Rethink public transit
Bay Area, we really need to rethink our investment in public transit. Having just returned from Hong Kong and riding the BART-like Mass Transit Railway system, I am astounded by the difference in how they operate. Witness Hong Kong’s MTR: 5 million people daily ride trains that are inexpensive, smooth, quiet and exceptionally clean. Stations are abuzz with vendors selling everything you might need on your way to and from work, a station agent and policeman always within reach.
A maintenance guy is sweeping what looks like an already-spotless platform. No one is eating on the trains or passed out on the platforms. Bathrooms are open and there’s no smell of urine throughout the station, as there is today when I come to work on BART. I hold my breath going down the steps in the cavernous and largely empty station to the train platform. Litter here and there, along with some drug paraphernalia. My BART train arrives and I endure the screeching sounds of the train as I watch a Coke can rolling up and down the length of the car. Good morning, San Francisco.
Paul Svedersky, San Francisco
Sen. Franken’s resignation
Sen. Al Franken should resign. It hurts me to write this, but the logic for resignation is too overwhelming to ignore. What a resignation will do is: Spare the country, the state of Minnesota, the Democratic Party and Franken’s family and friends from the embarrassment and loss of dignity in having the details of his misdemeanors exposed before Congress and the nation. It would minimize the possibility of new revelations, some of which are candidly exposed in his new memoir “Al Franken: Giant of the Senate,” which might reflect badly on his character. Deprive the Republicans of an opportunity to have Franken in office symbolizing the Democratic corruption of family values. Create a level of accountability for others who have behaved much more egregiously (President Trump and Roy Moore, anyone?). As for the other effects of a Franken resignation? In a post Senate career, Franken will have time as a private citizen to speak more independently for liberal causes including for women’s rights. Franken’s resignation will save his supporters from a charge of hypocrisy for defending him despite his inappropriate behavior. And importantly, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton, will almost certainly replace Franken with a liberal untainted by scandal.
John Stedman, San Francisco
Switch of the rules
The recent outing of rich and powerful men who have sexually abused women shows a remarkable switch of the rules. Whereas it used to be the default to discredit the woman accusing, now the default seems to be to give her more credit. The ultimate protection from consequences for men who abuse has always been power and money, the immunity being in direct proportion. True, the bar has been raised, but we are seeing that if the perpetrator has enough power and enough money, the immunity still holds. It made me think that Roger Ailes, rather than stepping down, should have run for president. Tobie Shapiro, Berkeley
Wave of firearm mayhem
The passing of Charles Manson reminds us how ugly and violent our society has become. The bloody murders he instigated in the 1960s shocked the nation, but they were sandbox antics compared to the current wave of mayhem. Manson and his gang were armed with knives. Imagine the bloodshed if they had the military assault weapons now regarded as indispensable accessories for God-fearing citizens.
Paul Rude, Berkeley
Advocate acceptance of all
Regarding “Will we be a virtuous society?” (Open Forum, Nov. 21): If Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone believes that a “virtuous society” is “one whose political, social and economic institutions allow all of its members to flourish,” then he ought to advocate for both the rights of detained undocumented immigrants as well as for those of LGBTQ citizens. Sadly, this religious leader has been a vociferous opponent of same-sex marriage, has been against allowing gay and lesbian couples to adopt children, has advocated for “morality clauses” in the employment contracts of religious school teachers and has supported faith-based objections to hiring LGBTQ workers. As a practicing Catholic who happens to be gay, I believe that our society will become truly “virtuous” only when it accepts all of its members, regardless of race, gender, religious beliefs or sexual orientation, equally.
Vincent McCullers, San Jose
The story of Charles Manson
Regarding “Deranged criminal” (Letters, Nov. 21): In some ways, I agree with the author about keeping the mug of Charles Manson, a “deranged criminal,” off the front pages. Yet, it is the front page that potential and everyday readers will see first. And Manson, no matter what your sentiments are about him, was a relevant story from an ominous time — the 1960s. Manson was in no way “deranged.” He was a diabolical individual. If he had been a straight, legitimate person he might have been successful. In his world, he was witty, with a street smart intelligence, charming and he persuaded others to kill at his whim. Like the Holocaust, the story of Charles Manson should never be forgotten.
Charles Birimisa, Watsonville