Struggle for lasting Middle East peace
Of course, Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Israel. But it is also the capital of the State of Palestine, currently occupied by the Israeli army and unable to exercise its sovereignty in the Arab parts of Jerusalem that will some day be an integral part of the Palestinian state. American Jews who seek an end to that struggle recognize that a lasting peace with justice for both sides can only be achieved through a new spirit of generosity and repentance from both sides. President Trump has weakened the hands of those who seek peace through negotiations and has given a gift to Hamas and to the Israeli settlers.
As Jews approach the celebration of Hanukkah, our own national liberation struggle against the occupation of Judea by an oppressive imperial power, many of us will rededicate ourselves to seeking for the Palestinian people the same rights and dignity of national self-determination that we rightly fought for in creating the State of Israel in 1948. We must also overcome the poison of all forms of reactionary nationalism and develop instead a commitment to the well-being of all people on this planet and to saving our planet from the environmental destruction that Trump’s policies are advancing.
Rabbi Michael Lerner, Berkeley
‘Wrecking ball’ Trump
When former President Barack Obama left office at the start of 2017, the United States had a decent reputation in the global community. We had joined most other nations in signing the Paris climate accord, created a Trans-Pacific Partnership and were considered a reliable ally by NATO countries. Now, as 2017 comes to an end, President Trump has pulled our nation out of the aforementioned treaties, antagonized North Korea and increased the chances of a nuclear war, posted anti-Muslim videos that have enraged Great Britain and damaged the Middle East peace process by declaring the U.S. will recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
These developments, coupled with the 45th president’s domestic agenda of tax cuts for the rich, a ban on transgender soldiers and repeated attacks on journalists and a free press is truly head-spinning. Sadly, when American historians assess of all the damage that Trump has caused, they will refer to his tenure as “The Wrecking Ball Presidency.” Karl Gustafson, Half Moon Bay
Wide gradation
Regarding “Al Franken says he will resign from the U.S. Senate” (Dec. 8), I think he has been denied due process. The Democrats who called for his resignation ignored the fact that there’s a wide gradation between patting someone on the behind or making a crude joke (neither of which is likely to be traumatic) and the most egregious sex crimes like child molestation and rape. I speak from experience. While I lost respect for Sen. Al Franken as soon as I saw the photo of his hands hovering over the chest area of the woman’s flak jacket, I respect him for staying on to cast some important votes coming up in the Senate. I hope his successor will vote with as much concern for all of us.
Jacquelyn Gentry, Foster City
Forced resignation
Looking at the Democratic women who are congratulating themselves for ousting Sen. Al Franken, I am painfully aware why the Democrats are not governing. Where was the leadership? Was getting rid of Franken such a win? Franken’s behavior those years ago was boorish but he did not threaten anyone’s employment, make settlements or use government monies to silence complaints. Managing this situation in a different manner, rather than tar and feathers, called for a strong sanction in the Senate or in caucus but forcing a resignation? Deal with the tax bill, climate change, job losses and health care, then congratulate yourselves.
Jeanette Kennedy, Palo Alto
Ongoing violence
Regarding “Middle East nations alienated by recognition” (Letters, Dec. 7): The writer seems blissfully unaware that the best way to encourage more terrorist acts in the U.S. and against Americans abroad is to shape American policy to conform to the goals of terrorists. As long as terror gets its desired results, the world will be subjected to more terror. President Trump knows peace has been impossible for decades due to ongoing violence used by Palestinians as cover for their “from the river to the sea” intransigence, and he has decided not to continue to submit to this manipulation.
Julia Lutch, Davis
Concealed weapons
In answer to men in power sexually harassing women, heads are rolling, careers toppling. Well, that’s about time. In answer to the deadliest year on record for mass shootings in the United States, Republicans passed a law to allow concealed weapons to be transported over state borders. OK, so technically speaking, mass murder is not harassment. But why is murder being rewarded? Tobie Shapiro, Berkeley
Recorded behavior
The sexual harassment issue could be solved if everyone had good manners and common sense. Until then, I suggest everyone get a body camera like the police use. If anyone behaves badly, it’s recorded. If someone falsely accuses someone, the innocent behavior is also recorded. That’s my suggestion/prediction, body cameras in the workplace. Doug Rose, Alameda