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Jails are no placefor stun guns
Re: “Plan for stun guns in jail draws opposition” (Page B1, Oct. 22).
To see why Conducted Energy Devices (CEDs) ought not to be used in prisons, one need only reflect on two famous studies: the Milgram experiment and the Stanford prison experiment.
In the former, participants obediently administered what they believed to be increasingly strong electric shocks to unseen persons in spite of the (faked) screams of agony that they heard. In the latter, student participants were divided into prisoners and guards; the guards became so sadistic and dangerous toward the prisoners that the experiment had to be discontinued. CEDs can readily be used as instruments of torture; they are designed to control through incapacitation, but also through inflicting pain. These devices have no legitimate place in the Santa Clara County prison system.
I encourage fellow citizens to write to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and speak forcefully against the deployment of CEDs in the prison system.
Kathleen EarlySan Jose
The president owesprotesters an apology
Re: “‘No Kings’ rallies galvanize region” (Page A1, Oct. 19).
When I read Donald Trump’s comments about the demonstrations, I was furious, so I had to respond:
Mr. Trump — the sign I carried last Saturday was made by my own hands, with cardboard from packages I have received, and the back sides of paper that I reuse, and with my marker pens. I did not get paid one red cent for either those materials or for my time standing on a corner with my sign saying: “DUE PROCESS IS A HUMAN RIGHT,” and “LAW RULES US, NOT THE WHIM OF A DICTATOR.”
I don’t care whether you like my message or not. That is irrelevant. You are telling lies about me, and many others like me. This is not acceptable for any person to do, and most especially not acceptable for a person who supposes himself the president of a country.
I demand an apology.
Virginia SmedbergPalo Alto
Fligor has perfect mixof assessor attributes
I am writing in strong support of Neysa Fligor for Santa Clara County Assessor. Neysa brings the perfect combination of professional experience, integrity and public service needed for this important role.
As an attorney and longtime community leader, Neysa understands the complexities of government operations and the importance of fairness, accuracy and transparency in assessing property values. Her current role as assistant assessor has given her hands-on experience managing the technical and regulatory responsibilities of the office, ensuring assessments are done responsibly and with attention to detail.
Neysa is known for her honesty, thoughtfulness and dedication to doing what is right for the community. She will bring trusted, accountable leadership to the Assessor’s Office and ensure that taxpayers are treated with respect and fairness.
I urge voters to join me in supporting Neysa Fligor for Santa Clara County Assessor.
Pragati GroverSaratoga
Congress must regainrole of co-equal branch
Congress can’t agree to reopen our government, but Congress wasn’t really functional before the shutdown. Rubber-stamping Donald Trump’s agenda is all they did. Trump had already rendered Congress insignificant by flouting any rules that are supposed to hold him in check.
Congressional Republicans have surrendered to Trump their majority power by doing his bidding every time. No wonder Trump shows no interest in reopening the government. Congress acts like his puppet on a string.
It is past time for our Congress to reclaim its power and rein in this rogue Executive Branch.
Genevieve StonerSan Jose
East Wing’s destructiona garish tribute to Trump
Re: “East Wing is torn down” (Page A1, Oct. 24).
The destruction of the East Wing of the White House is characteristic of Donald Trump: no regard or respect for rules or tradition.
The People’s House is to be a garish testament to an egotistical, insecure man who uses his misguided and abusive power to build a gaudy monument to himself that will eclipse a longstanding and revered symbol of our history and our democracy.
Claudia ParkerSan Jose
Demolition of East Wingis a perfect metaphor
Re: “East Wing is torn down” (Page A1, Oct. 24).
Despite all the recent protest marches and editorial commentary decrying the behavior of the current administration, it took Donald Trump himself to create the perfect image of his presidency: a historic section of the White House in ruins.
Americans were broad-sided last week by video of bulldozers and wrecking balls leveling the East Wing — and a gleeful president fast-talking his plans for a grotesquely oversized ballroom nobody knew we needed in its place. Though he’d mentioned the project in July, he said then it would sit next to the East Wing, leaving the current structure fully intact.
Not so. Trump hid his true intent, captured in polished architectural renderings, until the venerable building, rich in history and tradition, had been irreparably damaged. None of this was presented in advance to the American people, who own the property he’s destroying, or to federal authorities for mandatory approvals.
Metaphorically, it’s perfect.
Roy VerleySan Jose