fish? Because they have gills and can’t close their eyes? Numerous studies have shown that fish can feel pain and fear, have complex social lives, and are at least intelligent enough to recognize individual humans. Google “fish feelings” and you’ll find plenty of inconvenient truths relevant to our treatment of fish. I also think we should consider what kind of message such photos send. To me, they condone the enjoyment of killing. There are well-documented links between cruelty to animals and violent crime, including mass shootings. I’m not suggesting that fishing is a gateway to mass murder, but animal abusers all share enjoyment of, or at least indifference to, animal fear and pain. It’s an unfortunate fact of life that people gotta eat. I get that. What people don’t gotta do is feel good about the taking of sentient lives that eating often involves. Mr. Priest could get his information across just as well without the photos. They’re gratuitous and make his articles look like advertising. He’d have room for even more information without them. If I want to see photos of “sportsmen” posing with the animals they’ve outmuscled or outwitted (and if it isn’t abundantly clear by now, I don’t), I’ll pick up a copy of Field & Stream. I don’t need them in the NCJ. Just stop. Please. Ken Burton, McKinleyville
Standing with Sanborn
Editor: I have to agree with Alan Sanborn (Mailbox, June 16) on using civil language in public discourse. Maybe we’re from another generation where foul language had not invaded the public arena as it has today. I feel it degrades the speaker and the listener. Using civil language does not mean that we’re not just as disgusted as others over the situation. In public discourse, foul language will always be foul, at least for me. Ms. Cahill, in her column, did make a point and stimulated conversation. Minimal reforms will not solve the mass shooting epidemic. Most countries have not allowed military assault weapons in their societies or have banned them after mass shootings and instituted buy-back programs like in Australia. In fact, assault weapons were banned in the U.S. not long ago. We lead the industrialized world by far in mass shootings by 10 to 100 times
May into June 2022 To meet what I lack and to go on, in faith, as if all of the reasons might roll into one healing event. And one fine day my body will spring and all of the reasons might release me. All I lack might meet the reasons I spring in faith as if going on in my body is all I need. — A. Clark
We›re number one! The U.S. is the largest legal and illegal arms exporter in the world. Is it surprising that the most powerful military power on the planet has a weapons problem? These weapons make their way around the world and reap a deadly harvest. I think we should follow the money to the manufacturers of these weapons: Smith & Wesson, Remington Outdoor, Sturm Ruger & Co., etc. Millions of these weapons are made selling for billions of dollars. These companies have plenty to donate in campaign contributions. We can and should expose the millions taken by national politicians. The bullets in these weapons are longer than in a handgun. When the bullet hits, it tumbles and does a lot more damage. We need a return of the assault weapons ban and a buy-back program or we’ll continue to see mass shootings on our TVs at night. Sorry to be so civilly unhinged. David Ross, Eureka
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northcoastjournal.com • Thursday, July 14, 2022 • NORTH COAST JOURNAL
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