Don't be daft on warming

Oh, Hasso, Hasso, Hasso. I take civic pride in your simple, to-the-point writing style in your editorials, but your continued lack of logic on global warming is maddening and embarrassing.

You hear that a wild fire may be sweeping across the land and could threaten your home.You take prudent action to help prevent disaster. A momentary shift of wind redirects the fire. Maybe it's not coming after all. Is it logical to ridicule the precautions you took to avert total loss? Of course not!

The wind could shift again in an instant and destroy your entire way of life. True conservatives are prudent and cautious, not flippant and reckless. Being a contrarian may seem glamorous but it's not wise.

Every momentary and contradictory weather event is not a case against global warming. And vice versa, not every heat wave is a confirmation of warming.

Let's keep an eye on the big picture. Hiding your head in the sand won't make the earth's warming go away, but it may bury you alongside an earlier breed of dinosaur.

Jamie Kitzrow, Albany

Yes, satire was the point

You are correct, George Nielsen (Mailbag, Jan. 27)!

My article about the WGA strike was, in fact, a satirical piece. As to your concern about the various conversations I have with my family and friends, let me calm your suspicions by telling you that they do pertain to quite a variety of rich and intellectual subjects that are too numerous to name at the moment.

With regard to my other satirical statement that all my knowledge about current events is obtained from television shows, I assure you that I read the newspaper and listen to the evening news to learn about current events as I'm sure you do. My article was not meant to be taken seriously, only to entertain those who read it. As Gwendolyn Brooks once said, "Read between the lines. Don't swallow everything."

Nicole Leeper, Albany

Group homes may not be best

I have been there. I know what it is like to be on the streets, I know the pain, helplessness and ostracization.

When I fell to the streets I had ruined my life by my own actions. It was there that I realized I needed help.

Some people told me about the forgiveness in Christ and I accepted it. I began attending a church and in a short time a family took me in and after awhile I stayed with Christian men who were not like me, they really cared and provided an example. Eventually I was able to get on my feet and join productive society.

I don't think my experience is unique. Group homes that are imposed on a neighborhood are not the solution; they only enhance the alienation for those in them and build ill will. People in their neighborhoods have a right to their safety and dismissing their legitimate concerns as not Christian is just another wrong perpetrated on these hard-working people.

If you are truly turning your life around help is already there; go to church and serve God and prove your sincerity to him. Realize that dependency is nothing unique, everyone is dependent by nature, so the solution is to depend on God. He alone can meet our need.

For those of you who reject God as a solution, open your home and help these people yourself. Don't force a "group home" on a neighborhood who doesn't believe as you do. That is forcing your faith on others! Jesus said, "Come unto me and I will give you rest."

Jeff Bromley, Albany

Let's not be so judgmental

I am appalled at the stance taken about the possibility of a new Oxford House. Is this the same community that has discussed in length the homelessness issue? Are we the same community who I have seen rally and defend our rights as citizens? Are we the same community who rallies and holds signs against the war and discusses the problems with cats and dogs and not even care about our fellow citizens?

I cannot imagine why we would be so offended at a home that offers excellent skills and re-entry into society for people overcoming addictions.

I have had neighbors in my lifetime growing and selling marijuana. I have lived near people who are recovering from drug addiction and also have known many functioning alcoholics who have great jobs and are in denial even after their first or second DUII.

So what are we afraid of? Is it perhaps because we are completely ignorant, or perhaps we are in denial. Give me a break; we live with people struggling with addiction every day!

We are constantly preached at to have tolerance and to do something in our cities and then when someone provides a plan of action, we are so judgmental we can't even begin to be of help.

To the people who are opposed to another Oxford House, I would welcome your plan for our fellow citizens or, better yet, maybe you could take the precious time you take while writing your letters and help these people with your skills and kindness.

We brag of the historic districts (I live in the Monteith district) like it's a badge of honor, but we can't give our fellow neighbors a chance for life. What a grand place to visit when the judgment is more intolerable than the lifestyles of people overcoming addiction.

What has become of us?

Michelle Smith Harper, Albany

About those water leaks

In the editorial, "That shop is embarrassing," the author stated, "The city was checking whether there was any building code violations in the remodeling of the business…"

In 1984, the city of Albany purchased the Vine Street water plant from Pacific Power. Recently in an Albany City Council meeting, an employee of the city mentioned that there was 20 percent water leakage from the old water line system.

If the city of Albany can take immediate action on a new business because the city thinks the business is violating city building codes, why is it taking the city of Albany so long to repair the leaky water pipes in the old water system? Leaky water pipes are costing the rate payers at least $100,000 a year, or more.

Edgar Hahn Jr., Albany

Obama can't win

Barack Obama was just endorsed by the Kennedys. I think Ted Kennedy has lost it. He never got over the deaths of his brothers. I don't blame him for that, but he can't bring them back by falling for the dulcet tones of Barack Obama's voice.

Barack Obama's speech following the Kennedy endorsement was pathetic, just a bunch of platitudes. He was fumbling; apparently it wasn't a pre-written speech.

Well, it isn't too critical that Barack Obama formulate any programs for the country, which he hasn't done, as the "Republicans" will have him for lunch in the general election. He won't win. I'll bet Cheney is smiling that crooked smile about now.

Mary Brock, Albany