Benefits of Bay Area’s tumultuous weather
Although “Wild weather electrifies region” (Front Page, Aug. 17), with thunderstorms, lightning strikes and high wind, Mother Nature also did us a favor.
She cleaned the air, provided cloud cover and somewhat lower temperatures, and discouraged throngs of people from gathering at local beaches during a health pandemic. Even though the potential for more hot weather seems cruel at a time when our daily activities are limited, I hope Bay Area residents will try to be kind to one another and continue to wear masks and social distance in this 2020 Summer of COVID19.
Eileen Fitzgerald, Pacifica
True cost of mail
Regarding “A plan for USPS in wake of funding fiasco” (Letters, Aug. 14): The author suggests that the Postal Service temporarily ignore service commitments to deliver “annoying bulk and thirdclass mailings for a few weeks.”
His comment reminded me of a tour I had a few years ago with a group of fellow subscribers to The Chronicle offices in which one of the group complained to the editor leading our group that the paper “had too many large Macy’s advertisements.” The editor patiently explained that these advertisements, and the income they brought in, were very important to the ongoing financial success of the paper. So, too, the income brought in by thirdclass mailings is critical to the financial success of the Postal Service.
Without these mailings, other classes of mail would necessarily be priced much higher to meet the overall costs of processing and delivery. Each class of mail is supposed to be priced at a level that meets the cost of processing and delivery of that particular class of mail.
I can assure everyone that all mailers, including those who produce bulk mailings, are equally important to the future success of the Postal Service.
David Cowles, San Francisco
Disappointing response
Regarding “Activist has issues with Biden and Harris” (Aug. 15): As one of the Black women that Angela Davis describes as being the most sophisticated participants in the electoral process in this country, I’m very disappointed by her lack of enthusiasm for the 2020 BidenHarris Democratic presidential ticket.
If there’s any hope for the kind systemic changes that Davis advocates, especially to end racial injustice, then our nation must turn out in massive numbers to reject the virulently racist and authoritarianleaning Trump presidency.
Davis does not help us achieve this goal by publicly proclaiming that Democratic vicepresidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris has a “difficult history.” Consider Harris’ counterpart, Vice President Mike Pence, whose antiLGBTQ and proChristian agenda has harmed millions of citizens during his political career. It’s a long and frustrating road to achieving equality for all Americans, but at least the BidenHarris ticket offers a pathway to getting there.
All voters, especially those of color, must vote for a change in leadership in the Oval Office, with or without the enthusiasm of public figures like Prof. Davis.
Francine TompkinsOliviera, Berkeley
Felonious actions
Regarding “Don’t mess with the U.S. mail” (Editorial, Aug. 15): Interfering with the U.S. mail is a felony.
Using the facilitation of a fair election as a bargaining chip is unconstitutional. Delegitimizing the election results before the first vote is cast is reprehensible.
If President Trump tries to overthrow the American system to remain in office after failing to win the election, the country must be prepared to remove him by force and prosecute him afterward.
Patrick Andersen, San Francisco