Transgender flag is symbol of acceptance

Re: “Transgender flag decision is unfair” (Page A6, April 9).

In Pete Campbell’s letter to the editor regarding the decision to fly the transgender flag at the Santa Clara County offices, he states that no group should get special treatment and that it is unfair. Here’s how I see it.

The American flag that flies at all government offices represents all Americans and the freedoms that go with being an American. The trans community, however, is discriminated against regularly. Their freedoms are often challenged daily. I think that living in fear is unfair. By flying the trans flag, Santa Clara County is demonstrating that in this county, trans people are recognized and safe from discrimination. Flying the transgender flag says that these people have basic freedoms too.

So may the trans flag and the American flag wave proudly together at our county offices representing all of us.

— Pat Mayer, San Jose

Move the homeless to cheaper places to live

Re: “Mahan pushing for bill to help cities with costs” (Page A1, April 8).

Mayor Mahan advocating for SB 16 was unfortunate. Only in California would the mayor of San Jose work to support a state measure to force counties to help pay for housing for the homeless. Why are we working to house the homeless in an area where it’s the most expensive?

Mahan acknowledges that San Jose spends about 3.5% of its budget (our money) on homelessness issues. This will only get worse as consumers buy more from Amazon and sales taxes decrease. As government works to incentivize more people to migrate to this area, the problem will grow.

The real solution is to work with cities in areas where housing isn’t as expensive and move the homeless to those locations.

— Thomas Baker, San Jose

Republicans own degraded state of nation

First, they slashed federal jobs and gutted key programs — that’s not reform, that’s just lazy.

Real efficiency means identifying actual waste, fixing what’s broken, and strengthening what works.

It requires smart oversight, not sweeping cuts. But that’s the hard path — and they didn’t take it.

Now, they’ve embraced fringe economics, imposing massive, haphazard tariffs, now paused. The result? They’re not just lazy — they’re alienating allies and risking a recession.

In the last election, Americans voted to reduce inflation. But recent policies have rattled markets and retirement accounts.

As the midterms approach, voters should remember who caused this damage — and who’s paying the price.

Republicans in Congress own this mess. Accountability starts at the ballot box.

— Rich Etheredge, San Jose

This is not the time for GOP puff pieces

Re: “First Black woman to lead California’s GOP ready to take on Dems” (Page A1, April 6).

Writing glowing puff-pieces about anyone in a leadership position of the anti-democracy, anti-Constitution Republican Party right now seems tone-deaf and inappropriate.

Let us not forget that her ultimate boss, Donald Trump, is a literal criminal and that anyone who works for him must be considered corrupt until proven otherwise. Sorry, but it’s true.

For Republicans to succeed now, small-d democracy and the rule of law must fail. This can’t be treated like “both-sides-do-it” business as usual.

— Robert Green, Cupertino

Talk of third term is absurd after 4 months

The Social Security Administration was established in 1935. Medicare began in 1965. These programs have operated for years during Democratic and Republican administrations. I find it incredible and beyond my level of comprehension that these agencies were supposedly riddled with fraud, and unelected outsider Elon Musk was the first one to discover it.

The United States is 248 years old. It took decades of action for our country to progress and build a stable democracy. Musk and Donald Trump are working hard to destroy everything in four months.

Trump states that people (so he says) are encouraging him to seek a third term. Four months of him is too much already.

— Terrele Schumake, San Jose