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“]MAGA ignores science on transgender athletes

“SJSU receives Trump ultimatum” (Page B1, March 25).

MAGA, aka the GOP, once again ignores facts, preferring to side with ignorance and bigotry when it comes to the transgender issue. I used to be sympathetic to the administration’s position on transgender athletes, as evidenced in the president’s misguided attack on SJSU, because I reasoned that the male physique was generally stronger than the female, giving them an advantage in competition.

However, a little scientific research shows that transgender men in women’s sports do not have an unfair advantage, mainly due to the necessary hormone treatments that have the effect of neutralizing the advantage. So why the brouhaha? Official bigotry/transphobia from the Republican party and the Christian right wing? A political ploy? Willful ignorance? Certainly not fact or reason.

Bob Cole
San Jose

Sophia Mason sentence is much too lenient

Re: “Mother of abused girl sentenced to 15-plus years” (Page A1, March 27).

After reading the very disturbing article of the life and abhorrent death of 8-year-old Sophia Mason, I was very distraught and appalled.

Alameda County Child Welfare System, along with her disturbed mother, are responsible for this child’s horrendous death. Her body was found after a month decomposing in her mother’s bathtub. Relatives worried about Sophie’s safety. The family who cherished Sophia had been caring for her since she was abandoned at birth. At 7, her birth mother took her from her relatives against their will. After seeing bruises on her body, the family pleaded again to the welfare system with no success.

I can’t imagine what horrors Sophia suffered under her mother’s 15 months of abuse before her death. The Alameda Child Welfare System needs to be investigated, and this case reviewed. Samantha Johnson’s sentence is grossly inadequate, and she should be in an institution for life.

Susan Dillon
Morgan Hill

We can’t turn our backs on abuses by ICE

Re: “ICE custody deaths prompt concern” (Page A1, March 30).

If you haven’t watched the movie “Schindler’s List” in a while, or maybe never, do it. Now.

Donald Trump’s troops are herding thousands of humans into his own concentration camps that he calls “detention centers” without trial or legal recourse, where some of these humans, identified primarily by the color of their skin, are never seen again due to abandonment, mistreatment, neglect, deportation or death. Men, women and children are dying in the Trump camps. Now.

Unlike in Germany in the early 1940s, we must not ignore the treatment or the fate of those being unlawfully persecuted.

Like in the United States of America on No Kings Day, 8 million American men, women and children must lock arms and throw open these death-traps to offer rescue, help and hope to the human beings Trump’s troops are trying to “disappear.” Now.

Nancy Mangini
Emerald Hills

US wasn’t founded on cruelty, neglect

Re: “ICE custody deaths prompt concern” (Page A1, March 30).

This article concerns a man named Emmanuel Damas, who migrated to the United States from Haiti in 2024 under a lawful program. While being held in custody at a detention center in Arizona, he developed severe tooth pain. No dentist or doctor was called; he was given only ibuprofen. He died not long after, the tooth infection having spread to the rest of his body and probably induced septic shock.

I am moved by all the terrible conditions immigrants are suffering in ICE custody, but Mr. Damas’ case particularly appalled me. Last month, I too developed a painful tooth infection that spread very rapidly. Thanks to powerful antibiotics and a talented endodontist, the infection backed off, and a root canal was performed.

I’m alive to recall that America was founded on justice, care and compassion, not on senseless cruelty and neglect.

Barbara Saxton
Mountain View

Cartoon doesn’t capture depth of struggle

The cartoon of a brawling American public (Page A6, March 26) during our 250th year was funny but also a good example of false equivalence of the current struggle.

This cartoon could also have represented the North and South citizens before the Civil War. Was that “just a brawl” also? No, it wasn’t. It was to protect the life of the young Union against those pro-slavery voters who eventually established the Confederacy.

As then, our struggle is for the primacy of the Constitution in our national political life over the currently elected president, who is a convicted felon, sexual abuser, and legally confirmed insurrectionist by a Colorado court. Those facts and a supporting Republican cult portend a conflict itself.

The destruction of our republic has reached such depths that even our allies are disgusted with our rogue-like aggression. This struggle is for our democracy, which has been a beacon for the world. We cannot let it go dark.

Allen Price
Half Moon Bay