That's where you come in
The good, the bad and the downright damning
By Our readers
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your column about Michael Vick ["Presently Tense," Aug. 1] was awesome. I have been too furious to form coherent words or thoughts about this issue. People who claim to be compassionate and/or animal lovers draw the line when/where they feel like it. Animals don't have voices (that we understand, anyway). Thank you for being a voice for all the animals being tortured/treated with cruelty everyday.
Susanne Whiting,
Bankers Hill
Crazy man
When D.A. Kolodenko wrote: "I think they are people," referring to animals ["Presently Tense," Aug. 1], I immediately thought that the guy was imbalanced. I now know he is as crazy as they come.
Pray tell, why do we keep dogs on leashes? After all, we don't keep humans on leashes although some people should be (think Bush!).
Obviously, Kolodenko does not own a fly swatter, nor does he put deodorant under his armpits, or, if he were a female, he would not use mascara for fear of killing the animals that live in his eyelids.
Hypocrites like that--and it seems to include most of America--have a very mixed-up idea of right and wrong. Abortion is OK; killing poultry is not? Somebody must have unlocked the door to the nut house!
Jean-Pierre Gauthier,
Bourget, Ontario, Canada
What does 'new age' look like?
It is nice to know that you have completely biased and ignorant writers authoring your articles. The article entitled "Manifest destiny" ["Art & Culture," Aug. 1] is proof of this.
The author certainly has no idea what she is writing about and shows it many times over the two columns. My favorite line was the one in which she describes Jeanne Phillips as not bearing any "physical traits of the new-age eccentricity." How stupid is that? And just what does it mean? If she attended just one service at the church in the article or any other "new age" church, she would find very normal people. I happen to be one of them.
She is right that The Secret may not be the entire answer for everyone. However, it is one tool that many could use to enlighten themselves and make their lives better.
This is my first time reading your publication. If this article is any indication of the standards of your contributors, I won't be reading again.
Claire LiMandri,
El Cerrito
Hitting the spot
Congratulations for your continued intelligent investigative reporting and perceptive writing. Your pieces about KPBS, Mayor Sanders, Scott Peters and Brad Will all hit the mark [all in the Aug. 8 issue]. You are a riposte and a godsend to the Union-Tribune and the Reader! I salute you! Keep up the good work, and may your readership and your revenues grow in response to your good work.
Richard Castro
Clairemont
Empowering story
I was so excited to see that article on Oliver Hamilton and the Prop. 36 issue ["The Front Lines," Aug. 15] that I had to write.
I have also been fortunate enough to meet Mr. Hamilton. He's been an inspiration for me as well, so much so that after meeting him in Sacramento at the last Prop. 36 rally, I started a MySpace group (groups.myspace.com/ prop36grads) hoping to attract other grads and to give back, providing some great forums, bulletin topics, and pictures that any member can freely post.
I am a proud graduate, and it always touches my heart and soul when others are active in the pursuit of recovery.
I have 426 days today, and my battle continues daily--but when I see people like Oliver Hamilton and the Drug Policy Alliance in my corner, getting some well-deserved recognition, it literally empowers and motivates me and, more so, it reminds me that, hey, I'm not alone in this struggle.
When I see other Prop. 36 grads, I see myself--and I feel successful today.
Tony Jackson,
Laguna Hills
Out with him
Hurray, for taking a stand against Sanders as mayor ["Editorial," Aug. 1]. He never was fit to be mayor, it was clear from the start. He had not policies to make our city a better place to live. It seems the only thing he's committed to is privatization. It's part of a global disease. The lies are a cover for failed policies. It's time for him to go.
Tanja Winter,
La Jolla
Open the books, Hannity
Thanks to Cullen Hendrix for his eye-opening article on Hannity's Freedom Concert held July 26 at the Coors Amphitheater in Chula Vista ["Music," Aug. 1].
I've had my suspicions about this concert for a long time. I truly believe Hannity and his cohorts (Oliver North, Mark Levin and others) are using the concert as a front to make additional money for themselves.
Sure, they give out scholarships to the kids of troops killed in action, but $4 is not that much money.
Hannity and friends earn enough income to donate their time. Since they are nonprofit, why are they refusing to open their financial books? What are they hiding?
This needs further investigation by CityBeat.
Jill Rhodes,
North Park
Published: 08/22/2007
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