Anson Stevens-Bollen
Simon Brackley
Opinion, Oct. 9: “Food: Not Food Anymore”
Not Quite, Shane
I appreciate Shane Woolbright's letter contending that global warming's extra CO2 increases food production. Unfortunately, his conclusion is incorrect. Such a benefit is offset by higher respiration in plants' internal metabolism, with CO2 produced at night instead of O2. When the extra rate of transpiration (evaporation) is added—exacerbated by local climate shifts and lowering water tables from unsustainable use—it means that agricultural yields are expected to drop overall in the future, not increase, in the face of the ongoing rise in population. It also means less agricultural land available due to urbanization and, at some point, rising sea levels.
Meanwhile, fisheries are already hammered by global warming-—due to less oxygenated water being cycling into depths—along with excessive harvesting. In terms of a free-for-all resource use, it's a replay of the so-called tragedy of the commons.
BARRY HATFIELD
Santa Fe
Advertisement, Oct. 9: “Open letter to Dr. William Parker, DDS”
Full Story Needed
There is no doubt that the New Old Trail Garage is an asset to the community, as is the practice of Dr. William Parker, DDS. The "Open Letter To Dr. William Parker, DDS" on the first page of the Santa Fe Reporter seems to carry a threatening tone; I am surprised that some of our elected officials found it appropriate to compromise their reputations by signing on to a public proclamation that includes defamation. … How is the public to know if the information in the letter is accurate? How is the public to know Dr. Parker's side of the story? Wouldn't the best outcome be served by engaging the customers, friends, and admirers of Joe and Ranger to support them in negotiating a fair market price for the property and then help raise money for the purchase?
Nodiah Brent
Santa Fe
News, Oct. 9: “Simon Says Sayonara”
Wages and Housing
Don't increase wages because of the kids? What a rationale for keeping people poor. Can't find skilled labor? Make housing affordable so 53% of our work force can live here instead of commuting. Don't like the Railyard? Face up to the fact it's for locals but the locals have been pushed/priced out.
ANDI ADAMS
VIA FACEBOOK
Correction
In last week's A&C column on Agnes Pelton, SFR mistakenly said Pelton spent time with Helena Blavatsky. Pelton actually knew Helena Roerich, a translator of Blavastky's work.
