Letters 12-29-2014

Dec. 27, 2014

HIT SEND!

Love what we’re doing here?

Disagree with something you’ve read on these pages? Share your views with a quick letter to the editor by shooting us an email.

Our simple rules: Keep your letter to 300 words or less, send no more than one per month, include your name/address/phone number, and agree to allow us to edit. That’s it. Email info@northernexpress.com and hit send!

A Community Thanks

In this day and time when just about everyone seems to think about just looking out for themselves, I wanted write a sincere testimonial to three businesses here in Traverse City.

First to Don at Recycle a Bicycle, who does a donation of a bicycle to individuals in need to help them obtain employment and become a functioning member of society. He does this with no recognition. Don not only provided a bike to me but also a brand new lock and a seat for another bike at no charge. Don has also been just a phone call away to help me out with a blown tire or an adjustment at no charge. It is payment enough to him helping out and knowing that the bikes he provides are safe on the road.

Second to John and Dave at Max’s Service Appliance and TV. I purchased a dryer from Habitat for Humanity, but the plug did not match my outlet. John had the plug and took the time instructing me how to take the old plug off and put the new plug on. When I asked "how much," he replied "nothing." They truly stand behind their slogan that it is all about the service.

Third is to our great public transportation, BATA. The administration, drivers, but mostly the individuals at dispatch, have worked to ensure that this rider is not left behind and that I stay connected to the community.

Thank you all!

Dee Dee, Traverse City

Addiction Hard to Escape

Regarding your Dann’s House story (12/15/14), thank you! Who amongst us does not know someone, or have a close friend or relative, with an addiction problem that spills onto those around, including the wider community? How many of us could be on the edge? Living in an alcohol area (multiple breweries and wineries), it’s like living in temptation with a capital "T." Brain studies show that, for long-term/ severe addiction, even a picture of the choice is enough to stimulate a craving– any kind, if our "pleasure" area in brain has become "hyper" in response to a particular substance/behavior.

PBS has had revealing documentaries regarding grant-supported facilities with mentoring/medical support. Sure, my "kid" (still in there at 83 years) may resent the idea, but my compassion (heart) and computer (brain) says these places can be cheaper for me as a taxpayer, especially compared to private prisons.

Lois F. Golightly, Traverse City

Democracy to the Highest Bidder

Welcome to the new reality"¦democracy is now available to the highest bidder. Maybe someone could explain the difference between our Washington politicians and the mafia. Oh yea, let’s put Citibank in charge of deregulating the banks again so they can play helter skelter with our lives. Also, let’s go after the EPA. We certainly don’t need clean air and water to live. What in the world is wrong with us? Greed for a few at the expense of many.

One more thing "¦ Am I the only one who thinks that it is highly suspect that Scalia and Kennedy are routinely entertained by the Koch brothers? I also think they should waterboard Dick Chaney and then ask him if it was, in fact, torture. He gives new meaning to the word "tripe."

David Petty, Charlevoix

Praise for Stephen Tuttle

To date, I have only communicated once concerning a Stephen Tuttle column, and that was to convey my strong disagreement with his position about the then-new Michigan right to work law.

With the exception of that column, I have been in very substantial agreement with everything else he has written. His December 22 piece, "Gifts for the Deserving" is, in the general body of political commentary, outstanding. For Stephen, it’s just business as usual: concise, unarguably logical, and straight to the various points he makes.

Mr. Tuttle is a credit to the corps and to your publication. Thanks for your continued contributions.

John Parsons, Traverse City

Kudos to Wet House

Good article on the "˜Wet House’ and recognition to Traverse City Police Captain Jeff O’Brien. It is encouraging to hear of the police being helpers rather than bullies. There are so many layers to alcoholism and it can be excused and analyzed until the cows come home. That does not help the people "˜living under the bridge,’ or the people whose lives are impacted by the addiction.

The guys in the "˜Wet House’ are very fortunate to be there. I suspect they are intelligent and possess some talent they could contribute someday. I hope that realization comes and they can act upon it. I also hope that a similar housing opportunity becomes available for women. Too many lives are ruined and too many good people have been lost to alcohol addiction. Easy to point out a problem, not so much to find a solution. Good work founders and supporters of the "˜Wet House.’

Sharon M. Peters, Petoskey