Speak Out

'Spiritual' one presented a one-sided case

The opinion piece by Sandy Sims ("Philosophies Collide on Family Vacation") in the Aug. 9 issue of the Willow Glen Resident is quite disturbing. I am very familiar with the person she claims lacks "spirituality" because he did not take a four-hour side trip while driving 1,600 miles in a 10-day period. The person she so flippantly described in her opinionated article is, in fact, a kind, considerate, compassionate and sensitive person who has and continues to tolerate many of Ms. Sims' personal idiosyncrasies.

She forgot to mention in her nearly slanderous piece, that it was her erstwhile traveling companion who had originally suggested the driving vacation in the first place. She also forgot to mention that she wanted to stop by lakes overnight and that did happen, twice.

Clearly she forgot to report that the side trip she mentioned she would like to take was prefaced with the comment, "It is your decision--I got to make the decision to take the 'Scenic Six Route.' I mean it, it is really up to you."

Within 10 minutes of not taking the turnoff for the four-hour side trip, the conversation became, as it has been described, "frosty." I understand the next day or so in the car the mood was quite somber and "perfunctory." It was only after visiting the Cedar Point resort area and seeing the tallest roller coaster in the world (310 feet) and stopping at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (where an excellent parking place was easily found, I am told), was the driver able to convince the spiritually enlightened Ms. Sims, that it had been a good vacation.

Although the piece was on the opinion page, it still needs to be factually correct. Besides, see if I buy her a present for our anniversary next year.

Phil Sims
San Jose

Cunningham has support of leaders and neighbors

Ken who? What exactly qualifies this person to represent us? I have known Kris Cunningham for over 40 years and know that Frank Fiscalini's endorsement of Kris to represent District 6 on the city council was the right decision.

Voters need to follow Fiscalini's lead and look at the records of the two candidates who are running for this position. Kris has been a tireless advocate for the needs of our community here in Willow Glen and for San Jose in general for over 20 years.

Not only has she served as president of the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association, but her proactive stance in the San Jose Unified School District has earned her the endorsement of the superintendent and the entire SJUSD board. Her staunch support of the neighbors who are currently working to preserve their neighborhood in light of the Caltrain development in the Garden Alameda area has won her many friends in that community as well.

Leaders such as Mike Honda, Pat Dando, Blanca Alvarado and Linda Lezotte also recognize Kris' capability as a civic leader and stand behind her as their choice for District 6.

If you're undecided, please watch her debate Ken and then you decide who is more informed, qualified and committed to leading us in the right direction. Keep an eye out for forum dates, which will be scheduled in October.

Sharon Grover
Carolyn Ave.

Kids who can't behave shouldn't go out to eat

One of the most pleasant aspects of living in Willow Glen is to be able to enjoy the many great eating places around the downtown area. It is a delight to see families begin their weekends with an outing to a favorite restaurant. However, I continue to be appalled by the lack of appropriate parental control of these events.

Somehow many parents seem to think that allowing a preschool-age child to dance in the small space next to their table is an acceptable way of channeling the child's exuberance. I am baffled when a doting father gazes with adoration at his little one as he or she loudly sings, interrupts the adults, demands special treats, or otherwise dominates the action.

Here are some suggestions for the parentally challenged:

* Do not bring children to a nonfast-food restaurant if you cannot control their behavior in public. (And get professional help to figure out why you are resisting the role of parent if you know you fit this category.)

* Educate your children about being courteous and sensitive about how their own behavior affects those around them. How will they learn to care someday how their behavior is affecting people elsewhere on the planet if they never learned to care how it affects someone at the next table?

* Make it clear to your children that in your family the adults are in charge, including when you leave your home.

* If you bring children, stay engaged with them and do not encourage little groups of children to form to play in the fountain or chase the birds or compete in making funny faces. A restaurant is not a park.

* Operate on the principle that restaurant meals are a privilege; those who cannot behave go home immediately.

Feeling badly for not having enough time with children is no excuse for indulging them. Good enough parents will not hesitate to take charge and enforce good manners in public. The rest of us will all be grateful.

Carol Campbell
Minnesota Ave.

'War on Drugs' is fruitless; here is an alternative

God knew exactly what he was doing when he created this planet and the people on it. He created all sorts of plants and animal species for a purpose. He created marijuana--God created marijuana; it helps myriad diseases and conditions, and to top it off, it is found to be pleasurable to most people. God also created the poppy seed plant from which we derive opiates, to lessen pain. He also knowingly created the iboga plant, from which we derive ibogaine. Ibogaine detoxes people who have a physical dependence to opiates such as codeine, heroin, and morphine. Surgery patients are often taken off strong pain killers much too soon, experiencing a great

deal of unnecessary pain. God meant for them to be treated adequately for their pain, and when it passed be treated with Ibogaine.

Annette French
Los Angeles

Around the Glen

DeCinzo

Sports Briefs

Rohloff, Blanco run to Dammit wins

Photo: Camp instructor Bruce Meisenbach teaches youngsters a few pitching techniques