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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 28:  (AFP OUT) U.S. President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of the U.S. Congress on February 28, 2017 in the House chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. Trump's first address to Congress focused on national security, tax and regulatory reform, the economy, and healthcare. (Photo by Jim Lo Scalzo - Pool/Getty Images)
President Trump may have learned his political tactics from former Sen. Joseph McCarthy’s chief counsel, Roy Cohn. (Jim Lo Scalzo/Getty Images)
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Regarding the alleged wiretapping at Trump Tower, President Trump tweeted, “This is McCarthyism!”

I remember McCarthyism.  I remember classmates speculating about two teachers’ loyalty, about a recluse living near the school, the dentist who used gas, and the minister who was “strange.” I remember the fear in my body worrying what other neighbors might also be “commies.” This was a result of the allegations, smears and unsubstantiated attacks promulgated via the then-new TV phenomenon of Congressional Investigations as orchestrated by Sen. Joe McCarthy and his chief counsel Roy Cohn.  These attacks spared no one. Fortunately, McCarthy was ultimately censured by the Senate, and Cohn returned to legal practice in New York. Cohn subsequently became lawyer for the young entrepreneur Donald Trump. Trump often phoned Cohn four or five times a day as he learned Cohn’s bullying, “See you in court!” techniques.

As you can see, Trump learned McCarthyism well. He just forgot he was looking in the mirror as he tweeted.

Vernon Hills
Sunnyvale

Sunnyvale move helps affordable housing effort

The Sunnyvale City Council deserves kudos for one of their recent actions with respect to trying to address the shortage of affordable housing in Sunnyvale.  On Feb. 28, the council directed staff to begin negotiations to create an affordable housing complex on city-owned land located on the corners of Iowa, Charles, and Mathilda avenues.  The project proposal is to build 92 units for very low- and extremely low-income households and set aside special needs units for developmentally disabled tenants. This is wonderful news and a great choice for Sunnyvale.

On the down side, the city council voted 5-2 on March 7 to accept the conversion impact report on the Blue Bonnet Mobile Home park. This allow the owner to close the park in about six months and forces the 50 low income families living there to find other housing to build 60 luxury townhouses.

John Cordes
Sunnyvale

Schools need to bring back trade education

It is very generous of San Jose and San Francisco to offer low-income students a chance at college.  It is an unfortunate fact that a good portion of those who qualify for this opportunity are not as well prepared as they could be. Why? Because a large portion of that population does not put as much of an emphasis on education as on getting a job and contributing to the family. I say this from 30-plus years of involvement with lower economic groups while working in education and social services and am in no way condemning those who fit that description. I would encourage all  schools to bring back trade education. Not every child enjoys or has a knack for math and science. This country is in desperate need of skilled trades, and it is time to give these jobs value in our education system.

Arthur Chase
San Jose

Why the concept of alternative facts is legitimate

The glass is half full. The glass is half empty. These are alternative facts.  Why folks snicker over this term is confounding.

Joel Greenia
Santa Clara

The reason behind failure of Democratic candidates

The reaction of Democrats to most of President Trump’s remarks about putting America first are a disgrace. What is wrong with “Make America First”? What do Democrats want? Trump said his job is to represent U.S. citizens. All Democrats did not agree. No wonder Democrats are at their lowest point since the 1920s.

Pedro Pelaez
San Jose

WikiLeaks is providing a necessary public service

Thank goodness for WikiLeaks.

WikiLeaks has proven, and continues to prove, it is one of the few institutions worthy of anyone’s trust in this nation.  Barack Obama wanted to jail Julian Assange (along with Chelsea Manning, who Obama did jail, and Edward Snowden, who remains free) for telling the truth.  Donald Trump likely will want the same, too.  Carry on, WikiLeaks.  Americans need the truth, and fortunately, it is providing it.

Tony Livermore
San Jose

Protesters’ motives need further investigation

I am sympathetic to Michael Traynor’s suggestion that Berkeley protesters note the  effectiveness of non-violent protest. (“Violent Protesters could use a lesson on U.S. history,” Letters, March 9).   But U.S. history also includes lessons about efforts to delegitimize  protest via calculated violence.  See Bob Woodward’s history of the Nixon administration. “All the President’s Men,” for example, notes activities organized by Donald Segretti.  I do not,  and hope others do not,  assume that all protesters in Berkeley are students at the university.

Mary  L. Breithaupt
San Jose

 

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