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Lack of accountability
makes drivers a danger
Re: “Bay Area cyclists demand safer streets” (Page A1, Dec. 16).
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Imagine — on July 4, I discharge my firearm into the air. I intend no harm, but the bullet comes down and strikes someone. The result? The firearm is confiscated and I face jail time. I used America’s second most dangerous lethal weapon in an irresponsible manner and someone was (seriously) hurt. Fair enough.
Imagine — on July 4, I fail to signal, run a stop sign, or drive 15 mph over the speed limit. I strike a cyclist. The result? A fine for a traffic infraction. The victim goes to the ER (if they’re lucky) and I am allowed to drive home. I used America’s most dangerous lethal weapon in an irresponsible manner and someone was (seriously) hurt. Fair enough?
Lack of accountability encourages motorists’ behaviors. Cars far outnumber bicycles. Until legislation holding motorists accountable for their actions passes, the mayhem will continue. The chances of this happening? Zero.
Stacy Spink
Castro Valley
Article advances
anti-Israel viewpoint
Re: “Alameda County divests from Caterpillar over equipment sales to Israel” (Dec. 12).
This article, as originally published, was rife with inaccuracies and presented readers with a one-sided view of a complex issue with local and global implications. Though subsequently revised, those who read the initial version are left with a false and misleading narrative.
Divestment is highly controversial, but the article solely quoted proponents though scores voiced opposing views. It failed to note the divestment campaign reveals a bias of many “activists” who sought to delegitimize Israel’s right to exist through divestment long before the October 7 Hamas massacre in Israel.
The report lacked fact-checking, falsely labeling “Israel’s occupation” of Gaza, smearing Israel with “apartheid,” blithely noting escalating violence without context — egregious misstatements that contribute to dangerous, rising anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiment.
The piece laid bare either deep-seated biases or a lack of critical understanding of history and geopolitics. We expect more of those who report and edit the news.
Teresa Drenick
San Francisco
Loyalty tops justice
for Donald Trump
Donald Trump’s first choice to head the Justice Department, Matt Gaetz, had to withdraw his name from consideration due to opposition from within his own party. Gaetz was viewed as woefully unqualified by almost everyone except Trump himself, who wants someone to prosecute his perceived enemies.
The nominee to head the FBI, Kash Patel, has said that on Day 1 he will shut down the FBI building, turn it into a museum of “the deep state” and send all of the FBI agents out across the country to “chase down criminals.” What Patel doesn’t know is that most crime investigations are under state or local jurisdiction, not the federal government. The FBI is mainly brought into criminal cases only when local authorities request help. Patel lacks even a basic understanding of the department that he may end up running.
But like Trump’s Cabinet nominees, the only qualification that matters is loyalty.
Arthur Straus
Walnut Creek
Trump’s continued vitriol
makes him disreputable
Re: “Knee-jerk Trump hatred should stop now” (Page A6, Dec. 17).
How can we respect the office of the president when the person in the office does not respect it himself?
Donald Trump continues to lie about the 2020 election and has spewed nothing but hatred and lies about President Biden. He showed absolutely no respect for Biden or Vice President Harris.
Additionally, how can we respect someone who has no respect for Americans? Just look at his Cabinet picks. They do not reflect the best and most competent people to serve Americans. They are all loyalists, cult supporters and conspiracy nuts. His choices are an insult to America.
He does not deserve our respect, he deserves impeachment.
Robert Thomas
Castro Valley
