Your cover of Feb. 25 poses the question: "Cannery Row: Is It Worth Saving?"--and my answer is: "So What's Left Already?" I lived in Cabin #1 (of the three that are preserved) in the early '60s, and enjoyed the funky ambience of the "pre-development."

We denizens of that time knew that it couldn't last, but trusted that the "powers-that-were" would surely keep a portion of the Row close to the original state. However, when one new commercial structure was named The Carmel (!?) Building, we knew that 'it was over,' that the power brokers were really uninterested in historical authenticity. The gruff ghost of the Steinbeck I knew threw up his hands in resignation long ago.

ROBERT DOWNEY

MONTEREY

Cheap Price For Freedom

As an honorably discharged veteran of both the U.S. Navy (1981) and the U.S. Army (1991), I can't begin to verbalize my disgust for those self-described "Veterans for Peace" who took it upon themselves to protest the Marine Corp.'s upcoming training exercise. One has only to look at the names involved to realize just how low this organization is. Ed Leeper and Walter Keintzel, the voters spoke loud and clear just a few months ago. We didn't elect you and your cohorts because we don't want you representing us. Now a message from the veterans: You don't represent us either.

Perhaps Mr. Leeper has not quite grasped the reason for the visit by our proud, few marines. For his benefit I shall type the next sentence very slowly. They are learning how to protect you from a terrorist attack, something the local authorities are not trained to do. Given the current global political situation, it is very probable that these fine young men and women will soon have to put into practice what they learn here in Monterey.

The facts are these. The Marines are training. They are learning how to save lives while possibly, God forbid, losing their own in a real terrorist attack. The total number of Marines landing on Monterey's shores to test their abilities is to be 200. That is equal to five tourist bus-loads. Be proud of these young men and women. If they are willing to give their lives for you, you can at least give them a rousing cheer as they come ashore.

I invite all true patriots and proud veterans to join me in welcoming the Marines. If that means a few hours of blocked roads or missed fishing, so be it. What a cheap price for safety and freedom. See you March 13, 1999 at the Window on the Bay. Bring the spouse, bring the kids, bring a lunch. It's going to be fun!! Call me at my office if you want to help. 883-2277.

MICHAEL MORRISON

MONTEREY

Testing The Truth

It was pretty disturbing to see the headlines in the Herald newspaper saying that because Robert Grigsby aced a lie detector test that it should clear him of being a suspect in the Christina Williams case.

In June, Charles Holifield was in the area, knowing as a past sex offender he would be questioned--and the FBI BLEW IT! Grigsby was given the lie detector test within days of his being arrested. Holifield has been behind bars for seven months and to anyone who will listen he has BEGGED for a lie detector test to prove his innocence. And without any evidence, other than misrepresenting Holifield's life to fit their purpose, the Herald runs a headline and three page spread all but saying "He did it!," making him a good patsy for the Williams' disappearance.

How could Holifield have been NOT allowed to have a lie detector test and yet have it spread across the Herald of his possible involvement in the Williams case? Grigsby is thought to be innocent because he WAS allowed to have the test, passed it, and as a result of his "innocence" gets printed on the front page! What is going on? Holifield wants a lie detector test. His requests have been denied by his attorney and recently, by the judge. NO ONE IS LISTENING! Why?

Many people feel because he has a criminal record that he deserves whatever comes his way. Is that justification for not trying to find the person guilty of a crime, to just blame the local criminal? We have to get past all this hype. We all want the person responsible for the crime behind bars. Right?

Give the guy the lie detector test!

D. SYLLIAASEN

PACIFIC GROVE

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