Letters Bera, Waters, Kerry, teachers union

This Democrat is standing with Ami

Re “Democrats refuse to back Bera as GOP targets him” (Page 1A, Jan. 14): There is no doubt that Rep. Ami Bera is politically vulnerable right now, which makes so-called efforts to “punish” him all the more effective – and troubling. Bera’s political “crime” appears to be that he supports a Democratic president in his efforts to address complex, international trade policy.

Undeniably, labor groups have legitimate concerns about the impact on trade here at home, but the U.S. can lead our partners in trying to establish smart policies. Electing a conservative Republican to the House is not helpful to that agenda. This Democrat stands with Ami.

Voters will have Ami Bera’s back

At a time when voters are fed up with partisan politics and rigid ideology, Ami Bera has demonstrated his independent voice by voting for what’s best for all Americans and not for what the Democratic Party demands. That’s good for us, but bad for him – at least in terms of party support for his candidacy.

Having exploited a tragedy to “school” President Barack Obama on immigration, Sheriff Scott Jones gained nationwide attention. In Jones, the Republicans will have an obedient foot soldier. A true representative of the people will buck party dogma on occasion. We have that in Ami Bera. Voters should reward him with another term.

Bad form taking on dad, son Waters

Re “Robbie Waters gets static as he seeks planning post” (Page 3A, Jan. 13): Councilman Steve Hansen’s overly aggressive opposition to Robbie Waters’ pending Planning Commission appointment – citing the troubles of Waters’ son, Dan – is an example of the kind of base cruelty and revenge politics that have no place in city government.

Hansen seized upon Dan Waters’ indiscretion and tried to shade his father’s reputation in the process. Fortunately, cooler and wiser heads prevailed and the senior Waters won his bid, which will be forwarded to the mayor and City Council for a final decision. But I believe strongly that Hansen owes both Waters men a public retraction and an apology.

Need more facts on boat detentions

Re “Kerry cites his diplomacy with Iran as U.S. sailors are freed after capture” (Page 1A, Jan. 14): Boy, what an overreaction. At least for the moment, we are not at war with Iran. Our two vessels entered Iranian territorial waters without their permission; that much has been admitted. Whether or not that was a mistake, an apology may be in order.

CNN and many politicians were beating the drums, calling the brief detention of our sailors “shocking” and a provocation. Not that many years ago, in the same general area, the U.S. mistakenly shot down an Iranian airliner, killing more than 200 civilians. We apologized. Until we have more facts about why our gunboats were in Iranian waters, let’s tone down the hyperbole.

Good teachers do need unions

Re “Good teachers don’t need a union” (Letters, Jan. 14): Good teachers do need unions. Good teachers need academic freedom to be good. Common Core requires that teachers design learning experiences for their students based on student needs, which means they are being asked to be creative and inventive and engaged in ways that have been denied them for so many years of scripted programs.

If we did not have a union to ensure that we have the freedom to teach what needs to be taught, then the students suffer. The union also exists to help teachers focus on their students while the union focuses on what’s often a lack of support from our employers. Teachers need a champion so that we can be the ones that really do put students first.

This story was originally published January 19, 2016 at 9:00 PM with the headline "Letters Bera, Waters, Kerry, teachers union."