It’s time someone speaks out and puts the carnage happening in the Middle East in perspective. First, war is not a solution, never has been, never will be. It may end conflict, but it doesn’t resolve conflict. The “war to end all wars” didn’t do so. We stopped the carnage of the Jews but inflicted […]
Letters To The Editor
Posted inOpinion
A political party problem
The American people have a political party problem. We the people can still have a functioning government if we simply follow the advice of our first president. In his farewell address to the nation, President George Washington warned against becoming involved in foreign entanglements. We have clearly failed as a nation to heed this sage […]
Posted inOpinion
Israel’s orchestrated cycle of violence
It is quite remarkable witnessing the corporate media’s coverage of the latest orchestrated cycle of violence in Israel. Was this really a surprise or an intelligence failure? The same questions were raised after 9/11 and are yet to be addressed. I say orchestrated because the attack by Hamas upon Israel—which I must emphasize was in […]
Posted inOpinion
No one is above the law
By now, we’ve all heard the news that Donald Trump was indicted for a fourth time, this time on racketeering charges in Georgia for the criminal conspiracy he led to overturn the 2020 election. The indictments in Georgia and Washington, D.C., made clear that Trump knew he had lost the 2020 presidential election but worked […]
Posted inOpinion
We’re well along on a better path
Although neither a birder nor an ornithologist, I am a fan of The Canary opinion column in the Santa Maria Sun. It’s snappy and entertaining. But recently it bordered on the bird-brained (Aug. 24, “On the record”). This bird looks and sounds yellow. It ought not to quake and quiver. Refuse to be caged by […]
Posted inOpinion
The truth of Trump is worse than an incorrect quote
I read with interest Clive Pinder’s letter in Sept. 7 edition of the Sun (“We’re entitled to our opinions, not our own facts”). According to The Hill, CNN.com, Politico, and PBS, Trump’s Truth Social response (Dec. 5, 2022) to losing the 2020 election was to state in all caps: “MASSIVE AND WIDESPREAD FRAUD AND DECEPTION” […]
Posted inOpinion
Live more simply, save the planet
I do not know the author of “The Sea is Boiling,” Sept. 14. I imagine we would get along, as I share the same concerns about climate change. The small actions suggested are all good ideas, as we must all do something to steer us from disaster. But I was struck that the writer has […]
Posted inOpinion
The quote was an error but the point is the same
After submitting my letter (“An open letter to the secretary of state,” Aug. 31), I discovered that I had included a quote I attributed to Donald Trump that was in error. My bad, “to err is human.” Subsequently, this error was pointed out to me, first by the editor, and again by Mr. Clive Pinder […]
Posted inOpinion
Boycotts work, and we can boycott Big Carrot
If you are outraged by the Carrot Kingpins, Bolthouse Farms and Grimmway Farms, seeking to hog water rights at the expense of Cuyama residents and their school, then boycott all their products. We can buy fresh and delicious carrots at our local farmers’ markets. Remember that the late Cesar Chavez organized the Wrath of Grapes […]
Posted inOpinion
We’re entitled to our opinions, not our own facts
I read Stephen Siemsen’s letter in the latest edition of the Sun, “An open letter to the secretary of state,” (Aug. 31). His use of a quote he attributes to President Trump caught my eye. It seemed too outrageous not to have been covered by mainstream media, especially as media these days are driven by […]
Posted inOpinion
One topic is missing from the Oceano Dunes off-roading debate
I would like to comment on Adam Verdin’s letter (“Is it time we all shift our thinking on Oceano?” Aug. 10). He seems desirous of compromise about driving on local beaches and Oceano Dunes. Of his many points, I will address one and an unmentioned other. As a former economist, the economic study Verdin refers […]
Posted inOpinion
A word to the unwise about California’s clean energy
The California Energy Commission recently released its data on California in-state capacity and generation for 2022. According to its figures, clean energy (non-carbon-emitting) sources amounted to 50 percent of in-state power generation. But clean energy production has the potential to improve greatly because large hydro is currently producing far below its capacity and Diablo Canyon […]