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Letters to the Editor

Friday June 13, 2003

TASK FORCE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Sharon Hudson’s June 10-12 commentary piece regarding the Task Force on Permitting chides me for not wanting to protect the rights of future Berkeleyans to a good urban environment. 

It was just a passing exchange, but in commenting on her call for consideration of “unborn stakeholders” I said in a humorous vein that I didn’t want voices from the grave telling me, inter alia, I couldn’t go to Woodstock, or we couldn’t have had the sixties. 

I hope Berkeleyans in 2050 have a good urban environment, but I want them to decide how high they want their buildings at that time, just as I want us to decide how we want our buildings we build now. I don’t have the hubris to speak for the unborn, in a country where they can speak for themselves in due time. 

I thank her for her kind observation that I realize there are at least two sides to every issue. Like most mediators, I actually think there are probably four or five sides to most issues. This includes her own views about the Task Force issues. 

Victor Herbert 

 

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DISTRESSING LANGUAGE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I was distressed by the commentary piece authored by Art Goldberg in your June 6-9 edition. I understand disagreement, even very heated disagreement. And I have participated in my share of that. But to call any city employee, however much one disagrees with him, a “duplicitous insect” is stomach turning. The personally degrading insults in the piece do not further the exchange of ideas and do not encourage discussion. I suppose that language says more about the one who writes it than the one he is so childishly describing. 

But more than that, I am dismayed that the Planet would print such personally offensive language in the commentary part of the paper. There is no disclaimer regarding the views expressed in the section. Nothing like, “These commentary pieces are personal opinions and do not reflect the views of the editors.” So I am left to believe that the Planet stands behind the opinions expressed. Otherwise, I would think I would find such a hit piece in the Letters to the Editor, along with all the other personal opinions expressed by members of our community. 

Even so, thank you for all your efforts to bring us a local paper again. 

Anna de Leon 

 

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OUTRAGED 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

In reference to the recent sentencing of drug kingpin Ed Rosenthal, it is obvious that he is immune to the Supreme Court ruling that marijuana has not been accepted for medical use in the United States, and that it is not a legal defense. Justice did not prevail; it completely failed, leaving all of us who support sound drug policy outraged.  For the sake of our children’s future, we need answers now. 

How could Ed Rosenthal, who should have received a mandatory minimum of five years, get a downward departure of sentencing guidelines to one day, which he never served? How could a downward departure be considered because Judge Charles Breyer felt Rosenthal genuinely believed what he was doing was not against the law? Perhaps Judge Breyer needs to read Mr. Rosenthal’s book, “Marijuana: The Law and You, a Guide to Minimizing Legal Consequences.” It must only be a coincidence that the book is designed “to keep you out or get you out of trouble.” The back cover of his book claims that it has “saved people thousands of years of jail time.”  

It is well documented how legalization advocates make a mockery of even their own “medical” use arguments, including Mr. Rosenthal, who has said: “I have to be honest. There is another reason why ... I do use marijuana ... only in foreign countries, outside the three-mile limit and all that ... And that is because I like to get high!” This blatant facade of Mr. Rosenthal’s certainly belies Judge Breyer’s perception of reality. 

Judge Charles Breyer has done us a grave injustice by his contempt for federal guidelines and abuse of power, an injustice that will sacrifice the health and well-being of our children, and for that I will not stand. Instead of just say “no,” Mr. Breyer reinforces just say “go.” It seems as though he does not take the law seriously, but rather like a game: Don’t go directly to jail, do pass go and do collect 200 children to demoralize. This travesty should be investigated immediately. Criminals do not need another loophole, nor do our children need to be exposed to another drug dealer flaunting federal law. 

Calvina L. Fay 

St. Petersburg, Fla.  

 

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BE OF THE PEOPLE 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

I have been so disappointed with the sell-out of The East Bay Express. I am now looking to you to take its place. Be of the people, decent, liberal, fair, ecological, interesting, artistic. Try not to put in too many ads. Try to avoid sex ads—I know they “sell” and you might have to do it ... but try to keep it to a minimum. 

Jeff and Paulina Miner 

 

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Thank you so much for the lovely picture of the Berkeley City Club pool in your June 10-12 edition. The BCC pool was named “Best Lap Pool in the East Bay” by the readers of the East Bay Express (2002), and there’s room here for you! Become a member of the Berkeley City Club and swim in the beautiful pool, dine in the elegant dining room, and enjoy all of the member benefits.  

The Berkeley City Club and the Landmark Heritage Foundation host free public tours of this extraordinary Berkeley landmark the fourth Sunday of every month (except December) from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors will enjoy seeing Miss Morgan’s unique architectural features—beautiful vaulted ceilings, a fanciful fireplace, leaded glass windows, a variety of decorative rosettes—that create this very special “little castle.”  

This beautiful building hosts many community group meetings, overnight hotel guests, weddings and other social events as well as being “a home away from home” for members. For details about membership or other BCC services, please take a tour or call the BCC at 510-848-7800.  

Established as a separate nonprofit corporation in 1965, the Landmark Heritage Foundation is dedicated to the preservation of this landmark and the promotion of the legacy of Julia Morgan. Gifts to the Foundation are fully tax deductible. For tour information, call the LHF office at 510-883-9710 or e-mail lhfjmorgan@earthlink.net. 

Mary Breunig, President 

Landmark Heritage Foundation