Letters for April 5, 2007

Why build everywhere?

Re “Confessions of a Republican environmental activist” by Candy Chand (SN&R Feature Story, March 29):

Bravo to Candy Chand!

My family and I moved out to Rancho Murieta in April of 2006. I have been coming out here since 1999, but we as a family could never afford to live out here until we were at the right place at the right time. Having said that, I have a question for the developers: why?

The reason we moved here is because we were tired of the row housing in Elk Grove and Natomas. What separates Rancho Murieta from being another subdivision is the open space. Why would we want to alter that? How long until Rancho Murieta is another Elk Grove and Natomas? While I have nothing against either of these two communities, the Rancho Murieta Web site does say “Northern California’s best kept secret.”

How much is enough? When do we stop?

Jonn Corrigan
Rancho Murieta

Democracy and profit

Re “Outrageous violation” (SN&R Editorial, March 29):

My thanks for your lead editorial, “Outrageous violation.” Sending a photographer to get visual news of people actually holding a sit-in at a congresswoman’s office in Sacramento sounds like a valid assignment in a democracy. Too bad your staffer couldn’t get the pictures.

And thanks to the epicene Bites for graciously (if that’s an appropriate word for Mr. or Ms. Bites) commenting on James Israel’s revamped Humor Times, just out. My film review of the Oscar-winning Best Foreign Language film, The Lives of Others, can be found on a page of that monthly’s April issue.

In an earlier part of the column, Bites mentions, less graciously, a gentleman taking a dive and ride to somewhere in a dumpster. In another fine local publication of commerce, the “man in the dumpster” was recently quoted as saying something to the effect that he offers no apologies for making a profit. I was perplexed by his thought. Why would anyone feel the need to say “I’m sorry” for doing such a thing? Do you have any ideas why someone might want to say that in print?

Gary Chew
Sacramento

End animal exploitation

Re “AB 1614: in honor of Cesar Chavez” (SN&R Guest Comment, March 22):

Assembly Bill 1614, requiring veterinarians at specific animal-endangering events, is a step in the right direction, but it won’t move unless calls and letters are written to state legislators. We require ambulances at events that may result in injuries to willing human participants. Why not require veterinarians at events where electronic prods, spurs, flank straps, calf roping/slamming, tail raking and other physically cruel insults are inflicted on unwilling sentient beings?

There is no place in a civilized world where suffering, torture and terror should be condoned, but here you have it: rodeos and charreadas. These events exploit and abuse fellow creatures solely for entertainment and greed. The least we can do is require that a veterinarian be present. Hopefully, someday these activities will be classed in a category where they belong—illegal, as cock and dog fighting currently are. Until that time, please let your voice be heard in support of AB 1614 by calling and writing your state rep now.

Marilyn Jasper
Loomis

All points of view welcome …

Re “It’s not about SN&R” (SN&R Letters, March 22) and “The dead” (SN&R Feature Story, March 15):

Thank you for the article regarding the war in Iraq. It was informative, respectful and appreciative of the individuals who have or are serving and of their families.

Thank you also for printing the critical letter from Mr. Vander Veen. While my perception of the article, its content and SN&R’s reason for publishing is different than his, it is important that all citizens have a forum to express personal opinions.

Sharon Goodnight
Sacramento

… and keep the numbers coming

Re “The war in numbers” by Scott Thomas Anderson and Kel Munger (SN&R News, March 15):

This piece was outstanding journalism, though unfortunately not read or comprehended by the entire nation.

I’m a nurse with five grown kids, including three boys, ages 19, 21 and 26. Although they’re not in the military, your article really hits home with the thought of a senseless loss of precious life. I’ve kept a copy of your piece in my bag at work and have shown it to several colleagues. Your comprehensive tally truly blows their minds.

I was visiting Boston in the summer of 2005, and right off the Freedom Trail there is this 18th-century church. Within the weathered, wrought-ironed courtyard, one of the nuns had children hand-write the names of all the fallen soldiers on two large, wooden sticks (tongue depressors) glued into crosses. The tally of the dead was less than a thousand at that time and it was powerful to see that number.

I’d like to see a standing exhibit somewhere in town (perhaps in the K Street tunnel to Old Sacramento) with the names of all the fallen for us to think about. Readers should write to Mayor Heather Fargo and ask her to find a way to honor these young men and women, as well as to point out what this war is costing us.

Suzan Denney
Sacramento