Sunday, April 29, 2007

Letters to the Editor

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Fluorescents Are Major Headache
   
    TELL ME it isn't true!
    Someone is pushing to replace regular incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents. A compact fluorescent gave me a horrible headache. This was a full spectrum type. A full spectrum bulb also gave me a headache. Both were returned to the seller, along with the headache complaint.
    Kevin Trudeau, author of "Natural Cures," gives a "thumbs down" for fluorescents.
    A teacher aide reports that pupils are more calm when these fluorescents are turned off.
    Fluorescents, reportedly, affect the thyroid gland.
    A visor worn under fluorescents has proven to be very helpful.
    CHARLOTT MOTTER
    Rio Rancho
   
Graduation Isn't About Popularity
   
    THE GRADUATING class in Rio Rancho has taken on the appearance of a popularity contest, in which the one with the most "invitations" is the winner.
    I've always thought that announcements were sent out to the families, not invitations to a family of 30 to 50 relatives. When a group of people gather together to celebrate an occasion in New Mexico, it seems there is always a fight, a stabbing or a shooting.
    This is a Rio Rancho school graduation, not a game for the Albuquerque Pit. The TV interviews with people who have issued "invitations" to everyone they consider "family" shows more than normal arrogance on their part.
    One person said she sent out "invitations" to 50 people, some out of state or out of country, but the school board only allows eight people per student, and she is incensed that such a paltry limit was put into place.
    A graduation? Not really, just an event to show who has the largest amount of friends and family participation.
    The Santa Ana Star Center will hold the graduation ceremonies, which is in Rio Rancho, not Albuquerque.
    BOB HARPLEY
    Rio Rancho
   
How Do Athletic Programs Help?
    I WOULD very much like to see an article presenting data on the net financial benefit athletic programs, especially football and basketball, bring to the universities— the University of New Mexico in particular. And if there are other assumed or proven contributions to the academic mission, I would be interested in that as well.
    BART DANFORD
    Placitas
   
Duke Controversy Highlights Racism
   
    I WAS heartened to see that the Duke lacrosse players, who were so obviously innocent, were finally exonerated. This case highlights the nationwide problem of overzealous prosecutors.
    I wonder what the result would have been if the athletes had been black, or just poor, and the victim had been white. Actually, I don't have to wonder. I know that the athletes would have been convicted and the media wouldn't have batted an eyelash.
    RICHARD MASON
    Rio Rancho