 Contra Costa Times Nov. 24 Letters from our readersLetters from our readers
Contra Costa Times Posted: 11/24/2009 12:01:00 AM PST
Rotting society With regard to the assault of the 15-year-old girl (Lord help us) at Richmond High on Oct. 24, I have to take issue with Thalia Aguilar, 16, of Richmond High, quoted in one of your articles, as follows: "He (Marcelles Peter) didn't do it. He just passed by (the assault), then he came over to my house. He is innocent." If, for argument's sake, the young man did just pass by the assault and did nothing, he is guilty, every bit as guilty as the actual participants. The chief thing that makes America a decent place to live is the citizens' embrace of the ideal of personal responsibility for themselves and to their community. If this country comes to be inhabited chiefly by people content to live the lives of frightened animals, in thrall to the baddest dog on the block, it will rot. Seemingly, it is rotting. Elizabeth Bates San Pablo Questions letter Jan Dederick's Nov. 15 letter states that with health care for profit, the bottom line is enhanced by more illness. It is not clear to me why an insurance company's profit is greater if it has more expenses. Also, in a truly free market, the customer would have a range of choices among insurance firms, nonprofit providers and mutual aid co-ops. Today, government keeps medical expenses high by limiting competition.
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Berkeley Inspirational It was a dark, cool evening (Oct. 31) and our American flag waved gently in the breeze. Yes, the porch light was on to invite children for "trick or treat." There was a rap at the front door by a 5-year-old boy dressed completely as a police officer, his badge was proudly showing and his 3-year-old sister was dressed as a firefighter, complete with red helmet and red boots! Well, they received their treats plus a few more. Then our police officer came to attention with his hand over his heart, and started to recite the Pledge of Allegiance as he faced the flag. Well, his sister, the firefighter, his mom and grandmother plus the homeowners joined in. He even emphasized the world indivisible as only a 5-year-old can! Yes, it was a Halloween that was inspirational! Donald Kurtz Danville Story misses Your article, "Alcohol abuse at heart of Richmond rape case" surely misses the mark by a mile! It is patently obvious that what is "at heart" of this abominable act was a lack of morality on the part of the perpetrators, indicative of a family background and home-life sadly lacking in the respect for and teaching of the basic mores of a civilized society. Alcohol is a result, not the cause. Clarence De Barrows Walnut Creek Civil debate Certain conservative fanatics have written letters deprecating anyone with an opposing viewpoint with name-calling such as stupid, sheep and lunatics. They regurgitate the bombastic words of Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity. They fail to see that Fox News promulgates propaganda, but wail that mainstream news services are biased. Those radio and TV entertainers get much of their material from Betsy McCaughey, assailed by both Democratic and Republican leaders for her "fraudulent scare tactics" masquerading as "facts and citations." The health reform bill is estimated to cost roughly what President George W. Bush's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have cost. Catherine Arnst lists 10 ways to cut health care costs now that would easily pay the bill to insure all Americans. In "Saving Capitalism: Keeping America Strong," Pat Choate states real facts about our economic collapse and the health care debacle. Letter writers should read substantiated facts before stating their opinions. The Times should not print letters from authors who disrespect others, calling individuals or groups scurrilous names, and state "facts" that have been proven false or are opinions. Debate with civility is a cornerstone of our democracy but the building begins to crack when some resort to rumors and yellow journalism. John Carr Clayton Speed bumps I agree with "Try speed bumps." I have been trying to get speed bumps on my street, Mariposa Drive in Pittsburg. We have a junior high school by our neighborhood. Traffic is horrible. Drivers speed early in the morning going to school and after school. They also speed all week long. I have gone out and obtained signatures and I am asking the City Council for money to help us. I'm still waiting. We shouldn't have to wait for someone to get killed or badly injured. The city should just put the speed bumps in. Sue Lopez Pittsburg | 
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