Unchecked climate crisis promises financial chaos

Bankruptcy for all in our near future? I think it is unless we adopt an emergency frame of mind before a crisis like the present chaos in Los Angeles.

Aattention to the near-term dangers of floods, hurricanes, fires, droughts, heat domes and general climate chaos are top of the agenda today. But the talk by so many is just about “adaptation,” not prevention or intervention, especially now that we’ve pumped up the atmosphere to levels of greenhouse gasses beyond anything in many thousands of years when sea levels were far above present levels.

Just looking at the worldwide surge in budget-breaking disasters of all types affecting the human population around the globe, it’s a no-brainer to predict worldwide bankruptcy. We as a species need to buckle down in the here and now and “send not to know / for whom the bell tolls / it tolls for thee.”

— Mike Caggiano, San Mateo

Electrification more critical after L.A. fires

Re: “How wind-driven wildfires stormed the Los Angeles area” (Jan. 13).

The Southern California fires are the latest visible consequence of climate change. In California, transportation is the biggest contributor to global warming. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, a great first step would be to replace your gas-powered car with an electric or hybrid car.

After replacing your gasoline-powered transportation, a great next step would be to replace your natural gas-powered home appliances with electric ones. You’ll make your home safer, more comfortable and more cost-effective.

— Dan Marshall, Cupertino

Jan. 6 evidence is too grave to ignore

Re: “Evidence there to convict Trump” (Jan. 15).

The U.S. Justice Department’s final report into Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, released on Jan. 14, seems to have fallen on deaf ears. If the evidence of wrongdoing is that compelling, why hasn’t there been any significant follow-up reporting or expression of outrage? When has there ever been a finding of greater consequence in the history of American democracy?

The American people deserve to know the facts, and Donald Trump should have his chance to refute them.

The gravity of the charges is too significant to ignore.

— Roy Verley, San Jose

Tech titans cashing in on Trump’s reelection

So, here’s the situation: You’ve worked hard for much of your life to become successful. You’ve tried to be a good person and a responsible citizen. Thousands of people now depend on your continued success in business. Along comes a man who makes it clear that you have two choices: Become my friend and I’ll make you and your businesses more successful, or I’ll destroy you. What do you do?

Perhaps this will help us better understand why our local business titans have kissed the ring of their new friend from Mar-a-Lago. Sad. So sad.

— Barry Bronson, Saratoga

Khanna’s embrace of conspiracy troubling

Re: “Death spurs theory of foul play” (Jan. 19).

As a supporter of Rep. Ro Khanna, I was taken aback by his promotion of a conspiracy theory regarding the unfortunate death of a whistleblower here in Silicon Valley.

Khanna appears to be peddling a conspiracy theory with ano evidence to support it. I’m used to that coming from the MAGA crowd, but Khanna’s participation in what is an attempt to cast doubt on local law enforcement is shocking to me.

I hope Khanna doesn’t just become another politician who will say anything to get attention, regardless of the truth.

— Robert Livengood, Milpitas

Gaza truce reflects on ‘shining city on a hill’

Re: “Israel, Hamas agree to truce” (Jan. 16).

As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict de-escalates with Donald Trump signaling U.S. discontentment for the ongoing damage, it’s a good time to remind ourselves of what George R. Martin said: “We only make peace with our enemies. That’s why it’s called making peace.”

It was President Jimmy Carter who also reminded Americans that “A strong nation, like a strong person, can afford to be gentle, firm, thoughtful and restrained. It can afford to extend a helping hand to others. It’s a weak nation, like a weak person, that must behave with bluster and boasting and rashness and other signs of insecurity.”

American liberty must adhere to the shining city on a hill.

— Akeem Mostamandy, San Jose