Becoming partly cloudy after some morning light rain. Windy at times. High 49F. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..
A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low 38F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.
Updated: February 19, 2026 @ 8:55 am
Editor,
Oh wow. There are those of us who are proud of the schools and students who staged a peaceful protest against xenophobia, bigotry and intolerance of others. They were exercising their civic rights in peacefully standing up against the threat of masked, armed ICE forces antagonizing peaceful communities in an appalling case of far right political theater.
Then there are those like letter writer Dirk van Ulden who feel that anyone who doesn’t share his far right views should not have that freedom, and should remain silent in the face of injustice toward others.Â
People like Dirk claim to be on the side of freedom and justice, but are clearly aligning themselves with the real threat toward democracy. Â
David NakamuraÂ
San Mateo
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(1) comment
Oh David, did you spend most your time in school walking out in protest of some cause or other? Because I fear you missed learning reading comprehension. Please point out where in Dirk's letter he claimed that he believes anyone shouldn't have the right to protest?
SAT-style question: The main idea of Dirk's letter was:
a. No one who doesn't share my views should have civil rights!
b. Students as young as elementary age are being influenced by parents and teachers to protest without a deeper understanding of the issues and aren't engaging in critical thinking.
c. World War 1 was bad!
d. I like ice cream!
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