Letters to the editor - August 20, 2015

Trophy hunting

Although I find much of Peter Riva’s argument in his Aug. 6 column on hunting compelling, and a lot of it is spot on, I don’t agree with all of the assertions. 

Cleve Backster was able to measure the connection between living things, though he shows only stress-induced galvanic response (www.nytimes.com/news/the-lives-they-lived/2013/12/21/cleve-backster). 

Consciousness has value in the terms addressed in the column ...  A bivalve is not self-aware in the same way a cow is. Yes, all life is alive, but so may be planet Earth — as the biggest living organism we ever encounter. So one should argue that a vegan who drinks bottled water is hurting both small and huge sentient beings directly and indirectly. 

If one takes anything away from the Backster Effect, it must be that intent matters. In his experiments, threatening a plant with intent in your heart to harm it as you are about to burn it with a lighter creates a “scream” in a measurable galvanic skin response. This effect will travel distance and if one measured a house plant or even yogurt in a fridge in the next room, a simultaneous galvanic reaction occurs. This thread that connects all life, from mammals to bacteria, does exist. If you threaten the plant without real intent nothing happens.

The next thing one takes away is the pre-action. The plant screams before you burn it. This implies the stress of “psychic” link pre-knowledge caused by intent is as bad as, or worse than, the action of killing or harming.

The effect is nullified by lack of intent, but also if one “speaks” to the thing and warns it. One example Backster cites is Native American ritualistic prayer. They need the deer and explain why before they hunt it or kill it. This intent, arguing the validity of the need, removed the stress of the harm caused, if for the greater good. The plant or the deer seems to volunteer its life as the Backster Effect is nullified, at least the scream anyway.

So my problem with the column isn’t that I don’t agree with much of it, it’s that it doesn’t address this underlying spiritual wholeness of being connected. All life is precious, but conscious awareness matters in this equation.

If we were to follow Native American tradition, all of the suffering caused by death would be averted to some degree, according to Backster’s experiments. That being said, the farming industry has created the most abhorrent and inhumane system of death and torture ever devised. The suffering of a cow or a chicken from a modern factory farming frame-of-reference is beyond calculation. However, the hunter shooting a deer has intent in his or her heart to respect that animal. We hate trophy hunters as a society at this point — but we also lump in the word “hunt” with that negative connotation for trophy hunting and the two are not comparable. 

J. Matthew Riva

New York City

Horses need shelter from the elements

Recently Help4Hooves, my equine therapy rescue and design project, has adopted two amazing horses from Salisbury on a trial basis by committing to care for them daily. If you have driven the back road to Route 7 from 44, you know who they are. The man who owns them cherishes the future of these animals. Some people have wondered about their situation, but I can assure you that Danny and Symphony are safe and nearly thriving. 

Right now we just need donations and ideas — money is good, also bridles, leads, hay, and other horse needs that will help us to help another person by loving his horses. I am proud to say that with our greatest hoof care and some TLC they will fully thrive and run again. 

However, horses need shelter. Danny and Symphony have a temporary shelter now, but for the winter we are determined to find or develop a decent barn shelter. If everyone works together, then we can give them the best life possible. One thing people should know about horses or any animal is that they do not care about death. They just want to live happily and have a great life. That is all that matters to them. We need to keep the happiness they have given to us alive in their generous souls. 

In conclusion, these horses are joyful and have a life ahead of them. Help4Hooves wants to make a difference in their lives, as well as other people’s. You can find out more at www.thegoodbrain.org. You will see my video and read more about our project. Remember love is a strong thing. The bigger the heart and brain, the more love there to spread. 

Amber Flint

Rising freshman at Housatonic ValleyRegional High School

Lakeville

Thanks for the support of summer concert series

The Kent Park and Recreation Commission and I appreciate the enthusiastic response to our inaugural “Concerts on the Lawn” summer series.

We enjoyed seeing the crowd spread across the lawn at Kent Town Hall to listen to music and share the beautiful summer evenings with family, friends and neighbors.

The commission and I especially wish to thank the Kent Chamber of Commerce, the Last Good Bender, Mojo Nectar, The Nice Ones, Charter Communications, Rick Osborne, John Lindsay, the Kent Board of Selectmen and the Kent Conservation Commission, as well as everyone who attended, for their participation in and/or support of the summer concert series.

We look forward to another series in summer 2016.

Lesly Ferris, Director

Kent Park and Recreation

Kent

Back on track (the right way)

Congratulations to Susan Clayton and Todd Shearer for their endorsements for the town offices. Well, for the last five years or so, we’ve been hearing Canaan is “Back on Track.” It seems to me it’s taken some detours here and there. Canaan needs a fresh voice, some new ideas, and these are the ones I believe can do it. 

Those of you who are registered to vote and never have, well, here’s the chance. I believe Canaan needs something in it besides pizza houses, antiques stores and diners. Do any of you remember the Canaan that was? Compare it to now. Let’s open our ears to what these young, visionary people have to say. Let’s give them a chance. Let’s vote Clayton and Shearer in 2016.

Michael C. Parmalee

North Canaan

A good hospital stay and outcome

I was admitted to Sharon Hospital quite recently for an infected extremity, put on an antibiotic intravenous drip and stayed there for four to five days, with an entirely successful result. The care was wonderful, from the housekeepers to the hospitalist physicians.

A special note of appreciation goes to the nurses and CNAs, who were supportive, cheerful and highly proficient.

A big thank you goes also to the food folks. Great chow! And, hot meals served, actually, hot.

Bravo!

Stuyvesant K. Bearns

Lakeville

More need to hear this story

This is in response to the letter to the editor by Barbara D. Lemmen. To Ms. Lemmen:

I hope that everyone will read your heartbreaking Aug. 13 letter to the editor in this newspaper, and will take the time now to tell it to friends and relatives, put it on Facebook, tell our radio station, etc. Only time can ease your pain. Talk to friends on the phone, online or wherever you can. Your sad story will remind us that nothing is permanent.

My 13-year-old “Colorado kid” granddaughter is active in every sport, including rock climbing, skiing and skateboarding. I worry, but know this is what she enjoys. Your tragedy could happen to any family at any moment, so thank you for reminding us. Your letter is truly heartbreaking, but reminds us to live in the moment.

Heather Kahler

Lakeville