EVERYBODY IS A STAR

I read your article, “A Shining Season Brings a Team and a Community Together,’’ and wanted to THANK YOU and commend you for writing such a great story. It is amazing to me the detail and the time it must have taken to prepare such a perfect piece. I live in Sacramento now; however,I am close to it all. My friend is passionate about the game, his players, the brotherhood, and just being able to coach young adults into making a difference, not just out on the field, but in everyday life.

You captured the full football game experience, from those who sat in the stands, to the kids who played in the fields, and of course the players and coaches. You built a rapport with people, they shared pieces of their lives – and the best part of it all – you shared it with everyone! You made everyone a star in your article; it was absolutely heart-warming and simply, perfect. I am three hours away and still, your article has made its way here for me to read. And, how quickly news can spread because I was reading your article first thing in the morning. Imagine those who did the same from hours away…

I know that most people will always take the time to complain or dispute articles, and most won’t take a moment to compliment when a commendation is well deserved. Your article was wonderful. I was on the phone when my friend read it out loud. He knew of the article through his mom, who called him earlier and told him and also grabbed extra copies. That article went around and around. I hope this e-mail gives you the bigger picture of what happens after a reader is blown away by your talent and gift. Congrats on capturing the passion in so many… .and for sharing your wonderful story with people like me. I always say that I miss my home in Monterey because of the “community” and the “togetherness.”

It truly is people like you who make it what it is.

ANTI-TORTURE VIGIL

In the misty hours after midnight the traffic on Del Monte Avenue disappears, and we watch deer and raccoons stroll across the empty lanes below the Presidio. The deer are discomfited by the sight of canopies, anti-torture signs and bundled-up people in lawn chairs blocking their habitual path, interrupting their routine. The raccoons, on the other hand, exploit the situation by raiding the makeshift kitchen.

When reporters show up during daylight hours, they ask, “Why? Why sit out here all night with dove cut-outs and peace signs? What are you trying to accomplish?” Our answers vary, but can be summed up by saying “Go hear Phil Butler speak, read up on the infamous School of the Americas, subscribe to Amnesty International’s newsletters. That will tell you why.”

If you already understand why, go to School of the Americas Watch website at www.soaw.org. Sign the petition calling on President-elect Obama to issue an Executive Order that shuts down the Western Hemispheric Institute for Security Cooperation (formerly known at the School of the Americas, aka School of the Assassins). You can help make this happen.

Kudos to Janet Louise Wilson, Sandee Scott and Chea Berra for pulling together an awesome weekend of speakers and reflection for the third annual QUIT Torture Teach-in and Vigil.

SACRE BLEU!

The question is sometimes asked: “Is nothing sacred anymore?” Well we as a society showed with Proposition 8 that we still think some things are, and those things are: (1) heterosexual marriage, and (2) giving birth to and raising children in a heterosexual union.