Letters to the Editor
Sun needs
alternative voice on forum page
Editor: The spirited debate about Sun columnist Joan Huguenard’s values or rights or accuracy, for me, boils down to her forum. Expressing one’s soul is difficult under the character-count limit. My interest in her viewpoint has waned because I find nothing with which to balance it.
I cannot believe that, in this community teeming with accomplished people, the Sun can’t invite and find an alternative voice. Give that voice a forum free of the editors’ knife and I’ll enjoy The Sun far more. Like the special interest material — tired of the pundit monotone.
Gary De Smet
Treasuring joan,
diversity of opinion
Editor: I’m surprised and disappointed that the tally pro and con “Just Joan” is 50-50. I hope this means only that more of us treasure the diversity of opinion that we have available. As for Joan’s writing, I discern some facts and some feelings, and these are what an opinion piece is supposed to have.
For the straight news about Israel and Palestine, one must go beyond Fox News, the Chronicle, and the New York Times. Jewish Voice for Peace and If Americans Knew are places to begin.
Ginny Jones
Addressing pit bulls in dog park
Editor: I was glad Ms. King addressed the issue of pit bull terriers in the dog park. I think it’s an important issue and I would like to share some information that I hope will shed some light on the subject.
My family adopted our pit bull terrier, Jackson, from Pets Lifeline three years ago. He is the most irrepressibly joyful dog I have ever had. I attended a seminar with Susan Simons, Director of Pets Lifeline, shortly thereafter put on by BADRAP (Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pitbulls). They are a rescue, education and advocacy group. Since then, we have followed their advice regarding guardianship of Jackson and have attempted to help stem the flow of misinformation, misunderstanding, and outright prejudice toward the breed. The dogs are not to blame for being popular with people who treat them as a “tough-looking” accessory and exploit their genetic tendencies.
According to the BADRAP Web site page on pit bulls and dog parks, (under “Are You Responsible?” on their home page): “The concentrated chaos of an ever-changing pack of dogs tempts even the most passive breeds past their limits. Avoiding this kind of drama scene separates the responsible pit bull owners from the irresponsible”. Following this advice, we do not set Jackson up for failure by taking him to the dog park.
All dog owners should: 1. Know your breed! And 2. Know your specific dog and attend training classes with them. Every breed of dog has certain genetic traits that were very purposefully bred into the breed by humans. Within those traits, each dog has its own personal characteristics. The APBT (American Pit Bull Terrier) is a breed of dog whose ancestors were, among other things, bred to fight other dogs (not people, dogs). They have historically been wonderfully “soft” with humans; another intentional breeding trait. The last thing we need is another negative news story that adds to the prejudice directed at them. No matter who starts a fight at the dog park, chances are the pit bull will get blamed.
It is very important that this be a voluntarily responsible action. Trying to impose rules about this, such as keeping certain breeds out of the dog park is not only inappropriate, it is ineffectual because of the high incidence of breed misidentification (see pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html). Banning pit bulls would only feed the fear and prejudice.
One other thing must be said. When having visited the dog park with my other dogs (retrievers), I have many times encountered dogs — who were NOT pit bulls — who had no business being in a dog park. They growled aggressively at any approach of another dog and usually their owners were not paying attention. We must be responsible guardians of our pets! Please, be aware of whether or not the dog park is the right place for your dog. And if another dog does come in that makes you nervous about the safety of your dog, it’s time to leave.
Roxanne M. Alden
Genetically modified crop bill thwarted
Editor: Our local democratic rights were in jeopardy a few weeks ago. California Senate Bill 1056 (also called “ The Monsanto Bill” because of the heavy Monsanto lobbying as well as lobbying by the Farm Bureaus and corporate agricultural interest groups) would have taken away local authority throughout all of California to restrict genetically modified crops.
This bill passed the Assembly floor and came to a halt before the Senate.
Thousands contacted Senate President Don Perata’s office to urge him to oppose the bill. If protest wasn’t enough, the USDA has reported (this summer) that a genetically modified rice has been found in numerous food products in Europe and China. It is not yet known how the cross-contamination has taken place.
This rice developed by Bayer resists herbicide spray and has not been authorized for human consumption because of the possible allergenic reaction in children and adults.
This is appropriate proof that although the FDA approves of genetically modified rice, genetically modified organisms need to be controlled if not fully eradicated.
Let’s commend our representatives including Perata and the many individuals who saw the dangers of this bill and acted.
Yannick A. Phillips
Moonbeam’s fans want comic strip
to stay
Editor: Just realized the “Moonbeam” comic strip is missing. Hope this isn’t for long. Thanks for supporting your readers.
Lynn R. Hodgkinson
Editor: I understand from a friend that the Sonoma Sun is no longer carrying “Moonbeam in the 21st Century.” Please reconsider this decision. I love the strip. It’s what first got me reading the Sun, and is a good part of what has caused me to continue reading it on a regular basis.
Steven Meloan
Editor: We heard that Moonbeam will be taken out of the Sun paper. What a great loss this would be to all the students that read it every week from the Sonoma Charter School. David’s art is loved, as is he. The 224 kids at school would be very upset to see this missing from the paper.
Julie Diamond
Editor: A day without Moonbeam is like a day without sunshine!
Moonbeam is often the reason I open the Sun. Once it’s open I usually find things I want to read, but it is Moonbeam that makes me look inside. Bring Moonbeam back.
Lori Bremner
Editor: Did I hear that you will be taking Moonbeam away? We love your paper but especially love Moonbeam. Thanks for reconsidering.
Lynn Curry
Editor: Please bring back Moonbeam. A sense of humor is important to a newspaper!
Cynthia Podesta
