Honoring democracy, recurring headlines: PD letters

Honoring democracy

EDITOR: Athens, the world's first democracy, survived an attack by the Persian Empire in September 490 B.C. The herald Pheidippides raced to deliver the news of their surprise victory, running a 24.5-mile course that we honor with our modern marathon, although it was lengthened to 26.2 miles at the 1908 London Olympics for the convenience of the royals.

Even at the beginning of democracy, the timeliness of the message was crucial. The enemy fleet rushed to spread the lie of a Persian victory in order to force Athens to surrender. Pheidippides ran the fastest and died after delivering the news of the victory.

The Boston Marathon famously celebrates democracy on Patriots' Day in April. In Sonoma County, we should celebrate with a marathon on Patriot Day weekend in September 2026 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attack on democracy and the 50th anniversary of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's “Running Fence” art installation, a 24.5-mile-long, 18-foot-high fabric curtain along Americano Creek. RunningFenceRun.org is leading the charge, asking citizens to wear star-spangled Möbius strips during the month of September to promote democracy awareness. Together, we can stand united with our neighbors and fellow countrymen for freedom and democracy for all. Go vote.

JOHN ROSE

Santa Rosa

Overly loved

EDITOR: I have always been a reader. I read books, magazines, newspapers, dictionaries, advertisements – anything. I read street signs, bumper stickers, and milk cartons when there is nothing else. I like words and enjoy good writing. There is a sense of satisfaction when a reader discovers an author who carefully puts the right words in the right order. On the other hand, I find it annoying and distracting when professional writers regularly reuse popular words. Which brings me to my point:

“The owners of the Palace of Fruit are determined to reopen the popular market…”

“Before the Santa Rosa Plaza, a popular theater stood in its place…”

“Popular celebrity named Grand Marshal of Santa Rosa Parade”

“Future of popular family-run restaurant in Sonoma uncertain after fire”

“Popular North Bay bakery closes for several days after trapped workers escape fire”

I have nothing against the word “loved.” In many cases, “loved” is the best word. Yet, with a little effort, many things can be more accurately described as unique, original, beloved, popular, or iconic. Mark Twain said, “The difference between the almost right word and the right word is a big deal really – it's the difference between the lightning and the lightning.”

PATRICK CORCORAN

Occidental

No help for addiction

EDITOR: In the article about the recent rise in homelessness in Sonoma County (“Homelessness rate rises,” Sept. 5), one of the top reasons cited was “a doubling of the number of people who reported drugs or alcohol as the primary cause of their homelessness.” No wonder. I recently took a friend who is uninsured and destitute but suffers from a severe opioid addiction to the Center Point DAAC office in Santa Rosa. We asked if there were any rehabilitation services. The answer was no, not in Sonoma County.

The county has 12 beds under contract at a facility in Marin County, but it is usually full. You have to call every day to see if there is an opening. They gave us the phone number. They said a rehab facility should open in Sonoma County sometime in September, but couldn't say exactly when. We asked if there were any inpatient addiction facilities in Sonoma. Again, no. We were given the phone number of a facility in Lake County.

Clearly, actually helping those suffering from addiction is not a priority in Sonoma County, so why should anyone be surprised that the homeless population is increasing?

GARY MILLMAN

Santa Rosa

Respect for animals

EDITOR: Four of my friends were discussing Measure J, one was strongly against it, one was strongly for it, two were in between. All really nice people. That evening I saw the movie Temple Grandin, starring Claire Danes. One line Grandin made in the film struck me: “Nature is cruel—but we don't have to be. Yes, we raise it to eat it, but don't we owe it some respect?” Change is difficult, as the film shows. But I hope Measure J passes and leads to more humane, efficient, yet equally profitable agriculture in Sonoma County. I believe that as humans, we owe these animals some respect.

DOT GEIGER

Santa Rosa

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