Some Striking Letters to the Editor

Reaction to “Onerous bill on wind turbines”

http://www.berkshireeagle.com/letters/ci_17233065

With green initiatives popping up everywhere from homes to resorts and universities, clean and renewable energy is the talk of the town. The old spiel on how reducing your carbon footprint can makes a global difference seems to be somewhat worn. I was immediately attracted to the title of this letter because I sensed opposition and became curious. Many people tend to be very eco-friendly and green-oriented in the Berkshires, but we are finally raising questions on the legitimacy of machines like wind turbines and they’re anticipated effect on people. The writer took a firm stand from the beginning; his straightforward tone grabbed the reader with an accusing attack. One interesting thing about the energy crisis is that it crosses bipartisan boundaries and flocculates in both its grandeur and its downfalls. The new wind turbine project in Hancock, Massachusetts has struck a chord for green activists and homeowners alike. The writer reminds us of the downfalls of wind energy, and does this by forceful conviction: an approach I think people like to hear. It sparks debate, and it raises questions. I imagine people felt both betrayed and skeptical, a much more exciting reaction the plain agreement. It was only recently that I learned turbine shortcomings even existed, but once I saw both sides of the argument I came to a more balanced and educated realization. The writer offers many arguments, and he outlines the prospect of devalued property, health risks, and economic concerns. Short, to the point, and ready to explode.

Reaction to “Teach kids to be good parents”

http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/letters/2011-01-31-letters31_ST_N.htm

 (scroll down)

In this letter to the editor, the writer starts off with a bang and essentially embarrasses our nation by proposing that our decline will eventually lead us to resemble a “Third World” nation. Harsh! I would guess he used this ugly term to suggest that if our teenage girls continue to have babies, especially by “accident,” the resulting overpopulation problem could resemble that of some impoverished nations. The topic is very relevant as it addresses issues of family, responsibility, adolescence, and education. The writer’s strong standpoint speaks for a new regime of education and parenthood to remedy the “national crisis” of children being born out of wedlock. This letter honestly addresses a major issue in our country, and boldly states claims to justify its presence. The writer takes a particularly courageous path by suggesting a government issues act that places responsibility on parents for the education of their children. Essentially, this institution will teach children to grow up to be responsible parents, thus potentially lowering the rate of unplanned and out-of-wedlock pregnancies. A bold assertion attracts attention and strikes an issue head on – an issue that we all need to take a much closer look at.