September 11, 2008

ValleyViewpoints

StreetTalk letter upsets Almaden resident

Editor,
I found last week’s submission to the “Letters to the Editor” column to be incredibly condescending and vitriolic. Ms. Sussmeier’s intimation that those who stated opinions she apparently disagreed with are somehow lacking in intelligence is very mean-spirited, in my opinion. Her mention of “...the West Virginia portion of San Jose...” is not only bordering on name-calling the people who expressed differing opinions, it is a rash generalization and particularly insulting to the residents of the state of West Virginia. And how dare Ms. Sussmeier accuse someone of racial bigotry based on one answer to a question? That, to me, smacks of judgementalism and intolerance.

One thing I have always loved about America is the freedom of thought and expression we are afforded here. The sort of rhetoric employed by Ms. Sussmeier makes me sad and frustrated.

I want America to be a place where we can be humble enough to truly respect each other and believe that each person is entitled to their own opinion, whether or not we agree with that opinion. I believe that our differences and freedom to express those differences is what has made America a great place to be. In my opinion, when we stoop to ridiculing and de-humanizing those who stand on the other side of the issue at hand, we hurt America.

Shannon Cooper
Almaden Valley

Let the Almaden Times hear from you. In order to be considered, letters must be signed by the author or come with the full name, address, and a phone number (which will not be printed).

Send letters to newsroom@timesmediainc.com, or via mail to:

The Almaden Times Weekly
1310 Tully Road, Ste. 107,
San Jose, CA 95122