In response to Marc Thiessen’s column titled “How to give Trump leverage to coerce Putin” (Page A7, May 30), there is a noteworthy argument regarding the necessity for increased leverage in President Trump’s ambition to conclude the war in Ukraine. However, the more pressing question remains: “Will he actually use it?”
Thiessen proposed a method involving the passage of a resolution that would then be held in the Senate. Instead, a more impactful approach would be to send the resolution directly to the president for his signature. America certainly does not need another “TACO” victory from a leader who struggles to be forthright about Putin. Trump’s “relationship” with the Russian leader was painfully evident during his debate with Hillary Clinton in 2016, and his favorable interactions with Putin during his first term only reinforce this point.
It is also encouraging to see Republicans finally vocalizing support for Ukraine, especially after initially withholding aid during the Biden administration.
– Thomas Scott, Morgan Hill
The Human Element in an AI World
In light of recent news about The New York Times’ AI licensing agreement with Amazon (Page C8, May 30), I find myself pondering what truly makes us human in an increasingly AI-dominated society.
This leads me to reflect on the phrase: “Let’s be good to people for no reason.” Is such a notion viable? After all, our actions often stem from motivations like reciprocity or personal values, which are completely valid. Yet, the essence of that sentiment—acting without anticipation of a reward—is deeply appealing. While AI can process data and perform tasks efficiently, it lacks the ability to embody the spontaneous empathy that characterizes human interaction.
As we navigate the advancements in technology, let us place a high value on genuine acts of kindness, embracing this quality simply because it embodies our collective humanity. This is, in my view, an irreplaceable trait.
– Deana Kitajima, San Jose
Images from Conflict Demand Action
A haunting image I encountered in the news recently continues to linger in my mind: a Palestinian woman and her young daughter rummaging through garbage for food on the side of the road. The mother’s words to her daughter were, “They have made us like dogs.”
Such inhumanity and degradation will never lead to peace. We must put an end to this terrible conflict.
– Gary Bertuccelli, Santa Clara
The Need for Government Reform
In just four months, we have witnessed a national administration characterized by corruption, incompetence, and vengeance, the likes of which we have never seen before.
We cannot afford to wait until the 2026 elections to begin rebuilding our country. Immediate action is necessary from our leaders and legislators, particularly those in Congress who have displayed cowardice.
Demanding truth and transparency is essential. Citizens must take the initiative to educate themselves on historical and civic facts, perhaps by engaging in online courses about American history and civics.
Moreover, it is crucial for the government to employ a substantial number of auditors, contract monitors, and law enforcement officials to ensure that our tax dollars are effectively utilized and that the law is applied consistently and fairly.
– John Cormode, Mountain View
Unity Against Corruption
In response to “Golden key and a black eye: Elon Musk exits Washington” (Page A3, May 31), we see Donald Trump speaking a rare truth when he says Elon Musk is “really not leaving.” After all, with wealth comes influence.
Americans should not be lulled into a false sense of security over Musk’s diminished visibility in Washington, D.C. As long as the current climate of unprecedented corruption persists, both Musk and Trump will continue to undermine due process and democracy.
The feeble questions posed by journalists during Musk’s farewell press conference further reveal that we can no longer depend on the press to hold public figures accountable. It is crucial for us to unite and advocate for our own interests, ensuring our voices are heard.
– Florence Chan, Los Altos
Accountability for National Debt
Think government deficits won’t affect you? Think again, as increasing deficits lead to heightened inflation and interest rates.
In the first four months of the year alone, we have paid $684 billion in interest on our $36.2 trillion national debt. As government borrowing rates rise, international bond markets view lending to the U.S. government as riskier due to unchecked deficits. Our greatest threat is the potential loss of our status as the world’s “reserve” currency, which allows us to borrow at lower rates than other nations.
It is imperative that both political parties be held accountable for their role in this detrimental deficit spending.
– Ed Kahl, Woodside