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Victories by the weak show America’s promise
Re: “U.S. celebrates 250th as country” (Page A1, July 5)
The article inspired me. Reporter Steven Sloan wrote, “Vice President JD Vance said small but loud voices would speak on America’s birthday about its imperfections instead of its greatness.” Sloan quoted Vance: “They will tell you that America is just another country, where the weak struggle against the strong.”
America is strong because its weak sometimes win against the strong and lessen our national imperfections. The weak sometimes restore the Declaration of Independence’s “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” rights usurped by the strong. The end of slavery and the rise of workers’ rights, women’s rights and civil rights are examples
The quotation from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is a call to action: “Those ideals upon which our nation was built — they are strong enough to endure any authoritarian regime, but only if we reach for them.”
Article unnecessarily retraumatizes family
Re: “Man who drove off cliff won’t face jail” (Page A1, July 8)
I cannot fathom how the dismissal of criminal charges against the radiologist who, more than three years ago, drove with his family off a cliff, warranted front-page status in the Monday (July 7) East Bay Times — complete with a 2023 mugshot and a revisiting of details about his wife and children
It is enough that their lives were upended by such a horrific event and all the inevitable publicity. Trauma never really ends for survivors, and I read nothing in the current story that warranted re-exposing them to such a degree. It seemed sensational
John DoggettDanville
Trump’s ‘golden touch’ dooms the USMNT
I was really disappointed by the loss of the U.S. Men’s National Team in the World Cup
However, as the news came out about how Donald Trump interfered in FIFA’s decision about Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension, it struck me as funny. The “Trump Curse” was also seen at the New York Knicks’ only loss in the NBA Finals
Throw in things like the ruined reflecting pool, the East Wing-into-ballroom shambles, and even the debacle in Iran, and it’s clear that Trump must have the opposite of the “Midas touch.”
John HeffernanHayward
Trump’s energy policy is taking us backwards
Re: “Solar cold storage helps African farmers cut losses” (Page C7, July 6)
I was fascinated by the article on the use of solar power in parts of Africa to create electricity to power the coolers that help preserve produce and other crops from spoilage prior to selling
This is in contrast to the Trump administration’s effort to reduce the use of solar power in favor of going back to fossil fuels to generate electricity. While it appears people in Africa are embracing modern technology, the Trump administration wants us to go backwards. What is wrong with this picture?
Roger WoodFremont
Rein in college costs so students succeed
As a college student, I believe the rising cost of higher education continues to put unnecessary stress on students
Tuition, textbooks, housing and everyday expenses have become so expensive that many students must work long hours while trying to keep up with their classes. This can make it difficult to succeed academically and take advantage of internships or campus opportunities that help prepare us for our careers. Education should be an investment in our future, not a financial burden that follows students for years
I hope colleges and state leaders continue looking for ways to make higher education more affordable so that students can focus on learning instead of worrying about how they will pay their next bill
Rylie KeeganTracy
Trump’s mining road desecrates tribal land
It is an outrage that President Trump wants to build a road that will go through the sacred lands of indigenous people in Alaska
The land features caribou migration and food systems that they rely on. Indigenous people’s way of life should be preserved and should not be desecrated in favor of corporate industries
Billy Trice Jr.Oakland
Regulation needs to catch up with Waymo
Re: “Waymo car delivers misbehaving teen passengers to San Mateo police” (July 7)
I am writing to discuss the safety and policies surrounding self-driving ride-sharing services
In the United States, you need to be at least 16 years old to have a driver’s license, and even after you get your license at 16, there are still restrictions, so why are there no restrictions when a driver is not present? If a person couldn’t manually stop the car to prevent harm such as a crash, they shouldn’t be in a self-driving vehicle
Technology may be advancing at an incredible rate with each passing day, but that does not mean it is immune to mistakes. As with AI, self-driving cars and their services are advancing faster than laws can be made, and they are in desperate need of regulation
Ginnette HamelinMarina
