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Is op-ed’s intent
to dissuade voters?
Re: “Passing redistricting plan will be uphill battle for governor” (Page A16, Aug. 31).
I’m not sure what the point was of Larry Gerston’s Sunday opinion piece telling us that passing the redistricting ballot measure will be an uphill battle. The voters know that because Gov. Newsom himself has been telling us that every day.
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So, was Gerston instead trying to discourage us from even trying to pass the redistricting plan? Was that his real goal?
Gail Murray
Walnut Creek
Now is not the time
to let up on oil industry
As a resident of Contra Costa County, I am deeply concerned about Gov. Newsom’s “Drill Baby Drill” plan now gaining traction with legislators. Fossil fuel companies are bullying California with a manufactured crisis. Everyone knows we must transition off oil and gas to avoid catastrophic climate change. While hard-working Californians are indeed facing serious affordability issues, giving handouts to the oil industry won’t address those. What it will do is allow a dying industry to do immeasurable damage on its way out the door, threatening our health, water, wildlife and climate.
Instead of proposing to fast-track more oil drilling or roll back protections from oil industry pollution, our governor and legislators must find other ways to minimize short-term impacts to residents, workers and communities from our transition to renewable energy. Voters must do their part by not blaming politicians for bumps on the road to long-term sustainability.
Susan Harris
Walnut Creek
Decorum, decency seem
to have left White House
I have had issues with many of our presidents, from Harry Truman to Joe Biden, during my lifetime. But two important virtues that they all shared were decorum and decency.
Decorum “behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety” and decency, “polite, moral and honest behavior and attitudes that show respect for other people”: rarely did these presidents use name-calling, denigration of women, brow-beating of world leaders, engage in petty spats with celebrities, stereotype minorities, bullying, firing without due process, asking for titles and prizes, nor respect the history of America and world cultures, and they were not deeply afraid of constructive criticism.
If leaders are to be emulated, can you imagine if all Americans started using these behaviors as normal? The president is rarely called out for his behavior. Is this what has become of the presidency?
Ed Trujillo
Martinez
Wildlife conservation key
to a healthy ecosystem
We should focus on wildlife conservation. It’s essential because habitat loss and poaching are driving species to extinction.
The problem is that biodiversity is decreasing, and we need collective action to protect habitats and combat poaching. Every species plays a vital role, and their loss can have negative effects. According to the World Wildlife Fund, wildlife populations have decreased by 73% since 1970.
This decline affects us all, as healthy ecosystems provide clean air and water. I believe we must protect Earth’s diverse species. Deforestation is a direct cause, while human population growth is an indirect factor.
We need more protected areas for wildlife to thrive. Governments should enforce anti-poaching laws, and individuals can support conservation organizations. You can contribute by donating to conservation efforts, reducing your carbon footprint and advocating for stronger environmental policies.
Let’s act to protect our planet’s incredible species.
Miguel Salazar
San Leandro
US must break silence
on the Gaza tragedy
Re: “US, Israel shrug at famine report” (Page A1, Aug. 24).
Food security experts and the United Nations have confirmed famine in Gaza. Europe and many other countries express outrage regarding this man-made catastrophe, but theTrump administration continues to support Israel’s actions. In fact, Mike Huckabee, U.S. ambassador to Israel, echoed Benjamin Netanyahu’s lies — “Tons of food has gone into Gaza, but Hamas savages stole it.” All credible sources dispute these claims. Now Israel plans a full-scale land invasion that will further the starvation, killing and destruction.
And in the West Bank, the Israeli government approved a large settlement project that would effectively eliminate the possibility of a Palestinian state, which is the one hope that can eventually create a lasting peace. And the U.S. is silent. Please write and call your politicians to stop this outrage.
Arlene Reed
Diablo
Washington worships
at alter of hypocrisy
I have always thought that major religions preached peace, tolerance, love, inclusion and kindness to all.
What I’m seeing are people flaunting religious “talismans” on necklaces, earrings, pins and clothing, and they don’t seem to practice a single belief their religion preaches.
We definitely have a lot of hypocrites in government these days, don’t we?
Betsy Sargent
Alamo
