Why do California Democrats support a bill that targets free speech on Gaza? | Opinion

Reject AB 715

“Teachers face restrictions under CA antisemitism bill,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 24)

Assembly Bill 715 threatens academic freedom by placing limits on course instruction about Israel, Palestine and the war in Gaza.

It introduces highly partisan, specific examples of alleged anti-Jewish hate, conflating it with criticism of Israel. For instance, labeling Israel as a “settler colonial state” — and any classroom discussions or readings that do so — is deemed antisemitic, despite this being a standard subject of academic discourse. It dictates curriculum content and threatens to discipline teachers, administrators or even school boards that deviate.

Many groups in California, including Arabs, Muslims and Palestinian-Americans, have been subject to discrimination, harassment and hate. They should all be protected by this bill, but they are not.

David Mandel

Sacramento

Taking a stand

“State of California must condemn Gaza’s ongoing suffering,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 21)

Kudos to the McClatchy California Editorial Board for urging Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature to take a stand against “Israel’s brutal starvation campaign against the Palestinian people.”

State Senators should also be urged to oppose Assembly Bill 715, which would restrict and censor teachers by essentially labeling any criticism of Israel as “antisemitism.” This law would make it difficult to have classroom discussions about the Middle East, Israel and Palestine, as well as war crimes and human rights abuses.

Harry Wang

Sacramento

Protect farmland

“Why the Upper Westside project would be a major boon for Sacramento | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 25)

It is ironic that the city, which claims to be the “Farm-to-Fork Capital,” would consider paving over hundreds of river bottom acres best suited for farming as a trade-off for a vague promise of housing “choices.”

This development would not reduce sprawl — it would add significantly to it, even based on the unsupported projection that residents will work in the downtown area. As Sacramento should have learned decades ago, once farmland is paved over, it’s gone forever.

Bill Motmans

Sacramento

Refuse authoritarianism

“New redistricting maps leaked before release by CA Legislature. See them here,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 17)

We, the people, have had enough of the lies, cheating and bullying behavior of President Donald Trump and his accomplices. I am thrilled to see California taking steps to defend fair representation and protect our future.

California must continue to lead by example and refuse to let authoritarianism take root in our nation.

Gail Marie Erlandson

Sacramento

Undemocratic process

“Redistricting is political oppression. Why California shouldn’t do it | Opinion,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 7)

I’ve championed independent redistricting since the early 2000s. As I said in the 2008 California Voter Guide, “The current system where politicians draw their own districts is rigged… Prop. 11 will put voters back in charge.” Gov. Gavin Newsom’s claim of a “most democratic” process is baffling. Secret map-making, excluding Republicans and hiding who drew the lines, is not democracy; it’s gerrymandering — plain and simple.

Rushing an initiative at the last minute, bypassing the 30-day bill review and 131-day legal requirement, leaves just 75 days for a campaign. This undermines fairness. Californians deserve transparent, voter-driven maps, like those from the Citizens Redistricting Commission.

Pete Constant

Public Policy Department chair, Jessup University

Keeping pharmacies open

“Independent Sacramento pharmacy becomes center of health care policy debate,” (sacbee.com, July 29)

The closure of Ten Acres Pharmacy is a significant loss for Sacramento, and our elected leaders must seek solutions to support our local pharmacies. However, I’m concerned that lawmakers are focused on the wrong legislative strategies to achieve that.

Sen. Scott Wiener’s Senate Bill 41 wouldn’t improve pharmacy access; it would drive up prescription costs for patients, increase premiums for seniors and raise costs for businesses. There’s no evidence that this bill would do anything to keep pharmacies in business.

Edwin A. Lombard III

Roseville