Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor.
Coal terminal developermust deliver on jobs
Re: “Oakland surrenders in ‘coal war’ battle” (Page A1, Dec. 11).
As one who opposed, and still opposes, the coal terminal proposed by Phil Tagami and his associates, I am disappointed that the permitting process for the terminal has begun.
I now ask that Tagami be held accountable to provide all the high-paying jobs he promised when the terminal was first proposed. Somehow, I doubt that we will see them. I am, however, willing to be pleasantly surprised.
Jim HopkinsOakland
Hepatitis B vaccinechange is rational
Re: “Vaccine guideline changes create angst” (Page A1, Dec. 8).
I am a member of the American Medical Association. However, over the past decade, they have taken positions inconsistent with the principle of “first do no harm.” Less than 20% of practicing physicians are members. Their recommendation for the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth may not be supported by most physicians.
The ACIP recommendation to give a birth dose of Hepatitis B vaccine only to high-risk infants and at 2 months to average-risk infants is in agreement with most European countries. An infant is much more likely to be exposed to influenza or pertussis before 2 months old than Hepatitis B. But we don’t demand those vaccines be given at birth.
This is a rational change to a 35-year-old policy made before we screened every hospital delivery for Hepatitis B.
Dr. Gary PeerDanville
Don’t appease Putinwith unfair peace deal
Re: “Putin plays US‘s ‘useful idiots’ like a fiddle” (Page A7, Dec. 5).
“Useful idiots” is a good description of the U.S negotiators. It is shameful to ask Ukraine to give up territory in the Donetsk and Donbas regions when Russia does not control the whole area.
Please tell me how 40 million Ukrainians would benefit from such an agreement. It is a gift to Vladimir Putin that he has not earned.
Let us stop the appeasement.
Gerald VeiluvaOakland
Demand that Congressextend ACA tax credits
With the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits set to expire at the end of 2025, more than 20 million Americans face premium hikes that could double. Instead of supporting a simple extension, Senate Republicans are pushing an Health Savings Account-centered plan. Their proposal replaces meaningful premium assistance with one-time HSA deposits of $1,000 to $1,500 — nowhere near enough to offset premiums that will jump by hundreds or thousands of dollars a month.
Worse, these funds can only be used with bronze or catastrophic plans, which carry average deductibles nearing $7,500. Families with chronic conditions would be hit hardest, while higher-income households would benefit most from HSA tax breaks. The Congressional Budget Office warns that millions could lose coverage as healthier people shift into high-deductible plans, driving up premiums and destabilizing the market.
Congress must act responsibly and extend the enhanced premium tax credits.
Julie ElfinPleasanton
Policies threaten healthin US and abroad
It is a fraught time for health. Americans face existential threats from administration and congressional dysfunction, including the loss of health insurance and lifesaving vaccinesas well as new barriers to gender and reproductive choice.
Another threat faces marginalized populations around the world — the loss of any health services at all. By demolishing USAID and cutting off most U.S. foreign assistance, this administration has endangered countless families, especially women and children. A study by the Gates Foundation projected that the percentage of children who die before age 5 will rise, after steady progress. TB- and HIV-positive people are left without lifesaving care; preventive services are halted. These consequences are unconscionable.
Susan WrightOakland