Letters on the Memorial Day parade and activities, banning the
pit bull breed in Gilroy, limos for Caltrain riders and Helen
Thomas’ comments on Israel
Wonderful volunteers did a great job on the Memorial Day activities
Dear Editor,
Parades have been a part of Gilroy (thanks to all who were a part of this) long before I got involved here. In 2008 the former leadership of the Memorial Day parade approached the Exchange Club of Gilroy to see if they would be willing to take over the Memorial Day Parade because they were no longer going to do it. The Exchange Club, being a small club, had questions about the cost, number of volunteers, etc. that were needed to put this on. This information was not released so it looked like the parade would not happen.
Al Pinheiro sent out an urgent email asking anyone wanted to keep this parade alive to step forward. It was brought back to life with a number of new volunteers and some special people who continue to work on it with their expertise. It was started with no records, no financing and the park side of Christmas Hill being canceled for the Memorial Day function.
The Memorial Day Parade is now put on and directed by the newly formed Gilroy Community Organization (a 501 (c) 3 for anyone interested in donating). The board would like to thank all who volunteered many hours on Memorial Day at the cemetery, parade route and the Day at the Park. A car show was added at the park this year. There was a band and many items for the family and kids. There was a very special time with a moment of silence, the explanation of the folding of the American flag, Taps, the singing of the National Anthem and a 50-dove release.
Thanks again to all who donated funds and time so the Gilroy Community Organization could continue the Memorial Day parade. We would welcome any positive comments and suggestions on how to improve the experience.
Erwin Boggs, Gilroy
Council should abandon the idea of dog laws aimed at pit bulls
Dear Editor,
I recently heard that Gilroy officials are considering breed specific legislation. I have been trying to find out more about this and get the word out to the dog community. But I am having trouble trying to find out what is going on, and when hearings on this matter will take place. I sent a letter to the mayor and to city and police officials.
I went to the “Wags ‘n’ Wine” event at Sarah’s Vineyard and had an informational booth there. We were trying to raise awareness and promote education, training and support for local spay/neuter clinic. We also had breed information for the American Staffordshire Terrier, and for several other dog clubs that promote responsible dog ownership. We even brought the 2009 Westminster Am Staff Breed winner out to hob nob a little, “Small town farm dog that made it at the Big Apple.” I know we helped several people in attendance see bully breed dogs in a new light.
I know what the city is trying to do with an ordinance that mandates spay/neuter for all pit bull breeds, but there are to many grey areas in this type of legislation which will cause only grief for responsible dog owners.
Overpopulation is better address by having spay and neuter clinics offer reduced rates or free services for low-income families. Instead of putting money into trying to create and enforce bad legislation, consider putting money into helpful spay and neuter clinic programs.
As far as dog attacks, everyone has their own take. There are many dog owners who have little to no idea of how to treat or handle their dogs. And, unfortunately, many never seek to educate themselves. In most cases, dog attacks are preventable but most people lack basic handling experience and panic which makes a bad situation worse. A great number of factors can lead to dog attacks and there is no quick fix law that will make it all go away. Putting forth this legislation without taking into consideration the effects it would have on good dogs and their owners is unconscionable.
Nancy Hjelmstad, Gilroy, Bully Breed Owner
Take all the Gilroy Caltrain riders to work in limos, and save money
Dear Editor,
If we replaced Caltrain with limousine service, taxpayers would save vast sums of tax subsidies demanded, and received, by Caltrain riders.
Alternatively, if Caltrain riders paid fares that paid all the costs of their rides, then they could have the train rides that they demand, and should pay for because motorists pay 100 percent of the costs of the motorists’ rides. Why the double standard? Caltrain riders getting humongous subsidies; motorists burdened with their own transport costs and 99 percent of fully amortized Caltrain riders’ costs?
Joseph P. Thompson, Gilroy
Too bad reporter had to retire, but her comments Israel made sense
Dear Editor,
It is unfortunate that Helen Thomas was forced to retire after speaking her mind about Israel. I happen to agree with her, although I wouldn’t have worded it the way she did. No religion should have a homeland. Whenever there is a religious homeland it create a caste system where one group of people are superior to all other religious groups.
If the Jews get one then it justified the Muslims getting one, then the Christians will want one, and eventually the church of Scientology will want their homeland. In contrast, America is a secular nation where all religions and non-religions are equal.
I also don’t like censorship. It seems that you can’t say anything the criticizes Israel or draw cartoons of Muhammad without losing your job or your life. Like Helen, I don’t accept this form of oppression and I will say whatever I want. I encourage others to do the same.
Marc Perkel, Gilroy
