Turn on your heart lights

Editor:

Regarding “Put a stocking in it already” (Jan. 13-14, Page 4), that’s quite a bitter little editorial.

The Daily Press states that “Non-Christians ... shouldn’t be expected to tolerate the party from which they have been excluded forever.” Excluded? Why? Nobody has excluded (them).

I am not Jewish, but I take great joy in sharing with, and enjoy seeing how happy my Jewish brothers and sisters are to have their Menorah on Third Street. I’m not excluded from their party.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day was this week. I am not African American, but I’m sure you wouldn’t consider me excluded from taking Monday to reflect on his message. Why the bitterness about Christ’s message?

Ironically, the colored lights, the trees and the holiday songs that seem to bother have nothing to do with the birth of Christ that we are celebrating. Don’t believe me? Try to find colored lights, Christmas trees, Santa, roasted chestnuts, etc. in the Bible. Jack Frost was not, as you might assume, one of the Apostles.

P.S. — Most of the great Christmas songs were written by Jewish composers — and in the summer, no less. Look it up.

Eric Cooper
Santa Monica





Call for architectural grace period

Editor:

I must agree with Burl Michael (“Housing project reaps benefits,” Jan. 10, page 4) when he comments that people who are on the Planning Commission who have any personal stake in any given public project should be disallowed to vote on that project. It’s basic democracy. Hello!

I also agree that the building at 15th Street and Broadway is rather ugly, especially with that foil thing. (But a nice color, for once.)

I do not agree, however, that private citizens should be allowed to build as many units on their properties as are on public housing properties. The last thing we need is a bazillion more over-priced, over-sized condos. Public housing is our last, best hope to keep any degree of economic diversity and balance around here.

I hope and pray that the ‘Powers that Build’ for the Santa Monica public will re-think their architectural philosophy. (The exterior of the new library is still a shock.) Hey, guys! Yo! This is the public calling: What about graceful?

Lily Houston-Helbig
Santa Monica