Letters to the editor

Time should have honored Hong Kong protesters

Re: “Time honors climate change activist” (Page A1, Dec. 12):

Time’s Person of the Year, an award for global impact, was given to Greta Thunberg, a young environmental activist.

Thunberg’s impressive impact as a child is the reason why Time chose her. Thunberg in my opinion is not deserving of the award, although she accomplished something great. She hadn’t made a great impact on the world.

In my opinion, Time should have honored the Hong Kong protesters as they continue to fight against their corrupt government.

It is amazing that over a third of the city is joining forces for one common goal. In the past six months, we have seen news articles of police brutality on these protesters. The protesters on a daily basis are risking their freedom and lives.

The Hong Kong protest is the biggest protest of the year by far. It seems that every week there is another big news article about the Hong Kong protest.

— Christopher Do, San Jose

Apple ‘spaceship’ campus tour impressive, soothing

Re: “Apple neighbors get rare chance to explore ‘spaceship’ campus” (Mercurynews.com, Dec. 11):

I almost missed it. Having endured the construction years — constant noise, fog-like grime and daily traffic snarls — I wanted to ignore my “Apple Tour” invitation.

As a former HP employee who worked at the Cupertino site, I was understandably nostalgic, with great memories of HP traditions and the professional teams with whom I worked during my career. However, a Birdland neighbor called: “Grab your invite! Let’s tour!” So we did.

Of course no physical presence of HP remains on-site, now populated by a blend of

steel, stone and glass structures. Pathways roam through a park-like setting which is altogether innovative, soothing and eco-friendly.

Most impressive, though, were the Apple staffers — obviously intelligent, courteous and upbeat. From smoothly coordinating processes like registering thousands of visitors to responding to hundreds (often repetitive) questions with information, assistance and friendly smiles. An excellent resource team!

Thankfully, some things haven’t changed.

— Marialis Seehorn, Sunnyvale

Apt reply to GOP refrain of ‘Show us the evidence’

I got ticked off, listening to the impeachment inquiry. The Democrats kept missing the chance to shut down the bombastic Republicans (Trumpites).

The Republicans kept saying “Show us the evidence,” over and over.

Why wouldn’t a single Democrat say, to their Republican colleagues, “If you want real evidence, put pressure on your president, who keeps stonewalling and refusing to turn over any documents and keeps instructing those in his administration to ignore subpoenas.” There’s your evidence!

— James Barrick, Los Gatos

Santa Run Silicon Valley raises funds for families

Re: “Photos: 8th annual Santa Run Silicon Valley comes to San Jose” (Mercurynews. com, Dec. 15):

You haven’t laughed until you’ve seen 3,700 people, many dressed like Santa Claus, chasing “The Grinch” through downtown San Jose. Yet for the eighth year in a row, that’s what transpired on Sunday at our eighth annual Santa Run Silicon Valley, founded and produced by our Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation, generously sponsored by Google.

Nine years ago, when the state eliminated redevelopment agencies, the amazing San Jose tradition called Christmas in the Park faced unexpected budget cuts. To provide additional funding for Christmas in the Park, Holiday Ice and Reading Partners Silicon Valley, we created Santa Run as a way to build community and serve families. In just eight years, our Santa Run has contributed $500,000 in cash and more than 4,000 books for underserved children.

Thank you, Mercury News, for capturing a few of the smiles from this year’s Santa Run.

— Carl Guardino, CEO, Silicon Valley Leadership Group

Will Democratic Party be principled or spineless?

Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan courageously chose the path of integrity and conscience by choosing to vote for impeachment at the risk of losing her bid for reelection in a red district.

Rep. Jeff Van Drew chose the path of craven opportunism by choosing to switch parties after calculating his odds of winning in a recently flipped red district.

So the question for the Democratic Party is this: What will you become when you grow up? A left-leaning version of the spineless Republican Party, or the principled defenders of our Constitution that you profess to be?

The answer is in the simple choice above.

— Anthony Lavia, San Jose