Letters to the Editor

Letter Response

Editor: I totally support a recent letter writer and his comments in his letter to the editor of May 8th, 2008. 
I do not understand how your paper can continue to print Just Joan’s columns filled with a one-sided anti-Israel attitude without allowing equal column space for opposing opinions. 
Linda Tomback
Sonoma

Editor: I was very saddened to read the response of a reccent letter writer to the “Just Joan” column. One of the major obstacles to resolving the tragedy between Palestinians and Israelis is the fact that Americans have never been told the other side of the story of what happened in 1948 until recently. I understand the fear many Jews have that things in Israel would begin to unravel politically if more Americans knew. All I can say is keeping the truth hidden has not brought peace but misery to both peoples for several decades. What if we acknowledged the truth, apologized to each other, and began to build together a place where both peoples can live in security and peace. I’m sure if the writer would feel less threatened if that could become a reality. That’s my hope and prayer, and I am an American-Palestinian.
Therese Mughannam-Walrath
Santa Rosa

Editor: How I wish I could meet and speak with a recent letter writer, whose letter about Israel/Palestine appeared on May 8. We may have much in common. I lost many relatives in the Holocaust, grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins in Poland, and aunt and uncle in Paris. My late husband spent six years of his childhood in British mandated Palestine where he began school in the Harari School in Tel Aviv. Many relatives, both his and mine, live in Israel.
Where the writer and I differ is that I see Israel’s continued occupation of Palestine as preventing the peace necessary to its survival.
I shared with my husband a deep sadness that our people who had suffered so much would so oppress another people. Israel should act on the highest principles for which our people have so long stood.
If we want peace, we must practice justice.
Mattie Rudinow
Sonoma

NO on 98

Editor: With absentee ballots for the June election arriving in area mailboxes this week, Sonoma voters need to be informed about two competing propositions on the state ballot that could have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of Californians. Props 98 and 99 are both ostensibly about eminent domain reform, but Prop 98, funded primarily by landlords, would eliminate a host of protections for the environment and for seniors, veterans and working families who rent their homes. 
Because Prop 98 is extreme and far-reaching, an extraordinarily broad coalition has united to oppose it including the League of Women Voters, AARP, California Teachers Association, California Chamber of Commerce, Governor Schwarzennegger, Senator Feinstein, every major environmental organization in the state and numerous others.
Proposition 99, the Homeowners Protection Act, is a straightforward measure that would prohibit the government from using eminent domain to take a home to transfer to a private developer. It would not diminish renter and environmental protections in any way. 
It is supported by the California Alliance for Retired Americans, League of Women Voters of California, the League of California Homeowners, and dozens of respected organizations representing seniors, business and labor, public safety, environmental groups and many others.
Proposition 99 would protect homeowners from eminent domain abuse. Prop 98 would have dramatic consequences for the wellbeing of seniors and working families and for the health of our environment.
Andy Blue
San Francisco

For your reconsideration

Editor: Our valley and world are facing many urgent issues including water and food shortages, soil depletion and crop uncertainties due to climate change. We face the unknown impacts of population growth, peak oil and declining ecological health. Yet, you endorsed a candidate for County Supervisor who, when the Chamber of Commerce asked about water shortages, stated that species protection is not a legitimate reason to keep water in the Russian River. Who, when I personally asked him about his environmental policies, quite literally had nothing to say. Who has absolutely nothing on his Web site about any environmental issues! Perhaps you should reconsider your endorsement.
Patty Bongiovanni
Sonoma

Supports Reber

Editor: I would like to ask that you consider printing my public endorsement of Mr. Dave Reber who is running for 1st District Supervisor. I am a longtime Sonoma Valley resident who has served this community in many different capacities. I retired from the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department in 1990 after working in law enforcement for fifteen years, served as a director for The Valley of The Moon Water District for six years, and served on the Sonoma County Democratic Central Committee as the second vice chair (1996-1998).
I have known Dave Reber for a long time and can say that he is an extremely competent and skilled businessman. The skills, qualities, and regional/historical knowledge Dave will bring to this position are long overdue. I know that when Dave approaches a problem he does his homework – gathering facts and data to help him develop a strategy for the best possible outcome.
The only constant in life is “change,” and as such it is time for a change in the leadership of our 1st District Supervisor. Our county is facing considerable challenges in the near term and we need a representative such as Dave who will bring fresh and novel approaches to solving some of the significant problems that have been looming over the horizon for some time now: county roads, budget shortfalls, unfunded mandates, etc.
Please consider supporting Dave Reber for 1st District Supervisor, I am confidant that you will be impressed with the level of professionalism and quality of work he will bring to this very important position.
Pete Sutsos
Sonoma