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Is US sleepwalking
toward Armageddon?
Re: “Trump orders US nuclear subs moved over statements from Russia’s Medvedev” (Page A3, Aug. 2).
Are we sleepwalking into Armageddon? As Ukraine’s military situation continues to deteriorate, tensions with Russia are worsening. Donald Trump’s threatened sanctions deadline is approaching with no sign of Russia’s intention to comply. For example, tensions are mounting in the Baltic region after General Donahue’s recent declaration that his troops could seize the Russian city of Kaliningrad in a day. Now, President Trump, overreacting to several “provocative” social media posts by former Russian President Medvedev, has announced the redeployment of two nuclear-armed submarines to “appropriate regions,” presumably closer to Russia.
Leaders who represent the two nations that possess 87% of the nuclear weapons on Earth should abstain from threats, real or implied. The 80th anniversary of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima on Aug. 8 should be a time for sober reflection and a renewal of efforts to reduce the threat of nuclear war—the war everyone would lose.
Michael Dunlap
Oakland
Oppose the dismantling
of the Education Dept.
Re: “The Education Department was created to ensure equal access. Who would do that in its absence?” (March 12).
Your recent article about major cuts to the Department of Education touches on an important point.
I am a high school student in Berkeley, and these cuts directly threaten my opportunities and the opportunities of many of my peers to pursue an equal education. Our schools are already severely underfunded, and we cannot afford to lose crucial support for students, teachers and families.
I urge our community and elected officials to stand up for our schools and oppose the dismantling of the Department of Education.
Moses Esterson
Berkeley
Responsibility would
most help homeless
Re: “Worry reigns before encampment clearing” (Page A1, Aug. 1).
The East Bay Times’ front-page piece on the impending closure of a San Jose homeless encampment helped crystallize for me what’s wrong with how the homeless problem is being handled. Most in our progressive-dominated area assume that it’s an essential role of government to help the homeless. Several quoted in the story clearly assume this. And this is routinely assumed whenever homelessness and other problems are discussed.
But this wasn’t the perspective of America’s founders. They believed (correctly, conservatives like me say) that most adults can and should provide for their own needs and not be dependent on government help. There will always be a small percentage of people who truly can’t. These should certainly be helped, especially by charitable people, organizations and, failing this, by a limited government “safety net.” But many, if not most, homeless simply need to start acting like adults and take responsibility for their lives.
Christopher Andrus
Dublin
Lincoln Ave. changes
are threat to cyclists
I am a cyclist living in the Dimond district of Oakland off Lincoln Avenue down from Head Royce School. I am on a bicycle daily on Lincoln.
I am appalled at the road modifications that were made at the private Head Royce School, without significant public and neighborhood input. The new modification removes the only shoulder we as bicyclists had in front of this private school, and it creates two lanes where there is only room for one— and now no place for cyclists to go. This is the worst, most unsafe modification that has occurred on this street in my time here, especially for cyclists who are coming down the hill.
This should never have been allowed without significant input from the community also considering bicycle access needs.
How could this have been allowed to happen? This must be removed and Lincoln Avenue restored to a safer state for all.
Andrew Norton
Oakland
Trump’s mandate trope
hurts truth, democracy
Re: “Harris will not run for governor” (Page A1, July 31).
Behind all of Donald Trump’s power seizures lies the logic: “He got a mandate from the American people — they want him to do this.”
But he got no mandate. He only won by 1.5 percent points. It was one of the closest elections in American history. He didn’t even get 50% of the vote.
But our press, including the East Bay Times, keeps feeding this deliberate misunderstanding by casually supporting this false theory, such as in Grant Stringer’s article: “Some observers suggested Harris would face stinging criticism on the campaign trail over her resounding 2024 defeat to now-President Trump.”
No, it was not “resounding.” Remind readers of the truth, as an informative newspaper should.
Steve Koppman
Oakland
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