No On Toxic Organics

The hope of the future of our planet lies, in part, in the organic market. But there are things we need to do to make this precious food source protected from greed and failures to comply. An inspector comes out to farms once every five years and looks into the garages for any signs of pesticide use. A loophole enables organic farmers to label a food genetically free even if it was contaminated by a nearby farmer’s field that used GMOs. Also, much of the nation’s lettuce supply is contaminated with perchlorate, a derivative of jet fuel. The only store alerting its customers is Cornucopia Market. When I asked Whole Foods why they didn’t have a warning sign up, they said their buyers had flown to Arizona and tested the lettuce and it was free of perchlorate. However, state legislature testimony says that much of California’s wells and the nation’s lettuce supply are contaminated with perchlorate. Please contact California Certified Organic Growers at 423-2263 and ask them to start implementing a more rigid testing standard, and ask your food outlets to put up warning signs.

Annie Griffin | via e-mail

No On Manipulative Wordage

The difference between “terrorism” and “counterterrorism” is simply the difference between “offensive” and “defensive” action. “Offensive” action which primarily kills civilians is “terrorism” and its “defensive” response is “counterterrorism.” Occupation is an “offensive” act, so the American and Israeli occupation of Palestine, Afghanistan and Iraq is “terrorism” and the Arab defense of the three occupations is “counterterrorism.” All usages of the word “terrorism” re: Arab military action against Americans or Israelis are untrue. All usages of the word “counterterrorism” re. American or Israeli military action against Arabs are untrue. Untrue usages of basic words should be below your standards.

J. S. | Carmel

No On Mayoral Tyranny

His Majesty King Albert I made it perfectly clear at Monterey’s March 2 council meeting who was in charge. First he appointed himself and Clyde Roberson as a committee to recommend a person to fill Ruth Vreeland’s council vacancy. They interviewed 14 candidates—most of whom were “part of the city’s family,” as His Majesty said. Among the candidates were long-time planning commissioners, city board members and others with over 50 years of voluntary city service. They were passed over for Ruth’s husband, whose only appearances at council meetings were mostly at his wife’s swearing-in ceremonies every time she was re-elected. Nothing against Mr. Vreeland; he just was not the best qualified. His Majesty reviewed the procedure and said, “based on direction of the council” the committee will make a recommendation. His cohort, Roberson, said that the committee was “tasked” to recommend a person who would be accepted by unanimous vote of the council.

When His Majesty opened it up for council comments, Councilmember Theresa Canepa said she felt left out of the process and that no other council member could be included without violating the Brown Act. The way it was done, it placed her and Councilman Chuck Della Sala in an awkward position if they disagreed. His Majesty counted on this. This isn’t the first time His Majesty bulldozed his way past the council. But that happens when a politician has been around too long and has had such power for so many years.

Lou Haddad | Monterey