Letters: Harsh punishment | Volunteerism

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Oakland High brawl
punishment too harsh

Re: “Oakland brawl results in many suspensions, forfeiture of games” (Page C6, Oct. 17).

The Oakland Section’s punishment policy for brawls on the field of play is excessively harsh.

First, there is often too much moral ambiguity in such episodes for a response that treats every participant as obviously in the wrong. There may for instance seem to be a genuine responsibility to help a teammate apparently in physical danger.

Second, there are too many innocent collateral victims to such policies, including future opponents who now see their games canceled, or junior varsity players who now see their seasons scrapped or players promoted to varsity prior to being ready (a consideration suggesting the policy ironically at variance with player safety).

Third, the actual efficacy of the policy as a deterrent is highly questionable. Does a teenager really operate such that a six-game suspension prospect as against a one-game suspension prospect (the NCS policy) tips the scale in his psyche in favor of exercising self-restraint?

Ramsey Moyer
Former Alameda High head varsity football coach
San Diego

Volunteerism is good
for teachers and you

This week is California’s 26th annual Retired Teachers Week. As a member of the California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA), I urge everyone to find a way to give back to our community.

Last year, CalRTA members logged more than 1 million volunteer hours. That’s worth more than $40 million in services. This special week, during CalRTA’s 95th anniversary year, is dedicated to honoring the commitment, dedication, and lasting impact of retired teachers whose influence extends far beyond the classroom.

Anywhere you go in the Tri-Valley you are likely to find retired teacher volunteers.

Since 1998, CalRTA has sponsored Retired Teachers Week as a way to not only spotlight our members’ extensive volunteerism but to encourage others to do the same. Join our call to give back. You’ll find the effort is well worth your time.

Bill Britton
Livermore

We must protect media
covering Gaza war

Over 130 journalists have been killed while trying to document the horrors happening in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. The Committee to Protect Journalists has stated that this is the deadliest conflict they have ever documented.

Please speak out for your colleagues who are being attacked by the Israeli military. We need to know what’s happening in this region, and the brave journalists who are informing us must be protected.

Susan Runyan
Berkeley

Congress’s effort helping
aviators go green

The push for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a perfect example of how smart investments in clean energy can create substantial benefits across multiple industries. That’s why I want to commend our Reps. Salud Carbajal, Kevin Mullin and Tony Cárdenas for their leadership as founding members of the Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus, a bipartisan effort that will accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future.

Sustainability isn’t just about cutting emissions, it’s about making sure our solutions work for both the environment and the bottom line. SAF embodies this principle. It’s a low-carbon alternative to fossil-based jet fuel that offers the best chance to decarbonize one of the toughest industries to go green — aviation. Alongside SAF, business aviation companies are also investing in hybrid, electric and hydrogen-powered propulsion systems, ensuring a multifaceted approach to reaching the goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Robert Tucknott
Livermore

U.S. should not drag
feet on Ukraine aid

Re: “Ukraine downs a Russian warplane and Russia claims gains in the east” (Oct. 5).