The GOP’s warped sense of values
Conservative commentators might be outraged by the verdict in the Kate Steinle case, but why aren’t they similarly upset by all the acquittals of police officers in the killings of unarmed black suspects? And why won’t these same media pundits also insist that calls for sensible gun control — not empty “thoughts and prayers” — are the best response to tragedies like the mass shooting in Las Vegas? The GOP and its supporters have a warped sense of values, and their angry words are only stirring up more hatred and senseless violence in our country.
Vernon Greene, Oakland
A national disgrace
The Trump administration’s reduction of protected public lands in favor of the mining and logging industries is a national disgrace. What’s next, seizing our national parks and turning them into resorts? Is a Trump Yosemite Park Hotel and Casino on the horizon?
Dorothy Van Horne, San Francisco
The partisan split
Regarding “Housing crunch hurts education” (Bay Area, Nov. 2): The Public Policy Institute of California’s recent survey found that residents feel the housing crisis is a main driver of college affordability concerns. That is certainly the case, but an overlooked finding is equally troubling: the partisan split among Democrats, Republicans and independents about whether a college education is necessary for success. Fifty-one percent of Democrats say a college education is necessary, while 67 percent of Republicans and 59 percent of independents think there are many ways to succeed without a college education.
This split is unfortunate and concerning, especially given the immediate and growing need for skilled and educated workers. California’s community colleges firmly believe in the importance of continued education — either for transfer, an AA degree or a career education certificate. The need for a highly trained workforce is urgent, and studies show that students who graduate from our programs earn thousands of dollars more per year than those who do not.
Community colleges offer pathways to well-paying careers. As the largest system of higher education in the nation, we know what works, and we’re here for all Californians looking for a bright future. Eloy Ortiz Oakley, chancellor of the California
Community Colleges, Sacramento
Enforced regulation
Regarding “Banks vs. the people” (Insight, Dec. 3): Phil Angelides wrote a worthy commentary in Sunday’s Insight. It would behoove all of us to pay attention. We will be seeing less and less financial regulation — bad news because we need enforced regulation to keep a tight rein on those who would take advantage of our inattention. Angelides knows what he is talking about and has been trying to raise public awareness ever since his stint as chairman of the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission ended. So listen up!
Barbara Krings, Sacramento
Stand up for jury
Regarding “Mayor, D.A. strangely silent after Steinle verdict” (Dec. 3): Thank you, Willie Brown, for standing up for the jury and the verdict in the Kate Steinle case. Trial by jury, presumption of innocence and proof beyond reasonable doubt are the bedrock principles of our legal system. To have those principles attacked by the president and the attorney general is unconscionable.
David Posner, Napa
Wealth advantages
The recent decision to use surge pricing for parking meters in San Francisco once again attempts to solve a problem by favoring the wealthy. A similar regressive plan has been proposed for express lanes on the freeway. San Francisco citizens should be exempt from the parking policy. Credit cards used with local ZIP codes should get a discount. As for the freeways, how about sharing the express lanes on alternate days by using odd and even plate numbers? Our city managers should keep in mind that in a democracy, wealth should not buy advantage.
Josh Koral, San Francisco
Fully fund CHIP
Regarding “Ending kids’ plan would hit state hard” (Business, Dec. 7): The Children’s Health Insurance Plan is one of the most successful, widely supported health access programs ever implemented. It is also a cost-effective program which prevents much more expensive future health costs. To let CHIP expire due to political dysfunction would be a tragedy, with many children as victims. On behalf of over a million American children, Congress should put partisanship aside and do the right thing by fully funding CHIP. Man-Kit Leung, president of San Francisco
Marin Medical Society, San Francisco