Set the moral compass
After reading “No satisfaction for far left” (Letters, Aug. 23), it appears some of my fellow Americans still have blinders on when it comes to President Trump. The writer’s contention is liberals cannot get over losing an election and that is why President Trump is being criticized for his Charlottesville, Va., comments. Trump’s first statement failed to call out neo-Nazis and white supremacists for violence, choosing to blame both sides. Then two days later, after criticism from both the right and left, Trump called out these hate groups for the violence.
At that point, I felt (it was) late, but at least he made a moral statement against hate groups. Unfortunately, he then reversed course again. Presidents make mistakes, and when they do, the American people and our representatives should speak up, which they did. Criticism is part of the job; that is how the American people guide our elected leaders.
Unfortunately, some of my fellow Americans who would usually be appalled by hate groups are supporting them in an attempt to protect Trump. If the president makes a mistake, then it is everyone’s responsibility to speak up, especially those who support him. It is not about an election, it is about a president setting a moral compass for America.
John Denham, Reedley
Real part of history in museum
Regarding “Move statues to a Civil War museum” (Letters, Aug. 21): I would like to commend the letter writer concerning having a Civil War museum. I had the opportunity to go to France last year and visited the Chateau Muse in Nantes.
Nantes was the center of the African slave trade in Europe, and this excellent museum does not shy away from that fact, nor its horrors. I agree with the letter writer that this is a healthy way to deal with an unpleasant but real part of a country’s history, and feel it would be useful to us as Americans as well.
Judith Bojorquez, Oakland
Women’s Equality Day
Regarding “Democrats’ S.F. rally champions women’s issues” (Aug. 23): Thank you for the reminder that Women’s Equality Day is being celebrated Saturday. The Trump administration and Republican Party are hostile to women’s health and reproductive freedom, as evidenced by their intention to defund Planned Parenthood and their determination to overturn Roe vs. Wade.
Over a century ago, early women’s rights advocate Susan B. Anthony spoke words that still ring true today: “No selfrespecting woman should wish or work for the success of a party who ignores her sex.” Jennifer Erickson-James,
San Francisco
Concern on unqualified workers
Regarding “To heal divided country, require national service” (Open Forum, Aug. 22): I agree 110 percent with the idea of national service. Mark Hazelwood’s overall message is spot on. Be careful, however. Most 18- to 20-year-old adults are not qualified to build infrastructure or teach.
If helping the poor means a ride to work, a food delivery or the like, then sure, but again, late teens are not qualified social workers. I’m sure it was not Hazelwood’s intention, but he makes it seem as if some professions can be filled by anyone off the street. Would you want an Americorps draftee fixing your plumbing or putting a crown on your tooth?
Mark Allendorf, San Mateo
Silly to deny both sides’ actions
It’s silly to deny that there was violence on both (or several) sides in Charlottesville, Va. It’s also silly to say that “there were some very good people on both sides.” Instead of repeating silliness or trying to justify it, let’s stop, then try for clarity, sanity and maybe a little light. Kristin Anundsen, San Francisco
Trump waffles over racism
In Phoenix, President Trump has once again reaffirmed his weakness and defeatism. He would never have dared to tease the pardon of Joe Arpaio and the destruction of NAFTA except before this audience of confirmed reactionaries. He would never have dared to re-enliven his waffling over obvious racism, except with this predictably loyal and sympathetic crowd.
Kenneth Ginsburg, Woodland
Rep. Lee deserves Nobel Prize
Regarding “War’s next steps at home, abroad” (Aug. 22): It is with great appreciation and esteem that I and many peace-loving citizens would like to nominate Rep. Barbara Lee for the Nobel Peace Prize. She has been unstinting in her dedication to peace and democracy as demonstrated by her many years (notably, 9/11 and the Afghanistan war in 2001) opposing entry into war and supporting the transfer of war powers from the executive branch back to Congress, where it constitutionally and historically resides. The Republican action, stealthily accomplished, to remove her amendment from the defense spending bill was shameful and undemocratic. However, truth is on her side, and it’s only a matter of time before she is successful in righting this wrong on behalf of all American citizens. Adina Haun, San Francisco