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Gaza protests carry
on a Cal tradition
Today I ran a number of errands on my bike and then headed over to Cal. I wanted to see what was going on with the antiwar folks.
At the north end of Sproul Plaza sits Sather Gate. Several young people were holding a large banner, proclaiming that UC has blood on its hands for its investment policies regarding Israel and symbolically blocking the gate.
I spoke to three women holding the banner; one was wearing a Star of David. I started to tell them how proud I was of their action but I broke down and could hardly get my words out. I told them that over 50 years ago I was standing right there protesting the Vietnam War and supporting People’s Park. They were very respectful and thanked me for stopping by. Then I rode home, thinking that the kids are alright after all.
Fred Goss
Oakland
Overturn law halting
divestment campaign
Re: “Calls for universities to divest from Israel impeded by state law” (Page A1, April 28).
The “obscure” law that prohibits the University of California and other state entities from boycotting and divesting from Israel is a prime example of why it is critically important to elect leaders who will not follow the money but rather follow morality and free speech.
Despite electing a super majority of Democrats to the Legislature as well as Democratic governors, when it comes to Israel (which is now committing genocide against Palestinians) they have caved to the lobbying of monied interests (for example, AIPAC) in voting for a law which would have made it difficult to support the boycott campaigns of farmworkers for their basic human rights as well as the boycott against apartheid in South Africa.
Those students now demanding divestment from Israel and its genocide (and others of us California citizens) should demand our legislators strike down AB 2844.
David Weintraub
Oakland
Federal support for
libraries is critical
Libraries have been doing more than just lending books. The activities include feeding hungry kids, youth activities and providing seed kits. Mobile and outreach services are provided through the Mobile Library, the Education and Literacy Program and at county jails.
Libraries need more funding, especially from the federal government. The U.S. Congress should provide at least $232 million for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) through the Institute for Museum and Library Services. LSTA supports local community priorities for library services.
It should also provide at least $50 million for Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) in the Education Department. IAL supports school libraries in high-needs districts and literacy nonprofits to address the crisis in children’s reading abilities.
LSTA and IAL are the only sources of dedicated federal funding for the 123,000 public, school, academic, government and special libraries across the nation.
Subru Bhat
Union City
Homeless response
in state is a disgrace
According to the Public Policy Institute of California, our state had the highest share of homeless in the country in 2023, roughly totaling 180,000 and up 6% from the previous count.
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We see these people living on our public streets or in encampments in squalid and filthy conditions, many alcohol- and drug-addicted, many sick and diseased with no hope of obtaining medical care out of fear of being discovered and forced to move. Many of them are our nation’s veterans of two Gulf Wars. Some have experienced homelessness as a result of misfortune not of their own making. All of this is happening without a single program on the national level to address homelessness.
California has misspent billions. Much of it is unaccounted for, as we have recently learned. Gov. Newsom furiously points the finger at local government when he need only look in the mirror. It’s a national disgrace.
Bruce Rank
Discovery Bay
