Postmarks Online
Letters are posted as we receive them during the week, and before they are printed in the paper, so check back frequently to see new letters. If you'd like to send a letter to the editor, follow this link.
 |
Date Received: Mon., May. 12, 2008
'CHRONICLE' REPORTERS' COVERAGE OF CAMPAIGNS WEAK AND NAIVE
Dear Editor,
On Saturday, presumably to the surprise of no one who understands Austin voters, we had a total rout in Place 3. No doubt, some were surprised as we were surprised when Betty Dunkerley trounced Beverly Griffith and Louise Epstein blasted Sally Shipman. In Austin politics, success goes to those who go along. Admittedly, in this case, it may be for the best. Jennifer Kim was no Beverly Griffith.
Still, I am most unhappy with both the Shade campaign and the Chronicle coverage. Shade’s campaign was quite simple. My opponent is a flake. I am competent. I believe basically what you believe, but frankly, my detailed positions on the issues are none of your damn business. If the argument for the first two statements is reasonable – and it is – Austin will buy it. However, the third line really does offend me.
I love the Chronicle. Louis is great, and Michael King is a treasure. However, many in your News division have no problems with outlandish statements and outright lies. Katherine Gregor spends half a page blasting Jennifer Kim for her negative campaign. Randi Shade ran a campaign based on the premise that the issues are not on the table, that it is all about personality.
Discussing Jennifer Kim’s conduct was quite proper, but how can such a campaign be anything but nasty? And how could Kim possibly respond when Shade’s positions were so unclear? This was a race that was going to get mean, but why do we have to point fingers about the meanness?
Finally, the Save Our Springs stuff was deplorable. Gregor and Wells Dunbar seem to not know what it was about. At the time, the environmentalists were much stronger than the developers. The meaningful resistance came from those who told us that if we went too far, the Legislature would take action against us. Shade’s comments clearly put her with that resistance. The principals understand this; the Chronicle reporters apparently do not.
|
|
Raymond Heitmann
|
|
 (3)
|
|
Date Received: Tue., May. 13, 2008
AUSTIN NEEDS OFF-ROAD HIKE-AND-BIKE TRAILS
Dear Editor,
The Chronicle article on bike transportation programs was an excellent review of past, current, and future city programs [“The Revolution Will Not Be Motorized,” News, May 9], but it left out the accomplishments of one critical group. As your article mentioned, the biggest obstacle to bike transportation is riding alongside fast-moving traffic. There are a number of volunteer groups in Austin that are trying to remove this obstacle by building urban off-road hike-and-bike trails. These groups include the volunteers building the Oak Hill Y to Downtown Trails, the Country Club Creek Trail, the Bull Creek Trail, the Barton Creek Green Belt, and the Copperfield Trail.
Building bike lanes on major arterial roads will decrease parking spaces, decrease lane width, and increase traffic congestion. This causes motorists, neighbors, and businesses to oppose bicycle-oriented transit. One famous result is the still-evolving fight over the Shoal Creek Boulevard bike lanes. The only way to avoid more of these situations will be to design bike routes to run on low-speed residential streets, and connect the sections with off-road trails. The city of Austin Bicycle Plan should prioritize and fund more of this type of mixed-use bike routes.
|
|
Malcolm Yeatts
|
|
(1)
|
|
Date Received: Tue., May. 13, 2008
SIMS PROFUSELY THANKS KGSR
Dear Editor,
For the past 11 years, 107.1 KGSR Radio has sold the popular KGSR Broadcasts CD to legions of eager music lovers. While many fans of this annual gem may not know it, their purchase means peace of mind for Austin’s musicians. Proceeds benefit the SIMS Foundation, an organization providing individualized mental health and addiction-recovery services for Austin’s musicians and their loved ones since 1995.
KGSR could have easily sold this annual compilation for profit, scattered the proceeds among many deserving causes, or even tooted their own horn a bit more. However, much like their humble and spotlight-averse leader, Jody Denberg, the station has remained devoted to the SIMS Foundation. In doing so, KGSR has secured a place in the hearts and minds of Austin’s musicians.
While writing and performing music in Austin may seem like the good life, taking that path comes with a price. Consider that musicians work odd hours and locations, often in addition to multiple part-time jobs, to pay the bills. Along with the intrigue and moments of glamour come countless hours of practice, traveling, very low pay, rejection and dejection, not to mention the imbalances and addictions that affect all sorts of people. However, our local musicians most often cannot afford insurance of any kind, and don’t have access to affordable mental health services. Thanks in large part to KGSR’s generosity, Austin musicians do have a place to turn.
Their annual, oversized check makes the seemingly impossible possible. KGSR’s support (totaling $1.5 million over the past 11 years) largely funds the SIMS Foundation’s essential services, which include mental health counseling, addiction recovery, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, health and wellness programs, and resource/referral services. SIMS serves between 400 and 500 clients every year; again and again, we hear: “Thank you. You saved my life.”
On behalf of the staff, board, volunteers, service providers, and countless clients of the SIMS Foundation, I would like to issue an oversized thank you to KGSR and Jody Denberg for helping SIMS save the lives of so many talented and creative souls.
|
Sandy Bruce
President and clinical director
The SIMS Foundation
|
|
|
|
|
Date Received: Mon., May. 12, 2008
SICK OF BANDS POSING IN GRAVEYARDS
Dear Editor,
I am so sick of bands having their publicity photos taken in graveyards [“I See Dead People,” Music, May 9]. And I wonder: Am I the only one? I know I may sound old-fashioned when I say, "Where's their respect for the dead?” but I don't care.
Just as I suspect Mary McCullough, 1838-1883, wouldn't care for the Black Angels' droning and dissonant music; their ninth grade, first-time-getting-stoned-to-Pink Floyd ideas "about expanding your consciousness"; or the apparent limits to their understanding of the complex issues facing the modern world.
But I'd be willing to bet a stack of their records that Mary, and her descendants, would probably rather that they didn't pose all over her tombstone in their tie-in attempt to make themselves appear spooky and sell their Directions to See a Ghost.
Shame on the Black Angels and others that would pout and preen on top of some stranger's eternal rest – didn't anyone ever tell them that just walking over a grave was bad luck?
|
|
Rob Tyson
|
|
[Music Editor Raoul Hernandez replies: It was the paper's idea, not that of the band, which preferred another locale.]
|
|
(1)
|
|
Date Received: Mon., May. 12, 2008
IS LAW ENFORCEMENT NOW JUST ABOUT REVENUE?
Dear Editor,
Re: "Reefer Madness: No Cite-and-Release in Austin," Newsdesk News blog, May 9: No, I'm not surprised either. The column states that in 2006 some 7,000 people were booked in Travis County for crimes listed under the cite-and-release law, costing some $1.2 million (simple average of $171.32) – how much did the county net in "enhanced" fines and court charges, compared to the what they spent? It seems to me that, anymore, law enforcement is not about solving or preventing crime, or protecting "law-abiding" citizens, but about generating revenue. Running around and tying themselves up with this kind of "public safety" means they have less chance having to face real crime.
|
|
Daniel Lea
|
|
p.s. I moved out here from Orange County, Calif., last November and just now found The Austin Chronicle (shows what a sheltered life I lead) – so where are all the skanky ho ads, such as adorn the OC Weekly? Still, you carry This Modern World and Troubletown, so there's that.
|
|
(4)
|
|
Date Received: Mon., May. 12, 2008
HISPANICS RECEIVE PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT FROM THE CITY
Dear Editor,
The city of Austin plans to spend upwards $700,000 of taxpayer money to research disparities between Hispanics and other Austinites through the Hispanic Quality of Life Initiative. This is a copycat of a similar inquest focused on our African-American community. As taxpayers, we should expect that tax dollars will not be spent on investigating nontaxpayers or persons living in the country under illegal status. What disparities will our government find investigating a culture who already benefits from (free) discounted health care, food, and housing under circumstances in which other citizens do not? Clearly, the Hispanic culture receives preferential treatment from our government, as is evident in the Spanish language dominance over the native English language. All of Austin's various cultures should expect to receive the same consideration from our city government through investigative initiatives for all groups. Nowadays, every culture deserves entitlement and representation in our society. Instead, the city should focus efforts and money on examining the adverse effects of the hideous urban explosion that has dilapidated Austin. What a disgrace that the Pecan Grove RV Park off Barton Springs has been bought out and the residents evicted to make room for yet another set of crappy condos. The new theme of this town is greed. These out-of-character, hospital-looking, urban-dense filing cabinets should be made to reach maximum residential capacity before any more of them get built. The city should also show preference to pedestrian friendly projects over the encouragement of more and more vehicle traffic. Our new skyline consists of foreboding concrete and glass structures with their construction crane companions. City leaders should absolutely be ashamed of themselves. Save Austin.
|
Truly yours,
Colette Michalec
|
|
|
|
|
Date Received: Sun., May. 11, 2008
NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE, AND WE, THE PEOPLE, NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT
Dear Louis,
Given your relatively lengthy tenure with the Chronicle, it is inevitable that the super strings of the universe would turn the zeitgeist clockwise, consequently framing your left-leaning perspective in some new “right light.” In our time, we’ve experienced that it is no longer a matter of left and right, no longer a matter of vesting authority in the state or the individual; rather, it is a matter of which appendage of the federal leviathan should consume the sovereign individual’s liberties. Lately, reading your editorials ["Page Two"], your voice is not unlike some perverse hybrid of Frederick Exley and Edmund Burke on LSD: the former resounding in the narrative elements (tempered with an apology), the latter resounding in the “flies of summer” commentary on all things “9/11 truth movement” (tempered with a red herring, or two or three). And though this begs me to invite you to a dinner party with the hopes of enjoining a spontaneous Lincoln-Douglas debate, you and I both know I’ll never have that opportunity.
More to the point: Once every fourscore (give or take a score) years, the constitutional republic is beset with a major shift-shaping decision; it is our duty as empowered individuals to affect the decision-making process with right-reason, executed according to the ends and means enjoined by natural law, codified in to social contract by way of the Constitution. In the case of the most recent paradigm shift (and the direct and latent consequences that followed), I believe it is fair to conclude that the events of September 11 were a collision of collusion and chance that was used as the impetus to consolidate a unilateral authority to subsequently displace the individual’s sacred rights, indefinitely if not forever, in the context of the American political tradition.
And despite our apparent differences, dear editor, I think we can formally agree that we’re not in Kansas anymore; it is high time we, the people, do something about it.
|
Toward liberty,
Jason Stoddard
|
|
(6)
|
|
Date Received: Fri., May. 9, 2008
CYCLISTS NEED TO ADHERE TO TRAFFIC LAWS
Dear Editor,
Cyclists need to take their recreational sport out of traffic and exercise better judgment as to where they wish to cycle. Most of the cyclists here anyway are not ones who bike to work, although some of them do. Most of them are sports enthusiasts who wear their little spandex outfits trying to be like Lance Armstrong, and they still do not adhere to the same traffic laws that motorists adhere to. I saw a spandex cyclist wearing a Starbucks double-espresso spandex outfit deliberately run a red light at 2222 and Shoal Creek Boulevard the other day. I guess the double shot didn't do its job of oxygenating his pea brain and allowing his common sense to take over and wait for the light to change. The other cyclists at that light stayed put, and I commend them for that.
|
|
Jason Bratcher
|
|
(15)
|
|
Date Received: Tue., May. 13, 2008
TONY SOPRANO WOULD BE PROUD
Dear Editor,
What a bunch of bellicose bullies, those South by Southwest Festival dons! Tony Soprano would be proud, if only he could fork out the fat fistful of loot to hire a law firm like Fulbright & Jaworski to breathe heavy on a nice little mom 'n' pop eatery with an offer they can't refuse. All because the new southside restaurant's name shares a couple of words with their ever-so-original South by Southwest moniker.
It's a bit like Tony's right-hand minion and strip-club owner, Silvio, takin' a tire iron to some Jersey proprietor with balls enough to open up a joint called Bada-Bang.
SXSW, keepin' Austin weird? Fuhget about it!
|
Best,
Mike Rieman
|
|
(1)
|
|
Date Received: Sun., May. 11, 2008
FRUSTRATED WITH CITY GOVERNMENT
Dear Editor,
A few days ago, I went to do my civic duty during early voting. On the way to the polls, I made a decision. It was not an easy one to make and I had to give it much thought. I decided to vote against all incumbents in this election regardless of party or record. Why? My reasoning was that although many incumbents have good track records, the overall summary of successes vs. failures of City Councils at large over the years I’ve lived in Austin was the deciding factor in my decision. In short, I continue to see a council attitude of keeping status quo in the Austin community. This attitude is contrary to the will of the people; it is unacceptable, and it must change. Therefore, my position in this election year is that a clean sweep of great magnitude is long overdue, and incumbents everywhere must accept the fact that they will likely be tossed out of office.
In 1994, I chose Austin over several other cities based on its (at that time) reputation as an environmentally friendly, bicycle friendly, and transit friendly city. Since then, I’ve been disappointed time and time again by a less-than-progressive stance of various elected city officials to maintain and strengthen the city’s reputation. A case in point: Upon hearing the news that City Council had axed a proposal to create a pedestrian and bike-friendly environment around the Triangle development, I was shocked but not surprised by this unfortunate action. This is one of many examples of council action that has frustrated me greatly and that has diluted the trust in those who represent me and many others like me that share this sentiment. However, this frustration with government action does not stop at City Hall. It goes beyond that. Government action at all levels which disregards the public opinion is fair game for the frustrated public. All around America the storm clouds of voter frustration and anger are gathering. All around America, incumbents that favor the status quo over change are seen as part of the problem but not part of the solution. And all around America, voters are regretting their decisions made during the elections of 2000 and 2004. The sleeping giant of the electorate has awakened from its apathy, and it is putting all the incumbents on short notice: Status quo is no longer an option; be prepared for the likelihood that you will relinquish your office to a new occupant. If I were an incumbent today, I would be very, very concerned indeed.
|
|
Al Armstrong
|
|
|
|
|
Date Received: Sun., May. 11, 2008
LEASH-FREE IS OKAY BUT CONTROL YOUR DOG
Dear Editor,
There are many leash-free areas in Austin's parks, and I'm cool with that, providing you have control of your dog(s). This morning at Auditorium Shores my dog (leashed) was harassed by this chick's two dogs (loose). They were nipping at my dog and she made no effort to call them off. This encounter eroded to name-calling and screaming … yes, I am an asshole when you don't control your dogs. I am sick and tired of people who don't control their dogs in a public setting, ruining my walks with my dogs. You want to let them run free? Fine. Just make sure you have them under control and they don't terrorize other dogs.
I've lived here all my life and I have to say this town sucks more and more every day. I can't walk my dog without the apprehension of being messed with by some entitled moron and their dogs.
I'm buying some pepper spray for the next walk.
|
|
Rob Clattenburg
|
|
|
|
|
Date Received: Fri., May. 9, 2008
NEED AN AIR ACTION DAY
Dear Editor,
We have an Ozone Action Day program. There are plenty of nonprofits and other organizations using it to promote how "clean" they are. But all the while, our particulate matter 2.5 readings have been climbing. And this small particle pollution may be worse for our cardiovascular health than we ever imagined according to the medical and scientific community. Asthma, lung cancer, heart disease, and cancer are some of the side effects we gain from this problematic pollution.
I think Austin needs a PM 2.5 Action Day as well. Or at least a more general Air Action Day to include all pollutants. You don't really need specialized equipment to notice high PM 2.5 readings (though the readings are available at the www.airnow.gov website); you can see it with your own eyes. Days that seem hazy and make you feel congested – yep, those are the days when it's high and probably dangerous to your health. Citizens need to educate themselves on the dangers of small particle pollution and learn what they can do to limit their exposure – as well as limit their contribution to the problem by taking steps like reducing energy use to reduce the output of pollution from our power plants; ditching gas-powered mowers, blowers, and diesel engines; or sharing a ride.
|
|
Kelly Hayes
|
|
|
|
|
Date Received: Mon., May. 12, 2008
NOT ONLY MORALLY AND INTELLECTUALLY CLEAR BUT KNOWS 'THE TRUTH'
Dear Editor,
For many, moral and intellectual clarity is difficult to discern. But it is crucial for an enlightened humanity. The reasons for this challenge range from ignorance of a subject, cowardice resulting from the fear of confronting populist fashion, or simple unwillingness to admit error.
The tendency to incorrectly conflate perception with reality, recently explored by Louis Black, makes the point [“Page Two,” May 9]. Many people struggle with this while sorting through their subjective consciousness attempting to determine whether objective truthful reality is defining a certain perception or not. All serious issues are subject to this task.
Our current and future energy needs exemplify this requirement. Right now we are facing a demand-driven $150-plus barrel of oil. This will certainly translate into shocking transportation and electricity costs. So what solves this problem rationally?
The popular perception is that oil is running out and feasible energy alternatives are being suppressed. The reality is exactly the opposite. Indeed, there is an oil ocean that can be cleanly recovered and refined. Additionally, nuclear power technology is now the cleanest and safest source of energy. If developed, dependence on carbon fuels would fall dramatically.
When ignorance is removed, the energy challenge becomes a matter of clear action. But that is where the real effort begins. It is fashionable to believe the falsehood of massive oil depletion and the conspiracy that alternative-fuel technology is being withheld. But confronting the myth-makers requires courageous honesty. And generally, people are not brave. So easy popular perception becomes reality, and the energy problem threatens the free world.
Squaring perception with reality is difficult. But without application of truth, not incorrect chic perception, we are threatened with devastating energy-induced economic depression. Indeed, misery, tyranny, and genocide are in waiting. Thus perception and reality must align with truth – or else!
|
|
Vance McDonald
|
|
|
|
|
Date Received: Fri., May. 9, 2008
BICYCLISTS BEWARE DOWNTOWN TROLLEY TRACKS
Dear Editor,
As you may know, Austin Congressman Lloyd Doggett recently fell off his bike and broke his leg Downtown on Fourth Street when crossing the trolley tracks. I too took a dive when crossing those trolley tracks a week previous. I was riding my bicycle eastbound on the designated bike route and my back wheel caught in the tracks. I landed on my face, cracking my front tooth and chipping off half of my canine. I do not have health/dental insurance to pay for my injuries. This incident could have easily been avoided! At the time there was no sign up warning riders of this very dangerous hazard.
I am curious what is being done about this area. Bicycle riders are falling and severely injuring themselves on a weekly basis at this junction!
If the city is going to have a sanctioned bike route it should be held accountable for threatening obstacles that obviously endanger the lives of cyclists.
I just wanted to bring this area to your attention.
|
Thanks,
Sarah Mattson
|
|
(4)
|
|
