Dear Editor:

Talk about cheap political tricks! To mention Councilmember Atkins in the same editorial as George Stevens, Duke Cunningham and Duncan Hunter under the guise of equality in journalism is inexcusable. We know who they are—enemies of our community, one of whom is serving a jail sentence in federal prison for literally selling favors for cold cash. Even putting the worst interpretation on the “facts” as presented in the Kroll report wouldn’t raise any mistakes or “negligence” by the Councilmember to their level.

And we know who Atkins is. She is someone who works day and night to improve life for the GLBT community. She is a champion for those who often have no voice. She cares whether people have an affordable place to live, a decent wage, and a bus to take them to work. She fights against discrimination. She has never taken the easy or personally expedient way out, whether the issue at hand is medical marijuana or needle exchange. Even when I disagree with her, I know that her positions are based on a thoughtful weighing of both sides of the issue, not on prejudice, political grandstanding, or personal gain.

Trial by innuendo or half truth is something the GLBT community is all too familiar with, but it has no place in our community paper. Sure, it makes for a sexier editorial page, but responsible journalism involves more than just cheap shots.

Bruce M. Abrams

See www.gaylesbiantimes.com/?id=8014

Dear Editor:

I am disappointed and annoyed by the publisher of this paper, and by long time members of our community -Al Best-, and by so called friends of our community, such as our City Attorney. I simply do not understand their lack of trust in our Councilmember, Ms. Toni Atkins.

Mr. Portantino likened Toni to Randall Cunningham and Duncan Hunter. But those men have never stood with us in our fight for equality and freedom from discrimination. Toni Atkins has been there with us for the last twenty years. Toni Atkins has cried with us and has laughed with us. Toni has taken stands for us and risks on behalf of the issues that affect us.

I recall that during our last winter holiday season the GLT honored Councilmember Atkins at their own party. And,State

Senator Christine Kehoe recognized Toni Atkins service to our community as she spoke at the Wall of Honor celebration. And that, gentleman, is what I would like to see you do. We all, including you, own tremendous appreciation to our Councilmember. And BTW, I don’t live in the Third District.

Gloria Johnson

See www.gaylesbiantimes.com/?id=8014

Dear Editor:

I was very interested to read Brian van de Mark’s recent cover story, “Queer High.” As a faculty member at San Diego State, one of my primary responsibilities is teaching classes for future high school students. As a lesbian, I also feel that it is vitally important that I provide these students with information about the importance of Califonia’s civil rights law, and more critically still, the importance of creating a safe school for their students. My students frequently have questions about which schools in the San Diego area are most receptive to queer youth and queer teachers. I would be very interested in contacting Mr. van de Mark to find out which schools the students he interviewed found most supportive so that my students and I can discuss this issue more fully.

Please also tell him that the sidebars he included about creating “safe zones” will be extremely helpful in my courses for future teachers. I will be saving his article for use in class.

Thank you for publishing such a valuable piece.

Sarah Elkind

See www.gaylesbiantimes.com/?id=7997