Letters: Gov. Newsom has failed California’s schools

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Newsom has failed California’s schools

Re: “Schools emerge as a key subject” (Page A1, Jan. 19).

The article further exemplifies the gross incompetence of Gov. Newsom and his administration. These policy failures are causing lower living standards. It is beyond pathetic that “reading and math scores among California’s 5.8 million K-12 students trail national averages and more than half the students are reading below grade level.“

Perhaps policies oriented toward incentivizing excellence and merit could arrest California’s continued educational downfall. One wonders if the voters will ever wise up to the disastrous results of Newsom-like policies and their consequences.

Chris Kniel
Orinda

Wake up. Majority of ICE protests are peaceful

Re: “ICE must enforce immigration laws” (Page A8, Jan. 11).

It appears Christopher Andrus hasn’t attended or seen on TV the many peaceful protests around our country. Most who come out to defend our democracy are simply showing up, and in some cases, bearing witness to ICE agents racially profiling and brutalizing good people — many of whom are American citizens.

If you’re not Native American, your forebears were immigrants who, in today’s world, could have been recipients of ICE tactics. They likely came to this country to build a better life for themselves, and by extension, for you.

Andrus says, “The one who killed the woman will be duly prosecuted if the evidence suggests guilt.” Even if “the one” is not even being questioned or apprehended? Perhaps that agent is resting at home now, while his victim rests permanently.

If you’ve been resting too, wake up and smell the coffee.

Sharon Brown
Walnut Creek

Trump needs firm hand to tame tantrums

Re: “Nobel rejection angers Trump” (Page A1, Jan. 20).

Having helped my wife raise five children, I know what a temper tantrum looks like. I never thought I would witness one thrown by the president of the United States.

His recent communication with the prime minister of Norway about Greenland surely looks like one, with the Nobel Peace Prize the toy he didn’t get for his birthday.

My wife and I tried to help our children grow up to be responsible adults. Where are the parents in the room for Donald Trump?

John Chiorini
Danville

Norway letter is evidence Trump is unfit for office

Re: “Nobel rejection angers Trump” (Page A1, Jan. 20).

In Donald Trump’s recent text regarding Denmark’s claim to Greenland — oddly sent to the prime minister of Norway — he wrote, “and why do they have a ‘right of ownership’ anyway? There are no written documents.”

In reality, in 1916, the U.S Secretary of State, after negotiations with Denmark so they could obtain ownership of the Virgin Islands, signed a document stating “the U.S. has the honor to declare the government of the United States of America will not object to the Danish Government extending their political and economic interests to the whole of Greenland.”

So, Trump’s claims to the contrary, there is written evidence that the U.S. formerly ceded any rights to Greenland over 100 years ago, and Trump’s statement is just one more piece of evidence (of many pieces) that he is not fit for office.

Douglas Mcclelland
Brentwood

USAID cuts hurt Americans as well

Re: “Next budget deal must undo SNAP cuts” (Page A8, Jan. 18).

Susan Wright is right: Globally, public health continues to face serious threats. In the U.S., White House actions and congressional gridlock are undermining health coverage, vaccination efforts and reproductive rights.

Why are our leaders dismantling outbreak defenses instead of strengthening them? When detection and rapid response are cut, epidemics don’t stay put — they spread globally. American farmers bear the costs as purchases by USAID are canceled. Crops rot in storage. These cuts don’t save money; they just shift expenses onto Americans.

Congress must restore USAID funding now — before more Americans suffer. Please contact your elected officials.

Winifred and Gerald Thompson
Castro Valley

Missing positive story in Walk for Peace

I have not seen one article about the Buddhist monks’ Walk for Peace from Texas to Washington, D.C. Why is that? It is a beautiful statement by these priests and a wish for peace for all people.

If the paper doesn’t print the article or post the pictures, just search Walk For Peace or follow on Facebook. There are very moving stories from people who went to greet them. It is more uplifting than what is covered in the news.

Patty Cochran
Concord