Jul 24, 2008

Letters to the Editor

Daily News

Oil drilling

Dear Editor: Why won't House Speaker Nancy Pelosi let the oil drilling bill come to a vote? Nancy Pelosi, who is a multi-millionaire, can afford to pay $5 a gallon for gas. Us folks who work for a living cannot afford to buy hybrids or ride public transport.

It may be fun to posture and play political games while the rest of us suffer from high gas prices. The rest of us see no humor in these games.

If Pelosi is truly a representative of the people she would bring offshore drilling to a vote on the floor of the House.

They say that Nero fiddled while Rome burned. There is a parallel between Nero and a Congress going on summer break while we suffer.

Keith C. De Filippis,

San Jose



Student dropouts

Dear Editor: Recently, the state Department of Education released a study of the dropout rate among those students who fail to complete a four-year high school curriculum. The study correctly identified the factors, primarily economic, which contribute to the problem.

Though not stated in the report, one clear conclusion which can be drawn from all the data is that the hundreds of teachers who willingly teach in the underperforming schools throughout our communities are truly some of the unsung heroes and heroines among us. Thanks to their professionalism, dedication and inspiration, untold numbers of young men and women find the hope and acquire the skills to look forward to a bright and encouraging future.

Michael Traynor,

Burlingame



Mideast conflict

Dear Editor: Recently, Husam Taysir Dwayat, an East Jerusalem Arab, used a brand-new terrorist weapon to sow fear and cause bloodshed among Israel's civilian population - a Caterpillar bulldozer. The debate may continue about whether he was just a crazy criminal or a terrorist, but one thing is certain - his intent was to murder, maim and frighten Israelis.

The usual cacophony of various Arab terrorist groups bragging that they were responsible followed Dwayat's barbaric rampage down a Jerusalem street. Word that he crushed a 33-year-old mother to death seconds after she managed to unbuckle her infant and pass her out the window to safety in a stranger's hands didn't mute those brave voices demanding credit for the brutality. The mother had battled infertility for years, finally giving birth to a child who will now have no mother.

With the wanton, deliberate slaughter of innocents like this, and the rejoicing among Arabs after it happens, no wonder Israel feels obligated to seek out people like Dwayat, hunt them down like mad dogs and kill them before they get away with mass murder.

Desmond Tuck,

San Mateo



Pet adoption

Dear Editor: I am very proud to be a volunteer with the Peninsula Humane Society/SPCA for the past 25 years. San Mateo County residents can also be very proud of this fine organization, which just keeps getting better and better.

On Saturday, for the first time, an Adopt-a-Thon was held at the shelter with the doors opening at 11 a.m. and closing at midnight. The purpose was to give more people access with different hours and because there is such an abundance of very adoptable pets, especially cats. Because it is kitten season, the shelter has many adult cats, and they are waiving the adoption fee to a loving home for any cat over 5 years old. Most adult cats are usually quieter and relaxed and have learned to become people-friendly.

The Adopt-a-Thon was a huge success with 66 pets adopted, 45 of them cats. Of course, there are plenty more awaiting good homes.

The upcoming dog walk, Mutt Strutt, is a popular annual event with dogs and their people walking along the Bay at Coyote Point. PHS/SPCA, with Ken White as president with his incredible staff and volunteers, has made enormous strides over the years, especially the fact that for more than five years there has been a 100-percent adoption rate of healthy dogs and cats. Once again, San Mateo County should be proud.

Lynn Porto,

Hillsborough