March 19, 2024

Letters 01-14-2013

Jan. 13, 2013

Email your letter to: info@northernexpress.com

Please keep your letter under 300 words (one page).

Only one letter per reader in a two month period will be accepted. may be edited for length or to correct factual errors. Letters must be signed to be considered for print and a phone number is required for verification.

Ending gun violence

Guns don’t kill people. People with guns kill people. It’s the relationship that’s lethal. While preserving our right to own guns the following suggestions would decrease the likelihood of future gun violence and mass murders.

- Limit magazine or clip to 10 rounds.

- To purchase any handgun or assault weapon require psychological testing for signs of mental illness, substance abuse screening, successful completion of conflict resolution training, successful completion of meditation training, and the viewing of a video of victims killed and maimed by gun violence showing their grieving families.

- Require gun manufacturers to fit assault weapons with GPS tracking chips similar to those in our smart phones.

- Create a national database of gun violence and require all police departments to report all incidents. Include data about alcohol and drug use by perpetrators.

The freedom to own weapons comes with the responsibility to ensure they are used in a lawful manner.

Steven Holl - TC

Our plant allies

As the song goes: "from a distance the world looks blue and green and the snow capped mountains white." It reminds me of Michigan’s sales pitch to tourists "Pure Michigan." From a distance it is a stunning view, but if we take a closer look there are some serious problems now and more to come.

I would like to suggest two books: The first one is Stephen H. Buhner’s "The Lost Language of Plants." He explains how we got into this environmental mess and why so many folks are dying of various types of cancers and other diseases. The second book is Timothy L. Scott’s "Invasive Plant Medicine." Scott explains how we can assist in the healing of our soil and water with the use of filtering invasive plants. If this title turns you off, too bad, you will never understand why invasive plants are our allies and not the enemy.

Laurie Michel - Arcadia

Hair & there...

Re: T.J. Tracey’s letter, 1/7: According to the line item in the December 24 My Style, one had to assume that I seek out $96 haircuts. Yikes! My haircuts at Shear Pleasure are actually $22. The $96 "hair" was my recent bi-annual splurge on a frost/shampoo/cut.

I do shop occasionally at Macy’s as it is one of two stores in Traverse City that carries women’s clothing that fit my small frame. However, one may not have noticed that the cute little jacket was purchased at Act II, a second-hand shop within walking distance for me on Barlow Street where I also like to shop - and am delighted when I find my size in my style!

I, along with T.J. Tracey and others we know, tithe at least 10% of my income to charity. I make monthly pledges to C.A.R.E., Smile Train, St. Jude’s, and our local Salvation Army; as well as periodically giving to the Cancer Society, Easter Seals, Alzheimer’s Society, and a myriad of others generated from courtesy calls. I feel it’s the right thing to do, for me. My household enjoys a roof over our heads, beds in which to sleep, and food when we’re hungry. We’re cognizant of the fact that so many others don’t.

Mary Tuttle - TC

Occupy TC pitch

Remember the Brown Shirts ? (With apologies to Pastor Martin Niemoller)

First they came for the poor, and I did not speak out,
Because I was not poor.
Next they came for the immigrants, and I did not speak out,
Because I was not an immigrant.
Then they came for the public workers and trade unionists, but I was retired,
And so I did not speak.

Finally they came for me,
And there was no one there to speak for me.


This is the demise of democracy. Which group do you fit? Occupy Traverse City speaks for the 99%. Join us Saturdays, 11:30 am, in downtown Traverse City as we work to bring change. Check us out at www. occupytraversecity.com

Ann Rogers - TC

ALEC’s bad influence

Congratulations fellow Michiganders! Our once proud state is receiving national media attention thanks to our governor and state legislature. We are evolving into a ruling oligarchy. I speak of the evils of the DeVos family, the Koch brothers, and the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).

ALEC people now have full control of our governor and legislature. Don’t believe this? Look at the commonality of the Republican legislatures throughout our country. Examples: privatization of public schools, right to work laws, restrictive anti-abortion laws, stand your ground laws, a disturbing piece of legislation to allow guns in schools, churches, and other public places. Additionally, one to introduce legislation which removes goals for renewable energy. Any Koch brothers involvement here? All are ALEC proposals. Need more info on ALEC? Google ALEC.

I am a native Michigander who moved away and came back by choice after 25 years. Now, for the first time in my life, I feel ashamed and embarrassed to be a Michigander who has been violated and betrayed by the mindless Republican votes cast in favor of our representatives and governor who genuflect to ALEC. What a waste!

W. D. Bushey - Elmwood Twp

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