I just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed your article ("The old double standard is rearing its gray head," June 9). Men identify with their cars but women identify with what they wear. We need to dress "age appropriate." Now, what is age appropriate? Does it mean we need to look like schoolmarms?

I am a petite woman, so generally the junior section is where I like (or used to like) to go. I think a lot of the clothing in the junior section is cute but can be considered young, or worse, slutty. I figure, if I need to ask myself, is this age appropriate, the answer is no. A little dose of reality!

Donna Fivecoat

Los Gatos

Take the monopoly
away from Comcast

If you are disappointed with the service provided by Comcast or upset with their continual faster-than-inflation rate increases, you are not alone. Cable companies are the pariah of customer service in the U.S. and have been for years. They rank dead last among all companies for customer satisfaction.

Rather than trying to get better, their scores continue to decline while the overall scores for U.S. companies have actually increased in the past few years. To add insult to injury, price increases by cable companies such as Comcast have been more than triple the rate of inflation. Most companies would be out of business with such a horrible track record.

Customers would have gone to Comcast's competitors. But Comcast has a unique advantage: they are provided with monopoly power by our local city government. In return for generous agreements that help fill city coffers, Comcast is given the freedom to treat customers poorly and raise rates with impunity. The city is happy. The cable barons are happy. Unfortunately the customers, the ones who pay for all of this, are left out in the cold.

But there is a rather simple answer to this: Competition. There is really no reason why Saratoga must provide monopoly power to Comcast. In fact, many enlightened cities have licensed and encouraged multiple cable providers to serve their residents. In such cities, rates average 17 percent less than in cities without competition. While I have not found studies documenting the impact of customer service in such cities, anecdotal evidence says customers are much, much better taken care of. No surprise, really. Cable company "A" knows if they do not treat you right, you will just jump to cable company "B." Competition and choice are wonderful things.

So I call on the city of Saratoga to drive competition in our local cable service, just as many other progressive cities are doing around the nation. This will help not just the Saratoga residents, but the city staff as well. The load generated today by irate Comcast customers calling on the city will be reduced, allowing redirection of resources to solving other more pressing city issues.

Bob Pearse

Arroyo De Arguello

Doing our fair share
for city and state

The response of some of our Saratoga residents to a call for help in repairing our infrastructure is nothing short of astounding! How simple can it get? Our town is falling apart, we need to find some money to fix it, so we all need to pitch in with a fair share.

Making a statement about "my money" makes it sound as if the person has no duty or obligation to the community he lives in.

As a matter of fact, the state of California is in the same condition as is Saratoga, and for the same reason: Selfish and/or unaware citizens forgetting that they need to help pay for the beautiful environment in which they live.

Terry Zaccone

Anza Drive

Saratoga to observe
the Fourth of July

A few weeks ago, Carl Heintze wrote in his Saratoga News column about support for the Iraq War and compared it with the patriotism during World War II. Carl said‚ "A lot has happened to the country since then, and patriotism ain't what it used to be. It ain't what it used to be in this war, that's for certain. We seem a nation divided and getting more divided as the war progresses."

I think many feel the same way as Carl. But I am sure Carl would also say that in spite of these feelings we should stop and celebrate our heritage and freedom on Independence Day, July 4. This is what the residents near the Blue Hills School will be doing for the second year in a row. Last year 250 came out to remember the meaning of Independence Day and we hope more will this year.

During our July 4 observance, we stop and remember, salute the flag, listen to the freedom bell ring, remember our veterans, sing patriotic songs and join in a patriotic parade with children, pets, bikes and adults decorated in red white and blue.

Our event is a patriotic observance. We do this because we are proud to salute our country, our freedoms and our heritage, even when we may disagree. Our observance will be held at Azule Park beside Blue Hills School on July 4 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Jack Mallory

Kirkdale Drive

Supporting cartoonist's
view of doughnut shop

Re: Krispy Kreme. Right on, DeCinzo.

Tom Keeble

Austin Way

And a different opinion
from the same address

Pay no attention to my husband. Right on, Krispy Kreme.

Judy Keeble

Austin Way