Letters to the Editor: Celebrate the arrival of a fresh start in 2021 – San Francisco Chronicle

As we look forward to the new year, may we look back for a moment and thank the many good people who we have encountered over the past year who have inspired us with their faith, hope, courage, generosity, compassion, hard work, small daily kindnesses and simple common courtesy. To you we say: May your light continue to shine, and may abundant blessings come your way.

Happy New Year!

Michael Traynor, Burlingame

Good riddance, 45

It is now 2021. Trump, never again.

Jerry Blair, Walnut Creek

Reflections on 2020

For my New Years reassessment of a 2020 political enigma, President Trumps cult followers seem more like an angry, ignored, marginalized culture, poking elites in the eye, than Jonestown disciples who drank the Kool-Aid. For 2021, whats sorely needed is a wider expansion and definition of self-worth, success and what constitutes pathways to the American dream. At one time or another, all of us have been populist troublemakers, steadfastly obstinate with our own righteous beliefs and indignation of disempowerment.

Fortunately, American democracy affords multidirectional policy. We can walk and chew gum, and print money, at the same time.

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Howard Wong, San Francisco

Why they stay away

Regarding SFO quiet unlike much of the nation (Business Report, Dec. 30): The decrease in passenger traffic might be (1) Bay Area virus cases or (2) Bay Area resident adherence to public health recommendations, as you suggest. But I think both explanations are likely wrong.

The prevalence of the virus in the Bay Area is well under the national average of about 55 cases per 100,000 per day, so the Bay Area is safer than most other places in the United States. And theres no evidence that Bay Area citizens are more law-abiding than anywhere else. The more logical explanation is that fewer people from outside the Bay Area are coming to visit because restrictions in the Bay Area are so stringent.

Shanin Specter, San Francisco

Save the Cliff House

Regarding the Cliff House: I dont understand. Doesnt the Cliff House have historic building status? If it doesnt, it should. Perhaps this will keep its name and restaurant status in the city and county of San Francisco, rather than the Park Service.

Marty Miner, San Francisco

History in perspective

Regarding No one is perfect (Letters, Dec. 30): What a well-crafted and well-thought-out response to the politically correct wing of our society. The idea that, in order to be even remembered in our society a person must be Mother Teresa, is wrong. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it has been mentioned, had a few affairs. Bill Clinton has had some as well. These two individuals are well-respected by the left and yet I dont see anyone from the left condemning them. The letter writer was right on target with her remarks regarding Lincoln, Washington and Jefferson. This country would look a hell of a lot different if these men never existed. If we allow for political correctness to take over our country, then we all better get used to the words of Mother Teresa because its going to be the only name that can be slapped onto any school or public building.

And, by the way, I am a very liberal, MAGA-hating Democrat always have been and always will be but I dont want all these aforementioned individuals to be forgotten over something that today, in hindsight, society now condemns. We should learn and understand that our leaders were flawed, but they also shaped our country.

Roger Lema, Hayward

Follow Fauci? No way

For almost a year now, Dr. Anthony Fauci has been telling us how to protect ourselves and stop the spread of the dreaded coronavirus by: wearing a mask, social distancing, washing hands, not touching your face, sneezing and coughing into your elbow and not shaking hands. And close schools and restaurants, dont travel, cancel Thanksgiving and Christmas with your family, isolate, etc.

So, if Faucis recommendations hold any credence, why did he need to jump to the front of the line to get the vaccine? Is he more essential than the rest of us?

Fact is, after telling the rest of us to jump through hoops, this virus in at an all-time high. Fauci and the rest of the hypocritical politicians should all butt out and let We the People take the precautions we deem necessary.

John Mullany, Monterey

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Letters to the Editor: Celebrate the arrival of a fresh start in 2021 - San Francisco Chronicle