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Summer blend hasbrought clear skies

Re. “Special blend makes state a gas island,” Page A6, Oct. 12:

Growing up in Oakland in the ’50s and  ’60s, I never thought twice about our air quality.

When I was 11, I had a horse and would go up to Skyline Boulevard to ride. From the top of Skyline, looking down on the Bay Area, I was shocked to see a brown carpet stretching from the Bay and blocking the cities below. It was horrifying.

Now, you can travel to any vista point and see clearly. We live near Mount Umunhum. Taking visitors to the summit regularly affords us a beautiful view of the Bay and environs.

I am grateful to those who’ve formulated that gas that provides us cleaner air. I am stunned at the record profits gas companies are taking and question their commitment as Americans to the country.

Denise DelongSan Jose

Eshoo exemplifiesimportant values

There are many important choices on the ballot for the upcoming election. What should influence voters should not be false allegations between rivals, but instead the ethics and thoughtfulness of a candidate.

Anna Eshoo exemplifies these important values. She has a long record of prioritizing the community and working to safeguard democracy, protecting voting rights and insisting on government and political transparency.

It is these strengths that we need in Congress.

Ann RavelLos Gatos

Is Holmes playing childcard in sentencing?

Elizabeth Holmes, who had unfettered access to birth control, chooses (plans) to now have two young children fully knowing that the court must consider the impact on children in sentencing.

Now think about the many women of color with substantiated limited access to birth control who receive prison time for lesser offenses resulting in a greater impact on their children.

Shirley CantuLos Gatos

GOP’s plans areto further reward rich

Inflation is the number one priority for voters.

So many commenters seem to think inflation is President Biden’s fault. They don’t seem to be aware that inflation is a global situation. Most countries have a higher rate of inflation than the United States. Almost three years of COVID restrictions shut down nonessential production, so it will take time to gear back up.

We must not forget that the previous administration and Congress gave huge tax breaks to the top 10% and there is rampant disparity in income. The top 10% are not feeling the inflation. Gauging prices for increased profits seems to be the plan of corporate America.

Bob PedrettiSan Jose

Time to updateSecond Amendment

Re. “San Jose toughens gun control mandate,” Page B1, Oct. 19:

I would like to respectfully disagree with National Association for Gun Rights Policy Director Hannah Hill who is quoted as saying that owning a gun is a “God-given right.” I recall nothing in the Bible or the Ten Commandments indicating God has granted us the right to own a gun.

Gun ownership should be treated like owning an automobile. It should be a privilege to own a gun, and like any driver who is required to carry liability insurance, gun owners should also be required to do the same.

Unfortunately, many gun owners are irresponsible. It is estimated between 237,000 and 380,000 guns are stolen from gun owners annually. Many of those stolen guns are used in the commission of a crime.

The Second Amendment was written in 1791 – it needs to be overhauled to reflect today’s realities. We are paying too steep a price for the right to own a gun.

Gregory CarlstedSan Jose

McCarthy’s Ukraine planputs the U.S. last

The article “McCarthy: No blank check if GOP wins majority,” (Page A4, Oct. 19) ought to scare the heck out of the average American – not to mention the rest of the world.

AARP Magazine dated October 2022, Page 17, maintains that the two major causes of current inflation are 1) COVID’s impact on worldwide employment and supply chain, and (2) Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attack on Ukraine, which has destroyed that country and impacted the world gas/oil and grain supplies. Reducing support for Ukraine is de facto support for Putin and his disastrous policies, and he cannot be allowed to succeed.

McCarthy’s “America first” attitude demonstrates an astounding lack of knowledge of world affairs and their effect on the United States. That, coupled with the GOP intent to again reduce taxes on our most wealthy, will continue to increase inflation – exactly the opposite of their goals.

Daniel LeeSan Jose