Lack of bipartisanship

Concerning “Without vibrant parties, our democracy flails in gridlock” (May 17): Although columnist Andrew Malcolm rightly criticizes both political parties for failing to present “coherent messages” to the American people, he overlooks the major cause of today’s political gridlock in Washington, D.C.: a dearth of bipartisanship. The blame for this problem should be placed at the GOP’s doorstep. For the past generation, the Republicans have engaged in vicious partisan attacks, procedural filibusters and even refused to consider a vote on former President Barack Obama’s nominee to the Supreme Court.

When Obama was first elected, he tried to reach out to Republicans and re-establish a spirit of bipartisanship. Instead, the GOP leadership announced its determination to make him a “one-term president.” Now our country has a chief executive who peddled a phony birther conspiracy (for almost five years) to discredit Obama, and who is determined to dismantle every aspect of his predecessor’s legacy.

In the November midterm elections, citizens should remember the Republicans’ longstanding, relentless “scorched earth” tactics, as well as the record of the divisive reality TV host now occupying the White House, when casting their votes.

Luisa Westbrook , San Francisco

New leadership

Andrew Malcolm’s article makes the same point that Willie Brown made in “Dems, wean yourselves from Trumpbashing” (May 13). The Democrats have to be more than just anti-Trump. They need to simply and clearly state their program on taxes, the environment, economy, etc. I have seen time and time again a huge anti-incumbent sentiment in the country only to see at election time, the voters meant your incumbent, not theirs. This is why I think the party needs new leadership. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have done a good job, but ideas are lacking and the dynamism is gone.

Leonard Dorin, Lafayette

Know about safety

Regarding “Shipyard Shenanigans” (Editorial, May 17): You got everything right but the last sentence. The public doesn’t just need to “believe” the shipyard is safe, they need to “know” it is.

David Sander, Martinez

Define ‘unstable’

Regarding “Unstable people’s guns can be seized” (May 13): I wonder how you define a person as being “unstable”? To some, it would be wearing a T-shirt proclaiming “I Love Trump” while shouting, “LockUp Hillary.” To others ...? Very problematic, don’t you think?

Jeffrey Colflesh, Menlo Park

High spending

Regarding “S.F. plan to treat addicts on street” (May 17): Where does it end? San Francisco is already spending in excess of $241 million per year on homelessness. Now, Mayor Mark Farrell wants to add another $6 million to treat 250 homeless addicts. Do the math, $6 million divided by 250, that’s another $24,000 per addict. And yet, the people who pay these tax dollars continue to suffer the degradation of those institutions that should be making the city an attractive place to live and work (i.e. schools, parks, libraries, etc.).

Pete Nowicki, San Francisco

Memorable words

Regarding “Frank McCulloch — former S.F. Examiner managing editor” (May 16): My thanks to Steve Rubenstein for his beautiful, moving and comprehensive obituary of Frank McCulloch.

I quote McCulloch’s quote about the press: “We admit the free press is not what it should be, and probably never will be,” he said. “But it’s all we’ve got. So long as this remains an open society, you and we — a free people and a free press — are stuck with each other.” In this terrible time of President Trump, we must remember and trust in a free press. McCulloch’s words are now tacked on my bulletin board as a daily reminder.

Linda Chiarucci, San Francisco