Time to seek a Democratic majority
Like many people, I have spent far too much time worrying about President Trump, especially his penchant for governance by tweet. As someone who lived and taught political science (American government) through the Watergate affair and former President Richard Nixon’s impeachment and resignation, I have come to the conclusion that we are far better off letting him rave until the 2018 congressional elections, where hopefully we can turn the Senate and the House to Democratic majorities.
If Trump were to be impeached now, we would have Vice President Mike Pence, who would have to be better working with Congress and much more likely to get the Trump agenda (whatever that is) through and into law. With Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress, impeachment, conviction and a rational agenda of national policy might be possible.
Keith Smith, San Bruno
Late plans from BART
Concerning “Millbrae BART no bustling hub, despite forecast” ( John Diaz, July 5): The low ridership at BART’s Millbrae Station is no surprise. City planners have been talking for almost 20 years about developing the area around the station for mixed residential and commercial use.
Millbrae would be more than just a place for riders to make transfers between Caltrain and BART — a true bustling transit — if such development had already occurred. This station has been open 13 years and only now are “376 units of housing, a 150-room hotel, and office and retail space” being “planned”? As an old idiom goes, “I’ll believe it when I see it.”
Felicia Charles, Millbrae
California’s diversity
Regarding “America, the old spark has dimmed between you and us” (Insight, July 2): Critics of California may portray the state as “too coastal, too elite, too rich or too educated,” but there’s one thing for which we should truly be praised: our diversity.
Unlike certain parts of America, our state is home to many Asians and Latinos, and it also has a significant LGBTQ population. California is enriched by the many perspectives of its multiethnic and multicultural populations, which reduce the fears and suspicions gripping more monolithic states.
While others speak of building walls, we offer sanctuary cities for undocumented immigrants. While others want to limit LGBTQ rights, we want the queer and trans communities to be treated the same as everyone else. And while others question the science behind climate change, we continue to pursue clean energy and limit carbon emissions. And so, America, don’t forget the many special things that make California the Golden State.
Jean Louis Cook, San Francisco
Keep trains running
Regarding “Long-run trains facing end of line” ( July 4): A vacation is not always about the destination. Upon returning from Europe two years ago, we took Amtrak from New York to Sacramento. We saw the Midwest cornfields, the Rust Belt, the backyards of rural backwater towns, the deserts of Utah and much more.
In the dining car, we were seated at random with an Amish group and got a firsthand education of their lifestyle. The food and service were excellent, and there was plenty of room to sit and walk around. The sleeper car, while small, was well taken care of by staff.
All of this illustrates that the journey can become a vacation as well. Also, some people have an aversion to flying. The railroad, transporting both goods and people, made it possible for us to become a nation. Have we forgotten our history? It would be sad, tragic and unfortunate if Amtrak became a casualty of the times and we lost this vital transportation service. Please contact your elected representatives and voice your support for Amtrak.
Jack Schwab, Fair Oaks
Support for Amtrak
With dismay, I read the article about Congress’ latest attempt to defund Amtrak and do away with its long-distance routes. We need rail service in this country, and we should be investing more in this infrastructure rather than trying to eliminate it and the jobs that go with it. People need an alternative to driving or flying. Amtrak serves communities in remote areas of the United States, often the only type of public transit available. Train travel is a wonderful way to see this country.
Janet Dawson, Alameda
Demeaning president
Critics claim President Trump’s use of social media is not presidential. He defends it as “modern day presidential.” But the use of social media isn’t the problem. It’s how Trump uses it to lie, bully, disrespect women, promote fear and hate, and attack the free press. That’s what demeans the presidency.
Gary Cavalli, Danville