Get over it, Democrats
I rarely find myself in agreement with Willie Brown. However, his Feb. 10 column (“Dems’ big 2020 problem: Trump’s good at elections”) was right on the money. If the Democrats did not know by now that they do not have a viable candidate for 2020, they better listen. Brown is correct. So far there is no Democrat that can beat Trump. It certainly explains the hatred we see leveled at President Trump on a daily basis.
Instinctively, many liberals are coming to the conclusion that they will have to put up with Trump for another four years. Too bad. I had to put up with Barack Obama for eight years; now it’s their turn. Raymond Moreno, San Francisco
Valentine gift
Once again Gov. Gavin Newsom will celebrate the spirit of Valentine’s Day in grand style. In the preview of his State of the State address, Newsom says he will pull California National Guard troops from the border. This is our answer to the White House: no more division, xenophobia or nativism.
On Feb. 11, 2004, Mayor Newsom was responsible for the first same-sex marriage licenses being issued, and on the 12th he officiated at the marriage between Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin. Hopefully, there will be many more bold and righteous moves from the new governor.
Karen Cliffe, San Francisco
Redeploy them
Thank you, Gov. Gavin Newsom, for deciding to withdraw our state’s National Guard troops from the U.S.-Mexico border. Using them there for a nonexistent crisis — a so-called “caravan of migrants” trying to illegally enter our country — is a waste of taxpayer money.
In addition to readying our state’s National Guard for real emergencies like wildfires, might I suggest a deployment of some troops around the White House, where a certain “stable genius” is threatening to destroy our democracy? Now that’s a real national emergency.
Gloria Curazon, Daly City
28th Amendment
Regarding “Big test for state gun laws” (Editorial, Feb. 10): I propose as the 28th Amendment: “A well regulated Highway System, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and drive vehicles, shall not be infringed.”
Then we can eliminate all DMV licensing, thus saving the long waits. Anybody would be able to own and drive any type of vehicle anywhere they want. No more regulation of the automobile industry, so we can all drive powerful, gas-guzzling, polluting vehicles. No more seat belts to wrestle with, and no more airbag recalls. All courtesy of the newly formed NVA (National Vehicle Association).
Robert Plantz, Santa Rosa
Where’s the beef ?
Regarding “Meatless burger battle” (Business Report, Feb. 10): As a vegetarian for the past half-century, I’m baffled by the ever-escalating fight to create the vegetable protein knockoff that perfectly mimics the real thing.
I believe I might have a solution. If you must indulge in the delectable pleasure of the perfect burger, there is a product for you. Its already on the market, safe, relatively cheap and widely available. It is called meat. If you’re headed in the other direction and are a vegetarian or are merely veggie-curious, there’s likewise a product available to you. It is called everything else.
Tom Ruppel, Dixon
Respect for vets
Under the category “How times have changed”: Today, political candidates list their military service near the top of their resumes. In my day, candidates wouldn’t have dreamed of listing “Vietnam veteran.” Today, veterans have the admiration and respect they deserve, which those of us who served in Vietnam should have received but didn’t. Ken Kashiwahara, Millbrae
Flawed estimate
Referencing “Researchers estimate universal health care at $17 billion year,” Business, Feb. 9: I call B.S.! Of course we can’t afford to get to universal health care if we only expand the existing system and leave the insatiable private insurance, pharma and hospital corporations intact. How about the many studies of actual single-payer universal health care which have concluded over and over that single-payer saves money while providing excellent care and including everyone? Margaret Copi, Oakland