S.F. District Attorney Boudin should resign
Regarding “Breed’s Tenderloin crackdown assailed” (Front Page, Dec. 21): San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin is opposed to Mayor London Breed’s proposed crackdown on crime and drugs. What further proof does anyone need of his complete incapacity for the position he now holds?
Not only should Boudin be recalled from office in June, but he should be forced to resign immediately for the good of the city. Since he probably lacks the decency to do this, he should be summarily removed for incompetence and gross neglect in carrying out his duties.
Boudin does not seem to believe in punishment for criminals breaking the law out of some misguided concepts about addressing equity in society. That is an entirely separate issue requiring other approaches to remedy.
Nick Yale, Oakland
Consider a baby’s worth
Regarding “In abortion debate, let’s define ‘viable’ fetus” (Insight, Dec. 19): Melissa Harris’ pro-abortion op-ed on the baby she chose to let live seemed familiar; similar stories come into my email in-box quite often to show the utter immorality of abortion. A few small changes in Harris’ article would make it a pro-life one.
Harris writes “taking my pregnancy to term was the right decision for me” and “having that choice was everything.” She is ignoring the value of the baby in himself, as someone other than something for herself and her husband.
The reasons some couples might have to have their baby killed are not justifications for that killing, any more than my lust justifies my rape of my beautiful neighbor or my greed my stealing. “Viability” is a red herring.
John Wills, Oakland
Don’t blame Ginsburg
Regarding “Blame Justice Ginsburg” (Letters, Dec. 20): I found the letter so demeaning and unkind to the memory of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a woman of valor who fought so hard for the rights of women and equality for all. Her entire life was spent seeking justice in an honorable way. Her ethical standard was high and her integrity unchallenged. That this letter was written by a woman pains me.
Up until her final day, Ginsburg remained keen of mind, sharp and in good spirits for our nation. To force her to retire before she was ready to would have smacked of ageism. How many of us would want to be forced into retirement before we feel ready? As long as one can serve effectively and showcase excellent decision making skill, she should have the freedom to choose the time of her retirement. Retirement shouldn’t be a political decision.
To blame her for the downturn of the Supreme Court is naive. To blame her posthumously for what the future unloaded on us is ludicrous. Place the blame where it truly belongs: on those who strategically planned to tarnish the court. Let’s not tar Ginsburg’s memory, but rather honor it as a blessing.
Evie Groch, El Cerrito
I love a city that cares
Regarding “S.F.’s 1971 design plan remains relevant today” (Front Page, Dec. 20): John King’s piece on San Francisco’s 50-year-old Urban Design Plan, which still has much relevance for today because it touches on truths that defy trends, ends on a note I truly appreciate. “The fact that residents care,” King notes, “testifies to the fact that people have always felt San Francisco was worth fighting for.”
It still is, and people still fight. And they should.
I worked as a city planner here for 30 years, and in that time my peers from fast-growing places like Houston or Atlanta sometimes marveled at the debates and delays that famously drag out San Francisco’s approval process.
“It’s gotta be frustrating to work there,” they’d quip sympathetically.
“It can be,” I’d shrug, “but I’d rather work in a city that cares too much than one that doesn’t care enough.” Peter Albert, San Francisco