Biden will deliver refreshing change as president

It is with a sigh of relief that I read Presidentelect Joe Biden’s name on the front page of The Chronicle these days and learn his plans and actions to bring America back to our former sane self. I can breathe again reading about his diverse and environmentally aware Cabinet picks and his plans for helping Americans in need and taking us forward to a new inclusive society on a planet with a lifesupport system that will sustain humans and animals.

Donald Trump is still kicking and bloviating as he fades into a few articles buried deep in the fish wrap. Good riddance.

Honor the Constitution

Our Constitution of the United States of America, while flawed and falling short of its message in many ways, is still better than any authoritarian system in the world. Having said this, I must express my disappointment with the recent attempt by the state of Texas with the signed support of many members of Congress to overturn the Nov. 3 election in several Midwestern states. These members of Congress vowed to uphold our Constitution when they were sworn in. Those who seemed to have forgotten their pledge need to refamiliarize themselves with our Constitution. We have been guided by this document for well over 200 years.

The best hope we have for the future success of this republic is to continue to make progress by initiating constitutional amendments when necessary, but also keeping in mind that our Constitution is the foundation of all laws both currently and going forward.

Cut Congress’ pay

As Congress dithered, small business struggled to stay afloat. Let’s see meaningful contributions by our elected federal and state representatives.

A 20% pay cut would be a great start!

Ruling class

Please consider the conflict of interest between those governing us during this crisis, and their simultaneous profiteering from it. Common law dictates one should not benefit from one’s own wrongdoing. Inequality is the major contributor to the devastation COVID is causing, and this inequality is created primarily by monopoly.

Politicians have no interest in effective leadership, since perpetual instability further enriches them. Plato’s ruling class was provided for and honored, but could not amass wealth. They had absolute authority, but could only be trusted if not permitted to simultaneously fleece the people. Americans have neither the advantages of a Darwinian state of nature, which is to care for ourselves by any means necessary, nor the one advantage of slavery, to be provided for by others. We have a new form of government in which we get shortchanged both ways.

Bad look in Oakland

I’m wondering how the plan to make Oakland police more accessible and communityoriented came up with the idea/ design of black gaiters for masks. To me, they look like storm troopers and more threatening than ever.