Attorney”s comments didn”t make sense
The following quote (Observer?*American, Dec. 26) from Mr. Hughes” defense attorney Stuart Hanlon is beyond comprehension. “I”m very confident that in any of those counties he will be acquitted; there is not the racial sameness that there is in Lake County.”
What he is saying, indirectly, is that we are “too white” to hold a trial that involves people of color. Does that mean that white people only convict non-whites? Does that mean that people of color only convict white people, never people of their race?
This is the most asinine argument I have ever heard. If it were true, no white person would ever be convicted of a crime in Lake County and the people of Los Angeles, Sacramento, Oakland or San Diego would never convict a black person. I think Mr. Hanlon should re-examine his own issues with all people, white or otherwise. None of us, black, white or whatever, are as stupid as he thinks and he certainly does an injustice to all people of color: they don”t like or condone criminal activities any more than the next person.
Wayne Diggs
Lakeport
Here”s another local author to celebrate
In today”s issue of the Observer*American (Dec. 19) you had an article about Lake County”s productive authors. I feel you left out a very important author on your list. Christine Feehan is a very prolific, New York Times bestselling author and has been for several years. She credits Lake County as her home on the inside back cover of her books. Whenever I purchase one of her books I get a little thrill knowing she is from my county. I personally have never seen any articles about her in the local papers, and it is a shame because she is something that is very positive for our county, an inspiration for local writers and dreamers alike.
Nikki Carte
Clearlake
Editor”s Note: Local authors, we”re relying on you and your publishers to keep our newsroom informed about new books. We also appreciate word of local signings that come from booksellers in the area. Please send your announcements to arts@record-bee.com. An image of the book”s cover is an additional nice touch that we like to publish when possible. When we have enough new titles, we intend to publish another feature that showcases local authors” newest books.
Clearlake made right call on ?Murata tree”
I applaud Clearlake City Administrator Dale Neiman for denying a request to have a healthy tree cut down next to Mr. Murata”s driveway.
Murata (Observer*American, Dec. 26) cites that the tree is unsafe and can potentially cause cracking of the sidewalk and water pipes; however, these issues are not reality.
Mr. Murata proclaims to be a taxpayer and cannot believe that his tax dollars won”t pay for his unwarranted request. A healthy tree does not pose a safety problem.
A resident of Redding, Mr. Murata exposes the true reason for his request when he shares with the reader that he owns several properties here; he is apparently a land developer, and he wants the taxpayers of Clearlake pay to have a tree removed that is an “inconvenience” and “hindrance” to his profits.
It”s apparent the City Administrator weighed the interests of public safety, the environment and fiscal responsibility and made the right decision. Mr. Murata would be better served to sell his properties here and buy in L.A. where cement is more prevalent than trees.
Diane M. Watson
Clearlake
Make Congress obey the U.S. Constitution
It is tragic that so few Americans understand what the founders of our nation gave us. Therefore, we have allowed the federal government to erode many of our constitutionally protected rights. Go to www.thenewamerican.com for details. Search: restoring rights.
On July 4, 1776, the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence stated: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed?.”
Here, we have the basics of Americanism: 1. People are born with natural or God-given rights to life, liberty, and property. 2. People created the federal government and granted it limited powers for the sole purpose of helping to protect their rights. Both the people and the government must obey the U.S. Constitution. Founded on these principles, the United States became the greatest nation in history.
Unfortunately, much that the federal government does today is unconstitutional. We the people need to contact Congress to make it obey our Constitution.
John A. Clibourn
North Hills
Don”t forget to write!
The Clear Lake Observer*American welcomes letters responding to articles and opinions that have appeared in this newspaper, as well as on topics of general interest. Letters can be sent to letters@clearlakeobserver.com or mailed to PO Box 6200, Clearlake, CA 95422. Pleases include complete name, address and telephone number.
