Local Does Not Mean National

In “KAZU GM Signs Off,” [Weekly, August 25-31], KAZU Board President Diane Cordero de Noriega says of John McNally, “He took this faltering little station and made it successful.” What? Because some survey said it went from 18,000 listeners to 40,000? It’s boring now! I never listen to it. They don’t play music anymore.

McNally says, “…it’s up to listeners to keep their individual preferences strong by supporting their local radio station.”

Okay, my preference is: play some interesting music like before.

Bob Ohsiek | Pacific Grove

Three Cheers for School

Thank you for you exceptional teachers’ profiles. [“Life Lessons,” Weekly, August 25-31.]

As an educator of adults, I experience gratitude for my students who arrive by choice, sincere in their desire to learn and to produce. They bring a special light to my work.

Illia Thompson | Memoir Writing Instructor, Older Adult Program, MPC

We Are Still Awash in Lies and Greed

The pundits have been gushing about the strength and hubris George W. Bush displays these days. Of course, when one is immune to any semblance of accountability, one might begin to believe he or she is doing good work.

President Bush says he was held accountable with his reelection last November, that he received a mandate from the people to continue his undermining of democracy and disregard anything dissenters of this nation have to say. Was it 54 million people that voted against him? Some mandate.

I reckon Diebold voting systems is thrilled that the Bush machine took vast amounts of donations from them. What do freedom and democracy mean, when uttered by the Bush regime? To suggest we are in Iraq for any other reason than to control oil is the big lie. Anybody feeling safer as insurgents are offered more twisted American foreign policy? To look around with eyes open, it is evident a healthy democracy is dissolving in the United States, and to maintain our soldiers are dying for peace/promoting democracy is to make a mockery of their dedication to defend this country. Perhaps some of the actual terrorists do their planning in the White House and Pentagon. While libraries and recreation centers close, while fire departments and other health services are continually cut, as corporate welfare is on the rise, the Bush regime and our governor cuddle with big business and homogenized media, perpetuating the disparity between social classes, insuring the voiceless grow in number. These abusive public officials, some democrats included, realize the system as it is rarely requires accountability, and that is an unfortunate reality for those of us that practice an integral life, not merely talk a good game. As citizens we should demand accountability from the institutions that increasingly dictate the options we have before us, and it begins at the top. This means that thoughtful citizens must do more than vote. The abusers count on our apathy. Will we astonish them one day soon?

Scott Douglas Laxier | Marina

Send Us Your Letters

The Weekly welcomes letters about articles that appear in these pages, issues of concern to our readers, or anything interesting, weird, cool or funny. Send to letters@mcweekly.com or Letters to the Editor, Monterey County Weekly, 668 Williams Ave., Seaside, CA 93955.