Stop playing the endless political blame game
Regarding “Voter anger will drive Republican takeover” (Letters to the Editor, May 17): Brian Aabel’s letter reminds me of the game my husband and I play: Every time something goes wrong, we blame President Biden. The chicken is overcooked? Darn that President Biden.
Of course we jest because we know none of these things are his fault, just like many of the things he is being blamed for in Aabel’s letter.
The inflation and supply chain problems are global issues, mainly due to the COVID pandemic. The crisis at the southern border has been an issue for decades and could be addressed if Republicans in Congress were willing to work with Democrats to establish new policy.
Yes, the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan was unfortunately messy, but at least the president ended an otherwise endless war.
I am pleased with Biden’s actions to address these issues. I wish the Republicans in Congress were willing to work with him to benefit all Americans. Even then, so many problems are beyond any one person’s control. Valerie Guardia, Benicia
Don’t get mad at GOP
Regarding “Vent anger at the GOP” (Letters to the Editor, May 18): One wonders why Democrats aren’t angry with the constant stirring up of racial division and animosity by CNN and MSNBC. Has their focus on identity politics lead to people killing people by driving through a parade or attempting to kill people on a subway? When can we simply look at the character of a person? Why the needless focus on race? I certainly don’t care what the color of your skin is, or for that matter your religion or sexual preference.
Why aren’t Democrats angry that the rights of an unborn child are totally ignored? Why aren’t Democrats angry that the cost of gas is the highest in history, hurting lower-income earners more than the elitists? Why aren’t Democrats angry that inflation and rising interest rates are going to have a devastating effect on those least able to afford it? Why aren’t Democrats angry that President Biden took too long to arm Ukraine resulting in a horrific war?
Anger though, isn’t the answer. Being open to seeing both sides of an issue so one can be properly informed is. Douglas Abbott, Union City
Reinstate child tax credit
One impactful way of reducing poverty is by providing monthly payments for families via the federal child tax credit. Last year, the revised credit (which extended payments to even the lowest income households) reduced the number of children experiencing poverty by a whopping 30%.
The impact of this cannot be understated. We have the chance to combat the detrimental effects of poverty on millions of children and their families.
But unfortunately, our government failed to renew these added benefits at the end of 2021, leaving so many families at risk of poverty and homelessness yet again. How are we turning a blind eye to one solution that is right in front of us?
I call on our Congress to make extending the child tax credit a priority in upcoming budget reconciliation. The most vulnerable members of our society are depending on it.
Danica Berry, San Francisco
Insight on feminism
Regarding “Leaked Alito draft brings ‘Crucible’ to mind” (Datebook, May 15) Lily Janiak’s profound article belonged on the Front Page. As she so incisively notes, women’s needs have never been at the center in our world, and after more than 50 years as a feminist, I’m still trying to accept that they never will.
Patricia Corrigan, San Francisco