Marin IJ Readers’ Forum for Jan. 30, 2026

Rather than buying Greenland, Trump should ask for alliance

While I agree with President Donald Trump on Greenland’s strategic importance, he appears to be approaching the issue in the wrong way (“Denmark and Greenland say sovereignty is not negotiable after Trump’s reversal on tariffs,” Jan. 23). Had he not tried to buy Greenland from Denmark and then doubled down as a negotiating tactic, I think he would have better options to go about getting what he wants.

The U.S. should be allying with Denmark to protect Greenland, not trying to take it over. An agreement for a significant naval base, coupled with investments in the mining of rare earth elements on the island, would have been better. In an arrangement like that, the U.S. would have substantial influence, without threatening the people of the island.

The days of “Seward’s Folly” (the purchase of Alaska) and the Louisiana Purchase are long past. As much as Trump would like to duplicate those actions, forming a strong alliance with, and investing in, Greenland without antagonizing the residents or our NATO allies would be a much better solution.

If Trump expressed an interest in a mutually beneficial alliance, this still might be able to be accomplished.

— Peter H. Behr Jr., San Anselmo

Promising equal compensation is main issue of DEI programs

I am writing in response to the Another View commentary by Rachel F. Adler published Jan. 21 with the headline “Diversity has become a dirty word. It doesn’t have to be.”

I think Adler completely misses the mark on the reality of the meaning of the word diversity in the context of diversity, equity and inclusion programs. I find that very few people have a problem with the diversity portion, nor do they have a problem with inclusion. It is the equity of outcome that makes those programs a complete failure, according to some.

I think the emphasis on equity is straight “to each according to his needs” Marxism. Prioritizing equity completely ignores different talent levels, will to work and the complexity of economic exchange. If everyone receives the same, I think all we will receive is poverty. No other outcome is possible.

If you are put into a position which you did not earn, you will fail. I think that is why public agencies seemingly attract adherents to this theory — they can fail and no one cares because it is the taxpayers’ money.

— Tim Peterson, San Anselmo

MarinHealth needs to add bone-density test

We were surprised to learn that dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanners at MarinHealth Medical Center do not provide a trabecular bone score (TBS), a widely used and clinically valuable tool for assessing fracture risk. Although MarinHealth has said it plans to add this capability and that patients can be referred elsewhere for a TBS, the current approach appears to create unnecessary barriers to care.

DEXA measures bone mineral density, while TBS analyzes the texture of the image to estimate bone micro-architecture — the internal strength and quality of bone. This distinction matters because bone density alone does not fully predict fracture risk. Research shows TBS provides complementary information that helps determine whether bones are structurally resilient or fragile, particularly when density results are borderline.

We think the referral-based workaround is problematic. Insurance typically covers DEXA testing only once every two years. If patients have a DEXA scan at MarinHealth and are later referred elsewhere for TBS, insurance may not cover the additional test, effectively denying access to information that could have been obtained from the original scan.

There is also a question about who gets referrals. Despite both of us having recent DEXA scans at MarinHealth, we were never referred for TBS — highlighting how discretionary referrals lead to inconsistent and inequitable care.

This issue is especially important for smaller-framed women, whose naturally smaller bones can appear to have low bone density despite adequate bone strength. TBS appears to help distinguish true fragility from size-related differences, reducing the risk of over- or under-treatment. Given its value and inclusion in osteoporosis guidelines, TBS should be a routine part of DEXA interpretation.

We urge MarinHealth to promptly incorporate a TBS as standard practice. We believe it will improve fracture-risk assessment and preventive care for Marin residents — especially women.

— Amy Vance and Tanya Fredricks, San Anselmo