Origins of the Black Panther Party
“Black Panthers’ militancy adopted by radical right” (Insight, Feb. 7), suggesting that the radical right is taking a page from the Black Panthers’ playbook by adopting a strategy of armed militancy, is a breathtaking reversal of history. The radical right — also known as fascists — have always advocated violence as a form of social control. Adolf Hitler’s Brown Shirts didn’t need the Black Panthers to role model for them. The Black Panthers were a reaction to the armed oppression of the Ku Klux Klan and all-white police forces which had brutally intimidated black people since the Civil War through systematic rape and murder. Whether you believe the consistent militancy of the right wing is best countered by Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy of nonviolence, or by the left-wing militancy advocated by Eldridge Cleaver, you cannot lay the right-wing’s embrace of guns, confrontation and violence at the feet of the Black Panthers. Violence as both dogma and tool of the right wing has existed as long as right-wing thought has existed. The right-wing point of view is that humans are inherently violent and can only be controlled by violence. The Panthers may have adopted this viewpoint, but they did not originate it.
Cerridwen Fallingstar, San Geronimo
Unfunded liability
In looking at the unfunded liability the state has for pensions, etc., it is clear that this will be hard to clear off the books. The state needs to address two major funding issues: The first is an extraction tax on oil and gas. Even Texas and Oklahoma have one, and it is absolute nonsense and disappointing for the governor not to propose one. Secondly, we need to finally deal with the commercial side of Prop. 13. This discussion never goes anywhere and we are giving away a lot of money that other states are getting.
Leonard Dorin, Lafayette
Changing manners
Regarding “Manners priority” (Letters, Feb. 7): I have no problem with people saying “no problem” instead of “thank you.” The culture we live in is constantly changing. Language and manners are no exception. Not that long ago, girls were expected to curtsey and men remove their hats, and of course they were wearing one, everyone did. Women were never referred to as “Miss.” Smoking at the dinner table, in a car with the windows rolled up, on an airplane or in the waiting room at the doctor’s office was considered normal. One day not too long from now, someone will be wondering, as Socrates did 2,000 years ago, why the upcoming generation is so ill-mannered and why in the world doesn’t anyone say “no problem” anymore.
Bill Hildebrand, Sunnyvale
Great celebration
Dear San Francisco, congratulations on a spectacular Super Bowl celebration. The overflowing crowds were a testament to the planning, design and operation of Super Bowl City. The week’s weather was more than hoped for, creating picture-postcard views both daytime and evening. Security was exactly what was needed ... massive and visible throughout the sites. The inevitable traffic congestion was handled beautifully by the police at every affect- ed intersection. I truly hope you receive the $5 million reimbursement from the NFL for expenses incurred. If not, consider it money very well spent ... a tremendous advertisement for the tourism dollar. As for Levi’s Stadium and the entire game experience, it seems things couldn’t have gone smoother. Lady Gaga was a surprise perfect choice for the National Anthem and the half-time show was fun and hitch-free. The field, always a concern, held up beautifully even though the play on it was less spectacular than anticipated. I’ll be surprised if the NFL doesn’t revisit this venue often in the seasons to come. As a former San Francisco 49ers season ticket holder, angry at San Francisco for losing the team, I’m no longer critical of the move south.
Michael Haworth, Vallejo
Be accountable
Regarding “Deep and lasting reform of SFPD is long overdue” (Insight, Feb. 7): The next time someone slashes someone with a knife, I suggest Lateefah Simon and Tim Silard go deal with that person and leave the police out of it. And they can leave their guns, if they have any, at home. It would be very interesting to see how that encounter played out.
William Hall, San Francisco
Radical Panthers
The “Black Panthers’ militancy adopted by radical right” (Insight, Feb. 7) failed to note that the “radical left” group of African-Americans invaded the state capitol in 1967 with weapons drawn. It also did not mention that after his release from prison, Huey Newton vowed to “put down the gun.”
James Clifford, Redwood City