LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 11.10.16

Tunnel Vision

This story so reminds me of the pipeline to nowhere, $50 million, tearing up seven miles of streets in three Peninsula cities, ostensibly to transmit new source waters from the Pure Water Monterey project and desalination project (“Squid wades into the controversial waters of the interlake tunnel,” posted Nov. 7). Trouble is, those projects still have significant obstacles to get final approval, yet they are already building the pipeline. What if they build it and there is no water to transmit? Can anyone in this county do things in the order required on a major infrastructure project, i.e. get the permits first, then start to build it? Michael Baer | via web

Wheels on the Bus

Kick the older kids bullying and harassing the younger kids off the buses (“A complaint to CHP prompts Carmel Unified School District to tackle bad behavior on the bus,” Nov. 3-9). But the parents probably don’t even know how their little “angels” are behaving toward the younger kids. Tom DeBiase | via Facebook

Well, I guess that’s one way to address the problem. Maybe not the right way. Crissy Soares | via Facebook

Together We Stand

This was the place to be as all Americans can stand together! (“The Gathering shares the culture of many tribes at CSU Monterey Bay,” Nov. 3-8.) Lupe Dosda | via Facebook

Thank you for doing this article. No better time to come together in a collective effort. #withstandingrock Rebelle Robinson | via Facebook

Health Caring

I’m a veteran and use the VA as my provider, and I’m very satisfied with the care I’ve been given (“Prop. 61 promises to reduce prescription drug prices, but some veterans worry they’d pay more,” Oct. 27-Nov. 2). The level we pay for medication and care is determined by our type and place of service. At the age of 73, I am on no medication. Mr. Toole lists four different conditions for which he takes medication, three of which are usually a result of an unhealthy lifestyle. May I suggest all of us assume more responsibility and accountability for our own health. Gene Bath | Pacific Grove

Speaking Hate

Being behind on my usual Thursday read of my fav Squid, the Weekly was my first Sunday morning read after getting an extra hour of sleep (“Squid Fry,” Nov. 3-9). My well-rested brain almost exploded when I read the appalling quote from Marina Wannabe Mayor Kevin P. Saunders posted [on Facebook] to Sara Rubin, Weekly interim editor, when simply asked when and where his post-election party was being held: “When I’m elected in 6 days, I will use my position & power to ‘bring light’ to the ‘inequities’ at the MCWeekly. This lightweight has zero business being an editor & is such ONLY because she is a Zionist & bears the last name Rubin.” Turns out we don’t have to go far to find our very own version of a dangerous, unqualified bigot running for office. [Saunders] has “ZERO BUSINESS” running for office and is solely doing so on a platform of legalizing marijuana, but at least the comments on his page show that marijuana supporters are calling him out. Esther Malkin | Monterey

The Monterey Peace and Justice Center disavows the deeply offensive comments made by Kevin P. Saunders. His repugnant remarks and anti-Jewish hatred in no way reflect the views of the center. For Saunders to associate himself with the Monterey Peace and Justice Center is false, as he is not, and has never been in any way involved with the organization. We denounce all forms of racism and bigotry. The hostility he expressed and his bullying have nothing to do with the guiding principle of nonviolence that the center advocates. We value our relationship with the Weekly and we appreciate the positive impact your newspaper makes in our community. Catherine Crockett | Seaside

Editor’s note: Crockett is president of the board of the Monterey Peace and Justice Center.

Kevin Saunders’ claim that his views on Israel and Palestine are similar to those of the Monterey Peace and Justice Center is actually fairly accurate. Most activists for Palestinian rights are able to distinguish between legitimate criticism of Israel’s policies and antisemitic rhetoric. Unfortunately, some cannot.

Last year, the country’s leading Palestine solidarity organization disassociated itself from author and activist Alison Weir over allegations Weir had violated the organization’s policies against antisemitism and racism. Since my resignation from MPJC’s board of directors last year, MPJC and affiliated organizations have championed Weir’s cause and promoted the theory that she was the victim of a witch hunt orchestrated by Zionist Jews. This paranoid view of malevolent Jewish power sounds a lot like Saunders’ complaints about local media. Phillip Crawford | Monterey

Down on Downs

Monterey Downs has water credits; that’s great, but when there is no water, there is no water, and Downs wants to come to Fort Ord and build an area about the size of Carmel-by-the-Sea (“The long, windy process to get Monterey Downs approved,” Nov. 3-9). Seaside should not be doing business with Brian Boudreau with his history of failed businesses and the lawsuit [over a family trust]. Wait until the court has made its decision. The city councilmemebers have lost credibility in the eyes of the public. Go to the next meeting; a few hours before meeting, call to confirm if the meeting has been moved. [At the Oct. 13 City Council meeting, which was moved to Oldemeyer Center] there were many of us standing around waiting (“Tips from observers of the insane Monterey Downs process,” Oct. 27-Nov. 2). Shirley Graham | Carmel