MISSING LINK
Regarding the recent feature article in The Santa Fe Reporter [Cover story, June 22:
]: Is it possible that the reason there has been no causal link proven between mold and chronic ailments of the sort Mr. Lamenzo is afflicted with, is because no causal link exists? Or, if mold exposure is a catalyst for the revelation of a pre-existing condition, then is it right to hold the mold and the business owners responsible? As reported by the writer, the numerous references to the lack of scientific evidence of the lasting harmful effects of mold is seen to support the notion that big business is out to hoodwink the downtrodden worker, rather than seen for what it is, supporting the notion that no causal link exists. At the very least, the writer should have explored the possibility that the science might be right. That this side of the argument wasn't explored reveals a clear bias by the writer and does not serve to move us closer to a solution to this inflammatory issue.
Tom SimonSanta Fe
VIET WRONG
You wrote [Know, June 29:
] "Fonda's infamous visit with the Viet Cong." In fact, she did not visit the Viet Cong, she visited the North Vietnamese. The Viet Cong were South Vietnamese who joined the North in fighting against the government of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) and the Americans.
Marny FreedmanSanta Fe
LIVE/WORK IN A CAN
I'm a big fan of live/work in theory [Zane's World, June 29: "Living/ Working/Bickering"]. But I have to say that "ugly" is the nicest word I could find for both Wiviott and Nichols' various tin can live-work developments. I certainly question whether the folks on Quapaw and Jay and Hopewell and other streets in the Second Street area think the development there has come without consequences to the quality of life in the neighborhood. Of course that neighborhood had already been presented with one of the more horrific "projects" that were earlier affordable housing efforts… lots of drugs, domestic violence and other misery over there.
The neighborhood, and the larger community, after much sturm and drang, had accepted a Railyard plan. After Councilor Art Sanchez de-railed (pun intended) it, city staff spent a couple of expensive years redoing it all, and at the end of it, neighbors again thought maybe they had an agreement and let the Railyard Corporation go to work.
Then suddenly, bean counters show up, and Wiviott comes in with his vision of extra stories and increased densities "because it wouldn't fly financially" if he doesn't get his way.
This won't wash. When the spokesperson for the Railyard sounds like every bloody neo-con developer who ever hit Santa Fe with her "We can't please everybody" BS, we know something has slipped here.
If Wiviott and the Railyard Corporation will FOLLOW THE PLAN they won't have any trouble. The thing is, they sound like every other developer: The plan is just a guideline for them, while to the neighborhood it represents the MAXIMUM THEY WERE WILLING TO GIVE UP, NOT THE START OF BARGAINING.
Once we recognize that, THEN we can start talking about compromise and conversations and so on.
Olivia TsosieSanta Fe
COURT SUPPORT
In this era of increased partisan bickering, it is critical that we find an individual to serve on the Supreme Court who all Americans can be proud of.
One such person is Judge Edward Prado. Judge Prado has served as a judge for over 20 years, was first nominated by Ronald Reagan to the district court and then to the circuit court by George W Bush, for which he was approved by the Senate 97-0. He is known as a moderate, respected by partisans on both sides of the aisle, and as a Hispanic-American from Texas, he reflects the diversity of America.
President George W Bush has the duty to nominate the next Supreme Court justice; our senators are also constitutionally mandated to give their advice and consent. As an American, it is my duty to advise my president and senators on this critical issue, and my advice is that they nominate and support an experienced moderate like Judge Edward Prado.
John W McClureSanta Fe The Reporter welcomes original, signed letters to the editor. Letters (no more than 200 words) should refer to specific articles in the Reporter. They may be edited for clarity and space. Include address and phone number for verification purposes; these will not be published. Mail to Letters, Santa Fe Reporter, PO Box 2306, Santa Fe NM 87504, deliver to 132 E. Marcy St., fax to 505-988-5348 or e-mail (editor@sfreporter.com) .
