Americans must unite against racism
Even though we are in the 21st century, racism and injustice still exist in the U.S. and other parts of the world. As an Ahmadi Muslim, I encourage our brothers and sisters in humanity to reflect on this day and ponder upon it on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said the same message that Dr. King preached over 13 centuries ago that “a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action.” This mirrors what Dr. King famously stated: “I look to the day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” I encourage my fellow Americans to pay heed to this message and let us all come together and echo our voices toward justice and end racism.
Khalid Khan, Bay Point
Housing and homeless
Two interesting points on today’s issues of homelessness and housing. First, we are in a booming economic expansion. Homelessness is at a record high. What would it look like if the economy turns down? Imagine a recession creating so many more people on the streets. Second, the housing issues are creating havoc with politicians. On the one hand, you want more housing units on as much land as possible. Yet, the growing pains exacerbate stress on the community. Also, you put pressure on developing open space which environmentalists want to preserve.
North Stamets, Sausalito
Well done, Sweeney
Regarding “Doorman hangs up his beefeater suit” (Page One, Jan. 14): “My tour of duty is over,” announced Tom Sweeney after a sterling career at San Francisco’s Sir Francis Drake Hotel. What a joy to read! Sweeney worked straight out of high school and now can collect two pensions because of his ambition. I salute him. I wish more people shared his work ethic, helpful personality and resourcefulness
David Tulanian, Las Vegas
Shut down rock hall
Regarding “Doobie Brothers get into rock hall” (Jan. 16): So what? It’s hard to imagine a more meaningless institution than the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, whose business is to memorialize yesterday’s pop stars. The music industry’s lifeline is what’s happening today and what comes next. I mean, certainly this “fame” recognition must be gratifying to friends and family of T. Rex and Whitney Houston (new inductees, along with the Doobie Brothers), but let’s get real. Nobody’s listening. The sharks have been jumped. Today, on Amazon, you’ll find bestof albums by the Doobie Brothers, Whitney Houston and T. Rex for less than five bucks — neargiveaways, guaranteed to dwindle further in years to come. And rightly so. Their time is past. Attempting to prop up these acts with blastfromthepast accolades is pop music’s “ThousandYear Reich.” Dead and gone. Time to recognize that and shut down the hall.
John Burks, Pacifica
Dangerous precedent
Regarding “Homeless to shelter on vacant state land” (Page One, Jan. 8): As a compassionate person, I couldn’t be more pleased that California will be opening vacant state land to emergency shelters for homeless persons. Shelter is one of the basic needs on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and the fact that more people will be sheltered is a positive thought. However, I feel Gov. Gavin Newsom shouldn’t have granted exemptions to environmental regulations in order to speed up shelter construction. As a student of environmental science, I am painfully aware of the potential harmful effects of ignoring environmental regulations. I believe ignoring these regulations, even for such philanthropic causes, can set a dangerous precedent. If we can ignore environmental regulations for this, what’s to stop us from doing it again for a less positive cause? So, Gov. Newsom, please continue to improve conditions for homeless people, but also maintain good conditions for our environment.
Lydia Neve, San Jose
Cut out the beef
Responding to “Reduce carbon footprint” (Letters, Jan. 14): I welcome all ways to reduce our carbon emissions, and turn around climate change. A very easy and effective thing to do is to eat less meat. Producing meat, especially beef, is extremely waterintensive (5,000 gallons per pound of beef ). The methane emissions from animals are worse for the environment than those from fossil fuels! You don’t have to go completely vegetarian, just cut back a few meals or days per week. The land can then be used for better purposes.
Kathryn Ryan, La Honda
‘Profiles in Cowardice’
Former President John F. Kennedy was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his book “Profiles in Courage.” It’s about eight senators in our history who took controversial and courageous stands for their principles and against their party. Who will, today, write a “Profiles in Cowardice” highlighting the Republican senators, cowed by President Trump, who choose to put their own selfish political interests over the Constitution and the country?
Richard Peter Arrighi, Oakland