‘Silly Sally’s Socialist Hogwash’ Won’t Fly
Dear Editor,
Congratulations to Assemblywoman Sally Lieber, (D-Mountain View) who has earned the title “Silly Sally” with her ridiculous socialist-inspired hogwash legislation proposal advocating a law against spanking. Lieber’s liberalism shows that she has no real world concept of how to enforce existing law already on the books to deal with real child abuse issues including punishing its perpetrators.
James Fennell, Gilroy
Spanking Quite Different Than Hitting – What Will We Try to Legislate Next?
Dear Editor,
In response to Jordan Riak of Alamo who thinks Assemblywoman Sally Lieber’s anti-spanking bill is a good idea – you’ve got to be kidding. First of all, Ms. Lieber has never had children so who is she to propose laws for those of us with the responsibility of raising the next generation? My guess is that Jordan Riak doesn’t have children either.
Second of all, spanking is not the same as hitting. Spanking is done under controlled circumstances as a means of discipline, not lashing out in anger. Hitting children is already a crime, it’s called child abuse. For goodness sake, let’s use common sense and not legislate every move we make.
If we’re not careful, pretty soon all of our freedom will be legislated away. Just the fact that someone would seriously consider such a law is a warning sign.
Nancy Murphy, San Martin
‘Deep Down’ the Spankers Know Assemblywoman Lieber’s Bill is Right On
Dear Editor,
Assemblywoman Sally Lieber should not be discouraged by all the snide reactions, snickering and cheap shots her spanking ban proposal has provoked. Such noise is an inevitable part of the process that accompanies every true reform. She should be proud and confident. She knows she’s on the right track. And deep down, the spankers know it, too.
We all remember the grumbling and threats of rebellion when safe, law-abiding drivers were ordered to buckle up, and when honest, tax-paying homeowners were informed that they could no longer burn their own leaves in their own backyards. Good laws pave the way for good behaviors, and in the end we have to admit, sometimes government gets things right.
Thoughtful, informed people know there is no practical, ethical or moral justification for discriminating against children by denying them equal protection under the law. Husbands and wives can’t settle their differences anymore by hitting each other, employers can’t hit employees, prison guards can’t hit convicts. There is only one hitable class left. But not for long, thanks to people like Ms. Lieber.
Jordan Riak, Alamo
The School District Needs to Tell the Whole Story
Dear Editor,
Those of you in the community who regularly read this newspaper may think after reading the eloquent letter printed in the Jan. 30 issue of the Morgan Hill Times by Peter Mandel, board of education president, that the Morgan Hill Unified School District has been equitable in its offer to the classified employees.
Mr. Mandel was very specific that his main concern was his fiscal responsibility to the district. We have to then ask was he thinking about his fiscal responsibility when he supported a 5 percent salary increase to the superintendent of the district Dr. Nishino, principals, management, certified staff and even the elementary yard duties, as well as an increase in the benefit packages for all of them (except the yard duties)? Can he explain why when it was time to give the lowest paid classified employees in any school district in Santa Clara County the same 5 percent raise in their salary and increase to their benefits that everyone else got, he suddenly developed fiscal responsibility?
We agree that the children’s education is a priority. You can be sure that the district’s classified staff has been committed to the children and has worked very hard to support the teachers and staff in providing them with the best education possible. We have to ask Mr. Mandel if he has any idea of what will happen to the quality of children’s education without the continued full support of the classified staff. He may win the battle but be assured if he does he will lose the war and unfortunately it is the children who will suffer.
We are told it is being said at the district office that we are whiners and they really don’t care because we are not in a position to do anything about it. To openly say that we are not even worth the $15 an hour that some of us make and that they can get anyone to fill our positions for that amount only further serves to show how little the district values us and our effort. We are not asking for anything exorbitant, only equitable treatment. Why can’t we have that Mr. Mandel?
The Negotiating Team for Service Employees International Union
Pam Torrisi, chapter chairwoman; Maureen Serafini, Rosemarie Tarzian, Beverly Walker, Adam Camus and Kathy Keith
Slow Down and Enjoy the Flowers
Dear Editor,
How fortunate we are here in Morgan Hill to enjoy blooming flowers downtown the year around. Continuing thanks must go to Dave Vincent and his Cal Color nursery who has donated all this beauty now for eight years. Also, thanks to our chief environmentalist, Tony Eulo, who secured many of the blooming bulbs from Lady Bird’s Beautification program. Final thanks go to our many dedicated volunteers who have shared their precious time for our enjoyment. Perhaps there should be signs on Monterey Road at both ends of the business area that read: “Entering downtown Morgan Hill, slow down and enjoy the flowers!”
Margaret Johnston, Morgan Hill
Adopt-a Planter Coordinator
