The feel of books

As a child of the '40s and '50s, I loved to browse libraries and museums, perusing the offerings on the numerous shelves. I loved to select a book (sometimes a heavy one) about various subjects. I'd take the volume to the front desk and have the librarian stamp the date I should return the book on the card affixed to the inside cover. I would thus have checked out a book for my reading pleasure. Sometimes she or he would write in the return date; sometimes (if having gone “modern”) she or he would stamp the date in with a hand-held stamp that “snapped” when depressed, showing in clear letters and numbers the date of return.

Off I'd proudly go with my book in hand, or, if large, under my arm. Later, I would relish every word I read and value as well the “heft” of the book as I changed position in my chair. I made certain that I returned the book on the date stamped; otherwise, I would pay the penny-per-day fine for keeping the book too long. I loved the routine of checking out and returning, and even having to pay an occasional fine.

Now many libraries are going “digital” (for want of another word). I lament that sooner or later I will not be able to check out a regular book for my reading pleasure. Despite the convenience of e-books and on-screen reading, I love something about the “feel” or a real book in my hand.

 

Noel Thomas Manning

 


Agitating

He is at again. I am referring to the cheerleader, Rick Perry. The guy went to California to agitate Gov. Jerry Brown and all other Californians, who by the way, already dislike us. Perry should stop playing the clown and embarrassing Texas. The best thing he could do for Texas would be to rustle up his two compadres, David Dewhurst and George W. Bush, ride into the sunset and get lost.

Frank R. Almaraz

 


Rationalizing death

Is it not amazing that in 1972 the death penalty was construed as cruel and unusual punishment and stricken from the law books (to be later rescinded, except for 13 states). In 1973, it was deemed worthy that Roe v. Wade should come into our mentality as a lawful way of disposing of “incomplete” children that have no place in the world at that time.

I do not want to debate the pros and cons of the death penalty or abortion, as both are complicated ideologies, but we outlawed the killing of hardened criminals and then said that innocent, unrealized human beings, with a chance for a human soul and a good life, must be destroyed.

I had not realized until the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade how a catastrophic dichotomy had overtaken so many minds and how much death could be rationalized without a gun having to be fired.

The desperation that can overtake women, I understand, but there must be a better solution than the taking of a potential human life.

Frances Geer

 


Opting out

Re: “Orwellian,” Your Turn, Feb. 1:

In his letter, Stan Schardon opposes contraceptive health insurance coverage because pregnancy is not a disease. This begs the question: Would Mr. Schardon deny coverage for all other non-disease-related medical procedures, restorative therapies and preventive medications? A prime example of this would be victims of auto accidents.

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Guidelines

Send letters to: letters@express-news.net

Letters may also be mailed to Letters, Express-News, P.O. Box 2171, San Antonio, TX 78297. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. Length? The shorter the better — long enough to make your point. All letters are subject to editing for length and clarity.

The reality is that contraception has been available for decades and, according to the latest polls, is supported and/or practiced by an overwhelming majority of the population, including Catholics.

Anyone offended by contraceptive health care coverage can simply exercise his right to opt out of that part of the health plan, just as insured Jehovah's Witnesses can refuse procedures requiring blood transfusions, a violation of their religion.

No special interest group should be allowed to hold others hostage to their beliefs, especially when allowances are made to accommodate these beliefs.

Sean David Ortega

 


Word diet

Charles Barkley recently said the Oklahoma Thunder will defeat the Spurs if they meet in the Western Conference finals. He said the Spurs will run out of gas by the time they meet. Sir Charles forgets the Spurs still have that bitter taste in their mouths from the last conference finals. If we stay healthy, goodbye, Thunder. I hope Barkley eats his words.

Ruben Rodriguez

 


'The Shooter'

Re: “The Shooter,” Front Page, Tuesday and Wednesday:

Your compelling reporting of “The Shooter's” story made me feel guilty. I am a 28-year active duty retired Air Force guy who never saw combat, though based on promotions and decorations, was considered to have served my country with distinction. However, compared with “The Shooter,” my distinction stinks, and my guilt comes from how I am being taken care of after my service compared to “The Shooter.”

Recognizing that drawing a line around those special few, like the SEALs who go well beyond the “normal” on a regular basis, would be difficult, I would still like to see them entitled to an early retirement, say after 10 years instead of the normal 20. After all, their 10 years really equates to about 30 years in “normal” service, even “normal” combat service.

Bill Sims

 
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