Gov. Newsom’s Israel 'apartheid' reversal draws sharp criticism | Opinion
Disappointed in Newsom
“Gavin Newsom regrets calling Israel ‘an apartheid state’,” (sacbee.com, March 25)
I was appalled to see that Gov. Gavin Newsom is walking back his description of Israel as an apartheid state. Does Newsom think that he knows better than the International Criminal Court? That court states in its July 19, 2024, advisory opinion that Israel’s “legislation and measures constitute a breach of Article 3” of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
If we cannot, at the very least, describe what is actually happening, how will we change it?
Elizabeth Price
Palo Alto
Lack of principles
“Gavin Newsom regrets calling Israel ‘an apartheid state’,” (sacbee.com, March 25)
It is highly regrettable — but not surprising — that Gov. Gavin Newsom is now waffling on his position regarding the nature of the Israeli State and his support for it. After the mixed results of recent primary elections, he has clearly reassessed the prevailing electoral winds and is reversing course.
Unfortunately, this reflects a distinct lack of character and dedication to principles that we are looking for in both a governor and a presidential candidate. It is time for the Democrats to acknowledge the unfortunate system of oppression in Israel/ Palestine so that we can move toward a lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians, which they both deserve.
Many of us will be looking for this in Democratic candidates this election cycle.
Anatole Besman
Berkeley
Double standard
“US Sen. Alex Padilla to rework Chavez national park bill,” (sacbee.com, March 20)
Americans can be proud of the mature, near-unanimous response to the news of Cesar Chavez’s alleged crimes. In light of this response, surely we will apply the same standard to other prominent persons in the event of any similar crimes.
Imagine there were a person who, like Chavez, many Americans admired, but who, also like Chavez, multiple women credibly accused of sexual assault. Imagine further that this person was caught on tape bragging about committing some of these assaults and that, following a fair trial, a jury found that this person in fact did sexually assault a woman.
That person’s name would surely be removed from the multiple sites named for him. Right?
Greg deGiere
Sacramento
Recognizing Huerta
“California Hall of Fame seeks to remove Cesar Chavez,” (sacbee.com, March 19)
There is a rush to rename the many public spaces honoring Cesar Chavez. I suggest an obvious and appropriate solution: replace Cesar Chavez with Dolores Huerta wherever he appears.
She co-founded the United Farm Workers union, coined their slogan, no doubt matched his work and sacrifice and suffered his abuse. And it is Women’s History Month.
Give her the recognition that she is due.
Jane Pearce
Santa Rosa
Swalwell’s residence
“Eric Swalwell ends Pulte suit; judge leans against disqualifying him from ballot,” (sacbee.com, March 21)
I like Eric Swalwell. He’s done a good job in Congress. But I’m troubled by his refusal to answer questions about whether he actually lives in California.
Yes, he lists a room in a friend’s home as his legal address. But when did he last actually stay there? If that’s his home, why does he always stay in hotels when visiting California? And if this is his legal residence, why did he declare a house in D.C. as his “primary residence” on his mortgage application?
California voters deserve answers — not more vague denials.
Tim Goncharoff
Fairfield
Failed top two primary
“California GOP hopefuls Hilton, Bianco bet voters are mad at Sacramento, not Trump,” (sacbee.com, March 18)
Will all Democratic candidates for governor not named Katie Porter, Tom Steyer and Rep. Eric Swalwell please drop out now and endorse another candidate?
When this circus is over, can we please restore the election system so that the general election features one candidate from each party? The two primary experiments have failed and gone on long enough.
Matt Nelsenador
Sacramento