Aren’t free speech and fascism polar opposites?
Gov. Newsom, who is ultimately responsible for the UC system, must do much more to defend peaceful political discourse in that system before our state sadly becomes a national embarrassment of hypocrisy, injustice and chaos.
John HaggertySanta Clara
By failing students weassure need of H-1B
Re: “Raising cost of skilled talent will hurt startups, innovation” (Page A6, Nov. 11).
As a nation, we have failed in the support and sustenance of quality education to the current and future generations. We continue to depend heavily on foreign sources to build our technological prowess.
It is sad that people like the author of the above opinion piece seem to cry wolf anytime there is a discussion on H-1B issues. What seems to be happening is an overriding corporate interest in keeping the status quo, rather than looking for real solutions that elevate the national interest. We lag behind many other nations in educating our students, leading to a poorly trained populace.
There should be a joint effort from both the state and the industry in STEM education at schools and colleges, thereby providing the needed manpower to the industry. Such efforts, sincerely implemented, would eventually obviate the need for foreign resources.
Mouli ChandramouliSaratoga
Mayor should do morefor businesses than talk
Re: “Owner ceding sites in Japantown” (Page B1, Nov. 17).
In reading Mayor Mahan’s comments that “We should be doing everything we can to support business owners” and that he believes the city can do more to bolster the endeavors of business and property owners, it all sounds like that’s the way it goes.
My assumption is this issue is not a surprise to Mahan and his staff, so why did this happen? And why isn’t he directly doing something about this particular situation? These are good people trying to do good for the community. Mahan needs to do something besides saying he feels bad for them.
Jim PollockLos Gatos
BBC cut disingenuouspart of Jan. 6 speech
Re: “BBC issues apology to Trump over misleading edit, asserts there’s no basis for defamation claim” (Nov. 13).
The basis of Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the BBC is that it failed to include in its coverage of Donald Trump’s speech on Jan. 6, 2021 that he said to go “peacefully and patriotically.”
Could it be that the BBC thought it disingenuous since Trump, who saw what was going on for almost three hours on TV, really didn’t mean to go “peacefully and patriotically,” otherwise he would have immediately gone to Congress to try to stop them.
Had he done so, 140 police officers would not have been injured, and MAGA supporter Ashli Babbitt would not have been killed.
Jerry ZanzingerSanta Cruz
Diet change couldmitigate climate change
Climate scientists continue warning that animal agriculture is a major driver of greenhouse gas emissions, yet national climate plans still tiptoe around reducing meat consumption.
We cannot meaningfully address climate change while ignoring one of its largest contributors. Relying on “efficient production” or “methane-reducing additives” will not solve a systemic problem. We must confront the reality: raising animals for food requires vast land, water and feed resources, and generates more emissions than most of us realize.
A shift toward plant-based diets is one of the most effective tools we have — immediately available, scientifically supported and healthier for our communities. The longer we delay, the higher the cost to future generations.
Eric SlovanSan Jose
Nation must claw backdemocratic principles
I am disgusted by the extent to which our country has deviated from its democratic ideals. No person, whether they are a citizen or not, should have to go through this experience and live in constant fear.
Unwarranted arrests, tear gas and smoke grenades don’t make our community a safe place. This administration is influenced by Silicon Valley executives, and they must keep using their influence to resist laws that violate fundamental rights and criminalize innocent individuals. Imagine a life where the Bay Area doesn’t have to worry about ICE knocking on their door at night, ICE showing up to their workplace, even children’s schools. The terror and distrust this brings to individuals must be stopped.
Only if we take action now will that dream be realized. I encourage both political and corporate leaders to stand up for the principles that characterize our democracy.
Anjali BhelaMilpitas