Respect for Sen. Feinstein’s remarks
Regarding “Feinstein’s kind Trump remarks stir Dems’ anger” (Aug. 31): Criticism of Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s remarks on the president ignore the context of the evening. She was expressing hope and bipartisanship, a welcome theme. She admitted that changing President Trump was a long shot. But she hoped it could happen for the good of the republic. She said it out of respect for the office of president, not the man.
Most Democrats revel in disparaging Trump at every turn. This, though often warranted, is hardly constructive. I found Sen. Feinstein’s comments throughout the evening to be thoughtful and knowledgeable. I gained great respect for her as a politician who transcends party labels and works for the good of the entire country.
Lee Ponton, San Francisco
Lay off Feinstein
It is amazing to me that Sen. Dianne Feinstein is getting so much flak about her innocuous statement that she hopes President Trump can become a good president. It is obvious that most of the Democratic Party “leaders” have no program except oppose Trump on everything. Even things that are good for the country are opposed if Trump agrees. They would be far better for the country if they would propose legislation and debate it.
Nick Clark, San Rafael
NIMBY-minded
Concerning “Tiny hearts” (Editorial, Aug. 31): As a San Jose resident, I’m disappointed and embarrassed to read the editorial. Any solution for an area’s homeless population, including the creation of “tiny home communities,” should be welcomed, not scorned. Mayor Sam Liccardo should continue to press council district members to find sites for such communities. And to those NIMBY-minded residents who are concerned about offering housing for homeless people where they live, please remember this: Homelessness can be caused by many of life’s misfortunes, including job loss, home foreclosure, divorce and illness. Herman Rivera, San Jose
Bad judges in court
Regarding “Test of legislator loyalties” (Editorial, Aug. 29): Thank you for acknowledging AB249. Our immigration, health care, civil rights and the environment are dependent on AB249. The lack of auditing in our justice system allows the abuse of power. This can stop. I ask that Gov. Jerry Brown help make America great again. AB249 allows the swamp to be drained of bad judges in family courts throughout California.
Carmel Foster, Fairfield
Kap should stand
Regarding the ongoing Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the anthem controversy: Maybe it all boils down to perspective. I see the flag-draped coffin of my father at his burial in Arlington Cemetery. I see the riderless horse and the honor guard marching to the graveside where they will fire 21 shots as taps is being played by a lone bugler. For Kaepernick, he sees a stadium filled with cheering fans supporting million-dollar “heroes” with self-important misconceptions of what their roles in society really constitute. Maybe Kaepernick just needs a new perspective. I humbly suggest he visit a veterans cemetery or Dover Air Force Base. He can then decide to take a knee as yet another flag-draped coffin, carried by uniformed soldiers, is buried or removed from the back of a transport. I, on the other hand, will stand proudly for my flag in front of 70,000 fans and contemplate my blessed life and country.
Jeffery Miller, El Granada
Wake-up call
Regarding “Houston becomes a chain of islands” (Aug. 31): The devastation of this hurricane offers a stark reminder that the effects of climate change are happening to us today. Although it’s impossible to say that the hurricane was caused by climate change, the warmer waters in the Gulf of Mexico and increased atmospheric moisture certainly helped to strengthen it.
I hope that lawmakers see the devastation as a reminder that it’s long past time for us to put the partisan politics of climate change behind us. Republicans and Democrats need to take this as a wake-up call to start working on legislation that helps curb emissions and prevents worse storms in the future.
Jonathan Maltz, San Francisco
Conflict of interest
Regarding “Trump calls for tax cuts but offers few specifics” (Aug. 31): President Trump may want to overhaul the tax code, but Congress should refuse to consider his proposals until he discloses his own tax returns. Otherwise, the country has no way to evaluate how much Trump himself will benefit from the cuts he proposes for high earners. It’s a classic and blatant conflict of interest that should not be allowed to stand.
Bob Roden, Berkeley