BIG MAC ATTACK

In reference to your ejection of black ink upon our Local Lunch at McDonald’s (“Squid,” June 3-10), I’d like to direct you to the statement of a newspaperman on Oct. 9, 2008: “In most ways, newspaper publishing is very similar to the other businesses in the community. We seek to offer our customers a good product for a fair price and ask them to come back.” That’s a quote from the publisher of your paper, Mr. Squid, so you’d better pay attention. It’s the statement of an entrepreneur.

McDonald’s seeks to do the same thing, and people keep coming back. In fact, they seem to prefer the affordable food at McDonald’s to fried squid, tasty though it may be (sorry).

From the comfy confines of your underwater lair, Mr. Mollusk, you rise occasionally to squirt black ink in the direction of those you perceive to be of the establishment. It’s nice to have a “them” to squirt at; it gives one the sensation of a salved conscience. But then, such moves on your part are a necessity; how can you be an alternative squid if there are no regular, blue-collar squid around?

Our local lunches take place at real places of business, owned by real members of the community. They work, provide jobs and provide quality food at affordable prices. Arise from your dark, watery lair, Old Squiddy, ooze out onto land, and give the sunlight of reality a try. -Tom Carvey, president/CEO, Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce | Salinas

FOOD FIGHT

As global population surges toward 9.1 billion people by 2050, Western diets rich in meat and dairy products will become unsustainable, according to a United Nations Environment Program’s report released earlier this week. (www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jun/02/un-report-meat-free-diet)

The report, prepared by the International Panel of Sustainable Resource Management notes that agricultural production accounts for 70 percent of global freshwater use, 38 percent of land use and 19 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.

It concludes that, just as fossil fuels will be gradually replaced by renewable, pollution-free energy sources like wind and solar power, meat and dairy products in the world’s diet will need to be replaced by vegetables, fruits and grains. Both shifts are necessary to reduce production of greenhouse gases and consumption of natural resources and to ensure planetary survival.

As Americans, we have a special obligation to lead the rest of the world in a healthful diet of vegetables, fruits and grains – a diet designed to prevent global starvation while protecting our natural environment and safeguarding personal health. Each of us can start with our next trip to our supermarket. -Mitchel Corbett | Monterey