Trump Jr. follows father’s footsteps
Regarding “Twitter, truth and consequences” ( John Diaz, June 11): Perhaps the only reason that President Trump showed “restraint” by not tweeting about former FBI Director James Comey’s testimony the same day it was given was because he had a close ally do it for him — his son, Donald Trump Jr.
According to Business Insider, the junior Trump fired off more than 80 tweets in defense of his father on that day, most notably that “Knowing my father 39 years when he ‘orders or tells’ you to do something there is no ambiguity, you will know exactly what he means.” And, like his father, Trump Jr. misinterpreted words spoken by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, in a wrongheaded tweet accusing him of being soft on terrorism. When it comes to communicating via Twitter, this Trump progeny has not flown far from the family nest.
Claire Rutherford, San Francisco
A bipartisan solution
Regarding “Governor says Trump’s stance on climate will spur movement” (June 10): Gov. Jerry Brown expressed optimism for a strong response to climate change. This attitude can be seen throughout America since the election for a number of issues, but especially for action against climate change.
Since the 2016 election, the Climate Solutions Caucus has more than doubled in size from its 20 members prior to the election. This bipartisan caucus proves that climate change is not a partisan issue, and a bipartisan solution such as a carbon fee and dividend can be readily achieved with broad support.
Candice Wold, San Francisco
Inspection penalties
Thank you for “Tempers flare in hills as fire funds dry up” (June 11). I am the victim of one of these invoices for failing to pass a previous inspection. These bills arrived with no documentation showing the original or reinspection reports or even what was wrong. Residents are not advised of their original inspection date.
Inspectors just show up and have the right to enter your property everywhere. There’s no opportunity to correct minor problems like leaves in your gutters that could result in fail, a reinspection and bill. If your property fails one of 11 subjective criteria, you are subject to reinspection penalties. And if a homeowner challenges the invoice, guess who hears the appeal? Not some impartial third party, but Vincent Crudele himself in secret with no chance for the homeowner to make his or her case.
Bill Levinson, Oakland
Single-payer coverage
After working in the health care insurance industry for six years, I became convinced that putting profits before care was inhuman. It appalled me that every avenue was taken to try to limit hospital stays and expensive procedures. Being a long-term member of Kaiser Permanente, I took it for granted that the health care I needed would also be provided. This has proved to be true, as I am now facing my fourth bout with breast cancer. I find myself in a great dilemma. I’ve been waiting for single-payer/Medicare for all with great passion. But I read last week that this bill would eliminate health maintenance organizations like Kaiser. I am confused as to why Kaiser is not being seen as part of the singlepayer solution. I currently have Medicare and Kaiser, and it works beautifully. Until Kaiser is part of single-payer, I must vote against it.
Jackie Grant, Walnut Creek
Blame ratings agencies
Regarding “Why suckering Americans has become big business” (Insight, June 4): This article was nourishment for my latent cynicism, but in pointing his finger at those responsible for the global financial crisis, Edward Balleisen failed to identify the ones without whose abuse of authority the crisis could not have existed: the ratings companies.
To pull off that scam of the centuries, the lie had to have the endorsement of trusted and authoritative voices. Junk was sold as AAA credit rating. Balleisen is correct. Trust is dangerous.
Fred Saunders, San Jose
Create a coalition here
Concerning “May gambles and loses big” (Editorial, June 10): Perhaps the embarrassing Conservative Party loss in the latest British elections is a harbinger of changing political forces. Might voters be starting to reject ultranationalist and isolationist policies, realizing that they clash with today’s global geopolitical realities?
The U.S. Democratic Party ought to emulate the British Labor Party’s “smart, effective campaign” by creating a coalition of young and economically struggling voters as a strategy for winning the 2018 midterm elections.
Cecilia Ventamiglia, San Francisco