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More crucial than cash,Yes on 50 has people
Re: “Yes on 50 outraises opponents by 2-to-1” (Page A1, Sept. 27).
The recent article pointing out that those in favor of Proposition 50 have outraised its opponents by a 2-to-1 margin is good news for those of us who are concerned about preserving our democracy.
However, the 2-to-1 ratio is misleading. As the article points out, over 700,000 folks have contributed to “yes on 50,” while virtually all the money in opposition has come from a single billionaire. The real headline-worthy ratio is 700,000-to-1.
The fact that billionaires continue to buy our democracy out from under us is itself a main reason to support Proposition 50.
Jim HoganEl Sobrante
Best result is pullingback from gerrymander
Re: “Gerrymander ploy puts state GOP in a bind” (Page A6, Sept. 24).
Michelle Cottle properly notes the collateral damage in the ongoing gerrymandering war set off by Donald Trump’s demand that Texas give him five more GOP congressional seats: the five Republican representatives endangered by California’s response. She notes that Trump’s unquenchable thirst for power has no regard for anybody — Republican, Democrat or independent — who may get in the way. Even Trump’s most loyal and subservient supporters are expendable in pursuit of his goals.
My ideal outcome of this redistricting war is for both the Texas and California legislatures to repeal their gerrymanders, and for the governors of the two states to meet in some neutral location — Las Vegas would seem appropriate — to sign the repeals.
Merlin DorfmanLivermore
East Contra Costaneeds wider Highway 4
Highway 4 is a vital road for many in East Contra Costa County, especially students and families who rely on it every day. Even though it was widened a few years ago, traffic remains a major problem.
A 2023 U.S. Census Bureau survey found Brentwood residents have the longest average commute in the U.S., at 46 minutes per day. Many live in Brentwood, Pittsburg or Antioch because housing is more affordable, but this means long drives to work in Oakland or San Francisco.
For students, long commutes take away time for studying, resting and being with family. They also make it harder to pursue opportunities like internships or jobs further away.
Brentwood has added more businesses, like Costco and medical offices, to create local jobs, which is a good step. But leaders must also improve Highway 4 and expand transportation options, like BART, to save time and strengthen our community.
Ramiro EspinoPittsburg
Religious violence isdestroying country
Re: “Shooter attacks, burns church” (Page A1, Sept. 29).
My heart aches for this Latter-day Saints community. Four lives lost, their sacred space destroyed.
What troubles me is the pattern: Minneapolis in August, Lexington in July, now Grand Blanc. Houses of worship are becoming targets, revealing something deeply broken in our society.
Yes, Thomas Sanford bears responsibility, but religious hatred doesn’t spontaneously appear — it’s fueled by rhetoric that treats difference as a threat, by leaders who choose division over unity.
As faith communities, we must stand together. An attack on our Latter-day Saints neighbors is an attack on all who worship freely.
The question isn’t just “Who did this?” but “What are we becoming?” We honor these victims not through more blame, but by building the beloved community our scriptures call us toward — where religious difference is celebrated, not feared.
May their memories be a blessing. May their deaths not be in vain.
Laurie ManningSan Leandro
U.S. needs leaders whomeet issues positively
In the 1930s, our country was faced with extreme income inequality as was apparent in the Great Depression. Fascism had taken over major European countries, and a World War loomed. Josef Stalin had engineered a famine to suppress Ukrainian nationalism that killed over 3 million Ukrainians.
Today, we are again seeing increased income inequality, which is highly visible in our homeless population. Fascism is on the rise around the world. And Vladimir Putin is trying to militarily obliterate the sovereign country of Ukraine.
Without attaching the label of political parties, I note that our president in the late 30s tried to bring hope and unity to our country through his “Fireside Chats.” The president today creates and adds to the divide that threatens the health of our country through his daily social media comments. We need leadership that can respond to these events in a way that better reflects the nation’s principles.
Ron RiggePleasanton
Trump embarrassesself after UN mishaps
Donald Trump has raged and called for investigations into the shutoff of the UN escalator after he boarded it, as well as the teleprompter, which failed to function for his address to the UN. He has the Secret Service investigating the incidents.
The UN has provided two responses. Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, replied that a White House videographer may have been walking backward while filming and accidentally triggered a safety feature at the top of the escalator on the comb step, which is designed to stop the escalator to prevent a person or object from getting caught in the machinery. As for the nonfunctioning teleprompter, the UN has denied wrongdoing and pointed out that the U.S. delegation is responsible for operating its own teleprompter.
I suppose that when you hire “only the best people,” you get snafus such as these and are left to blame others.
Bob BensonLafayette