Your Views

YOUR VIEWS

Democrats offer way to bring troops home from Iraq

Dear Editor, 

Democrats once again offer Bush a “sensible way out of his Iraq quagmire.” If his Republican buddies in the Senate wish to filibuster to deny funds for our troops, let them do it. Perhaps the president will figure out how to bring our troops home with the money he has on hand.  

Also, excess profit taxes on oil companies and corporations who profit from the Iraq quagmire would no doubt be paid by us. We are the ones who allowed this insanity to occur, so we should pay the staggering bill, not ask our grandchildren to take care of it for us. Pay as you go might cause a few more Americans to question the needless sacrifice of American lives in Iraq. I join Ed Johnson in his wish for a Merry Christmas and a Happy Thanksgiving.

Frank Crosby, Morgan Hill

Holiday Giving Program possible thanks to Toeniskoetter & Breeding, Inc. Development’s generosity

Dear Editor,

There are constant reminders that the holidays are just around the corner. But until last week, we were afraid it might be a rather dismal season for some of the neediest members of our community.

Each year, Community Solutions’ Holiday Giving Program shares the joy of the holiday season by providing food and gifts to more than 100 families amongst our clients. The program has been operating in various forms for about 30 years. The recipe of its success has always been dependent upon the compassion of our community. The first critical ingredient is a group of dedicated and tireless volunteers who work year-round on the project. The next essential component is the generosity of others, including local businesses, churches, service groups, families, and individuals who embody the true holiday spirit of giving by donating food, toys, and so many other gifts. However, this year, one significant ingredient was missing – a warehouse large enough to accommodate the thousands of pounds of food and mountains of gifts that are distributed to the families.

Thanks to the generosity of Toeniskoetter & Breeding, Inc. Development, who so graciously and accommodatingly offered us the use of a large warehouse on short notice, the Holiday Giving Program will be possible this year. We will once again be able to ‘cook up’ the sweetest of all holiday treats – the joy of sharing with, and caring for, others. We are sincerely grateful for Toeniskoetter & Breeding, Inc. Development’s great act of compassion for our community and its families.

Erin O’Brien, president and CEO

Community Solutions

Has anyone else noticed that

‘We ain’t in Mayberry anymore?’

Dear Editor,

Has anyone else noticed the epidemic of

violent crimes in Gilroy? Attempted kidnappings/rapes/murders, stalkers, stabbers, gropers … Suspects on the levee, suspects at Rucker School, suspects in white pickups, white vans, dark blue VWs. Last Thursday was a prime example: police officer almost shot in the head by a felon, but the gun misfires, and a man in critical condition from a hit-and run driver who dragged him along Church Street.

At the risk of sounding like my parents or grandparents, I look back fondly at the good ol’ days. I remember Garlic City when agriculture was the main economy, not outlet stores; when there was no northwest quadrant or southwest quadrant, for that matter; when you could count the number of signal lights on one hand; when U.S. 101 didn’t go through to San Jose and you had to take Monterey Highway; when we could go to the drive-in on First Street; when the Prune Bowl was the biggest thing happening.

Will The Dispatch do an investigation as to the number of violent crimes of late? Has the Gilroy Police Department looked into these rash of violent crimes? Has there ever been a short time period where we’ve had so much violent crime in the history of our fair city? I’m sure I’m not the only one who would be curious. And is there anything that can be done or our hands tied? It kind of makes the tattoo controversy at Gilroy High kind of meaningless, doesn’t it?

Call Sheriff Taylor and Deputy Fife. Sadly, we ain’t in Mayberry anymore!

Keith Muraoka, Gilroy

We should help everyone enjoy a happy Thanksgiving

Dear Editor,

This letter is in part about Thanksgiving. Now that I’m retired it gives me time to reflect about the past. Today I’m more aware of the things that happened over 60 years ago than the things that happened last year.

I read the papers. I hear the cries regarding the homeless, the elderly, the innocent and the ones that have been rejected and left behind by incompetent parents. Some are addicted to drugs and alcohol, and some are too lazy to accept responsibility.

I also feel that some of our elderly people in need are to blame for their financial problems. America is the best country in the world where everyone who thinks about the future should have no problem making a living to lead a good life and accumulate enough for their elderly days. Most problems, in my opinion, come from too much loose money that is too easy to get. This flow of money without having to work for it just creates bums.

When you have to work for your money, you usually think twice before you throw it away on things that only destroy your life. I feel parents are much to blame because instead of giving the kids all the money they ask for – put them to work so they can learn what money is all about. Make them think twice before they spend it. It is our obligation to teach children how to spend their money in a way to benefit their future. As long as they don’t learn common sense, after they hit 70 or 80 it will be too late.

We can’t all be presidents, doctors or lawyers, but with the right attitude we can learn how to be honest and responsible for our future and the future of our families. Doing that in the country in which we live, with any good luck, we should lead good lives without depending on others.

I’m for and do believe we have an obligation to do all we can to help the less fortunate. Let’s forget whose fault it is and help as much as we can help everyone in need to enjoy a beautiful Thanksgiving.

Bad luck is sometimes to blame for misery. There are those who just can’t help it.

We’ve come a long way. Sixty-five years ago, as I remember, things were much worse. I learned from others and tried to learn from the ones who were doing good. It is a pleasure to see the ones who took care of themselves not having to depend on others.

God bless everyone with a great Thanksgiving.

This is only my opinion.

Amadeu Lima, Hollister