Focus on big issues, not minor differences

Racist cop shows need for better screening

Re: “Former cop behind racist texts had large stockpile of weapons” (Page A1, Dec. 29).

About your recent article concerning former SJPD Officer Mark McNamara, who aspired to use his position to abuse, persecute and shoot black citizens, I was struck by the comments of Police Chief Mata and Mayor Mahan. They decried McNamara's behavior as “disgusting,” “horrible,” “vile” and unbecoming of what is expected of SJPD officers.

No one could disagree with such sentiments, but to me, it sounded like more ineffectual “thoughts and prayers.” I would rather have read that our police command structure was planning to institute major reforms in the selection and training of new officers, including updated psychological screenings, in-depth background checks, stress testing, annual followups and other screening methods that would weed out monsters like McNamara before they commit mayhem under color of the authority conferred on them.

— G.A. Braun, Campbell

Re: “LaPhonza Butler just got to the Senate, but she's not planning to stay in position long” (Page A1, Jan. 1).

I am taking an online course describing the origins and eventual horrors of the Spanish Civil War.

What is most frightening are the similarities between the roots of the Spanish Civil War and our polarized U.S. society.

When neither side is trusted to govern in an inclusive fashion; when each side demonizes the other as destructive of the nation's future, then hatred builds and the ability to compromise withers, potentially destroying our democracy.

As your recent article on Laphonza Butler highlights, we need to focus on problems that affect us all (access to medical care, income inequality, crime and yes, illegal immigration) rather than focus on the mostly minor issues that separate us.

— Ed Taub, Mountain View

Take a stand against Trump autocracy

Donald Trump admits he will be a dictator.

Trump has said he will use the military to advance his agenda. All immigrants are in danger of being interned or deported. He threatens to imprison journalists and political foes for disagreeing with his authoritarian ideas. The next months are potentially more dangerous. He will likely dismantle the foundation of American democracy and implement a Christian nationalist agenda.

Trump has spoken highly of Vladimir Putin. Our allies in Ukraine will receive no support in defending themselves against his brutal invasion. Putin would be able to move against Poland and the Baltics, and eventually all of Europe. Trump has used Nazi rhetoric to rally his base against our allies and toward authoritarianism.

If Trump wins again he will undermine democracy at home and around the world. We must take a stand before it's too late.

— Melvin Andrew Ross San Jose