Solution to school shootings: Sell guns only to women
To our ineffective federal politicians, I offer a simple solution to two currently publicized and perennially unsolved problems — school shootings and sexual harassment. Rather than continuously stonewalling even a minuscule change in gun regulation and disputing or denying sexual harassment, make one amendment to gun possession laws — sell guns only to women. That will kill two birds with one stone; more accurately, virtually eliminate school shootings (none has been done by a woman) and drastically reduce the number of misogynistic predators. And, a bonus would be a more than modest reduction in the membership and influence of the National Rifle Association, which “owns” too many lawmakers. Robert F. Lewis II Santa Fe
Small price to pay
I suggest that Nancy King (“A military parade is the last thing we need,” Letters to the Editor, Feb. 15), read some history books before attacking the government for spending money on the military so they can kill people. The following beautiful description was written by Charles M. Province, a veteran of the U.S. Army, founder and president of The George S. Patton Jr. Historical Society: “… It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to protest. … It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.”
Take this to heart, because it is true, whether you like it or not. Think about where America would be without our military and honor them for their sacrifices. A parade is a small price to pay for their dedication to our country. Joette O’Connor Santa Fe
Sanctuary response?
Here is one question that should be responded to, in specific terms, by every candidate for the upcoming mayoral and City Council elections: “Given that Santa Fe is a sanctuary city, if the federal government steps up arrests, detentions and deportations of, not only Dreamers, but also others of our fellow residents, what specific actions will you take to increase protection of them?” Stephen C. Joseph, M.D. Santa Fe
Google it
Though it’s heartening to read that Robert Mueller has indicted several Russian citizens and businesses for interfering in our 2016 elections, I can’t forgive or forget those who voted for the Russian’s purported puppet, Donald Trump. Isn’t it the responsibility of voters to do their own research? It’s 2018 people — you have a computer — use its search engines to get at the truth, not the propaganda put forth by any political party. Ruth Vilmain Santa Fe
Boundless puffery
How long will this country put up with the self-aggrandizement of Donald Trump? His puffery knows no bounds. Thirty million dollars or so for a selfcongratulatory parade? Where are his humanitarian concerns for the people of this country in the wake of continual disasters from guns, hurricanes, fires and floods? Barbara Frost Santa Fe
Visionary leadership
My husband and I have known Alan Webber since he and and his wife, Frances, moved to Santa Fe some 16 years ago. We became friends was working out together at Mandrill’s Gym with a young trainer named Frank Baca. Frank wanted to start his own gym and Alan urged us to help make Frank’s dream come true. As Frank puts it today, “I was just a kid from Pecos trying to start a business in Santa Fe, against long odds. Alan Webber believed in me, invested in me (financially supporting my start up), and mentored me in the fundamentals of management, accounting and client relationships. My learning curve was steep, but everyone had my back and wouldn’t let me quit. Alan went out of his way to befriend me and get to know my family in Pecos and Santa Fe. He wanted to know more about my community, as this was his new home. I saw a side to a very busy and successful man that not everyone has the chance to see.”
Alan Webber understands not only the importance of building up local businesses but making the business community inclusive. Santa Fe is at a crossroads in a rapidly changing world. It is time for Alan Webber’s visionary leadership. Pat and Michael French Santa Fe
Try MVD Express
A quiz on how to renew your driver’s license. Option 1: Go to the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, as I did recently at 1:30 p.m. on a Thursday afternoon. Take No. 250 in line, then realize they are serving No. 193, which means hours there waiting in a standing-room only environment. The one gentleman waiting with whom I spoke had been waiting over two hours and said he had spoken with someone who had been there four hours — which led to the choice I made: Option 2. Leave, make an appointment with MVD Express, go to MVD Express, be served within five minutes of your appointment time and be in and out in 22 minutes. Choose Option 2. The nominal additional fee involved is a pittance to pay for the convenience, courtesy and professionalism I experienced. It is a shame that with the driver’s license renewal revenue we all pay to the state, it cannot provide better service. But this is New Mexico. Why am I not surprised? Tom Carr Santa Fe
Snack shop, no more
Considering today’s overwhelmingly heavy issues, this offering might seem a little on the shallow side of life. But this issue is very important to me — the closing of the snack shop at Target. What? Doesn’t everyone stop first by the snack shop to pick up popcorn, maybe a warm pretzel on their way to shopping? Having a little snack while rolling your basket just makes the Target shopping experience that much better. But no more. Target’s snack shop is closed. Target, please reconsider. I’m begging. Scout Gay Santa Fe