A recent issue of the Pediatrics journal found that teens who take virginity pledges are just as likely to have sex as those who do not take the pledge. Also, they are less likely to use condoms or other forms of contraception, thus resulting in unwanted teen pregnancy, which is an epidemic in Santa Maria. […]
Bill Denneen
Posted inOpinion
They should all call him ‘Dad’
Nipomo
Recently an unmarried, unemployed mother of six gave birth to eight more babies. Facilitating this event was a fertility clinic doctor. He caused this pregnancy—he’s the “father.” He should pay for the raising of these babies.
Posted inOpinion
Hold these athletes accountable
Nipomo
Barry Bonds is again in the news. All indications are that he will be found to have used steroids and then lied about it. My Olympic heroine, Marion Jones, did exactly this, resulting in the loss of all her medals and her going to jail for six months. I suggest baseball’s Barry Bonds be punished […]
Posted inOpinion
On separation and taxes
Nipomo
The Mormon Church strongly promoted yes on Proposition 8. Its passage now takes away equal rights from a minority. Our Constitution demands a separation of church and state. The Mormon Church should no longer be tax exempt.
Posted inOpinion
We need to change
‘Green’ or ‘sustainable’ – whatever you want to call the movement, it needs to continue for our survival
Change is always difficult, but our culture must change if it is to continue. There is a movement that is coming from the people/citizens. It has been given a title of “green,” but I prefer “sustainable.” Basically, it is change from a high consumption rate to living within the capacity of our habitat. Resources are […]
Posted inOpinion
Can you spare any change?
Nipomo
The costly bailouts keep us in a collapse mode. What citizens want is not monster expensive mansions, but small sustainable inexpensive homes with solar panels and photovoltaics on the roof and a clothesline in the backyard. Change is needed, not bailouts.
Posted inOpinion
Legalize – and tax – marijuana
Nipomo
The so-called “War on Drugs” in regards to marijuana has failed. We spend a fortune on trying to control it, while at the same time filling our overcrowded prisons with inmates. The only thing that has resulted from all this attempt at control has made growing it very lucrative—one plant is worth $4,000. Marijuana has […]
Posted inOpinion
Tell us your name, little bird
Nipomo
Suggestions for your column, “The Canary”: The writer’s name should go with the piece. Your letters to the editor require names—why not columns? The New Times Shredder/Sun Canary may have been fine when Steve Moss first started them, but no more. I am not a journalist, but newspapers have an obligation to clearly and accurately […]