Editorial

Charcuterie thanks

Gun control

In the May 21 edition of this paper, in this space, a guest commentary from Sonoma County Taxpayers Association executive director Dan Drummond, appeared under the heading, “Problems with Measure A.” The article took particular, and we feel excessive, aim at county retirees by stating, “Unchecked pensions remain the greatest concern,” basically blaming county obligations to retirees for the condition of the roads, specifically asking, “Is there really any doubt why funding for roads, parks and other services has not kept up with our needs?”

It is hard to believe, but in 1954, a deadly virus in the United States scared families, changed behaviors, and led to some panicky behavior, somewhat like Ebola is doing now. It was called by some a “plague” and it was said that the greatest fear of Americans in the 1950s were the atomic bomb and this illness. It would kill 8,000 people in the first years of the 1950s, and it would generally target young, healthy kids.  If it did not kill someone, it might cause significant paralysis, even to the point of that person not being able to walk, or lift an arm, or even to breathe.  And that paralysis could be permanent.

— Rollie Atkinson

Community Unity Day volunteers