Cover story, May 8: “Shock Value”
Electric words
I’ve been reading the Reporter for 20-plus years and this is my first communication directed your way. Zane Fischer’s piece “Shock Value” is the best bit of journalism I have ever seen in a local publication. The article is well-researched and full of interesting angles and insights. Zane’s paragraph that contains: “Ironically, doom scrolling may actually be dooming us” is a delight, perceptive, potent and entertaining—at the same time. Well done!
Michael Stewart
Santa Fe
The Fork, May 9: “You need to tip your servers. Full stop.”
Put a fork in it
I’m going to just say “no” to: “Not only that, but every server you’ve ever met has worked sick, not had access to healthcare, stayed late on a holiday while all y’all laughed and cavorted over a third bottle of wine and endured the abuse of countless folks who feel like it’s their job to dole out etiquette lessons over a few lousy bucks.”
Server’s job is to be a positive part of the meal experience for which I am paying a lot of money. SO, no, I will NOT be tipping generously if the server is rude, unpleasant, unhelpful, grumpy, dumpy, frumpy or otherwise detracting from the experience. Sorry, Fork, but a lot of us “suit up and show up” for all kinds of work when we’re not feeling 100%. We do not take that out on those we serve. Servers work hard and deserve to be paid decently. But they don’t get a free pass on attitude toward the customers. It’s not about “etiquette,” you fork; it’s about a job and doing it. Bad service hurts and disrespects the restaurant, the other servers, the front of the house and the back of the house.
Brian Weiss
Santa Fe
Aside from the fact that as a baby boomer I am tired of the designation, I agree that tipping is important and do so generously.
The comment was rude.
Margo Murray
Santa Fe
Online, May 14: “Waldorf School Charts New Path”
F is for charter
Although I have deep respect for the Waldorf curriculum and methodology, supporting the charter school system isn’t something I will ever do. All it takes is a deep dive into authoritative research on the fraudulent nature of charters. There is no oversight, like in public schools. Zero accountability, in fact. Cherry-picking students is an abhorrent practice and so are their discriminatory policies. Teachers are not required to be certified, nor do they provide services for specialized populations that require, by state, individualized education plans. The Waldorf curriculum should be available and easily accessible at all public schools. The privatization of education will only continue to widen the gap between socioeconomic conditions and general populace. Shame this is how the shutdown Waldorf school board has decided to address their mismanagement.
— Lisa M. Lopez Williamson via Facebook
