New Times sells out

It is not an uncommon thing for one to pick up New Times and read about how The Tribune or KSBY are "selling out." But when I saw the insert in your paper advertising a free sample carton of cigarettes the one thing that came to my mind was " New Times is Selling Out."

Why on Earth would you allow such an ad? What's in it for you... other than selling out for the money? I find it quite amusing that New Times is being played by the tobacco industry. However, I do not find it amusing that many young people may potentially suffer from a lifelong addiction to nicotine because you just gave them an opportunity to receive a carton of cigarettes for $6.00 in shipping. The tobacco industry continues to find ways to target youth because they see them as replacement smokers for the 4,000 people who die every day from smoking. Please think twice next time and stop acting as the tobacco industries pawn to attract new smokers. Oh yeah, and stop being a hypocrite.

 

Trina Long

Santa Maria

 

I am outraged

As the physician mentioned in the last week's New Times article ("Grover family busted for medical pot") I am outraged by the conduct of Lt. Brian Thomas and the Grover Beach Police. It is now nine years since the people of California spoke loudly and clearly about the issue of medical marijuana. Incredibly legitimate medical cannabis patients are still subject to intimidation, harassment, arrest and prosecution despite every attempt to be law abiding citizens.

I would remind Lt. Thomas that he is sworn to uphold all the laws of California, even the ones he doesn't like. To use the power of his position to forward his own political agenda is morally repugnant.
I am confident that the facts of the case will speak for themselves and will reveal the arrogance of law enforcement regarding this issue. The people of Grover Beach deserve better.

Philip A. Denney, M.D.

 

Way to go, Governer

Our governor has upheld his promise to make voting easier for all Californians. His ridiculous and superfluous $100 million special election on November 8 shows just how easy voting can be. The clearly obvious vote on all eight propositions is no. Nice and easy. Way to go, "Arnie."

August Salemi

Atascadero

 

Judge not lest
ye be judged

Since Hariet Meirs was unacceptable because she was not a judge, here are some others Bush should consider: Judge Judy, a jew; Judge Hatchet, a black; Judge Marilyn, a latino; and Judge Reinhold. Wasn't it Mark Twain who said" I respect any person who can spell a word more than one way."

Roy Berger

Arroyo Grande

 

Get them all out of there

Vice President Cheney's Chief of Staff was charged with obstructing an investigation into the White House cover-up of the lies that led our nation to war in Iraq. Two senior White House officials outted CIA operative Valerie Plame as punishment for her husband's revelations about the Administration's Iraq lies-a clear effort by the White House to cover up the lies that brought our nation to war. The American people must know the truth about the indictment. Please do not step onto the bandwagon of media that will downplay this scandal in order to protect the public opinion of the current Administration.

Bush must clean house. We will not be able to trust our government until every one of the White House officials who conspired to mislead the American public into war with Iraq are out of the Administration. Why relay the news if it has no integrity? We must expect more from our leaders, starting with the truth.

 

Anna Chaffin

San Luis Obispo

 

Get rid of
special interests, too

It is time to clear out the "house" and put people in who have the good of the country in mind. The special interests are not doing America any good.

 

Cyril Carol

Paso Robles

 

 

Lets make it work

I am going to be disappointed in my country if the Bush administration gets away with taking us to war based on lies and misinformation.

Clinton can't even get away with personal fidelity issues. I am looking forward to the Bush administration completely crumbling under the weight of its cocky, in your face, blatant criminal activity.

I hope people everywhere are reminded of the importance of speaking your truth and about keeping our hearts open because we are in some seriously troubled times. This is beyond what has ever happened before in our government. The people are the only ones who can save us now. Make sure you know who you're voting for, what kind of machine you are voting on and take to the streets to get it right.

There has never been a time when we the people have been more necessary to make this democracy work. Apathy is death in this democracy now more than ever. Let's find our voice, find our niche and keep our eyes open in our local community.

That is what we've had to do in Los Osos and we are in the thick of it. But I am proud to say we are making a difference showing the world we are able to make a difference when people speak out and seek the truth. Thanks to all the awake people in Los Osos. We will keep on going with our path of justice for all-people rich and poor, life forms large and small, and the web of life that ties us all together and supports this life.

We are all in this together so let's make it work!

 

Katie Franklin

Los Osos