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Nation should heedbishops on immigration
Re: “Bishops’ immigration warning will help pols find their spines” (Page A6, Nov. 19).
Thank you for publishing the column by Tom Debley calling attention to the American bishops’ special statement on immigrants. Their condemnation of “indiscriminate mass deportation” and the “vilification of immigrants” needs to be published far and wide.
It is a voice crying out in the wilderness, calling us to our better selves as individuals, communities and a nation. Policies that profile others based on the color of their skin, the language they speak or how they look have no place in a democratic republic. Polices that distort the rule of law, deny people due process and engender fear have no place in a democratic republic.
As Mr. Debley said, the American bishops have stepped into the light. Let us follow them.
Gary BertuccelliSanta Clara
Nation must do morefor migrant community
Re: “Bishops’ immigration warning will help pols find their spines” (Page A6, Nov. 19).
Thank you for highlighting Tom Debley’s commentary on the special statement from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on immigration. I just hope that my fellow Catholics and other people of goodwill stand up for and with our immigrant brothers and sisters during these challenging times.
While the bishops’ words are welcome, they are not enough. Even our own Bishop Oscar Cantu said that he wished the bishops’ statement were even stronger. We need comprehensive immigration reform that reflects the dignity of every immigrant, regardless of their legal status. And we need to call out those who would demonize immigrants and ignore their constitutional rights.
James M. PurcellLos Gatos
San Jose’s airportreflects lack of pride
My wife and I recently traveled to airports in Seoul, South Korea, Hanoi, Saigon and Da Nang in Vietnam, Chiang Mai and Bangkok in Thailand, and Narita, Japan. Five of these cities are larger than New York City. All of the cities were dynamic. All of these first- and second-world airports were clean, and the employees showed pride.
Upon our return to San Jose, we were surprised and disheartened to find that Mineta International Airport was dirty. The restroom at baggage claim smelled. As a host city for the Super Bowl 2026 and World Cup 2026 qualifying, San Jose has hired staff to generate publicity and demonstrate a world-class reputation.
Nothing shows a lack of pride more than employees talking on the phone while sitting in a smelly, unclean bathroom with shoes off. This is old dirt. This management problem reflects on the reputation of San Jose.
Brett McKeeMonterey
Trump doesn’t seemto get cause and effect
Re: “Trump takes big step toward dismantling Education Dept.” (Page A3, Nov. 19).
In the Mercury News’ front-page article (“Trump riles MAGA with defense of H-1Bs“) on Nov. 14, Donald Trump’s responds to Laura Ingraham’s query about H-1B visas bringing in foreign workers by stating “you have to bring in talent.” Yet he continues to destroy our Department of Education.
It is obvious that he lacks the cause-and-effect logic that the rest of the human race has.
Thomas RudolphBrisbane
Helix discovery has notchanged concept of life
Re: “DNA helix changed how we think about ourselves” (Page A2, Nov. 17).
Carl Zimmer’s article is a well-written memorial to the legacy of James Watson, co-discoverer of DNA molecule structure.
The reproducibility feature of the helix structure verified the critical role of DNA in the functioning of life. It provided physical credibility to the probability mathematics of Gregor Mendel and a plausibility basis for the evolution theories of Charles Darwin.
Further DNA research has resulted in many life-improving advances in physical biology.
However, helix-based advances are limited to the mapping of life form and function; its essence still escapes us. Are we nothing more than a complex organization of molecules? Are our brains no more than trillions of neurons doing vector math?
With all due credit to Watson and his colleagues, DNA advances are limited to mapping, and we are no closer to the essence of life than we were in 1950.
Fred GutmannCupertino
Let’s do more tofight food insecurity
Sometimes I think we overlook one of the most basic issues affecting people in our own community: having enough food to eat. While many of us go through our day without worrying about our next meal, there are families who face that fear every single day. Food insecurity doesn’t just affect hunger; it impacts a person’s health, their ability to learn and even how well they can work.
As the cost of living continues to rise, more people are struggling, yet this issue often receives far less attention than it deserves. I believe we need stronger community support for food assistance programs, whether through local food drives, donations or volunteering at food banks. Even small efforts can make a big difference.
Everyone deserves the security of knowing they will have a meal each day, and it’s up to all of us to help make that a reality.
Minh NguyenSan Jose