Letters to the editor
Dr. Cody heroic in face of opinionated spectators
Re: “The high cost of fighting virus” (Page A1, June 21):
I’m sure that when Sara Cody went to medical school, it didn’t include how to respond to a pandemic such as we’ve seen with COVID-19.
She, and her team, have done a magnificent job of responding and keeping the safety of everyone at the forefront of her plans.
It’s easy to sit in the cheap seats, take out ads in the local newspaper and criticize, but that’s the easy way out for some.
Dr. Cody has stood firm and considered the safety of everyone and for her efforts, she is to be commended. None of this is easy, and the way out is still ahead of us, but sitting on the sidelines just makes you a spectator with an opinion. When you’ve sunk into the trenches and battled for the safety of everyone, even despite those who would criticize your methods and motives, then you become heroic. Thank you, Dr. Cody.
— Steve Sulgit, Cupertino
Think about removing statues like a divorce
Maybe it would be easier to look at the subject of removing statues or changing the names of military bases if we think about it as we would a divorce.
If we decide to end a relationship that started out OK but ended badly, do we stay married? No. Do we keep the ex’s last name? Sometimes. Do we keep their picture on the wall next to the new spouse? Uh, no.
Does that erase their memory? No. Do the kids keep their last name? Yes. Does that mean we have moved on and started a new chapter in our lives? Yes.
Can we say it was in the past but we are not dragging it forward into our future? Yes, we can. Let’s put the old pictures in a box and take them off the wall and put up new pictures of where we are today.
— Cindy Castillo,
Sunnyvale
Let’s hope the virus doesn’t have a tricky running play
Re: “Borenstein: Newsom coronavirus strategy accepts 60-plus daily deaths” (Column, Opinion section, June 18):
Newsom has good intent to boost the economy and acknowledge 60-plus daily deaths.
Coach Newsom is gambling that dozens of counties and hundreds of cities will not fumble the mitigation ball.
Let’s hope and pray that the virus does not have a tricky running play.
— Neilson Buchanan,
Palo Alto
Don’t let powerlessness impede logic on climate
Aristotle defined humans as the “rational animal,” but in reality, our emotions tend to supersede rational thought.
Often, we make decisions based on intuitions. In “How to get through coronavirus and climate change grief” (Mercurynews.com, June 16), Vicki Larson discusses how fear, resentment, vulnerability and loneliness can lead us to dismiss science and authority. These overwhelming feelings prevent us from effectively responding to global catastrophes like the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.
Instead of defaulting to emotions, we should follow the advice of infectious disease experts and climate scientists, have honest conversations and support responsible legislation like the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (which will lower carbon emissions while stimulating the economy).
We have to acknowledge that our actions have consequences. We can’t let feelings of powerlessness or anger destroy our logical thought.
— Anna Novoselov,
Saratoga
ACA 5 rescinds noble law that reflects our values
ACA 5 repeals Proposition 209, which states, “The state shall not discriminate … on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin …”
The current law is noble and in keeping with our nation’s deepest values.
The National Study of College Experience (2009) showed Asians need to be 140 points higher than white applicants, 320 points higher than Hispanic applicants and 450 points higher than Black applicants on the SAT to be viewed in an equal light.
I am appalled that a student with Chinese heritage must climb a 450-point hill in order to compete against someone who is Black for a seat at UC Berkeley.
If, like me, you believe in justice (giving people what they have earned), equality of opportunity, and rewarding merit (accomplishment), then ACA 5 is a measure you should oppose.