Letters 11/24/05

Nov. 23, 2005

In defense of psychiatry
The barbs cast at programs trying to bring psychiatric services to dysfunctional lives compounded by mental illness result from ignorance about the development of theory and therapy.
Advances toward rational approaches to understanding the causes of mental illness have been grounded in confirmed and evidence-based inquiry that follow scientific protocols. References which describe psychiatric symptoms follow studies via brain scans, blood chemistry analysis and other reliable understandings of neuroscience and human interaction,
To propose that treatment is based on “pseudo-science” or that symptoms are precipitated by wayward drug prescriptions, is both grossly misinformed and speculative.
Instead of offering biased and uninformed criticism of treatment methods, critics might occupy their time by attending a variety of informational symposia available in Traverse City. Northern Lakes Community Mental Health invites the public to attend its meetings; the local chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill holds informational presentations of recent developments in the field. Local newspapers give information about relevant symposia and the like.
Tom Cruise notwithstanding, informed efforts are constantly emerging which address an insidious illness that has biological, interpersonal and social etiologies.
Science focuses on these interactive factors about an illness which is tragic to some, disturbing to others and economically distressing. The pharmaceutical industry, in concert with some governmental entities, may admittedly conspire to maintain price levels incompatible with people who are often, through no fault of their own, indigent.

Frank Tosiello, Ed.D • TC

Downright
irresponsible
I am writing in regards to the Gear Box article in the Nov. 10 issue featuring the sniper rifle. Let me preface with the fact that this is my first ever letter of this type and I am one of the most politically apathetic, issue-neutral people you will find. I am not pro gun or anti gun and have no desire to debate either side with anyone.
That said, I was confused, angered, and flat out flabbergasted by what I considered a totally inappropriate and downright irresponsible article that was included in your publication. On first read, I was expecting it to be an anti gun piece, then I was expecting some sort of a joke/satire, then I realized it was actually a story highlighting a “cool” piece of gear, in this case a gun! I can’t even list all the levels this is inappropriate on.
Correct me if I’m wrong, the Northern Express is a general, community publication that is read by the entire cross section of the Northern Michigan population. This article belongs in Soldier of Fortune magazine! I’m sure NE reaches a few of those people but... Again, I’m not anti gun but to glorify a weapon that serves no other purpose than to kill and destroy in your publication is just wrong.
One woman I showed the article to was scared to find out that such guns are legal, another one pointed out the fact that Traverse City is a huge tourist town and they all grab the free magazines the are placed throughout our city. What possible (positive) reaction would a visitor to the area have to this? (“Oh, I’ve heard of those Michigan Militia types”) I’m sure plenty of young people read your publication too.
As a shop owner that has some unique “gear,” I was planning on submitting a thing or two for this column but no longer. Also, I am reconsidering spending any of my advertising dollars with a magazine that would make such a ridiculous gaffe. I could go on but I’ll leave it at that.

Kirk Novak • The Northern Angler

Touched by migrants
Sometime this past summer, I read an article in the Northern Express about migrant families in Leelanau County that really touched me. My wife and I have been to Mexico several times, and are particularly fond of Oaxaca and Morelia. No matter where we go, we always find the Mexican people to be warm and gracious. Although we live in Leelanau County, I was not really aware of the situation with Mexicans who live there, except in the most general way. The Express article was extremely well written, and by making me aware of Father Wayne, you gave me a way to do something, by sending him some money to help in his work. I’m not Catholic, but he seems like a good person who will spend my money wisely.
Anyway, I just wanted you to know that I appreciated the article and to thank you for it.

Jack Seaman • Cedar

Down in the dumpsters
Has anyone else noticed the windows in the Waste Management recycling dumpsters getting smaller and smaller? Like many I keep my recyclables in bins to save space and for better transport. I used to be able to empty my bins into the dumpster. Then Waste Management welded panels into the openings, cutting their size by 50%. I now have to remove paper scraps, glass fragments and plastic shards by hand and end up making the very mess I’m trying to avoid.
Some of the openings are now even smaller with inconvenient rounded edges.
When I inquired about this, Waste Management told me that this was done to thwart those who would not collapse their cardboard and commercial businesses that overuse the dumpsters. This is “ bush-league”! (pun intended).

George Meredith • TC

Snobbish attitude
I read the Express more than any other publication because it suits my curiosities, and informs me of the items other conservative papers don’t.
When I read other people‘s opinions of the publication as well as their twist on the opinions of others, it reminds me that opinions are like a-holes, everyone’s got one, and they usually stink! (re: “Puzzled and outraged,“ Letters 11/10.)
If you‘re going to read a publication, do it open-mindedly, as every article may not suit your snobbish attitude.
The article Harley Sachs wrote on Bird Flu was theoretical, and he said so. That means it’s not factual, BUT, God can be cruel and bring down all societies if we deserve it; just read the Bible -- it’s been done, and maybe God’s bringing his wrath down on us again.
We need to wake up spiritually, think and drive more responsibly, act like wise adults, and teach by showing your children careful driving habits, compassion, and thought for our future generations, or there may not be any.

Blair Hughes • TC

Correction
Due to a typo in a Streeter‘s ad which ran on Nov. 10, the admission to the upcoming Uncle Kracker concert was incorrectly listed as $8. It is in fact $18.