Letters for July 24, 2014

Unholy mess

Re “Holy mess” by Nick Miller (SN&R Editor’s Note, July 17):

Good to see your unbiased observations on the Gaza massacre. I would describe it as an unholy mess, actually.

I worked with some wonderful Palestinians in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates in the early 2000s. In fact, the Emirates is one of the few countries that has built hospitals and supplied ambulances in Gaza. Of course, they have to keep rebuilding them.

The Israelis are doing exactly what has been done to the Jews throughout history. They are creating new, raw karma every day that they persecute the Palestinians. Even when the Palestinians try to fight their way out of the blockade, the Israelis claim self-defense. Just as the Chinese are doing with the minorities in the occupied territories of China: China doesn't have a Muslim problem, the Uighurs have a Chinese problem.

G.R.

via email

End failed war on marijuana

Re “Cannabis lessons” (SN&R Editorial, July 17):

Regarding your thoughtful July 17 Editorial, California needs to catch up with Colorado and Washington. California already has de facto legalization, but some California legislators want to restrict medical-marijuana access. This would be a backward move. Marijuana prohibition provides no societal benefit whatsoever. If the goal of marijuana prohibition is to subsidize violent drug cartels, prohibition is a grand success. The drug war distorts supply-and-demand dynamics so that big money grows on little trees.

If the goal is to deter use, marijuana prohibition is a catastrophic failure. The United States has almost double the rate of marijuana use as the Netherlands, where marijuana is legally available. The criminalization of Americans who prefer marijuana to martinis has no basis in science. The war on marijuana consumers is a failed cultural inquisition, not an evidence-based public-health campaign. In California and throughout the nation, it’s time to stop the pointless arrests and instead tax legal marijuana.

Robert Sharpe

policy analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy

Vaccinate, end of story

Re “Vaccinate. Please.” (SN&R Editorial, July 17):

I’m so glad that SN&R had the courage to publish this article. Whooping cough is contagious, deadly to little ones and completely preventable. Anyone who really believes that the vaccine is causing the epidemic is cracked. Vaccines prevent deadly diseases, end of story. If you want a reliable website, look at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, like a sensible person. Once again, thanks, SN&R. The more people who understand vaccines, the better.

Leslie Setser-Pfleger

West Sacramento

Kudos for cohousing

Re “You have how many f@#king roommates?!” by Janelle Bitker (SN&R Feature Story, June 26):

Great article on cohabitation. It seems that more and more people are choosing to live together for numerous reasons, such as shared costs and a greater sense of community. Cohousing is a great option for those interested in a more relaxed sense of community, while living more sustainable lives. In particular, Fair Oaks EcoHousing is currently seeking new members to help develop a cohousing community with eco-housing elements and sustainability in mind. The cohousing community is planned to be intergenerational, including children, adults and seniors. All interested will be welcomed! For more information, see www.fairoaksecohousing.org.

Ivan Greene

Carmichael