I'm writing to express a concern over a trend that is both inexplicable and disturbing, specifically the publishing of "opinions" in news organizations.

The job of a news reporting agency is to report the facts, not put its stamp of approval or disapproval on them. Worse yet are the messages directed at (dare I say attempts to manipulate) individuals such as the mayor, council members and other decision makers to conform to a news agency's stated positions.

While the Mercury News seems to have cornered the market on this last offense, I was surprised and disappointed when the Willow Glen Resident stated its "approval" of the Tamien Place project. The article that ran the same day that reflected interviews with local business owners was by its nature stilted. What business owners wouldn't welcome more local residents? Business is business, concerns of seven neighborhood associations and many hundreds of residents be damned. Justifying decisions on the opinions of people who have only heard one side of an issue and have no idea of the long-range impacts is dangerous politics. (People also genuinely embraced DDT as a wonderful thing, at first.)

If the local newspapers won't equally represent all sides of the issues, they no longer serve the public interest and deserve to be discarded, which would be a genuine shame.

—Alison England, Fuller Avenue


Gift Faire appreciates story, aids in fundraiser

We want to thank the Willow Glen Resident, Mary Gottschalk and your very fine young photographer for your support of the nonprofit International Gift Faire and its mission, which is to continue to help create jobs for people in developing countries who are struggling to support their families.

This year's sales total of $78,698.26 will provide employment for many of these poor artisans and their families. Your support, Mary's wonderful story and the excellent photos all helped to make this possible. In behalf of the Gift Faire committee and especially the artisans, we thank you!

—Norma Voth, Publicity International Gift Faire