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Harris and others will
be judged by courage

Re: “Harris remains coy about political future” (Page A1, April 14).

Kamala Harris may be coy about her next political move, but she is clear when she says, “There is a sense of fear that is taking hold in our country. We are seeing those that are capitulating to clearly unconstitutional threats.” She understands the American experiment stands on a precipice, and that some law firms courting favor with Donald Trump are complicit.

They are engaging in genuinely risky business that echoes the complicity of Germans who enabled Hitler’s rise — not through ideology, but by normalizing and legitimizing his power. We are watching, in real time, the methodical dismantling of democracy and the ascent of autocracy.

Democracy does not die with a bang. But complicity erodes it norm by norm, step by step, with elites greasing the slippery slope. They need to remember that history will judge their courage.

Tom Debley
Walnut Creek

Measure T will keep
schools, cities strong

We, the mayors of Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda and Walnut Creek, urge you to vote yes on Measure T for the excellent high schools serving our communities. The need for the additional funding is compelling.

Strong local schools are the foundation of our cities. Many of us moved here so our children could attend our excellent schools, and we continue to benefit from the strong property values our outstanding local schools support.

Measure T will provide locally controlled funding to retain excellent teachers, maintain manageable class sizes and preserve high-quality programs, keeping our schools among the best.

Every dollar from Measure T will stay local. Independent oversight and annual audits ensure funds are spent as promised. Seniors can apply for an exemption.

Join us in voting yes on Measure T to help our students succeed.

Susan Candell, Lafayette
Steve Woehleke, Moraga
Latika Malkani, Orinda
and Cindy Darling, Walnut Creek

Failed health agencies
must be overhauled

Re: “If autism is public health crisis, why is the HHS pulling back?” (Page A6, April 17).

Let’s state some facts: Autism diagnoses increased 175% from 2014 to 2024. Cancer in people under 50 increased 79% globally since 1990. Over 40% of adults are obese and about 75% are overweight. Childhood obesity has tripled since 1970. Diabetes increased four times since 1990. Alzheimer’s disease deaths have increased by 140% since 2000. Life expectancy in the U.S. is 12th among developed countries. Additives are in our foods that are not allowed in most other developed countries.

I don’t see how anyone can believe that the NIH, CDC or FDA have done a good job. It is time to get rid of people who have failed to improve our health. I firmly support a complete overhaul of these agencies and a new focus on the prevention of illness.

Gary Peer
Danville

Immunizations are
a shared responsibility

World Immunization Week, observed from April 24–30, reminds us of the vital role vaccines play in protecting lives across all ages. As communities worldwide recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to rebuild trust in vaccines and close the immunization gap.

Vaccines have eradicated smallpox, brought polio to the brink of extinction and continued to prevent countless illnesses. Yet millions still lack access due to misinformation, poverty and health care barriers.

Let’s use this week to raise awareness, support outreach programs and advocate for equitable access to vaccines for everyone, everywhere. Immunization isn’t just a personal choice — it’s a shared responsibility.

Mike Crosby
Brentwood

Democrats jump the gun
to condemn Trump tariffs

Re: “Trump’s tariffs target of state suit” (Page A1, April 17).

The tariffs have not even been fully established yet, and Gov. Gavin Newsom, the media and the rest of the Democrat cabal are crying about them. It took them four years to figure out that Joe Biden was a cognitive disaster, but in less than a month, they have definitely concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that the tariffs are bad.

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Of course, we know that it is just because they are “Trump” tariffs that make them “bad.” They would whine about a cure for cancer if it was discovered by Donald Trump.

Newsom signed bills authorizing $50 million to fight Trump policies here in California, whether they are good for the state or not. This is just another example of how Democrats waste California taxpayer dollars and neglect its citizens — just another reason to vote Republican.

Jay Todesco
Concord