Understand addiction
Considering the sophistication and intricacies of the American government, I would imagine that solutions would be a priority. However, nothing seems to be communicated on, and it’s really frustrating. In regard to drug usage, people on either side of the spectrum can agree on its negative impacts and its tragic trajectory. Is it a crime to be an addict? No. So why is it that we police this issue and expect different results? In the same way that society normalizes certain mental health issues, drug dependencies should be regarded in the same light. Many people with the knowledge of addiction will understand that the user is completely dependent on their habit.
This is a health issue and the use of medically supervised injection centers isn’t new to other parts of the world. Other countries have recorded their successes in showing that they are alleviating overdoses and public consumption, and are reducing the spread of diseases and infections. Due to the conflicting state and federal laws within America, addicts and the families who care for them continue to suffer from the lack of legislation that would effectively help those in need of options and more importantly the ability to live.
Sadie Washington, Fremont
Inhumane immigration policy
Regarding “The plight of ICE detainees in East Bay jail” (Otis Taylor Jr., July 19): Let’s face it, the “detainees” being held in a Contra Costa County jail are actually “prisoners.” Due to the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” immigration policy, they are languishing behind bars without the benefit of bail, counsel or hearings. Human rights groups should be allowed to check on the well-being of these undocumented individuals, and be allowed to raise bail for their release. Like the separation of migrant children from their asylum-seeking parents, the indefinite imprisonment of “ICE detainees” is cruel and inhumane.
Demetrius McDaniel, Oakland
Abyss of financial ruin
Concerning “GOP’s contempt for consumers” ( July 19): Instead of asking “Why do Republicans hate consumers so much?” columnist Catherine Rampell should be asking “Why do consumers like Republicans who hate them so much?” In many of the so-called “flyover states,” lower-income consumers who will be most impacted by the president’s trade tariffs — resulting in higher prices and fewer jobs — continue to support him. These same people will also be hurt by this administration’s push for fewer consumer protections and its destabilization of health insurance markets. Sadly, those who pledge their blind allegiance to this president and the GOP are like lemmings following each other over a cliff into an abyss of financial ruin.
Arthur Leibowitz, San Francisco
Up to the courts
Here’s my concern after reading “Court: Ban on transgender troops on hold” (Page One, July 19): Even if the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rules against allowing President Trump to bar transgender individuals from serving in the military, the Justice Department might then request a hearing on the case before the U.S. Supreme Court.
And if a Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who favors broad executive power, is sitting on the high court, the president’s discriminatory ban might be upheld. Although Trump claimed to be a “friend” of the LGBTQ community during his presidential campaign, this statement — like thousands of others he has made — was a lie.
Vivian Wexford, San Francisco
Searching for solutions
I think it is high time for us to do something to get the attention of the Republican Party and ask them to do something about our out-ofcontrol president. What will it take? Not paying our taxes?
That may be a bit extreme, but something mentioned in a letter to the editor this week sounds doable. Stop buying anything that you don’t absolutely need. Bring our commerce to a halt until Congress does something to prevent this president from destroying our democracy! How shall we do this? Any ideas?
Neva Dyer, San Francisco
Dark secrets in finances
President Trump must have had a compelling reason to risk the unpredictable political fallout from his decision not to disclose his tax returns. After Trump disgraced his own country at the summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, will some of his supporters finally wonder which dark secrets lurk in Trump’s finances that may explain his inability to put America’s interests ahead of his own personal interests?
Douglas Carlson, San Francisco