A Proud Democratic American

In response to JJ Larson’s letter, I disagree wholeheartedly to his/her statement that the Democrats have taken our agenda too far to the Left and that we should learn to compromise on important issues. I feel the exact opposite is true.

The very essence of being a Democrat means that we are critical thinkers, yet open-minded. We are capable of seeing that most of life’s problems rarely come equipped with simple, one-sided solutions. This is our strength. We recognize that most of life is not black and white, right or wrong. The Republicans I know seem to think life is this simple. If only it were.

It is this characteristic, this inability to see the many facets of a situation, which allows conservative Republicans to view Democrats as “weak.”

I’m tired of Democrats catering to please, while Republicans take the stance that you are either with them or against them. As if they were the True Americans. Maybe it’s time for the Republican party to participate in a little compromise themselves. After all, 48 percent of Americans voted against Bush, and that’s not a small percentage.

I just moved here from Washington, D.C., so I cannot speak for Democrats on the West Coast, but the Democrats that I know are not “as-long-as-she’s-18 pornographers,” “no-abortion-is-too-late pro-choicers,” or “love-and-pot-can-save-us peaceniks.” They are men and women concerned with issues such as the environment, education, healthcare, diplomatic foreign relations, and this mess Bush has gotten us into in Iraq.

I am an American, too. I am serving in the United States Army. I pay taxes. I went to college. I worked in the private sector for ten years. I volunteer. I marched for women’s rights on the Mall last Spring. I travel abroad. I use birth control. I deserve the same consideration from my government as your average Red State Republican gets, no matter how much my political and religious beliefs and values differ from the current administration’s.

 Maybe if Democrats got angry enough to take action, we wouldn’t be in this mess to begin with.

Stephanie St. Clair | Monterey

Small Businesses Hurt by Photo

The photo accompanying the article “Hotel Faces Boycott” [Nov. 25-Dec.1] shows a Travelodge employee with a picket sign in front of a sign for Anthony’s Del Monte Express Burgers and Steakhouse and Gail’s Beauty Salon. While nothing is noted positive or negative in the article, the photo makes it appear that these businesses are part of the Travelodge being boycotted.

We are leasers in small businesses. Del Monte Express has been hurt financially by the picketers against the Travelodge, and now this photo.

I’ve had to lay off or cut hours of my employees. It is very unfair—we are part of the business community and deserve better for our employees. We have given to many charitable organizations, school fundraisers and non-profit organizations. The union’s issue is with the Travelodge and not any of the businesses with leases that adjoin the Travelodge.

Joe Ferreira | Del Monte Express | Monterey

Correction

Chris DeCardy, quoted in last week’s cover story “The Big Give,” is director of communications and program services at the Packard Foundation, not the executive director, as stated in the article. Carol S. Larson is the Foundation’s president and CEO.