Lesson lost:Davis cops in 1972 showed how to police a protest
On May 9, 1972, on orders from President Richard Nixon, the U.S. Navy mined Haiphong Harbor in North Vietnam. This was a blatant escalation of the Vietnam War.
When the news broke, I joined a group of student protesters at the railroad tracks in Davis to block, with our bodies, Southern Pacific trains. The Southern Pacific had been a transporter of munitions.
The trains were stopped and miraculously no one was injured as people were, at one point, pulled from the tracks as a train proceeded very slowly into the people lying on those tracks.
We were confronted by the Southern Pacific security police and state troopers. A potentially violent situation was averted when the city of Davis police force intervened en masse by standing between us and the other authorities.
We were protected that day as citizens of Davis by our police force. I have often told that story over the years, with a great sense of pride in Davis.
It was with sadness and disgust that I watched the video of the UC Davis campus police pepper-spraying student protesters. Things certainly have changed in Davis.
– Glen Garrod, Nevada City
FM 92.5 lost one listener
Re "FM station tosses soft rock for AM talk format" (Business, Dec. 1): I will not buy any product advertised by, listen to any station, or do business with any company associated in any way with the obnoxious hate-monger Rush Limbaugh.
– Carl Allin, Sacramento
Well, maybe two listeners
Lady Gaga is out, Rush is in at 92.5 FM. The 1 percent has plenty of money to spend on airtime so that Rush can persuade more of the 99 percent to vote against their own interests.
– William D. Bandes, Roseville
Free markets need regulation
Re "Judge sends SEC a message on Wall Street deals" (Editorials, Nov. 30): Some people propose balancing the federal budget by slashing agency budgets.
But the Securities and Exchange Commission's actions already are hamstrung by insufficient funds.
How reckless would banks and other corporations become with even less regulation? Free markets remain free if there is a strong government that can act as the referee as corporate behemoths square off.
Without a strong independent government, fraud and corruption will run wild.
It wasn't regulation, but rather the lack of effective regulation of the financial sector that derailed our economy.
– Al Franklin, Auburn
In praise of breast-feeding
Re "Kaiser will encourage new moms to breast-feed" (Our Region, Nov. 30): Kudos to Kaiser Permanente for promoting breast-feeding for new mothers. In the article, an expert states that research shows breast-feeding reduces newborns' risk of ailments such as pneumonia, ear infections, upset stomach and diarrhea.
It's appropriate to strengthen the expert's statement by turning it around: Research shows that formula-feeding increases newborns' risk of common ailments such as pneumonia, ear infections, upset stomach and diarrhea.
Breast-feeding is the wiser choice, and women who are educated, encouraged and supported will have the tools to carry out their wise decisions.
– Darlena Belushin McKay, West Sacramento
Slaughter may aid horse industry
Re "Horses soon may be killed as food" (Business, Dec. 1): I have a very deep love for horses. Growing up with these beautiful creatures, I could never eat horse meat and find the idea repulsive.
However, despite this I am very happy and relieved at the possibility of the slaughterhouses being allowed again. I believe that this will greatly reduce the number of horses being abandoned and hopefully will allow the horse industry to flourish once more.
The closing of U.S. slaughterhouses defeated its purpose. Instead of decreasing horse abuse, it has increased.
– Victoria Groesz, Auburn
Tobacco is well-regulated
Re "Smoke shops, schools are not a healthy mix" (Editorials, Nov. 25): Smoking is an addictive and deadly habit, but should it be the responsibility of government to ensure it stays out of reach of youths? There already are sufficient government regulations. Now, parents have to be parents.
Like it or not, kids have access to tobacco. We cannot protect them from the environment they face, but we can prepare them by teaching them to make wise decisions.
– Danielle Gregory, Antelope
Medical marijuana is a scam
Medically speaking, marijuana is as useful as eating dirt. This medical marijuana thing is just another example of society's penchant for feeling good.
Drugs, booze and chemicals are easier to take than a strong dose of self-discipline, a healthy diet, and a happy outlook on life.
– Elliott McCloud, Sacramento
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