Education of the Modern Doctor: Marcus Welby vs. House 
Check with me next time
I totally agree with Edwin Decker’s “Grr” in his Dec. 28 “Sordid Tales” column about indefinite detention, but I have additional reason to grr—and I’m guessing you’re part of that reason.
“Et tu, Obama?” you say?! Are you fucking kidding me?! Et tu, Edwin? You, too, never paid attention to what Obama is all about before the election? What swayed you from doing due diligence and true critical thinking, and thus ending up in such a state as to be surprised that Obama would support such a bill? Was it Shepherd Fairy’s sick-ass, street-cred, hip-to-hipsters-andto-graphic-artists-and-to-blacks tri-tone art work? Was it Z-Trip’s dope tracks entrancing you while Obama’s image swayed on the projections? Oprah’s endorsements? The words “hope” and “change”? John Stewart? Madonna? Who?! What?!
“Why couldn’t we just stick with the goddamn plan?” you ask? Dude. Obama is sticking with his plan, by going with such constitutional violations! You really thought he’s anything different than the Bushes, Clintons, Reagan, Kerry, McCain, Palin, Gore? Does nobody do their fucking homework before they tout a candidate?!
Damn, it pisses me off that even contributors to one of the seemingly most aware rags in town (CityBeat) miss the boat. Everyone asleep at the wheel over there?
I’m assuming you voted for Obama, just considering sheer odds, demographics and seeing how surprised you are that he did something wrong in supporting this law (though it is like wrongdoing No. 924, going back to his inauguration ceremony, being given the invocation by an openly anti-gay minister. And, no, I’m not gay—I just pay attention and I have scruples).
Please, in the future, do not vote unless you’ve properly informed yourself about what you’re voting for and critically thought about it. I wish everybody would’ve checked with me first, as I’ve probably done more pre-election research on the 2004 and 2008 elections than most of your friends and mine, combined, and I pay attention to the past and track records and actions and words—not to hip propaganda and soothing sweet-talk. I was the one sounding the alarm that Obama was not about what he said he was.
Ted Coakley III, North Park
Proceed with caution
Your Jan. 4 internet editorial was another great subject. If any of the politicians mess with the internet, we may experience a movement more forceful than Occupy Wall Street. The internet is a fantastic medium for learning and commerce. I use it for my work, for my studies and to purchase goods and services. Any attempt to restrict or charge more for the internet will negatively impact education and commerce.
Any legislation impacting the internet must be examined with the utmost scrutiny. Politicians participating in such legislation must agree never to go to work for any company benefiting from the legislation. Hopefully, this will be thought through more thoroughly than the decision to go to war in Iraq.
Ronald Harris, Scripps Ranch
A fairer city
Thank you for the inspiring revision for Jerry Sanders’ State of the City speech in your Jan. 11 editorial. I was instantly moved to send an e-mail to the mayor, as follows:
Dear Neighbor Jerry Sanders: I just read a “preview” of your speech on the State of the City. I was so impressed with your new resolutions and clarity in redefining our city, in laying bare the presumptions of Carl DeMaio and Dean Spanos, and in furthering the interests of most San Diegans, the 99 percent. This is the dawn of a new day. I look forward to hearing your speech, and I thank San Diego CityBeat for revealing what could be said that will truly make San Diego America’s Finest—and Fairest—City.
Respectfully and with gratitude,
Bonnie Bekken, Normal Heights
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