Letters

Published on October 10, 2008

Cartoon slayed him

To the Bulletin: In my language, Dale Neseman's drawing (Page A4, Oct. 3 Bulletin) was killer. That should be sent to Rep. Stanley Rosenberg and Gov. Deval Patrick. I don't know if Aaron Julien, James Foudy and Alan Lecker could tolerate or find a local cartoonist for the Daily Hampshire Gazette. Hats off to Neseman and editor Noah Hoffenberg.

Tom McBride
Amherst

Cartoon was poor journalism

To the Bulletin: The cartoon in last week's Bulletin really crystallizes my disappointment about the evolution of the commentary page: It was a very unfortunate swipe at the work of town employees; in short, a cheap shot. Based on my conversations around town, I believe that the disappointment is shared. We are looking for a different kind of journalism, and a higher level of editorial opinion, than something that would come out of the Boston Herald or the New York Post.

I like the expanded space for letters to the editor, but that's about all that I like.

I understand that the Gazette has been named New England Newspaper of the Year, so this is not prime time for self-examination.

Richard Morse
Town Meeting member
Precinct 7
Amherst

Jersey barrier idea is back anew

To the Bulletin: I've followed with interest the suggestions about how to control traffic on Lincoln Avenue. Before trying more expensive, permanent solutions, how about putting a Jersey barrier on Lincoln Avenue, north of the Fearing Street intersection to reroute traffic to University Drive?

Jon Hite
Amherst

A few words about Rev. Carlos

To the Bulletin: I am writing in response to an article that appeared in the Amherst Bulletin on Sept. 26. If this article had not been such a derogatory affront against Rev. Carlos Anderson's personal character, I would have simply laughed it off as a bad joke. However, due to its inflammatory nature I feel I must respond.

I have been a member of Hope Community Church for the past 16 years. When I first came to Hope Community Church in October 1992, I was in a very dark place in my life. I had visited a number of area churches looking for my "home." I wanted this home to be a place of comfort and acceptance. One that could help me change my life and grow into a woman with dignity and grace.

Hope Community Church became that place. That very first day I heard Rev. Anderson preach "You are the Holy Child of God in whom He is well pleased, with nothing added and nothing taken away. Just as you are. God loves you."

What? Just as I am? With all my appearances of sin and degradation? Ah, yes, Rev. Anderson says: God loves me as a parent loves a child. He could be dissatisfied with how I'm living my life and prod me to change into a more evolved higher self; however, God indeed loves me just as I am. Does this sound like it is a place of discord? A place of exclusivity? A place of bias and hatred? I think not. Rather it is a place of love and understanding. A place of personal growth and of learning that God is all there is and all I need to be whole and Holy.

As for why Rev. Carlos is retiring. Simply put, it is his time to do so.

In all my years at Hope, I have never seen anyone be turned away. No matter of their color, their sexual preference, their dress, their level of education, their position in life, or any other position of "less than" as seen by society at large. Conversely, all these people and more are readily welcomed at Hope Church. Come join us - find out for yourself what kind of place of worship Hope Community Church is or isn't.

In closing, I would simply like to quote something Rev. Anderson teaches regularly: "God is in Heaven and Heaven is in Me and Holy is my Name."

Candace M. Garland
Chicopee

Dog buyers beware

To the Bulletin: I would like to warn other readers about dangers to be aware of when getting their next dog. Many people spend hundreds of dollars to buy a healthy looking puppy only to find out soon after that he is seriously ill and requires costly veterinary care to save his life. With some basic steps, families can protect themselves, their wallets and the puppies all at the same time.

Puppy mills are breeding facilities that produce purebred puppies in large numbers and sell them to unsuspecting consumers. They are inhumane, designed to maximize profits, and commonly disregard the physical, social and emotional health of the dogs in their facilities. Because of these conditions, puppy mill puppies are more likely to have physical and behavioral problems than dogs from good sources.

Puppy mills lurk behind the beautiful Web sites, ads in the local newspaper, even behind the doors of a nearby pet store. The best way to stop puppy mills from continuing their abuse is for consumers to stop buying the puppies they breed. Many people think that they are "rescuing" a puppy or buying one - don't be fooled, you're just creating space for another puppy to be sold. Never buy a dog unless you can see for yourself where he or she was born, how the parents are kept and what condition all the dogs are in.

If you have your heart set on purchasing a purebred dog, it should be from a reputable breeder. A printable checklist of good breeder characteristics is available on the Web site, www.stoppuppymills.com, and more information about finding your next pet can be found on The Humane Society of the United States' Web site, www.hsus.org.

By far, the best place to get your next pet is the local animal shelter. Many people are surprised to learn that nationwide, one out of every four dogs in shelters are purebred. Most of these shelter animals have already been spayed or neutered, and have received all their vaccinations and veterinary checkups. Shelters also screen animals for adoption so that they can make a great match between animals and their new families. Purebred rescue groups are another excellent resource for finding a dog and you can find links at www.petfinder.org and www.pets911.com.

People who love dogs need to help stop them from being mistreated by making sure they aren't supporting a puppy mill.

Meredith Troy
Amherst

Hope is about inclusion

To the Bulletin: I was shocked when I read the article about Hope Community Church. What I read did not at all describe the church I've been attending for 17 years - where inclusitivity and tolerance are how we at Hope are known. This is in fact what I was told prior to joining and has been true and consistent with my experience of membership there.

I have attended all the community meetings regarding Pastor Carlos' retirement which he announced in March and the Rev. Crystal Roberson's new pastorship. We discussed the impact of this change on each of us as individuals. Never was this change attributed to our Pastor's sexuality. This would have mattered greatly to me. I am a lesbian.

Although there are many points in the article that are debatable the one that is the most disturbing to me is the implied characterization of the Rev. Crystal Roberson and Rhonda Gordon. I have had a close relationship with Rev. Crystal and have been best friends with Rhonda for 15 years. I'm sure after 15-plus years I would have known if they were homophobic toward me or any other member.

In regard to the word "traditional," it has many associations with both our hopes and fears. Several members associated the word traditional with their fears of "right wing conservative theology." I left these conversations assured by our new leadership that the basic values of inclusitivity and tolerance will be maintained.

My hope is founded in the meaning I give to the word traditional. I was taught that Jesus Christ is my lord and savior and by faith I believe this. At an early age I learned how to pray and ask Jesus Christ for help and guidance. My prayer life has sustained me my entire life. Now I pray for stability and strength in this stressful time of transition.

Kaitie Gallagher
Amherst

Dismayed by article

To the Bulletin: I read with dismay your article about Rev. Carlos Anderson's retirement from Hope Community Church. Having been an active participant for more than 20 years, I have been a personal witness to Rev. Anderson's absolutely astounding spiritual teachings.

After finishing reading the article, somehow, I was left with an "empty feeling." The author had entirely missed the point of what Rev. Anderson is and has been to the Hope community, as well as to myself personally, to the community at-large, and so many others whom he has touched so deeply as a constant inspirational teacher.

I have watched thousands upon thousands, at different periods in the "history" of Rev. Anderson's leadership, enter the "little church on Gaylord Street" with their own personal life stories filled with all that life consists of - the mountains, as well as the valleys and often it was "the valleys" that would bring people to this spiritual haven. I have subsequently witnessed so many of those same people get "filled with the spirit of love and forgiveness," which is Rev. Anderson's number one teaching, following the teachings of "Christ-consciousness."

I am sorry that the author of that article missed the point of why Hope Community Church is celebrating Rev. Anderson's retirement from Hope Community Church. He has been a beacon of bright light for all who choose to experience it as such. I am one of those lucky individuals. Rev. Anderson has made a significant difference in my life, a constant reminder of what is important in the face of whatever challenges are placed in front of me, and for that I will be forever grateful. The entire Anderson family will always be an inspiration: Rev. Anderson's mother, Norma Jean Anderson, will remain an eternal representative of love and "being the best you can be," because she was just that throughout her entire life, and her children continue to hold that legacy.

In a world filled with so much hatred, war, anger, discrimination and the like, it is clear to me that Rev. Anderson is an amazing spiritual channel and teacher of love and forgiveness, which is what the world desperately needs. I felt obliged to respond to the article, to make sure that people really know the truth. Isn't that what true journalism should be? I hope that the author of the article will "pause for the cause" and think about what is truth and what is "sensationalism." Truth will always win out in the end.

Karen Copeland
Wendell

What Hope means

To the Bulletin: In 1991, I walked thru the doors of 20 Gaylord St.: 23 years old, recently diagnosed HIV-positive. What I felt about life was that mine was over. I felt diseased, scared and lonely and suicidal; I had no hope for a future. I thought it was the beginning of the end.

Back then, we didn't know what we do today, but the fear was real for many, those diagnosed for sure and those who knew someone who was. Death was a sure thing back then. Most people were not living with AIDS; they were dying from it.

In my personal life, I really had no support to help me deal with this life-altering diagnosis.

Immediately upon walking thru the door, I received love. I can say it made me uncomfortable: I thought I was not worthy of love, because of who I was and what I had. I felt certain that once people knew about my disease, I would be treated just like I was outside those walls: talked about, feared and made to feel even worse.

That did not happen at all. I shared with the church that I had HIV; if possible, I received more love and understanding.

Assistant Pastor Rev. Crystal Roberson showed me the way, the way out of my fear and into my life a true friend to me through it all. Pastor Carlos Anderson took special interest in helping me holistically and spiritually as well. The whole Anderson family welcomed me with open arms into the church and into their family. Never had I felt this loved in my life.

Almost 18 years later I am alive, fully alive, full of hope and peace, healthy and a knowing that "all things work together for good," raising my 14-year-old son Joshua, who was raised by the village of Hope.

Currently, I am in a loving and committed relationship. Without the unconditional love and acceptance I received back then and still today, I can honestly say I would not still be here had it not been for them all. In each and every way they gave life to me.

Lisa Wentworth
Hope Church member
Amherst

Stricken

To the Bulletin: "A child," the announcement said. "A child."

A recorded message over the phone, direct from the superintendent of schools to my ear.

"A child was hit at a bus stop this morning."

A 2-year-old brother watching an older sister climb onto the bus. A younger brother probably dancing like the little aspen leaves that floated that morning, floated in the muggy, almost autumn air. A morning that had enough of summer still in it to believe nothing should be taken seriously.

A yellow bus, like crayons, like grilled cheese, like corduroy pants, a bus made for children slid around a corner and the child is gone.

I wasn't there, but I can't put it aside. In North Amherst, a mother looks and looks, disbelieving the emptiness before her. In North Amherst she does not know where to turn. In North Amherst there is a sister who maybe danced, too, one moment, now cannot think what went between the giddiness and this blackness. There is a bus driver who is still trying to wrench back the steering wheel. I don't want to imagine the screams. "Mijo! Mijo!" But they come.

I know these demons; they creep and surprise. I know my paltry prayer every morning to keep my children safe this day is bargaining against cheats. There is no harder work than to make the mind, the heart comprehend what it has every right to reject.

What family can go on? This little boy is our mijo now. He was one of ours and so is this family and this bus driver.

Right now, I only know to offer my distant, foolish grief as company.

Maureen Buchanan Jones
Amherst

Boost the CPA surcharge

To the Bulletin: I enthusiastically support full funding of the Community Preservation Act. The master plan that is in the final stage of development lists key directions for the Amherst community. CPA funding will significantly help us achieve several of these objectives:

* "Maintaining the town's existing charm and existing community character." The CPA helps fund historic property purchases and renovations.

* "Promoting an ethic of sustainability in all town activities." The CPA contribution toward an APR Agricultural Protection Restriction) on the North Amherst Community Farm is a fine example of support for sustainability.

* "Striving for diversification of community amenities to meet the needs of all residents." CPA support for affordable housing and public recreation helps meet the needs of our growing minority population.

The master plan is an ambitious document that is based on input from all segments of the Amherst community. It is Amherst's "blueprint for the future." Fully funding the CPA on Nov. 4 will help us achieve the goals enunciated in the master plan.

Larry Orloff
Town Meeting member
Precinct 3
Comprehensive Planning Committee member
Amherst

Vote yes on local ballot initiative No. 6

To the Bulletin: Residents of Amherst need to know of an important local initiative that will be on the ballot for Amherst residents this Nov. 4. It is called Secure Green Future and asks: "Shall the representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of legislation that, 1) reduces greenhouse gas emissions in Massachusetts by 80 percent by 2020, and 2) phases out tax incentives for energy-intensive projects, while expanding job creation programs for locally-owned business and cooperatives involved in renewable energy, conservation, and sustainable agriculture?"

We urge you to vote yes on ballot No. 6.

Massachusetts and most states are currently only asking for some 10 percent to 20 percent reduction by 2020. This is way too slow to be attacking the problem according to the world experts, America's James Hansen of NASA and Rajendra Pachauri of the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

At that rate, Boston could be under 3 to 6 feet of water from mile thick ice sheets suddenly falling into the oceans at both polar ice caps. (See the February 2008 issue of Scientific American on the rapidly moving ice sheets from empirical annual measurements.) The politicians at the state capitals are lobbied by the large corporations to go slowly in fighting global warming, and as we know from Detroit to Wall Street the large corporations are in foot-dragging denial on many fronts.

The criminally incompetent Bush administration has been lying to the public about global warming. And one of the continual lies they tell is that going green will cost jobs. And that is why the initiative articulates the second point about expanding job opportunities for local green jobs: to counter the globalization that has been the core of the problem in making an energy hog of the world.

Please note that this initiative will be No. 5 in Granby, Hatfield, Montgomery, and the Hamptons. Tell your friends.

Larry Ely
Amherst