Saturday, April 25, 1998

Not so obscure

First, let me express appreciation for your efforts to carry syndicated columnists who afford us a balanced perspective on what is happening in our world. I read almost all of them most of the time.

I do need to clarify a statement or two that Linda Chavez made in a recent column on changes in Mexican law. She stated: "Cinco de Mayo, an obscure Mexican holiday celebrating Mexican troops (sic) defeat of the French at Puebla in 1862, is more widely celebrated here than in Mexico, as many Americans of Mexican descent desperately search for symbols of their ancestral identity."

As one who was privileged to live in and travel extensively in Mexico for eight years, I can promise anyone that Cinco de Mayo is not an "obscure holiday" but one that is celebrated in every corner and hamlet of the nation. It is the second most important one of the entire year, only exceeded by the 15th of September.

In my opinion as a student of Hispanic life for 48 years, Chavez is excessively concerned about where the loyalties of Hispanics lie. By risking and losing their lives in higher proportions in our military services than most other groups and by their eagerness to assimilate (without betraying their rich heritage) into American life, they have proved that they love this country.

JULIAN BRIDGES

Abilene

Needle exchange

The needle exchange debate in Washington demonstrates so typically the polarization of ideas in our Capitol (Abilene Reporter-News, April 21). The president now agrees that allowing drug users to exchange dirty needles for clean ones is a good health idea. His group's argument is over whether our tax dollars should fund this exchange.

The conservatives, lead by Paul Coverdell (R-Ga.), want to continue a 30-year-old program that makes needles an illegal, controlled substance under the theory that, if they can't get needles, they won't abuse drugs (if you believe this, then we can also end world hunger by the simple distribution of spoons).

No one seems to think about the middle ground.Why not just make needles legal? Then the many millions of Americans who must take injectable medications, including those which are not controlled substances (such as allergy immunotherapy) would benefit from the reduced cost and ease of access, not to mention the burden of a physician visit to get the needle prescription.

I'm afraid this solution makes far to much sense for anybody in Washington to consider.

GEORGE SCHWAPPACH

Abilene

Via e-mail

Shame about sirens

I think it is a shame that a city of this size does not have proper warnings for storms.

If the people of Abilene are caught in bed or at work, school, church, etc., and unable to watch a television set or listen to a radio and we have a tornado, then it can be catastrophic (as it has been in other states).

We have been very fortunate. But do we have to wait until we have loss of life before the city decides it is important?

It is time we as citizens of Abilene let City Hall know we want tornado sirens. I urge the citizens of Abilene to write or call City Hall.

Voice your concern now, before you wish you had.

LAVONNE RANKIN

Abilene

Underpasses plenty

I agree completely with Sarah Isbell (April 17). Her assessment of the crosswalk over Winters Freeway is exactly the way I feel about it. We have underpasses along the freeway for pedestrians. Thank you, Sarah!

PEGGY BOREN

Abilene