Letters: S.F.'s Pink Triangle symbolizes LGBTQ+ empowerment. Why vandalism won't change that
Regarding 'Man arrested in vandalism to S.F.'s Pink Triangle celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month' (Crime, SFChronicle.com, June 19): The vandalism of the Pink Triangle on Twin Peaks this week is an example of the struggles our community has faced throughout time.
The damage should remain because it sends a powerful message. We will wear this scar as a badge of resilience, courage and our continuing struggle for equality for the rest of Pride Month.
For the past three decades, the Pink Triangle has been a symbol of what can happen if hatred is allowed to go unchecked. The graffiti and defaced panels of the Pink Triangle remind us of the ongoing discrimination and hatred experienced by many in the community.
If this can happen here in LGBTQ+ friendly San Francisco, think what might happen in other less accepting places in the U.S. and around the world. This hate empowers us.
We will remain our true selves, speak up and keep living our lives as joyfully as possible. There is no going back in the closet as some would like us to do.
Patrick Carney, co-founder, Pink Triangle, San Francisco
Don't wait
I'm not a green card holder nor an undocumented immigrant. I'm not attending a university on a student visa.
I'm not a corporate executive fearing my political views will bar me from federal contracts.
I'm not a lawyer who's been coerced into performing pro bono work to undo diversity, equity and inclusion.
I'm not connected to any university, museum or nonprofit organization that had its tax-exempt status and/or funding canceled for promoting policies inimical to government ones.
I'm not employed by any federal, state or local government.
I'm not a university professor, teacher or student.
I'm not personally affected by rising consumer prices.
I don't live near oil or gas drilling.
I'm not worried about the financial stability of Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare and the Veterans Affairs Department.
I'm not affected by dictates issued on and after Jan. 20.
In 1946, German Pastor Martin Niemöller berated himself for failing to oppose Nazi attacks on Communists, Socialists, trade unionists and Jews, until he, too, was attacked and no one remained to speak on his behalf.
I'm not waiting.
Paul L. Newman, Merion Station, Pa.
Trump keeps promise
Nearly 80 million Americans voted for Donald Trump, including eight counties in California that were blue in 2020. President Trump is keeping to his promise to all Americans, even if you didn't vote for him.
Trump is president of the United States, and that makes him accountable to U.S. citizens, not those who are here illegally.
Christine Larson, Castro Valley
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