Dems’ greatest weaponis higher candidates
Re: “Dems voice concern on plan” (Web page A1, Aug. 13).
It appears doubtless that the Texas Home of Representatives will eventually gerrymander their state much more. And it has been steered that California may take an identical strategy.
I’d counsel in any other case.
Now we have a nonpartisan committee working inside affordable guidelines. The ensuing districts are compact and cling to honest pointers.
It is a good system. It’s the one which Californians already voted for. We should always not mess with it to perhaps get a pair extra Democratic-leaning districts. To take action will solely entice different pink states to do the identical.
Reasonably, Democrats ought to make investments their vitality and {dollars} into discovering and supporting nice candidates for districts with weak GOP incumbents, particularly those that are notably craven within the face of Donald Trump’s stress.
Such efforts needn’t solely be in California. A Democratic consultant in Ireland, Pennsylvania, is nearly as good as one in Hanford, California.
Ed GreenOakland
Alameda County mustend Wellpath contract
The Cease Deaths and Hurt group, an offshoot of the Interfaith Coalition for Justice in our Jails (ICJJ), is advocating for a change within the well being care supplier at Alameda County Jail. Wellpath, a for-profit firm owned by a world funding agency, has over 1,500 nationwide lawsuits pending towards it. Wellpath declared chapter final 12 months and stopped motion on lawsuits involving deaths and egregious medical care in jails throughout the nation.
Wellpath’s contract with Alameda County expires in 2027 and group teams are calling on the sheriff to not renew the contract. Sheriff Sanchez ran on a platform of bettering circumstances on the jail. Inside evaluations have proven that Wellpath isn’t adequately complying with fundamental requirements of medical care and cell monitoring on the jail.
Alameda County can do higher than this.
Micky DuxburyChair, Cease Deaths and Hurt in Alameda JailBerkeley
UCs should resistTrump’s cash seize
Re: “Trump administration seeking $1 billion settlement from UCLA over antisemitism allegation” (Aug. 8).
As a UC alumnus, UC retiree and American, I plead with the UC Board of Regents to not capitulate to the Trump administration’s demand that UCLA pay $1 billion to resolve alleged civil rights violations in return for the restoration of federal grants for life-saving analysis. This isn’t about antisemitism or different civil rights violations. It’s merely a political shakedown.
Our very democracy is beneath assault and failing. We are able to solely cease the Trump administration’s authoritative energy seize if the pillars of our society rise up, together with giant universities.
Don’t cave to Donald Trump’s calls for. Don’t remain silent. Stand as much as Trump. Democratic Individuals plead with you to carry sturdy.
Jennifer HuberEl Sobrante
Hike taxes on wealthyfor financial fairness
Re: “Worry reigns before encampment clearing” (Web page A1, Aug. 1) and “AI job market is flush with cash” (Web page A1, Aug. 1).
The side-by-side articles on the entrance web page of the East Bay Occasions of Aug. 1 clearly illustrate the dystopian nature of the financial system that has been created.
Whereas many can’t afford a spot to stay, a minuscule quantity are rewarded with obscenely gross quantities of wealth paid by a handful of mega-corporations in a race to be first. They pay a whole lot of thousands and thousands of {dollars} to win the expertise race. These firms have proven that they’re removed from benign nor in it for the frequent good. In the meantime the residents of encampments are shuffled from spot to identify with no actual hope that their lot will enhance. College students accrue huge debt to pay for school and entry degree jobs taken by AI. Information facilities use big quantities of vitality, forcing utilities to construct extra infrastructure to serve AI.
It’s time to extend taxes on the uber-wealthy and mega firms.
Joseph BrulenskiBerkeley
Individuals will now lookabroad for land of free
Re: “Scientists hope burying pigs can lead to human bodies” (Web page A2, Aug. 8).
The know-how is admirable, however I used to be overwhelmed by the assertion that grieving moms of sons who’ve disappeared have realized to determine burial websites by observing the vegetation that develop over the graves.
When the actions of a authorities permit oppression or create neglect, individuals wish to flee to a safer place.
That is how I interpret the inflow of individuals from Mexico and different international locations; individuals determined to seek out security for themselves and their households; individuals wanting alternatives to raised their lives, who notice that of their residence international locations they’re at a useless finish.
There at the moment are Individuals desirous to flee this countryto France or Canada or another nation the place they will escape the destruction of freedoms introduced on by the Trump administration’s merciless packages.
America has at all times been a beacon of hope. That’s being worn out, so the place can determined individuals go?
Teri ShikanyDanville
