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, use this postmarks submission form, or email your letter directly to [email protected]. Thanks for your patience.

To the Chronicle candidate-endorsement committee,
    Your endorsement of Charlie Baird, instead of Madeleine Connor, for district judge of the 299th District Court of Travis County, is mind-boggling ["Endorsements," Oct. 27]. Did you endorse him just because he's a Democrat? Baird has a long history of caring more for rapists and murderers than their victims.
    As district judge, the candidate elected will be responsible for presiding over cases involving capital murder, robbery, rape, child molestation, and other crimes of the most heinous nature. Baird has accepted more than $100,000 from local and out-of-town criminal-defense lawyers for his campaign.
    Madeleine Connor is a single mother who put herself through law school. She has served on two appellate courts, represented children and low-income families in divorce and CPS cases, and has handled criminal-defense appeals. As district judge of the 299th District Court of Travis County, Madeleine Connor will guarantee criminals a fair trial and will require the state to always prove its case.
    Travis County voters should know Baird's soft-on-crime record before blindly casting a vote for him.
    Vote for Madeleine Connor!

Dear Editor,
    Ninety million for a new central library because the old one is "severely overcrowded, the building is heavily worn from overuse" is absurd. Here's a quick fix. How about we spend $9 million to clean the existing library up and rent some long-term storage for more books. UT's library works pretty good without having shelf space for every book in their catalog. And can't the cultural facilities raise their own money? Last time I checked people weren't moving to Austin because we have a central library and a cultural center. Get real. How about supporting some fiscal responsibility in government for a change? There is nothing wrong with the current library.

Dear Editor,
    Please vote for Proposition 6, a new central library for all of Austin.
    The central library is not a warehouse but the administrative core of the entire public library system. This is where the technical services staff that selects, purchases, and catalogs/prepares materials for all of the library system are housed. This is where the youth services support staff members are housed. They create the programs and materials used throughout the system. This is where computer support staff members are housed. They fix the computers and telephone systems throughout the library system. This is where the security staff members for the entire system are housed. Unfortunately and embarrassingly, their current office is a small closet in a stairwell!
    It would be greatly inefficient for a municipality to not have a central library coordinating these activities. For example, with regard to acquisitions, this would entail having each facility in a system select and purchase materials. One would need staff for that at each location – very expensive. There would be no coordination in purchasing, leading to waste of taxpayer money in overlap purchasing, as well as not being able to get large discounts with one vendor.
    The current central library facility opened in 1980 when Austin’s population was 345,496. The current population is 718,912 and will continue to grow. The next time a central library could be on a ballot might be 2012 or later. Now is the time to invest in our future, when we have resources to do so.
    I especially encourage new Austinites to vote for a new central library. It is my impression that newcomers often have the experience of better library systems where they previously lived and are a little taken aback by the shoddiness of our current central library. They know what an excellent library system can be!

Dear Editor,
    Supporters of the Austin Public Library system should carefully consider the effect of a big, downtown library costing more than $100 million and taking scarce resources from the branch libraries. In my neighborhood, most residents never have a reason to go to the downtown library. Even with better parking, better meeting rooms, and an auditorium, a big downtown library will not serve our neighborhood. The alleged improvements to book access are certainly less important than improvements to our neighborhood branch libraries' resources. Voters should reject Proposition 6.

Dear Texans,
    Why do many of you seem to be so upset about the independent gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman? Is it just my specific European and German point of view that makes me think that all Texans should be happy with a candidate like him?
    Well, I’m not impartial: Two weeks ago I came to Austin to volunteer for the Kinky Friedman campaign. Nevertheless, it’s a fact that the American past and present is based on the belief in individuality as well as social freedom and independence. Obviously Kinky Friedman always needed and lived his individual freedom, and at the same time he is honestly concerned about the future of his country and its people.
    Is this a contradiction? Is this a reason to call him a two-dimensional character? I’d like to see this turned into a positive meaning: He is not a one-dimensional slave to lobbyists. As a multidimensional character, combining individual and political independence with social commitment and human empathy, he appears to me to be an American to the core. As a man with a real and rich biography, which is not one of those “don’t bite the hand that feeds you” careers, he would be one of few reliable and grown-up persons in politics – worldwide.
    He stands for what he is: honest and independent. I hope Texans will stay true for how they are known worldwide; clever enough to recognize the political frauds, courageous enough to kick them in the … and stubborn enough not to listen to anyone telling you that even one single individual and independent vote could ever be a wasted vote.

Dear Editor,
    Poor little Michael Ventura. Somebody obviously made him write a get-out-and-vote article that he doesn't believe in [“Letters @ 3am,” Oct. 27]. For like a bratty child forced to eat broccoli, he sulks for ages, flinging his meal at us with “reasons” why he thinks we shouldn't vote, before taking even a tiny bite, with a token statement of encouragement.
    Clearly he doesn't watch the news with Mommy and Daddy, because the alleged evidence he presents for a rigged election is as much as two months old, and biased (“I saw it on TV!”). His reliance on endless quotes smacks of the lazy child who hands in a batch of newspaper clippings instead of really writing. He's the kid who says something rotten, and can't back it up with anything more than, “everybody says so.”
    But like all little outbursts, it is no truer than it is nasty: That optimistic polls don't count for anything (“You're a liar!”), that voters don't care (“You don't love me!”), that there's no hope for the future (“I wish I were dead!”), and that the Democratic Party can't or won't try (“You don't really care!”). This last is particularly childish and uninformed since we're phone-banking constantly: that's where I was only yesterday.
    He even perpetuates the Tarrant County hoax, started by a defeated Republican, with close ties to Rick Perry, who started ranting against the eSlate machines suspiciously soon after someone in state government started talking about changing to Diebold! Only bullies win when you gossip, Mikey, and it doesn't win you any friends.
    It's said, “Those who abandon their dreams will discourage yours.” Crybabies like that are causing enough trouble for Democrats. So, if little Mikey wants to throw a tantrum, he should go to his room. We grownups have work to do, taking back this country.

Dear Editor,
    What has happened to the Democratic Party? Evolution certainly seems to be working! They seem to have gone from Democrats to Dimocrats to Demoncrats. The principles of the party no longer honor God when they support abortion, same-sex marriage, and abandonment of our troops while promoting the protection of terrorists, pushing for "rights" and release of sex offenders, and abandoning our helpless children.
    I know people who have been Democrats for up to 60 years, realizing that if they vote for a Democrat today they are supporting all of these issues, so they will not vote! After the election, when the Democratic Party is wondering why their voter turnout was so low, maybe they will address these issues.

Dear Editor,
    Re: The Dirty Wormz [“Beat Box,” Music, Oct. 27]: Thanks for writing about the Wormz. I've been a fan since the Back Room days, and they deserve to get more credit than Austin gives them. Their shows are always packed, and they are all over the local radio, but they never get any press. Thanks again!

Dear Editor,
    I was fortunate to hear Barack Obama, U.S. senator, D-Ill., speak at the Texas Book Festival. I was very impressed. Barack leverages what no other politician does, hope. Different from the Republican Party that has tapped into the fear of the American people to scare us into voting for Bush, Perry, or any other Republican; Barack taps into "the politics of hope.” Barack's speech left me feeling inspired, encouraged, and anxious to campaign for his nomination by the Democratic Party for president in '08!

Dear Editor,
    Thanks for the story of Ana Barahona in "Let 'Em Eat Op-Eds!" [“Point Austin,” News, Oct. 27]. Americans should make it an obligation to know where our bargain apparel is coming from and what the "real" cost really is. A related, and equally important, concern comes in the form of our food economy. Our government is worrying about bioterrorism concerning America's industrialized food systems, while in the process, regulating small food producers out of business. These days, people spend more time choosing whether to have broccoli or potatoes with their chicken instead of making the effort to find out who to buy their food from and where and how it's produced. We often choose our food strictly on the basis of price (which is often artificially low because of subsidies) instead of quality, undermining our health by unknowingly ingesting harmful hormones, pesticides, and GMO's. In addition, I urge our community to pay attention to the politics of subsidized commodity crops, which paradoxically leave fruits and vegetables out of the loop. Aren't veggies what the USDA urges us to eat more of? All the while, these subsidized supermarket prices don't reflect the real cost of production, disproportionately affecting the health of low socioeconomic populations. Concerned consumers should really "act locally," not by shopping at Wal-Mart or buying Whole Foods produce shipped clear across the world via fossil fuel, but by supporting your local farmers' markets. It's nice to actually talk to the person who is growing your food!

Dear Editor,
    I am surprised that The Austin Chronicle did not make an endorsement for Place 5 on the Texas 3rd Court of Appeals [“Endorsements,” Oct. 27], which sits in Austin and hears the first appeal of any civil or criminal case in state court tried here or in any of the neighboring counties. Mina Brees is clearly the best-qualified candidate and the one whose career in private law practice and public service has given her the broad range of experience needed in a judge. At the Center for Public Policy Dispute Resolution of the University of Texas School of Law, she demonstrated that she can master complex and divisive issues with intelligence and charm. She is a pleasant contrast with her opponent David Puryear, who has become nothing but a tool of the Republican hierarchy.

Dear Editor,
    It is very disappointing that your publication endorsed Chris Bell for governor [“Endorsements,” Oct. 27]. Hasn't 70 years of the old, tired formula of socialism worn a bit thin? As a card-carrying member of the Libertarian Party and the John Birch Society and a former hardcore Reaganite Republican, it's a bit disappointing. Yes, you are a liberal publication but always fair and thinking. This just does not make sense, folks.
    I've lived in Texas for eight years and never voted. Until now. I just voted for Kinky. We don't need more of the same tired, old political formula. Let's elect the first honest man since the early Barry Goldwater to be in politics. I don't agree with every one of his positions, but he is the real deal – as anyone who takes more than five minutes to study the man can see. Shame on you, Chronicle. Take a fresh look at the candidates. I hope you will revise your endorsement.

Dear Editor,
    I just wanted to drop a line to say that Hannah Kenah is the sharpest, most keenly intelligent theatre critic I have read in 20 years of following the Chronicle, which is saying something. Her observations of performances are consistently penetrating and thoughtful. She's a tough critic, but even her harshest takes on a play are lacking in bile or condescension. I see a lot of theatre myself, and I have never failed to either agree with her assessments or at the very least give them my respect (grudgingly, sometimes).
    I hope she continues the great work and never uses the soft-soap approach toward local productions. It's a sign of local theatre's strength that it can withstand the rigor required by a stern critic like her.

Dear Sirs,
   Is there anyone out there who believes (besides me) that there is any connection between the lower price of oil and the petroleum industry's wanting to keep the Republican Party in power? After all, it was the Republican-controlled Congress that gave them billions of dollars in tax breaks. They would not support a windfall profit tax on them no matter how much money they made off of us. (And after the election, I’ll bet the price of oil will soar.)
   I say it's time to tax the hell out of them. Then put the money back into electric cars, hydrogen, alternative fuels, and solar and wind power. Of course the oil companies that control this country from the White House to the Congress will never let this happen. Not only is America addicted to oil, but President Bush is its biggest pusher. Why do you think Bush denies global warming? Ask his friends at Exxon.

Dear Editor,
   German Philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel once said, "What experience and history teach is this – that nations and governments have never learned anything from history, or acted upon any lessons they might have drawn from it."["Reefer Madness," News, Oct. 27]
   The creation of an online drug-dealer registry and the Communities Leading Everyone Away From Narcotics Through Online Warning Notification Act, or, CLEAN TOWN Act, for all sense and purpose, is McCarthyism revisited except in place of communism and communists, it's all the individuals convicted of drug distribution, conspiracy, or even possession with intent to distribute.
   Not only is its relation to cannabis debatable, it bears that distinct trait of being counterproductive while stigmatizing its intended targets, which, like McCarthyism, was its intent. Like all purpose posing as patriotism, it too will eat away at the heart of America like a cancer undiagnosed.
   Ironically, more than any portrayal depicting the negative effects of cannabis, once again "reefer madness" has shown itself to be an apt description for the state of mind of canna-phobic politicians and wannabe statesmen with illusions of grandeur and the scruples of pimps looking to carve names for themselves.

Dear Editor,
   As president of the largest wild blueberry company I will offer this explanation for why wild blueberries are more healthy than cultivated blueberries. It is simple. The health benefit is a function of the color intensity. Since wild blueberries are one-third the size of cultivated blueberries they have a more intense skin-to-pulp ratio, and color is contributed by the skin. More color per pound, more benefit.

Dear Editor,
   Please allow me to respond to some misleading statements printed in your article about Primarily Primates Inc. ["Primal Trouble," News Web Extra, Oct. 27], a pseudo-sanctuary that was seized by the state attorney general’s office because the more than 800 animals there were receiving grossly inadequate care and because the unsafe caging at the facility, which houses 72 strong chimpanzees as well as big cats, potentially endangers local residents ("Primal Troubles" Oct. 26).
   Lee Theisen-Watt, who was assigned to take over the sanctuary, is not with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. However, she has worked with animals for two decades and has been providing much needed relief for animals at PPI.
   Contrary to the scaremongering comments of PPI management, not only has PETA not euthanized any animals at PPI, we have no intention to or authority to do so. Further, if the property is disposed of, that is only a matter for the state receiver. PETA will not profit from that. In fact, PETA has spent a considerable sum getting help for animals in this case. What PETA is interested in is ensuring the animals at PPI are transferred to safe, clean sanctuaries that can provide for them the happiness and sustenance PPI has not.
   Every kind person owes a debt of gratitude to the attorney general’s office for taking action on behalf of these animals, many of whom were dying, and seeking to protect local residents.

Dear Editor,
   Marjorie Baumgarten's review of Flags of Our Fathers earns Fs for both the history of World War II and the history of World War II films [Film Listings, Oct. 20]. First, the invasion of Iwo Jima (February 1945) occurred only six months before VJ day and was in no way the "tipping point" of the Pacific War. It was an operation designed to secure an island that could serve as an emergency airstrip for B-29s damaged during long-distance firebomb raids on Japan. Most historians agree that the battle of Midway, June 4-7, 1942, in which the core of the Japanese fleet was destroyed, was the turning point of the war against Japan. Certainly by the end of the Guadancanal Campaign in February 1943, the question was no longer who would win in the Pacific, but what the cost would be in time, material, and lives. Second, if the Marines invaded Iwo from "U-boats" it must have been a fairly comical scene, since U-boats are German submarines. Third, Ira Hayes indeed deserves a movie of his own, and he has one: The Outsider (1961) starring none other than Tony Curtis. He also has a song, "The Ballad of Ira Hayes," recorded over the years by many luminaries, including Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and Kinky Friedman.

   [Editor's Note: As Marjorie Baumgarten acknowledged in the Chronicle's online forums, the U-Boat reference was a mistake and has been corrected online. The printed review said that the film was based on an original script by Bill Witliff, but it was actually by Bill Broyles.]

Dear Editor,
   I think its crucial for people to hear that the "lack of political connections" that makes Kinky so appealing to the average voter is the very reason that he would have no power or sway in the Capitol. Of course everyone loves the "Mr. Smith goes to Austin" idea of a governor with no outside influences, but a governor with no influence is also a man with no backing and no power. He would be completely subject to the whims of those already in power or completely ignored by them. More dangerously, he doesn't move people to the polls at all, he distracts them. Listen carefully voters: Texas Democrats are 40% of the vote in this state. Gov. Perry has only 35% of the vote; if Democrats get to the polls, we can actually take the office this year. Tell your friends, because the Republicans in this state are split by their dissatisfaction; there is a real chance for us if we don't let it sail by.

Dear Editor,
   I started going to a weight doctor, and he put me on DHEA ["To Your Health," Sept. 22]. I did not want to start the drug until I read about it. Your article is excellent! Just what I needed to know. I will not take DHEA. I had remembered something about DHEA but did not remember exactly what the problem is. I will look for the other DHEA. Thank you very much!

Dear Sirs:
   As I was riding my bicycle across the Congress Avenue Bridge in the rain earlier, I happened to look down over the edge and was appalled by the waves of garbage floating atop the water. If it's not bad enough that hoards of yuppie trash are moving here and raising the cost of living so high that many people from here can't afford to live here, I gotta deal with a bunch of jerks polluting the place so bad that pretty soon nothing will be able to live here. What ever happened to "Don't mess with Texas!"?

Dear Editor,
   The Chronicle’s recent endorsement of career politician Lloyd Doggett for the Special Congressional Election in recently redrawn District 25 evidenced its extreme bias ["Endorsements," Oct. 20]. I take exception with the Chronicle implying that I am a weak candidate when no Chronicle reporter has contacted me during this campaign.
   For someone who the Chronicle claims provides "constituent service of all kinds," Doggett seems steadfast in his unwillingness to introduce any meaningful legislation that will not be sent directly to the committee or subcommittee that he sits on. Signaling to the people he supposedly represents that they might as well lobby other congressional members if they have a concern that is not related to the Ways and Means Committee.
   While Doggett has not done badly, neither has he done much good. He is a seat warmer with a friendly smile. Had the Chronicle been objective and thorough in their research, the editors would have had more reliable information from which to draw a more educated opinion.