Regarding my decision to stop writing my column, 87.3% of readers are very upset and 20.2% are very happy that they do not need to spend their valuable time reading every word of my article in every issue just to make sure they still think I’m an idiot. Now, they can send in “their” opinions without calling me an idiot and can also enjoy reading Ventura’s favorite newspaper.
A reader (see below) says my writing is radical left-wing propaganda, which is complete nonsense (maybe I’m a communist also). They are my opinions. As always, I welcome yours.
These are some of what I have written about, hardly propaganda of any sort – again just my opinions:
I believe that Donald Trump is destroying our democracy and our country and is solely responsible for the January 6th insurrection and should end up in prison (for several reasons).
I believe all women have a right to have an abortion. I don’t believe abortion is a moral issue – it’s a religious issue and those who are opposed to it just wish to propagate a particular religion.
I think a she should be able to marry a she and a he should be able to marry a he. They have the same right to be happy just like “real men” like me.
I dislike guns. I do not think that they protect individual owners. They are more apt to be used to commit suicide, family members killing family members (in some cases 6 year old’s accidentally killing their sister or brother).
I think the Supreme Court justices should have term limits (perhaps eight years). The justices don’t make decisions interpreting the constitution – they make decisions on their lifetime of either being conservatives or liberals. Perhaps they should be arbitrarily selected by just grabbing people off the street so we don’t know if they are conservatives or liberals. I also think Clarence Thomas should be removed.
The Constitution needs major revisions – it is completely irrelevant to today’s standards. We need a constitutional convention to start updating and revising it. The first one was held in 1787.
I think TV sports announcers should not wear suits and ties, they’re not doctors.
These are a few of our reader’s comments.
Sheldon
I just read your latest Breeze, where you said it would be the last editorial. I really enjoy reading you Opinion/Editorial page.
It has facts and the source of the facts, something rare in today’s media.
People today tend to follow their favorite news makers without searching for both sides of a situation.
Looking at both sides is just too much work. It makes things simple, but most situations really aren’t simple. Hooray for our side.
And the news businesses do this because it brings sales to advertisers, and profits to the businesses bottom line.
A situation of greed, not truth or balance.
Don’t Let Jerks Get the Best of You
Nelly Wall
Nelly: No one got the best of me just too much work right now. And I never called them jerks.
Dear Sheldon,
I am very sorry to see you are giving up your column, I thoroughly enjoyed reading each issue. The dialog that can create conversations in our community is very important. Although I can understand your frustration with people that are not supportive. It’s a lot of effort.
Thank you for all you have done for the Breeze.
Seri
Seri: Still doing everything else for the Breeze just not this. Nothing to do with “not supportive” readers just too much work right now. Not supportive readersis what freedom of speech is all about.
Dear Ventura Breeze
I want to let you know how thrilled we (We? Do you speak for many?) are to see that
you will no longer be carrying Sheldon’s column.
Most of us are moderate in our politics, and it sickened us to read his radical left wing propaganda in your paper. (Disliking Trump is hardly being radical left wing)
Usually opposing views are welcome in legitimate newspapers, but unfortunately the Ventura Breeze was full of his polarizing false comments. (opposing views have always been welcome but the only ones we ever received are like these that never explained opposing views just criticize me. They are always welcome so send them in).
Since Sheldon is both publisher and editor of this paper, I am sure my letter will not be published. (Well,here it is. Are you disappointed?)
Enjoy the results of election day Sheldon, you will see that most of America will not support the increased crime, inflation, anti-semitism, open borders and high gas prices you appear to ignore.(All Americans do not support these things. Do you know people who do?)
G-d Bless America (That always helps)
Melanie Couture, RN, PHN
Ventura Harbor
Opinions
Say it isn’t so Sheldon!? Your opinion/editorial section is one of my favorite things about the Breeze! Hopefully after a bit of mind rest you’ll be back! You have always been very diplomatic and expressive and I love the way you encourage others to explain and support their side.? Conversation and curiosity are so important, especially these days!
Maggie McKinney
Maggie: One of my favorite things also. Maybe one day again but not for now.
Mr. Brown. Your decision to withdraw from your editorial writing is a bad mistake. You are the only reason I read your paper. Can’t stand local politics and other nonsense you cover. Your comments help keep some semblance of reality in your publication.
Bob Lombardi
Bob: Thanks, I think.
Editor:
We pretty much get to choose our own path in life, so if you’re tired of doing your editorial column you’re entitled to take a break. I just hate to think it’s because of some yazoos who don’t quite grasp the concept of free speech.
Yazoos are as entitled to express themselves as anybody else, they just can’t do it well enough to get the point across and thereby resort to quoting bumper stickers, Fox News hosts and the Bible. When that fails, and it almost always does, they loudly demand that the dissenting opinions be modified into something that coincides with their preconceived notions or, more likely, be discontinued.
I always hate to see the perpetually aggrieved get their way, but if it is indeed time to take a break, so be it. Otherwise, get your fanny back behind that keyboard and let the good times roll.
Alfred J. Lewis
Dear Publisher:
Alas and alack, at the news that Mr. Sheldon Brown is hanging up his boots and will no longer be entertaining us with his pertinent comments, criticisms, observations about this crazy world we find ourselves living in, plus all the good stuff that makes a column worth reading. Don’t forget: the column is called “Opinion/Editorial” and indeed that’s what I enjoyed most about Mr. Brown’s pontifications. Sure not every reader agrees with what he pens: That’s why it’s called Opinion!
A reader who (as Mr. Brown notes) wrote to say because he doesn’t like what he reads in the Breeze, particularly in the publisher’s column, and is very unhappy with the publication. I would advise that like minded individuals of that irritable ilk, should first of all try to get real, get a life and be more specific.
For decades some of the greatest newspapers have irritated, excited and inspired readers. That’s what it’s all about:
I have been in the newspaper business all my life and I should remind readers, that’s what publications are supposed to do. Inspire. Irritate, Provoke and entertain.
Didn’t some fella once said something along the lines of :
You can’t please all of the people….all of the time.”
And that’s what Mr. Brown has been doing.
Sheldon, please come home from time to time—all is forgiven!
Ivor Davis, Ventura
Author of: Manson Exposed: A Reporter’s 50-Year Journey into Madness and Murder and The Beatles and Me on Tour
Ivor: Than you very much, coming from a “real writer” I appreciate it. I know people who don’t write might not appreciate the time involved in writing a simple column. Research, thinking, writing, re-writing are all time consuming and my plate runneth over right now so something had to be removed.
Maybe if I’m bursting to be heard you might hear from me again.
Dear Sheldon,
I have not known you long but I want to say thank you for a job well done. It was a pleasure to meet you and I for one appreciated your writing talent.
Does this mean the Breeze is gone and no one to take the helm?
Always,
Pam Briscoe from Focus on the Masters
Pam: Thank you. The Breeze is not gone and “it’s alive.”
Hi Sheldon
I am going to miss your comments in the Breeze. It has always been my favorite part of the paper. I hope you are well.
Happy Election Day, I hope
Cheryl
When I was a boy I was told that anybody could become President;
I’m beginning to believe it.
~ ‘Clarence Darrow for the Defense’ by Irving Stone.
