Letters: Addiction ignored | Drug courts | Thomas’ status | Crossing line | Covering shootings | Showing patriotism | Divided nation

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Eliminating JUUL doesn’teliminate addiction

Re. “FDA orders Juul Labs to remove products from US market,” June 23:

I’ve heard that the county is passing new policies that ban the selling of cigarettes and even smoking in people’s own apartments. And now they’re taking JUUL’s off the shelves, leaving Bay Area residents hooked on smoking with nothing and no place to smoke.

What are these people supposed to do? I know smoking is harmful to your health, but I also know how the tobacco industry has been targeting poor communities of color for years, leaving them addicted to their now unavailable products. There are places to help people quit, but since they don’t have the funding of Big Tobacco, they go unused.

I wish more people knew about free resources like kickitca.org. It’s free and helps people combat their addictions caused by the predatory tobacco industry by customizing a plan that addresses their own needs and provides a counselor to people to quit smoking.

Caitlin WallaceLivermore

Drug courts doa great service

Re. “Drug courts face choice: Close or expand access,” Page B3, July 11:

Serving as the drug court liaison officer was one of the most rewarding assignments of my diverse 27-year policing career.

Alameda Court Judge Peggy Hora (may she rest in peace) facilitated the program during the 1990s. Her staff was passionate about enriching participants’ lives. Sadly, the recidivism rate was high — but that’s the devil in the details … the disease.

I know I helped more people than I’ll ever know. However, a drug court success was a lifelong story that gave a community back a productive parent, spouse, friend or sibling.

Cops live a lifetime in a shift. Fact: America is not in a war on drugs. We are at war with addiction. Drug courts, and the long arm of the law, were a lifesaving formula.

I went on to develop similar programs for our homeless and mental health crises. These programs are only successful when executed by strong leaders.

Mark R. CliffordMoraga

Thomas turns blindeye to others’ status

I find it interesting that Justice Clarence Thomas of Mitch McConnell and the Supremes (I liked Diana Ross’ group better) is making noises about making same-sex marriage illegal.

One wonders if he realizes that until he was 19 years old, he couldn’t have married his current wife in several U.S. states.

Carol HeathPleasant Hill

Doonesbury crossesline liberals ignore

I bet there will be no complaints from the left on Sunday, July 10’s Doonesbury cartoon. It was extremely insensitive given the recent fatal mass shootings, but given the column’s left leanings, they will choose to ignore it.

I can only imagine the outrage if the Mallard Fillmore cartoon in the funnies section was half that bad. They would be screaming bloody murder, pun intended.

Myself, I will quit reading Doonesbury and let the folks who enjoy that cartoon read it, which is what those folks should do with Mallard Fillmore.

Bob CummingsBrentwood

Front-page coveragerisks copycat shooters

Re. “6 dead, 30 hurt in parade shooting,” Page A1, July 5:

Is giving a mass murderer front-page headlines really the smart thing to do? There are many explanations for murder and also for headlines, but there is such a thing as “copycat killers.”

Perhaps this guy is a loser who — for whatever combination of reasons — knows he will never be in the spotlight. We all yearn for recognition, so our guy (usually it is a guy) sees a clear and exciting way to fame. He doesn’t care about his own life — or the lives of those who will die as supporting cast in his heinous drama. “Cool!” he thinks as he sees the photos and reads the headlines of those who have succeeded in grisly bloodshed. “I could do that!” And so he does.

I know the news has to tell the news, but one wonders if there isn’t a better way.

Carol Lynn PearsonWalnut Creek

Jan. 6 testimonyshows patriotism

Re. “Bombshells at Jan. 6 hearing,” Page A1, June 29:

About Cassidy Hutchinson – we citizens have a lot to be grateful for in this young lady’s testimony to the House investigators of the Jan 6 insurrection.

Although she is a Republican, she valued her country’s democratic traditions more than her political party and her own future, by testimony which strongly indicated that Donald Trump was willing to trash the Constitution and steal the presidency from Joe Biden, by force if necessary.

She is a true patriot, and I wish her well

Brendan BazemoreConcord

Will nation evermove past divisions?

I am a native Californian and have voted in every election since I was 18. It is my responsibility to do my part when choosing leaders that will affect my life. I have been disappointed at times, but that is how a democracy works.

I did not vote for Donald Trump. I feared his ego would get in the way of what was best for our country. Disappointment was an understatement when he won. Despite this, I never once thought of wearing a T-shirt or displaying a flag that disparaged him. Not because of any respect for him, but because of my respect for the office of the president.

This is what we have lost as a country: respect and decency. When I saw the picture of the gentleman wearing his “Let’s Go Brandon” T-shirt it just made me sad. Will we ever get beyond this? I hope so.

Kathy RolitaHayward