This election is about democracy

This election is not about who will give you the best deal on taxes or the price of eggs. This election is not about you, it’s about us, we the people. Are we to continue being “the shining light of democracy”? Or are we to become a country run by election deniers, insurrectionists, bigots, felons and fascists?

That is the choice, that is your choice. Choose wisely.

— Paul Osborn, Morgan Hill

Volleyball boycotts only exacerbate divisions

Re: “What to know about San Jose State volleyball team and why opponents are boycotting matches” (Oct. 25).

The decision by several teams to boycott matches against San Jose State’s volleyball team due to a transgender athlete’s participation is rooted in flawed assumptions about fairness. The idea that transgender athletes hold an automatic advantage ignores the complexity of the issue, including that hormone therapy and NCAA guidelines are designed to ensure a level playing field. Boycotts, rather than offering solutions, merely deepen divisions and perpetuate a culture of exclusion.

Fairness in sports is about more than just biology. It is also about the values of inclusivity, respect and sportsmanship. Transgender athletes deserve the opportunity to compete in environments that respect their identity without being subjected to exclusion based on unsupported fears. Instead of boycotting, teams should engage in constructive conversations about inclusivity in sports, which would lead to more equitable outcomes for all athletes.

— Calvin De Ramos, San Jose

MAGA candidates make border problem worse

What we have in America is an education problem in civics.

There are three coequal branches of government, and the Harris-Biden administration only controls one — the executive. Donald Trump controls the other two — the Congress, evidenced by his torpedoing of the Republican-written immigration reform bill, and the judiciary, well-known by now as being in his pocket with court-stacking from his previous administration.

So when 80 million MAGAs vote this time, they should know that they will be reelecting the party responsible for the immigration mess, not the one trying desperately to solve it.

— Robert Wahler, San Jose

Sunnyvale City Council slate is best for the city

Re: “For Sunnyvale, elect Klein, Cisneros and Le” (Page A12, Sept. 29).

I commend the Mercury News editorial board for endorsing Larry Klein, Eileen Le and Alysa Cisneros for Sunnyvale City Council. Together with Charlsie Chang, running unopposed, I am confident that they will continue Sunnyvale’s tradition of progressive, inclusive, fiscally responsible leadership.

Larry Klein has been consistently present in the community, serving effectively as Sunnyvale’s booster- and consoler-in-chief for years. He successfully led our city through COVID and kept our business community going strong. He brings a collaborative leadership style to the dais, where he works to make sure that all councilmembers succeed. He deserves reelection.

— Richard Mehlinger, Sunnyvale

Harris is candidate with character for president

In the romantic comedy “The American President,” Michael Douglas said, “Being president of this country is entirely about character.” There is nothing romantic or comedic about the 2024 election.

I agree, the presidency is all about character.

Our choice is the person who says the most offensive and untruthful things, or the person who is subjected to those insults and lies. The candidates trade barbs, but most of the verbal abuse comes from the GOP.

For me, the decision is easy. I support Kamala Harris for president. Harris has spent her career on the side of the people, prosecuting those who break the law. Her commitment to our Constitution and the rule of law is unquestioned.

Trump has been convicted of 34 felonies and faces numerous other federal and state charges for his alleged crimes. He does not exhibit the character we need in a president. Elect Kamala Harris.

— Dennis Hawkins, San Jose

Vote for Liccardo’s impressive résumé

I was thrilled to see that the Mercury News has endorsed Sam Liccardo in the race for Anna Eshoo’s seat in Congress.

I have attended several of Liccardo’s neighborhood talks and have been very impressed. Liccardo has the smarts, curiosity, nuance, experience and chutzpah to be a standout representative of Silicon Valley in Washington, D.C. He spoke eloquently and in great depth on a variety of national issues, including climate change, relations with Israel and transportation policy. In addition, I found him very approachable, personable and responsive one-on-one.

He would make a great congressman representing Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.

— Mike Swire, San Mateo