Letters for September 17, 2015

‘So off base’

Re “An inhumane rush job” (Editorial, Sept. 10):

Your last editorial about Chico and its homeless population was so off base. The proposed ordinance is behavior-based, and every community deserves sanitary public spaces, free from firearms, human waste and needles.

I wish you guys would take the time to learn about those of us in the community who work hard to help out people who really need help. We have so many resources for those in the community who want a hand up. I’ve never seen anyone from the CN&R at any meetings or activities that help the homeless out of homelessness. Be part of the solution instead of just complaining about it.

Peggy Mead

Chico

Time to sue the city?

Re “Creekside crackdown” (Newslines, by Howard Hardee, Sept. 10):

I appreciate Howard Hardee’s report on homelessness and public land.

Hardee’s article mentions Deputy Chief Dave Britt and Vice Mayor Sean Morgan. Britt presented the infamous “homeless destination map” to the Chico City Council. The map was bald propaganda, without statistical merit. In the same presentation, Britt gratuitously conflated violent crime and homelessness—likely knowing that the homeless commit less violent crime than the rest of us. Morgan is a longtime cheerleader for homeless criminalization.

It is unsurprising that these men support additional laws leading to increased incarceration of the homeless; they believe this will “solve” a poverty and mental health problem.

Also mentioned are local heroes Cynthia and Mark Gailey. Both are lifelong environmentalists who went beyond cleaning up the refuse of the homeless to a deeper understanding of suffering on the streets.

The extent to which the punitive and fear-based mentality of Britt and Morgan prevails over the humanitarian mentality of people like the Gaileys is a measure of our drift toward authoritarianism.

As of now, I believe the only way to influence our city government—now running hard toward extra-constitutional criminalization of homelessness—is to begin civil liberties litigation against the city of Chico.

Patrick Newman

Chico

Counterpoint on GMOs

Re “The GMO industry’s true motive” (Guest comment, by Aaron Nielsen, Sept. 10):

So now we are against corporations making a profit? This argument has little to do with the actual benefits of using GMOs. We need to feed more people as efficiently and environmentally friendly as possible. “They” do not design them totally for profits only. While it is true that some GMO crops require more herbicides, it is also true that they are more eco-friendly than what we’ve been doing in the past.

GMOs are not harmful to people, as evidenced by hundreds of scientific studies and 30 years of use without one harmful medical effect. They are not the perfect answer, but they are the best answer we have at this moment in time. Not using GMOs would be worse for the world.

Furthermore, did you know that even organic crops use “natural” pesticides? And they need to use so much of those to be effective that they could be more harmful to the environment than nonorganic crops.

It may be politically correct to be against GMOs, but it’s just not scientifically sound.

Chuck Samuels

Chico

I am amused at [Chico musician Aaron Nielsen’s] guest comment. He is obviously well-meaning, but does not understand how humans operate. He does at least realize that profits are real and our desire for them has great influence on how we live and function.

I don’t really care much if what I eat has GMO stuff in it, although I prefer to and do eat food that is organically grown. I am glad that someone is growing food that will feed lots of people. I am glad that there are those exploiting the fact that I and others like to eat and can make a profit. It gives me confidence that we will be able to continue to eat.

There are large areas of the world where people are concerned with just having food. GMO technics help them have it. I think that is good.

There are those who exploit people’s enjoyment of music by using their skills and knowledge to make it. Some of it is not pleasant to hear and damages ears as well as promotes violence. Their profits are obscene, but I still selectively listen and enjoy music without having labels attached.

How that is different from what the GMO folks do escapes me. That is why I was amused.

Jim Richards

Chico

Sharing a note of thanks

I don’t think I could ever thank you enough for everything you did for me when I was struggling with my family. I’m not even aware that you knew how bad it was, but you are the only one that actually helped me in a healthy way. If it wasn’t for someone showing me any kind of love, I have a strong feeling that I’d be way worse than I ever was. I think I might have even given up completely not even thinking anything can get better. Not only do you help people, but you do it for nothing in return. I want to let everyone know that you change lives, because you changed mine. In my eyes, I will never repay you the way you deserve, but I can say thank you and your kindness did not go unnoticed.

This young woman from an adopted home and her boyfriend were tossed to the curb last week; homeless on the streets of Chico. A concerned citizen gave them shelter, so they didn’t have to sleep in lower Bidwell Park, the very same night of the fire.

Never doubt that acts of kindness and compassion help.

Bill Mash

Chico

A winner’s take

I have noticed many businesses around town with generic posters on their doors, asking for our votes in your upcoming Best of Chico contest. Some purchase ads. Seems shameful to ask for it, instead of earning it, and thus, people would already vote for them.

Back in the day, back when voting was done on paper, I managed a downtown ice cream store and always thought that a nearby yogurt shop must stuff the ballot box. I never gave the awards much credence. I was wrong. People notice and remember.

CN&R awarded me with an Editor’s Pick (my second) for Best Legs. Alert readers noticed. I received a lot of positive feedback for months. So, I keep my gams tanned, toned, smooth and exposed. Why not look good and dress well? I enjoy being my finest. It’s not a popularity or regularity contest. Some places I regularly visit lag on earning it, and definitely don’t deserve to be called the best.

Vote only for the best, so that they are legitimately honored. And, vote for me.

Tedra Thomsen

Chico

Editor’s note: Best of Chico voting ended Wednesday evening, Sept. 16. The winners will be tabulated in the coming weeks and announced on Oct. 15.

Clarification

CN&R reprinted in a calendar listing a photo from a business’ online promotional material that said business used without the photographer’s permission (see “Wakeboarding the creek,” page 31, Sept. 10). Photographer Paul Hood took the photo.

A proverb for readers

I have had some recovery time from some health issues this summer. This has given me a good deal of free time for contemplation. I wrote something, which I will call a proverb, that I like and would like to share. If it promotes brain function in one person, I will be happy. Here goes: I am extremely confident that I do not know all there is to know. I am equally confident that I do know everything that I need to know.

W. Jeff Straub

Chico

A proverb for readers

I have had some recovery time from some health issues this summer. This has given me a good deal of free time for contemplation. I wrote something, which I will call a proverb, that I like and would like to share. If it promotes brain function in one person, I will be happy. Here goes: I am extremely confident that I do not know all there is to know. I am equally confident that I do know everything that I need to know.

W. Jeff Straub

Chico