Letters: Climate funding | US-Taiwan friendship | Emboldening Israel’s enemies

Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor.

Funding only part
of climate change fight

Re: “California must provide more funds to address climate change” (Page A6, Feb. 1).

I agree with your opinion piece on climate change financing. We must confront climate change, one of our most critical challenges.

First, climate change is increasing California’s wildfires, droughts and other harsh weather. These effects will worsen severely if not addressed.

Second, California has led climate change action, but more must be done. The state must finance research, education and environmental protection programs.

Third, investing in alternative energy sources like wind and solar power reduces our dependency on fossil fuels. Supporting renewable energy technology development reduces our carbon footprint and promotes sustainability.

I urge state authorities to prioritize climate change and enhance financing for mitigation projects. Our Earth, communities and future generations need immediate action.

We can also fight climate change together. Public transit, renewable energy and environmental legislation lessen our carbon footprint. We can create a more sustainable future together. Take environmental action today.

Andreea Dragoi
San Jose

China posture won’t halt
US-Taiwan friendship

Following Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s meeting with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in early April, China launched a series of military drills. This is not the first time China has flexed its muscles in retaliation to growing U.S.-Taiwan relations, as it responded similarly when then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan last August.

China cannot dictate how Taiwan makes friends and how our friends internationally interact with Taiwan. Against China’s imminent threats, we assert that a war would not go down easily. Taiwan has been actively working with the United States to bolster its defense capabilities. The Arms Exports Delivery Solutions Act is already underway to work toward the speedy delivery of defense weapons.

We are also greatly appreciative of countries who have spoken up in support of Taiwan and against China’s threats. Taiwan is determined to uphold the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and regional peace and stability.

Scott Lai
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office
San Francisco

Article emboldens
Israel’s enemies

Re: “I had feelings of disgust, guilt and shame over Israel’s actions” (Page A8, April 23).

David Matz’s one-sided criticism of Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians does a grave disservice to the cause of truth and justice.

He describes his “disgust” and “shame” over Israeli actions, but fails to mention that Israel is in a war for its existence against implacable enemies whose openly stated goal is the complete destruction of Israel itself, and quite probably the Jewish people as well. Nor does he have a single word of sympathy for the many innocent Jews killed by Arab terrorists, with the active encouragement of their leaders, just because they were Jewish. Unpleasant things must often be done in war. But this war is driven by Arab hatred of Jews, not Jewish hatred of Arabs.

With his false and misleading accusations, Matz gives direct aid and support to Israel’s enemies and will bear some of the guilt when they kill more innocent Jews.

Martin Wasserman
Palo Alto