Letters: Democrats must hash out viable candidates for governor

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Democrats must hash out viable candidate

Re: “Sparks fly at initial debate” (Page A1, Feb. 5).

The Democratic candidates for governor must be ignorant of California’s election rules: Only the top two primary vote-getters will be on the November ballot.

All Democratic candidates should thrash out who is the best candidate, otherwise it is possible that no Democrat will be on the November ballot. And the November ballot will have a huge conservative turnout because of the constitutional initiative circulating to suppress the vote of low-income/minority/youth/women voters by requiring unnecessary certified, documented proof of citizenship in order to vote, ending online voter registration.

Stop and think, Betty Yee, Xavier Becerra, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer and Eric Swalwell: What if there were no Democrats on the November ballot because of your egotism? Idiocy.

Alice Schaffer SmithPalo Alto

Use proven means to overcome obstacles

Re: “California schools’ low scores reflect far more than teaching” (Page A6, Feb. 5).

In explaining California students’ weak performance on national assessments, Jill Stegman points to poverty and English-language learners. These are real challenges — but they are obstacles, not barriers. Barriers are things that are impenetrable, while obstacles can be overcome. Many charter schools prove it every day.

Success Academy students, for example, significantly outperform traditional public school peers in New York City despite serving similar proportions of Black, Hispanic and low-income families. Their formula is clear: relentless focus on reading, writing and math; structured classrooms; high behavioral expectations; frequent assessments with instruction continuously adjusted; and a no-excuses culture.

Rather than blaming housing costs or funding levels, California schools should focus on adopting the practices that consistently drive results.

Brian SuckowPalo Alto

Public isn’t buying White House’s racism

Re: “Racist meme on Trump’s account about Obamas deleted after backlash” (Page A1, Feb. 7).

Just when you thought he couldn’t be any more abhorrent, Donald Trump uses one of the oldest and most bigoted tropes aimed at the former president and first lady.

This White House must be on a different planet because they just can’t read the room. America is not buying it anymore. And to blame the late-night post on a “staffer” is insulting. We know that in the sewers of Trump’s mind, he has shown us that he saves his most vitriolic posts for late at night. The nation is tired of this act and will not be intimidated by Trump and his marionette administration.

Trump will continue with his hateful diatribes, but remember that the midterms and the Epstein files are still waiting for him.

Chris MorriseySan Carlos

Lincoln’s dream of united nation still shines

At the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial, Dr. Robert Moton, president of the Tuskegee Institute, stated, “There is no question that Abraham Lincoln died to save the nation.”

Lincoln’s dedication to freedom was boundless. He believed that freedom was a God-given right and the “heritage of all men, in all lands everywhere.”

“Any people anywhere, being so inclined and having the power, have the right to rise up and shake off the existing government, and form a new one that suits them better. This is a most valuable, a most sacred right — a right which we hope and believe, is to liberate the world.”

On the night Lincoln was shot at Ford’s Theater, he was wearing an overcoat. In the lining of the coat was sewn an emblem of an eagle clutching two ribbons in its talons. The ribbons read: “One country — One destiny.”

Pete CampbellSan Jose

Republicans’ chances to rein in Trump dwindling

Re: “Nation’s trade deficit widens” (Page C7, Jan. 30).

I have a question for the Republicans in Congress: What are you thinking about? Donald Trump is a dangerous, mentally declining disaster. His tariff policies have harmed the U.S. economy and our standing in the world.

He threatens to seize control of the midterm elections, is demanding voter registration documents from blue states and is threatening to post ICE at polling places. Trump can’t stop putting his name on everything that he can in D.C. He or somebody close to him is sending crude, racist memes.

Nothing in this is at all Republican. If you stand by and watch this, the prospects for the Republican Party are going to sink like a rock. Ronald Reagan said that the USSR would end up on the “ash heap of history.” Trump is going to end up there as well. Please show some courage and rein in Trump before there is nothing left to redeem.

Dave RiggsAptos

Israel must stop using aid as a weapon

Re: “Palestinians wait at border between Gaza and Egypt” (Page A4, Feb. 4).

The article depicts a border at Rafah barely open and concludes with, “The import of humanitarian aid or goods through Rafah remains prohibited.”

This is Israel’s latest maneuver to block life-saving humanitarian aid. Earlier this year, Israel instituted new registration requirements that have effectively banned approximately 37 international non-governmental organizations from distributing aid in Gaza. Among the organizations are Doctors Without Borders, Oxfam, Mercy Corps, World Vision and Save the Children, organizations that have been providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees for decades. This further frays the lifeline for 2 million people who are in urgent need of emergency humanitarian aid.

This must stop. Call your senators and representative and ask them to demand that Israel stop using humanitarian aid as a weapon of war and facilitate its flow into Gaza.

Connie HunterSan Jose