Neighbor Hoods


Well, just think, if California had the “Stand Your Ground” law, John Kenney would undoubtedly be a free man (“Those People Next Door,” April 12-16). He already has invoked the “defending himself against threat of bodily harm” as a cause of his actions and reason to be freed from prison.


It becomes increasingly frightening that perhaps a majority of Americans believe you should have the right to blow away anyone if you perceive in any way that your well-being is threatened. Perhaps just a smirk, a quirky smile or remark, or even just a black hoodie. - Vmmill | via Web


Party On


There’s no denying that today’s GOP is severely out of touch and civically bankrupt (“GOP wants to know your thoughts, and tell you what to think,” April 12-16). Consider the concerns of insiders. Jeb Bush, former Republican governor of Florida, is troubled by Republicans pandering “to people’s fears and emotions rather than trying to get them to look over the horizon for a broader perspective.” Prominent conservative pundit George Will, amid all his bombastic irreverence toward President Obama, still observes, “Republican leaders are afraid of Rush Limbaugh. They want to bomb Iran, but they’re afraid of Rush Limbaugh.”


Bruce Bartlett, architect of the 1981 federal tax cut, is baffled by Republicans continuing the mantra, “Tax cuts raise growth.” Bartlett says, “Tax rates are ridiculously low. So, where’s the growth?” David Stockman, Reagan Administration budget director, says today’s GOP is “screwed up in its head” and is on an “anti-tax jihad.” 


Heed the insiders’ concerns. Today’s GOP has goose-stepped way too far to the right. We, as a nation, are struggling unduly because Republicans continue to deny reality and foster insanity. - Sean Gallagher | Salinas


That Smarts


As a person sick from SmartMeters with a doctor’s letter to that effect, I am truly disgusted and outraged at the ignorance and disdain found in the hate-message and blatant discrimination by the author of this editorial (“PG&E offers a SmartMeter opt-out, for a fee,” April 12-16). In using the statement “price of paranoia,” you attack those who are ill from the dangerous SmartMeters. Do you ridicule other medically ill people or disabled? Do you realize that 54 municipalities have banned or criminalized SmartMeters in their locales? That and more may be found on www.electrosmogprevention.org under Public Health Alert. You should be ashamed for this attack on people who deserve the support of the media and the public. We are ALL at risk with these meters. You may be next to feel the ill effects. Or is it money that drove that nasty comment? Opt-out now and force the state to order a refund later. Stay healthy; it is our right. Shame on this newspaper. I dare you to post this. - No2SmartMeters | via Web


There are thousands of studies which show that SmartMeter radiation harms people, plants and animals. You can call it paranoia, but you’ll feel angry when you realize the damage SmartMeters are doing to your body and future generations. I almost died from the installation of SmartMeters. I can’t live in my own home, and am forced to exist in one of the small areas in California that does not yet have SmartMeters. Please consider this one fact before you judge the value of the SmartMeter program… SmartMeters have two antennae. The second antenna will be used to control Home Area Network (HAN) appliances. This is so the energy company can turn off HAN appliances (soon to be on the market) such as air conditioners and washing machines during peak energy use hours. The frequency used by this antenna is 2.4 GHz. This is the EXACT same frequency used to cook food in a microwave oven.


I’d like to know who decided it was OK to release microwaves into our living space. We have all been forced into the biggest science-gone-wrong experiment, and our lives are at risk. Stand up and fight for your life and join the activists to have SmartMeters removed! - HarmedbyMeters | via Web


Douglas Dreamland


Wouldn’t it be amazing if someone of Douglas’ vision were the director of the Fort Ord Reuse Authority! (“Coastal commission leader Peter Douglas’ legacy lives on in Monterey County,” posted April 11.) Imagine the blight gone, the open space preserved, and new use of the abandoned buildings and space that once served 30,000 soldiers. Instead, we have to battle and threaten referendum to keep out-of-town speculators from grabbing our land and water entitlements for massive proposals for which there is no necessity or public desire. Do residents really think that a freeway and horse race gambling are the way to good-paying, long-term jobs?


Can you envision the economic productivity if Monterey County actually started promoting eco-tourism, our Fort Ord soldier’s history, the proposed national monument with its proximity to the Marine Sanctuary, hiking, bike riding, horseback riding, with protected habitat and trails access to this magnificent land? More urban sprawl is not the practical answer in this new economic reality. 


It’s time to stop the divisiveness promoted by those who stand to profit. - Maenad | via Web


Cost of Care


In regards to your opinion piece (“How the Affordable Care Act can save lives in an era of healthcare disparity,” April 12-16), the message here is that we should allow the government to force Americans to engage in something we might otherwise not do – buy health insurance. 


Besides the constitutionality argument, another important question arises: What about other options? I did not read anything about the benefits of Direct Primary Care practices in this article, yet DPC is becoming increasingly recognized as a successful alternative that can reduce costs by eliminating insurance overhead altogether from the primary care arena. 


The article mentioned that “the market is the driver of healthcare affordability,” however the market was only used in reference to health insurance companies. DPC practices are also included in this market, and they have a better plan that will help make healthcare more affordable. Less insurance, not more, leads to a more affordable healthcare system. There is not only one answer here. - Paul DeGiere | Monterey


Correction


A story on land trusts incorrectly stated the new South Monterey County Rural Coalition was inspired partly by the Occupy movement (“Boom and Trust,” April 12-18). While some founders did participate in an Occupy Lockwood event, members began meeting in spring 2011.