Letters to the Editor (3/30/16) 

Flood Flub

[Re "Leaders of the Backpack," March 23]: Interesting article, but I noticed a minor factual error: The flood of 1927 occurred in November, so if the Three Musketeers hiked the Long Trail in July and August 1927, they would not have encountered a landscape that had "recently been ravaged by the famous 1927 flood."

Eric Goldwarg

Hanover, N.H.

Vegan Variety

I was so happy to see ["Vegging Out," March 16]. I always find it puzzling that the general, carnist public does not think that foodies can be vegan.

I consider myself a foodie — well, food-obsessed, really. I indulge in all kinds of cuisines, from your basic American fare to more daring recipes that incorporate spices such as cassia bark and cardamom, as found in my favorite Indian dishes. How can one not appreciate the talent required of vegan chefs to use innovative ingredients to make, let's say, quesadillas taste cheesy without the cheese by using cashew cheese or other vegan substitutes?

Also, I'm sure I'm not alone in my loathing of this bacon craze that's perpetuated by people who seem to have a cognitive dissonance with where that bacon comes from. What's great about Pingala Café & Eatery's "bacon" is that Trevor Sullivan allows us to indulge in all of the flavors and textures, but without using animal products.

I could go on and on about how great vegan food is for your taste buds, your mental clarity and your overall soul, but it's something you must try for yourself.

Brenna Galdenzi

Stowe

Galdenzi is executive director of Protect our Wildlife.

Carbon-Free Planning

This is an interesting but very sad situation ["Hinesburg Residents Scramble to Keep Gas Pipeline Out of Park," March 9]. At some point I expect we can stop struggling to play catch-up with secretive carbon-fuel infrastructure plans made with establishment-friendly public service boards. Then, free from the lack of transparency — an enormous political advantage for corporations — we can finally plan for carbon-free power and infrastructure.

At some point. May I suggest, maybe, yesterday?

Robert Spottswood

Norwich

Big on Barbie

Local Barbie aficionados ["All Dolled Up: Going on a Barbie Blitz in Montréal" March 9] might enjoy the documentary film Magical Universe about Al Carbee, the quirky, reclusive artist of Saco, Maine, who created a whole world of Barbies for himself. It's a moving tribute to a sensitive soul and definitely worth seeing. My view of Barbies and of art is forever changed.

Cynthia Liepmann

Randolph Center

Pro Grow

[Re "A Divided House Judiciary Committee Ponders the Pot Bill," March 16]: Regarding the issue of marijuana cultivation for personal use, I would like to add my perspective as a patient on the medical marijuana registry. The current law permits limited cultivation indoors under highly restricted, difficult and costly conditions. I am on a fixed income and cannot afford the exorbitant price charged by state-run dispensaries, and, of course, my insurance will not cover it. Patients along with recreational users should be allowed to grow small amounts of marijuana for personal use outdoors as they would vegetables for food.

Abigail Wirth

East Ryegate

'Yellow' Show

I noticed your cover story about the Mellow Yellow band being a big hit ["Rocking the Boat" and "Sail Away," March 16] but largely ignored in Vermont. That's not the case here in Barre — we love them at Studio Place Arts. They'll be coming for their third performance at our annual Big Arty SPA Happening (BASH) on May 13. For art enthusiasts, there will be a related exhibit in our main gallery called "Encountering Yellow." Join us for another great performance.

Sue Higby

Barre

Higby is executive directorof Studio Place Arts.

Superdelegate Problem

As a registered voter, Vermont taxpayer and resident of Essex Junction, I would like to express my disappointment that four of the state's superdelegates — Sen. Patrick Leahy, Gov. Peter Shumlin, former governor Howard Dean and Billi Gosh — are not following the will of the Vermont voters by endorsing Sen. Bernie Sanders for the president of the United States [Off Message: "Sanders Picks Up Superdelegate Support in Vermont," March 8]. With all the challenges and inequalities that our country faces, we are in great need of a true and honest president, voted in by the people, not by superdelegates.

The United States of America has a corrupt and rigged political system that includes Citizens United. Superdelegates are part of it, too. They came about after the 1980 Democratic National Convention, during which Sen. Ted Kennedy and his supporters challenged sitting president Jimmy Carter. Many Democrats felt that the democratization of the primary process had led to chaos. Therefore, they wanted to give the party elites — superdelegates — more of a say. The fact that the party establishment can overturn the voters strikes me as being very unfair.

Hillary Clinton does not represent Vermont. Bernie Sanders does!

Christine A. Moon

Essex Junction

More History

It may be interesting to note that this carriage garage building on Pine Street was also the birthplace of Vermont Heating & Ventilating. ["New Pressure on Old Buildings in the Queen City," March 2]. Back in 1949, Nathan Brown and Sen. Jack O'Brien from South Burlington started VHV with borrowed money and a prayer, and today it is the largest mechanical contractor in Vermont. The current owner, CEO and president is David Nathan Brown, a grandson of Nathan Brown.

Kenneth Brown

Jericho

Kenneth Brown is the son of Nathan Brown and the father of David Nathan Brown.