OpinionApril 2, 2001
SPEAK OUT
My best friend's mother used to have a horrific drinking problem. She was turned on to alcohol by her husband and was hooked. For the last few months she has been miserable, showing up late for work, wearing disheveled clothing and neglecting her son and daughter. ...
Change for the better
My best friend's mother used to have a horrific drinking problem. She was turned on to alcohol by her husband and was hooked. For the last few months she has been miserable, showing up late for work, wearing disheveled clothing and neglecting her son and daughter. Recently I confronted her when I found that she had driven under the influence. Her son also relayed his concerns. She has now altered her lifestyle and has completely given up drinking. Encouragingly, I have discovered that people can change for the better.
Treatment of women
I have a question: Are there any men in this town who treat women as equals instead of second-class citizens? My husband and I are new to the area, and we are both stunned by what appear to be the prevailing attitudes toward women in the area. Am I somehow a liability because of my gender? The mentalities I've experienced are shocking. I have been talked down to, berated and patronized by men more times since moving here six months ago than I have been in my entire adult life up until now. I refuse to stand for this. Cape's favorite son might label me a "feminazi" for my beliefs, but I will continue to stand up for myself. We women have had enough of being put in our place. It's the 21st century, for crying out loud.
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Tough, but true
There is an interesting story in the always reliable April 9 issue of The Nation magazine. The article is written by internationally famous writer John LeCarre. It is entitled "Big Pharma." The gist of it is that the pharmaceutical companies have spent so much money advancing their cause they have managed to corrupt governments and research universities all over the world. In LeCarre's words, the leading nations of the world have become "the hired mouthpieces of multibillion-dollar multinational corporations that view the exploitation of the world's sick and dying as a sacred duty to their investors." Tough words, but true.
The neighbors' dogs
I am not a wealthy man. I live in a rundown neighborhood that has satisfied me for 13 years. Recently, however, new neighbors moved in next door. They seemed like decent people, and we were excited at the prospect of meeting new friends. That is until we saw their dogs. They have eight beagles that live fenced up in their backyard. Every night I lay in bed restlessly listening to those creatures bark into all hours of the night. I have talked to the neighbors, but they refuse to silence their dogs. It is ridiculous that people can simply disturb the community like that. I don't know what to do.
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