About the editor: Thank you for publishing Roger McNamee’s op-ed, How Big Tech’s Predatory Culture Fuels Failures Like Silicon Valley Bank.

Among his very valid points, McNamee highlights how the technology sector’s “culture and business practices” have shifted “the burden of harm” onto consumers.

I am a high school English teacher and many of my own students have addictive and potentially dangerous relationships with their smartphones. I routinely confiscate phones, ask to put them away, or witness stupid behavior encouraged by their apps.

Fortunately, I can say that most students can control themselves, but for the more vulnerable, smartphones are too easily misused and misused.

Thank you for fueling this important discussion about the power of this dynamic industry. As I often ask my students, “Who’s in charge of you or the phone?” Unfortunately, for many it is the latter.

Matthew Burger, Long Beach

..

About the editor: Apparently, the same libertarian, allegedly self-made millionaire executives who condemn students for getting partial loan forgiveness, arguing that they knew what they were doing when they signed the loan agreement, have not read the sign on the door of the Silicon Valley bank. states that deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Scheme

Corporation Corp.

up to $250,000.

John Goodman, Oak Park