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TRUE TOLERANCE?
This week's letters page of the Reporter [
] and the paid ad on the page across from it are quite revealing: Those preaching tolerance and love scold the Reporter for what was "implied" in its cover art, using words like "careless," "thoughtless," and "outrageous." Not only were the writers (of some of the letters, if not the ad itself) neither tolerant nor loving; they were righteous and judgmental. And on top of that, given the entirely credible explanation by illustrator Jon Krause, all the hoopla was based more upon their inferences than upon any implied bias on the part of the Reporter.
It seems to me that the evolved human standards championed by the writers might include a more thorough assessment of such a situation before sounding the alarm (indeed, one of the writers, in his reference to the bees in the illustration, appears not even to have read the article; if he had, he would have learned immediately that his alarming interpretation was incorrect.) I guess it is easier to react emotionally, to assume some cultural violation and then to attack, ironically displaying the very human behavior one is bemoaning!
This letter is not in any way intended to disparage the political plight of the Sikhs living here in this country, as I am sure that our government's simple-minded "war on terror" has taken its toll, and I fully empathize with what it must be like to be living in the US during these times and circumstances. (As I am sure that those who supported the Sikhs were well intended.) Rather, it is to encourage all of us to take a deep breath and to fully assess a situation (including our own emotional reactions), before we begin to condemn, judge and blame others for purportedly condemning, judging and blaming others!
Jon Krause was gracious enough to apologize for his "ignorance," and the complainers may well grumble that in any case the illustration was "insensitive." Maybe so. But again, in this age of political correctness and the celebration of the sensitive self, maybe sometimes we are all a bit TOO sensitive. Are you really being insensitive or am I too sensitive? Hard to tell, but the good thing about the latter is that it is a problem I can do something about.
Thanks for the article; its merit was completely obscured by all of the reader hysteria. I thought the article did a really good job portraying what Americans have generally no means to know directly, that our government operates in dubious ways that are hardly "liberating" for the Iraqi people and that create and perpetrate terrorism rather than end it.
It is ironic, given the message of the article, that its intent was misperceived as a stereotyping of a particular people. Seems the Reporter can be a lightening rod for all of the free floating over-sensitivity in the community!
Jim Ludwig
Santa Fe
THE OTHER
I would like to add my shock and dismay concerning the cover of the
. Frankly, I'm clueless as to the meaning of the image, but it is clear that the picture of the turbaned man with its caption is dangerous in its implication that dark-skinned, bearded men wearing turbans are the enemy. There is enough mistrust and fear in the world today without suggesting that such individuals are "the other." Please add a Jewish voice of objection. It was images such as this in early Nazi Germany that turned non-Jewish German citizens into a society that shunned Jews and ultimately stood by while they were exterminated. All persecution begins incrementally.
The immediate response to your cover encourages me that Santa Feans will not allow such injustice and violence in our city.
Rabbi Malka Drucker
Santa Fe
HIGH CALIBER
I have worked for many years in Alaska and other states in the human services field. While I have only some experience working with the homeless and individuals experiencing substance abuse issues, I do have significant experience in program management and quality assurance.
I commend you for your courage in writing this piece and for doing so in a manner that was clear, fair and moving [Cover story, Nov. 23: "
"].
I would also like to say that I know Melissa Rodriguez both personally and professionally. When she told me her employment with this agency had been abruptly terminated I was shocked and saddened. Melissa is a tireless advocate for the homeless and is a compassionate and intelligent person and professional. Melissa is a decent individual with outstanding credentials. Sadder still, Melissa had initially described this job as "a perfect fit." While I have no doubt that Melissa will have no problem in finding a new job (any agency would love and be fortunate to have an employee of her caliber), it is a significant loss to the clients and staff at the transitional housing program.
I hope you will continue to follow up with this agency and, in doing so, continue to ensure the safety and well being of the high-risk clients being served. Ultimately, it is these individuals who are damaged by agencies who are non-compliant with basic industry standards and capricious employment practices.
Elizabeth Donnelly
Anchorage, Ak.
NO CALLBACK?
An article was written about St. Elizabeth Shelter and its programs, particularly Casa Cerrillos Supportive Living Program. The story unfortunately focused on all the negative aspects of this program; only one resident was quoted-there are 28 apartments for residents and two for resident managers.
The reason the reporter got no one else to interview is because the majority of the residents are at work and school during the day. Some of the residents called the reporter asking him at his convenience to perhaps interview more of the residents. No one including myself ever got a callback.
I am not saying Casa Cerrillos does not have its problems like any living facility, but the story chose to only to portray the failures instead of the successes of many of the residents. I wish the reporter would come out and get a balanced story, not a whitewash, but facts.
Annette Strom
Santa Fe
SHAME SHAME
I feel compelled to respond to the hateful article you printed two weeks ago about the St. Vincent Hospital doula program [Outtakes, Nov. 16: "
"]. I have been with this program for more than three years. I trained with and know the all the other doulas in the program. Without a doubt these are the most devoted and passionate women I have ever met. They provide excellent services to their clients, going so far as to spend two and even three days at the hospital, supporting a woman in labor. The Labor and Delivery nurses are equally devoted.
I find it unfortunate and spiteful, to say the least, to have a small group slam a program that does so much good and provides such excellent services. Why not speak with some of the women who have received hospital doula services? All of you should be ashamed-the person who wrote the article and those who printed it.
Carol Horowitz
Santa 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. Please include address and phone number for verification purposes; these will not be published.
