It’s hard for me to concur with the choice of Steve Wagstaffe, the San Mateo County District Attorney, to pursue capital punishment for the mass murders committed in Half Moon. It’s not that I lack empathy for the grieving families; my heart bleeds for them. However, Governor Newsom has pointed out the numerous failures of the capital punishment system, demonstrating biases against mentally ill, financially challenged, and minority defendants. This perspective that questions the efficacy and fairness of the death penalty has become increasingly popular.
Various religious organizations and leaders share the disapproval of capital punishment, ranging from the late Pope Francis to San Jose’s Bishop Cantu. The impending abolition of the death penalty is clear. The support for this change is overwhelming and it becomes apparent that reverting to such a punitive measure would be regressive.
Meanwhile, in San Jose, one can’t overlook the generous annual income of $169,000 of the city council members. A comparative analysis with council members from other cities makes one wonder. The seemingly high compensation could suggest a need to tie their earnings with their performance and their dedication to their constituents.
Todd Standard is what the local representatives of today should exemplify. It shouldn’t be about succumbing to pressure from advocacy groups, unions, potent campaign sponsors, or even the personal biases which can get in the way of their duties to their people. A balanced perspective is essential, devoid of influences from leftist or progressive policies such as those prevalent at our state legislature.
Modern political leaders seem to have lost touch with the essence of their role, particularly in managing public safety, finance, and public works. It’s not about penalizing the homeless or wholeheartedly accepting everything in the name of ‘science’. It’s about ensuring they execute their roles responsibly, reflecting the will of the people they serve.
We cannot simply categorize disruptive behaviors, such as harassing others or invading public spaces, under the umbrella of ‘struggle’. It goes beyond problems related to addiction; it’s primarily about the respect one has for others and their spaces. It’s not just about their personal battles; it’s about the impact of their actions on the society they live within.
Labelling such behaviors as crimes is vital, avoiding sugar-coating facts or euphemizing offenses. There’s a temptation to fall into the trap of glorifying certain behaviors, replacing blame with sympathy. Equating homelessness to an identity is far from reality. It’s a situation that anyone could find themselves in, given certain circumstances.
It’s a vast world that we live in, filled with opportunities and alternative life paths. We can’t allow ourselves to be restricted by our circumstances. Every individual has the power to change and explore new ways to approach life. It’s the resilience and versatility of humanity that has led us to where we are today.
The inhumane acts committed during conflicts, such as a Hamas captive forcibly pushing a blood-stained woman into a vehicle, or a Gazan man’s prideful admission of murder, are deeply disturbing. What could possibly lead a culture to celebrate such acts of brutality? It’s a question that haunts me, keeping me up at night.
The media often becomes another battleground, with misinformation and inaccuracies adding to the chaos. Cases of reporting violations and inaccuracies, like that from The New York Times and the Washington Post about the Hamas conflict, are critically alarming. We need to be prudent and discerning to avoid falling prey to emotional manipulation through unverified claims.
It’s disconcerting to note Donald Trump’s attempt to pin the nation’s financial problems to its trade relations with China. Demonizing China for our economic woes lacks perspective. Without trade connections with China, our economy would face difficulties due to lack of supplies and labor. The resultant inflation may even outpace our current rates.
Our trading history with China stretches back to the era of early explorers like Magellan and Cortez. The economic repercussions of cutting off trade ties with China could be severe, twice as worse than the current conditions. It’s a poorly-constructed argument that undermines the symbiotic relationship we share with China.
On Memorial Day, as I hoisted the flag, my father’s wartime stories echoed in my mind. Stories such as his narrowly-avoided the Kamikaze attack on the USS Randolph. Though he seldom spoke about his encounters during World War II, the gravity of his experiences were clear in his humble demeanor—a characteristic shared with many veterans.
It’s somewhat ironical that the same nation has a man who has consciously avoided military service, disrespected veterans and trespassed Arlington Cemetery. His demanding a costly military parade on his birthday is unsavoury, to say the least. The resources, around $45 million, can be better employed in providing aid to those in need on a global scale.
Commemorating the US Army’s 250th anniversary is fine. However, there’s no cause for glorification of the military as often seen under dictatorial realms. Participants of war understand the harsh reality of conflict and the undesirable consequences. Military parades often serve as a glamourisation of war, creating a false image that diverges from the cruel, unforgiving nature of war.
On the day of this proposed birthday parade, I will proudly display the distress flag and stand among thousands of others in protest. Together, we will champion the cause that is worthy: ‘U.S. aid, not U.S. might.’ The human world doesn’t need more displays of might; it needs compassion and cooperation.