Letters to the editor
‘Enoughness’ and us
Re “Enough already,” Opinion, Nov. 29
I agree strongly with Barry Goldman’s point that we need an enhanced sense of “enoughness.”
Unfortunately, there’s a counterforce to this. Our current dominant economic model couldn’t deal with a nation of people who know when to say “enough.”
In fact, the model requires, for its very survival, continual compound growth in all economic aspects: production, consumption, generation of waste, population, etc. The motto has been stated many times: “Grow or die.”
Unfortunately for this model and all those affected by it, the planet we live on -- and use up -- doesn’t grow; the result that’s becoming clear is that unchecked growth leads to death.
We need a new model, one whose motto might well be “Enough already.”
Don Dwiggins
Northridge
Having grown up in England in an era of “make do and mend,” and having lived that way since, I agree that the message of “enough already” makes sense for the financial well-being of the individual. The problem is that our economy, as presently constituted, depends almost entirely on people spending. Isn’t that what capitalism is all about?
My husband and I spent less than $250 on clothes this year. I feel maybe a bit responsible as I see stores going out of business, salespeople losing their jobs and lost tax revenue.
Just imagine what would happen if everyone were as thrifty as we are.
Monica B. Morris
Hollywood
A video-game degree
Re “UC Irvine takes video games to the next level,” Nov. 30
UC increases fees and cuts undergraduate programs but will be saving mankind by adding “game science” as a four-year undergraduate program. The regents must have contracted Pac-Man fever.
Will a resume with “master at ‘Missile Command’ ” land you that executive job at NASA?
I myself just purchased “Call of Duty”; I’m preparing to go save the world and fight in Afghanistan.
On a more positive note, I guess we do need more video games so our kids will stay home and become more obese. Makes sense to me.
Glen Kacena
Westchester
::
Am I the only one who could not believe his eyes after reading this article?
The UC system is raising fees and cutting back enrollment -- and UC Irvine is “embracing” a Center for Computer Games & Virtual Worlds?
Who’s in charge over there?
Bob Guarrera
Laguna Niguel
The right to protest
Re “Uncivil disobedience,” Editorial, Nov. 28
Fortunately for all of us, morality is morality, irrespective of popular sentiment or whether it gets the votes necessary in Congress or not.
I am not a bishop, but I stand with them on this issue and oppose the position you have taken in your editorial.
I look forward to participating in whatever civil unrest is mustered against this Congress and this president that would try to muzzle any of us over this or any other issue. Shame on you.
Steven Edwards
Palm Springs
::
How about playing fair in the abortion debate game?
If the “pro-lifers” insist on labeling those who want to give women the right to choose whether or not they want to produce a child “pro-abortion,” why don’t the advocates of pro-choice label those who are against choice “anti-choice”? If these anti’s are truly “pro-life,” why do they choose to ignore the fact that so many Americans die every year from lack of healthcare?
June Maguire
Mission Viejo
::
The editorial is excellent. A very articulate and sound social historical analysis and presentation. Thank you.
Robert Owens
San Diego
::
It comes as absolutely no surprise that the liberal Times can so conveniently pick and choose when civil disobedience is acceptable.
On the one hand, and rightly so, it readily endorses the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. for disobeying laws violating the civil rights of minorities, but in the same breath, it condemns others for disobeying the law when it comes to protecting the lives of the unborn.
Does The Times’ editorial board not realize that to many people, it is far more abominable and repugnant to take the life of an unborn child than it is to deprive a person of a civil right?
Maria C. Mora
San Fernando
::
Although I vehemently disagree with opponents of a woman’s right to choose abortion and of same-sex couples’ right to marry, I also vehemently disagree with your editorial condemning the use of civil disobedience by such opponents.
Peaceful, nonviolent civil disobedience in which one is willing to go to jail to protest what are perceived as unjust laws has a long and honorable history in this country.
The Times itself recognizes the legitimacy and power of King’s use of civil disobedience during the civil rights movement, yet you would deny that right to those with whom you disagree.
That’s a dangerous double standard that could come back to haunt you the next time protesters defy laws and take the consequences in the name of causes you espouse.
Stephen Rohde
Los Angeles
::
Individuals have constitutional protection for freedom of religious belief and expression. This also means individuals have freedom from having others’ religious beliefs imposed on them.
This is a nation of secular laws that apply to all the people.
Eleanor York
Santa Barbara
Metrolink’s real problem
Metrolink has conclusive evidence of what the last rise in rates caused: decreased ridership and decreased revenues. The riders are getting tired of rates going up and service getting worse.
People who have ridden Metrolink for years are back to carpooling. I’ve taken Metrolink for five years; I think more people have quit riding in the last four months than I’ve seen in the past.
Trains continue to break down because of a lack of preventive maintenance. This has caused multiple problems. What would happen in New York or San Francisco if there were a complete breakdown almost weekly?
If Metrolink wants to increase incoming funds, it needs to increase ridership by reducing -- not increasing -- rates. Listen to the “voice of the customer” -- fix the service issues.
Douglas A. Bryce
Santa Clarita