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Homeless law is
unnecessary, unwise
Re: âSan Jose, county clash over arrestsâ (Page B1, May 19).
As long as San Jose lacks a sufficient number of shelters for the number of unhoused persons, wouldnât it make more sense to offer the available spaces to people who want them rather than penalize those who donât? And if a particular unhoused person is causing difficulties through disorderly conduct or endangering themselves or others, arenât there already laws on the books to address these situations?
If a group is camping in a spot that is not workable for the city and they must be evicted from that spot, couldnât the city offer them another location as an alternative to a shelter bed, since beds are in short supply? Sometimes, the âhardest-to-helpâ must be forced into treatment against their will, but we have laws that dictate whether or not a person fits that category. Adding refused-a-shelter-bed-three-times as a reason for thus categorizing someone seems unwise.
Kathleen Early
San Jose
Housing, support for
unhoused is inadequate
Sleeping in cars, living on riverbanks and lying on sidewalks â while these donât seem like fitting living conditions, theyâre unfortunately the reality for many.
Most cities experience homelessness. Many people, however, view it negatively and choose to blame those experiencing it. Nevertheless, homelessness is not just a housing issue, but a human hardship. People can become homeless for a variety of reasons, including trauma, substance abuse and mental problems. Housing is a basic need, and no one should be forced into unsafe conditions because they canât afford it.
Solving homelessness isnât just about giving people temporary shelters, but providing them with adequate support systems and resources to improve their futures. Spreading awareness of this issue is vital, as peopleâs judgment of homeless individuals causes negligence when it comes to helping. Providing long-term solutions such as permanent housing and support systems will positively impact their lives and communities.
Camila Martinez
San Jose
Government spending
is the cause of inflation
Re: âMenu prices getting harder to swallowâ (Page A1, May 21).
This article tracked food price increases since 2015. However, paragraph one mentions the worry about the effect of President Trumpâs tariff policies on future increases, rather than explaining that most of the inflation that caused the increase in food prices took place under President Biden.
The rampant government spending during the pandemic caused runaway inflation. Furthermore, the minimum wage increase exceeded the inflation rate, but this fact was buried toward the end of the article. Many economists who were against the minimum wage increases were right: prices would rise, and employment would fall as businesses struggled to remain profitable.
Charles Margiotta
Roseville
Waymoâs creators will
be liable for accidents
Re: âWaymo is coming to streets of San Joseâ (Page B1, May 21).
Those pushing these vehicles, which arenât needed, are playing a game. âHey look at me and what I can do.â They should also be held criminally responsible for injury or death. Thereâs no one driving those cars, so the creators are at fault. Hopefully it never happens.
Paul Barrier
San Francisco
Noem is out of her
depth and should resign
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, arguably one of the most powerful cabinet members, incorrectly defined the precept of habeas corpus, one of our most basic legal principles requiring the government to provide a public explanation for detaining imprisoned people. Noem defined it as a presidential right to suspend rights and deport people. Her definition was not even close.
Noem is blindly enforcing laws and disregarding laws without understanding the law. Her position is all about the law, and applying the law in accordance with the Constitution. Her response is one of dangerous incompetence, placing the American people at risk.
The position of homeland secretary is not a learn-as-you-go proposition. There is no apprenticeship. There are no trial-and-error opportunities. The position requires split-second responses to horrific situations, and by God, it must be right. I have no confidence in the secretary. Noem must resign or be removed.
Mark Grzan
Morgan Hill
Ukraine, Russia should
trade war for commerce
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