Free speech and the right to protest

Vice President Mike Pence, the former governor of Indiana, left Lucas Oil Stadium after the national anthem on the command of his buddy, President Donald Trump, after a number of San Francisco 49ers players took a knee during the anthem. Who set up this stunt? Pence walks out on a display of individuals exercising their right of freedom of speech to bring attention to inequalities that do exist in our country. They did it under the American flag for which it stands — for freedom of speech. How much money did this tantrum cost all of us who pay our share of taxes to live in this great country? Pence and his party were the only group that walked out. If the opening ceremonies started with burning torches and crosses, white hoods and Nazi flags, I bet he would have stayed, and Trump would have joined him. Of course. there would not have been a game, just another Trump rally — “Bring America Down.” B.A.D., for short. Sad. Very, very sad. Dale W. Stewart Santa Fe

More public transit

Congress should defend public transportation funding during upcoming budget and infrastructure debates. The administration’s proposal to slash public transit funding should be soundly rejected. Our nation continues to grow — and more people must travel on increasingly crowded roads. The best solution for everyone is to support multimodal transportation networks that make public transit more available and accessible. Public transit is essential for people who cannot drive. It is also beneficial for people who choose not to drive or want to be able to live without being completely car dependent.

Ultimately, though, we all benefit from public transportation because it reduces traffic congestion and pollution and makes travel safer for everyone.

Congress has traditionally shown strong bipartisan support for public transportation.

Lawmakers — especially our congressional delegation — should recommit to expanding and improving public transit and make sure it is fully funded. Robert Rodriguez Santa Fe

Planning input needed

Santa Fe desperately needs affordable housing, but where does the City Council want to locate it? Adjacent to one of Santa Fe’s busiest speedways — Zia Road. Worse yet, the development would be located at the intersection of Zia Road and Yucca Street across the street from Ragle Park (“Low-income complex proposal takes step forward,” Oct. 3). The increase in traffic at the intersection would put children, pedestrians, bicyclists and others in harm’s way trying to cross Zia Road to access the park from the development. I am concerned about safety issues in the area caused by additional traffic on Zia Road. Why can’t the City Council take a look at the big picture before approving developments? Alan Richardson

Santa Fe