Letters to the Editor 

HOMEO PHOBIC?

Even though Alice Levitt had written the article, I decided to read “Flower Power” [April 29] because I know Laura [Brown] and like her, her store and philosophies. I do want to comment on one thing mentioned, however. Levitt wrote, “In the U.K organic healers [like Brown] are certified homeopathic physicians.” I don’t believe that is correct. Homeopathy is its own form of healing and is not herbalism. Homeopathic remedies are made from many plants and other substances but they are prepared very differently. One can think of a library and think of the different sections as different healing modalities, i.e., herbalism, Chinese medicine, homeopathy, conventional, etc. Some are similar but definitely not one in the same. And for once, Alice, I can say good job ... your “go for the shock” stuff was getting old.

Kelly Quenneville

HUNTINGTON

DEATH BY DISC GOLF

Getting hit by a frolf disc sounds silent but deadly [“Frolf U,” April 29].

Diane Elizabeth Ballou

BURLINGTON

TO FRISBEE OR NOT TO FRISBEE

Just wanted to see if I have this right: City zoning denies me parking for a third car on my one-acre lot (gotta protect that green space) and I need a permit to cut down more than two trees greater than two inches in circumference on my property. The city, however, wants to destroy the wooded area and natural habitat that is Leddy Park for frisbee? Er, excuse me, “disc golf” [“Frolf U,” April 29].

I know it won’t happen, but I’d have to suggest this issue be voted on by the citizens of Burlington and not just decided on by a few.

Dawn Setzer

BURLINGTON

“TEA TOTALLING” IT UP

In response to the recent “Tea Party” in Montpelier, Shay Totten writes in “Fair Game” [April 22] that Rep. Kesha Ram (D-Burlington) “sent this victorious Tweet after the House passed the tax bill and a message for the anti-tax ‘tea totalers’”: “Voted to raise $24 million in revenue to close the budget gap and protect vital state services: 82-54. Steep that!”

Steep that! Doesn’t that say it all?

It has been nearly two years since I founded Vermonters for Economic Health and I began a series of “Town Meeting Forums” throughout Vermont. Using the format of a PowerPoint presentation — found at www.vteh.org — many of the economic statistics, challenges and warnings outlined at these “Town Meeting Forums” have come home to roost. Vermont’s entire legislature was invited. A few showed up. All were given access to the presentation.

The sense of urgency and concern that propelled my efforts has faded into a kind of cynical satisfaction, as I witness the flailing among Vermont’s political class and its enabling media. Dismissiveness and hubris exacts its price.

Having laid down its markers in a decade-long spending, taxing and regulatory spree, Vermont’s legislature is poised to double-down on these bets, proposing further increases in spending, taxation and regulations. More should be demanded from our public officials than the rearranging of deck chairs.

The Big Picture and a dirty little secret: Political and human collectivism are not compatible with economic freedom and property rights. The latter two are necessary components of job creation and economic growth. It is the incompatibility of these tensions — between Vermont’s collectivist wants and its economic needs — that drives Vermont’s current state of confusion. Meaningful progress as a state will require Vermont to bridge this gap of incongruence.

I hope I’m wrong. But if past performance is indicative of future returns, it’s time for Vermonters to buckle up. Additional turbulence lies ahead.

Tom Licata

BURLINGTON

HOLY SEXPLOITATION

Yes, as a recent letter writer claimed, “sex sells.” The question is, how young are we willing to go as a society? How young is Seven Days willing to go? We know American Apparel sells its clothing using soft-porn photos of girls and that Seven Days opts to publish these ads across Vermont.

So, while the media rightfully takes the Catholic Church to task for sexual abuse of children by priests, they also pay their bills by sexualizing kids via American Apparel ads. I add my voice to the growing chorus asking for a stop to these images.

Michael Wood-Lewis

BURLINGTON

CANNABIS CORRECTION

Just a correction to “Growing Legit,” [May 6.] A legal case — Steve Bryant of Goshen, a medical cannabis patient — went to court and I testified in Addison. The ultimate appeal that resulted in throwing out the case was heard at the Supreme Court, argued by Bill Nelson, Esq. I was not involved in that phase of the case.

Joe McSherry

RICHMOND

WHO’S A TERRORIST?

Having read the article regarding the establishment of Homeland Security operations in Chittenden County [“Local Matters,” April 22], I feel compelled to express some personal observations.

To begin with, the title disturbs me: “Crime Doesn’t Pay — Unless You Have a Homeland Security Job.” More than a title, this is a statement implying that all individuals subject to investigation by ICE are criminals...

I’m all for an economy boost, but it seems to me there is more at issue here. I remind you all that while our law-enforcement personnel have been preoccupied with immigration issues, home-grown white-collar crime has all but destroyed the nation’s economy. I remind you that terrorism doesn’t always arrive in the form of suicide bombs, nor is it always inflicted by those of foreign cultures. The relentless outsourcing of our manufacturing sector continues to destroy the lives of Americans every bit as effectively as physical violence. Millions of Americans have nothing left to defend.

It would appear that the remedy for accidentally shooting oneself in the foot is to reload the gun.

Should my fellow Vermonters find themselves faced with boredom as they embark on and settle into Homeland Security careers, I encourage them to fill in some down time by adding my name to the red list, or blue — whatever works.

Philip Alan Wheeler

BARRE