Bessie's letters to the editor

Bessie wrote several dozen letters to the Hanford Sentinel. Also, there were replies to her letters from others. She focused on peace, freedom, equality, and common sense.

Hanford Sentinel
1979 Feb 13
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559927697/

Stupid Tirades

Editor, The Sentinel:

I have read with disgust the tirades against women ever since the first stupid letter from Jim Prevo that started the whole mess. And I found them to be worse every letter (with the exception of the intelligent letter from John Weisser Sr.). Prevo was bad enough but (ridiculous, really) then came Bible quoting J. M. Michael and stallion Joe Merino which was not only ridiculous but downright offensive and degrading.

The last two letters I have read in The Sentinel were written by ladies and I think that they have had the last words as Friday I found no new letters so I am hoping the whole controversy is over.

Now Mr. Prevo and Mr. Michael can look for some women who like to be slaves, and Mr. Joe Moreno can try to find third wife who wants a bull or a stallion, as he lost two who didn't care to be just sex objects for him to play with.

BESSIE RAYGOZA
Visalia

Hanford Sentinel
1978 Feb 22
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559865273/

Rose Dugger, Who Are You?

Editor, The Sentinel:

For some time now I have been reading letters to your paper about the Mexicans and their language and I have found the best of the lot were the letters written by Eugene Austin and David Verdugo. The story of this land is a story of conquest — Spanish, English, French and then us, the Americans.

The letter written by Jim Bride of Lemoore who wants Rose Dugger to stand up so he can cheer her is a scream. Does he know this woman (if the writer is a woman)? He should, as the address this person gave to the paper should make him a neighbor.

But it seems that this Rose Dugger of 14845-18½ Lemoore, who started this animosity campaign against the Mexicans and their language is a phantom. Who is this Rose Dugger, or is she using a pseudonym?

I ask because I wrote to this person using the name and address given by The Sentinel and my letter was returned by the Lemoore Post Office marked with a red notation, Not deliverable as addressed. Unable to forward. Enclosed find my envelope as proof.

The reason I wrote to her personally was because I wanted to stay away from public letters and have no desire to be in the controversy.

I also looked in the telephone directory and could not find any Dugger name listed. So I am wondering why this person gives a false name and address (at least a false address). Don't you find this odd, too?

As for her complaint about waiting so long for attention because of Mexicans; I can tell her I am sure I have waited much longer for credit card holders who have made a purchase before me; or for a person writing a check, then balancing her check book or giving verification, etc.

But I haven't found it necessary to air my frustration to a newspaper.

Now for the Spanish language. I have to say I am sorry every day that I didn't learn to speak and understand this language when I was given a most favorable opportunity. I find it a very musical language, much softer than our English.

I certainly would not enjoy having Rose Dugger (or whatever her correct name is) for either a friend or a neighbor. She insists she is not prejudiced, but her letters have proved her statements false.

I can only hope this person doesn't cause a feud or war between people who have lived in peace until she came here to live. And I would sure like to know where she does live.

BESSIE WESTFALL RAYGOZA
510 North Locust, Apt. A,
Visalia

Hanford Sentinel
1976 Jan 15
https://www.newspapers.com/image/560616632/

Cause of Crime?

Editor, The Sentinel:

I suppose most people have wondered, as I have, why there are so many crimes.

After reading the crime accounts in various papers and the Kings County Superior Court Criminal Calendars, I have found my answer.

Perhaps many will not agree, but as some might, I am writing my answer to the question — Why do we have so many crimes?

My answer is because of the supreme, unwarranted leniency of the judges and the effective pleas of the lawyers who plead the poor, dear criminals' cases with pathos and tears of pity for the criminals streaming down their faces.

The poor, dear criminals must be insane — therefore innocent. They must be set free at once so they can start over — to do the same thing or same things again. Well, why not?

The criminal is protected by law (not the victim) and if he (or she) should be sent to prison for a few years because he has a poor lawyer or an unsympathetic judge, he is pampered there. Or if he (or she) isn't, that person can join with other prisoners and tear up the prison, take hostages or otherwise express their displeasure with their surroundings.

I have read case after case where the criminal is taken in for several crimes and then has had all the large charges dropped by pleading guilty to a minor crime.

Take, for instance, the crime case of a man named Dale Chesser, 32 years old, who kidnapped a small 9-year-old child and raped her. The charge was "kidnap, and lewd and lascivious conduct with a child" but the lawyers and judged allowed this man to plead guilty to "unlawful intercourse" with a nine-year-old girl in a plea bargain in which the district attorney agreed to dismiss the kidnap and lewd and lascivious conduct with a child.

So the lawyers and judge allowed this man to get away with two crimes. Some justice! That which makes the victim only a partner of "unlawful intercourse" and not the victim of rape, let alone the kidnapping of the child.

If I were the parent I would be sorely tempted to deal out my own justice, as the Negro woman who killed the jailer who raped her did; or like the man in Hanford did when he killed the man who had killed his mother. Of course, he got a sentence, whereas the man he killed was on the loose after he killed.

Furthermore, after all the controversy over a judge for Kings County, I should think few people would care if the judge came from Timbuktu if he would serve the victims instead of the criminals.

The subject of criminal justice needs several Lena Lawrences. I am not one, but I do wish the statue of Justice would open her eyes, because her scales are sure out of balance.

BESSIE WESTFALL
3424 W. Tulare Ave., Visalia

Hanford Sentinel
1975 Aug 15
https://www.newspapers.com/image/560592063/

Letters to the Editor

Enough Is Enough

Editor, The Sentinel:

I really hadn't intended to jump into the judges' booth in the hot contest between those who favor nude bathing and those who favor 1890 swim suits; especially as I have no swim suit and don't intend to do any nude bathing.

But, I have grown so weary of the letters to the paper pro and con that I am asking, please, please, print that man AGAIN and this time clothe him completely like topcoat, evening clothes, ruffled shirt, white tie, gloves and shiny slippers. Then push him into the water and let the Baptists bail him out and save his soul. [Should read as "... completely — as in, topcoat..."]

I feel sure the ones who weren't aghast at the bather's nudity will not mind either, as they must be tired of the Baptists' tirades as I am. In these days of nude bathing, streakers and center-folds it is most enlightening to learn there are so many persons in Hanford who [are] so very interested in fighting nudity.

I am sure that neither Ms. Lawrence or Burton Swope uphold any crimes, rape or violence. Do these nice people think the picture of the nude man provoked any of these things?

As for the religious beliefs of either one, I consider that to be each one's own private affair and nothing to be published publicly in a newspaper. Seems to me I have heard somewhere "Judge not, as you shall be judged."

Now for me. I saw the picture of the unclothed July Afternoon man in The Sentinel and it didn't disturb me. But, of course, I had seen such before a few times.

I remember the furor that the picture September Morn caused when it was shown some years ago ad this seems to be much of the same hysteria; only I must say the nude girl of September Morn was at least 100 per cent more pleasing to a beholder than the man who was nude in July Afternoon.

Anyway, don't the Baptists think hey have beaten a dead horse long enough? In this case a man minus a bathing suit. If all those words were blows, that man would be black, blue and red (read?) all over and wouldn't need a bathing suit.

So please, please do your sermons and moralizing in a church and let's start on other topics. Enough is enough; in this case it is too much.

I like to read intelligent letters about interesting subjects, and really there are more interesting things to fuss over than whether a man (or woman) should wear clothing while bathing.

BESSIE WESTFALL
3424 West Tulare Ave., Visalia

Hanford Sentinel
1974 Dec 13
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559588259/

Gun Lovers

Editor, The Sentinel:

Every year when hunting season comes around I have been tempted to write a "sportsman's protest," but I have waited too long and now someone (Mrs. Lawrence) has done it for me and so much better than I could have done. So I say, "Thank you, Mrs. Lawrence, and bravo to you."

However, I did write a protest to an eastern Canadian paper once that had a writeup about the French-Canadians' habit of enticing the beautiful little snowbirds (they are about the size of our sparrows) with food into a huge net so that they could make them into a white snowbird pie.

Now, I can understand anyone who is starving killing to survive, but these were big, fat, well-fed French-Canadians and I am sure none of them or their families were without food. How do I know? Well, the paper showed their pictures. And, I am sure none of them had ever missed a meal in their lives.

So, when I see the pictures of the smug, grinning "sportsmen" with a stiff, glassy-eyed deer or a string of doves (I'm sure one dove would hardly make one bite), I feel sick and angry.

Then I console myself with the sad thought that soon there will be no "game" for the "sportsmen" to grin over; then they can turn their guns on the other "sportsmen," which is what is happening sometimes now.

I found one definition of "sportsman" to be "a person who is willing to take a chance...A person who plays fair." So what chance is a hunter with a gun taking in going after doves, unless it is the danger from another hunter's gun? As for "playing fair," that is a laugh because there is no fair play when a "sportsman" takes a gun and all the birds have are their wings and all the animals have are their feet to escape, if they can. Likely only if the "sportsman" is a poor shot.

The cruelty to animals is demonstrated in still another form as was told by Mrs. S. J. Mical in The Sentinel Dec. 4. It is a lamentable fact that many people think animals have no feelings — only humans, and sometimes not even them. If someone gets in the path of destruction, that someone becomes a statistic which everyone nearly forgets..

Surely, Hanford's SPCA will do as much to see animals are treated well at the pound as they are individually.

It takes persons with pitying hearts to bring things like this to the public's attention. Although Mrs. Mical's appealing letter may bring good results in the pound I very much doubt that Mrs. Lawrence's letter will move any gun-loving hearts. They will laugh and load their guns for a new onslaught on what they consider "game."

BESSIE WESTFALL
3424 West Tulare Ave., Visalia

Hanford Sentinel
1974 Oct 11
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559615420/

Who's Lena Lawrence?

Editor, The Sentinel:

I suppose it is up to me to answer Janis Jackson's question, "Who is Lena Lawrence," as I was the one who mentioned her name in a letter to The Sentinel.

It really shouldn't be necessary, as Mrs. Lawrence is quite well known through her letters to The Sentinel. But perhaps Mrs. Jackson is a new subscriber or just wants to "put me down."

I have never met Lena Lawrence, nor Rev. Rentfro nor Janis Jackson, so I judge each of them by the sentiments they have expressed in The Sentinel.

If Mrs. Jackson had read the paper as assiduously last year as she has lately she wouldn't have to ask, "Who is Lena Lawrence?" Because The Sentinel carried an article about her in March 1973. She could have read that; but as she seems not to have done so, it is up to me to give her a brief resume.

Mrs. Lena Lawrence is a very pretty (the paper pictured her at her typewriter), intelligent lady who lives on a dairy farm near Corcoran. I think I had read before this article that she was valedictorian of her high school class in Hanford.

She says, "God is Justice" and makes that her creed, which I find most exemplary. But is tragic how few follow that creed, especially if it has to do with the upper echelon. We found this to be the case in the Nixon affair.

Mrs. Lawrence is against war and fought with her pen against it when we were in that expensive, aggressive war in Vietnam. But Nixon decided to prolong the murder and he did for five years, although he had promised to stop it when he was campaigning — but who keeps campaign promises?

Mrs. Lawrence belongs to many organizations such as Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, the California League fo Women Voters and Common Cause.

Besides her activities for the common good, Mrs. Lawrence makes a home for a husband and five children, which to me is wonderful. How she finds time to keep up the work for peace and justice is extraordinary for one person and that is why I said, she "tells it like it is."

I hope I have done Mrs. Lawrence a measure of "justice" and satisfied Mrs. Jackson at the same time.

As I judged Mrs. Lawrence by her letters, I also judge Mrs. Jackson and Rev. Rentfro by theirs. And I am withholding my judgments of them as I am sure I couldn't be complimentary about anyone who upholds the creed of Nixon. Nixon who has lied and cheated his government not to mention his language and blasphemy. Still, he has followers like Rev. Rentfro and Mrs. Jackson. Abraham Lincoln sure spoke the truth when he said you can fool some of the people all of the time.

BESSIE WESTFALL
3424 West Tulare Ave., Visalia

Hanford Sentinel
1974 Sep 24
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559614269/

Disputes Letter

Editor, The Sentinel:

I enjoy reading the people's opinion letters, but once in a while I read one that irritates me so much I just have to butt in and say a few words of my own.

I found the letter of Rev. Rentfro in the Sept. 18 issue of The Sentinel to be very irritating and erroneous. Of course, i realize it was just his own opinion and should have been taken with a grain of salt. But it would take more than a "grain," maybe a sack to swallow all the sugar it contained.

I think Rev. Rentfro was preaching us a sermon and I am not too fond of sermons. They are mostly dull, impractical, and very very sticky, just as his letter was.

I for one have no interest in Mr. Nixon now. I did have when he was so busy running to and fro between the three White Houses — the one that once was enough the two he created for his own pleasure.

I have no way of knowing if Nixon "has suffered enough," but I do know that thousands of Vietnam veterans are still suffering and will suffer all their lives. Does Rev. Rentfro put Nixon above them? Mr. Nixon could have finished the war when he first came into office and saved thousands of lives, but he didn't.

Did Nixon not get paid — and well paid — for "his faithful years of service?" I know that he did and that was what he was "faithful" to — himself.

I don't care what man does "exact the last drop of blood now." Nixon took the "last drop" from thousands of better men than he ever was when he prolonged that Vietnam war.

Besides, I don't think he should have any credit with stopping it when he did because he was forced to do it by the women who were pestering him about the war prisoners — women can be a strong influence if they want to be and they were going all out for the prisoners' release. But if you can remember correctly, Nixon prolonged the agony until he was sure of being re-elected.

You can thank Nixon every time you go to the market to buy food, when you pay 73 and 75 cents for a loaf of bread that used to cost half that sum and also when you find practical everything priced a few cents more.

Of course, he made a good "comrade" out of the people in the United States when our appealing "little boy" Nixon sold our wheat to Russia, making millionaires out of some of the U.S. citizens and fools out of the rest of us. The Russians offered to sell it back to us at nearly double the price they paid; wasn't that "appealing" of them?

I don't believe "unborn" generations will "look better" on Nixon and I sorrowfully say I am afraid they will hate us for being asleep when we should have ben awake.

I could go on, but what is the use? Those of us who realize the truth will think as they do and the others who love punishment will still remain the same.

So, Rev. Rentfro, I will only say your letter made me positively sick and please, don't write another sermon. That would be too, too much. Give your space to Lena Lawrence, she can tell it like it is.

BESSIE WESTFALL
3424 W. Tulare Ave., Visalia

Hanford Sentinel
1974 Feb 26
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559616842/

Praises Editorials

Editor, The Sentinel:

Just a few words of congratulations on some very fine editorials lately, especially "Two Memorials" and "Intolerable Demand."

It's a little hard to believe that a person is education enough to be able to put Rev. before his name and not realize that a newspaper depends on the revenue from the ads, in its paper.

I hope the Rev. Clinton R. Janney's congregation in Kettleman City is more knowledgable than he is and continues their subscriptions to The Sentinel.

There is no way reading ads in a paper can influence anyone to do anything he isn't inclined to do; too bad they bother Rev. Janney so much.

I have been too busy reading the news, editorials and letters from the people to the editor; I've missed something. I must attend to that oversight; it takes a preacher to look for such advertisements, I guess.

However, I think the Rev. could better use his time trying to prevent vandalism and injustice.

BESSIE WESTFALL
3424 W. Tulare Ave., Visalia

Hanford Sentinel
1974 Feb 06
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559615183/

Enjoys Cartoons

Editor, The Sentinel:

I always read the editorials and the letters from the readers with interest and I think it is a good way to judge the persons' thinking.

I don't know why I should be disappointed and surprised at the different reactions to what they read in the paper, but I am.

Take for instance, poor "bewildered" Mrs. Simon, who delivers her opinion of the paper's views as an oracle, putting down the paper and praising Pres. Nixon like he was (or is) the Savior of the people. What a laugh!

She says Pres. Nixon was "voted in by the people" — at what cost! I only voted for him the first time. The second time around, I had his measure and it sure was lacking in quality.

I think she need not worry over Nixon being impeached, as how would we untangle a kicking, screaming person who hangs on to the great seal of the United States with hands, feet and teeth? We should let our celebrated pity prevail and say, "All right, Mr. Nixon, finish out your term. Even if it finishes us, we can't do this to you." Besides, even if we did become so stony-hearted, he would finish with two magnificent estates, a $60,000 yearly retirement and likely a cool million he has stashed away somewhere.

I consider the cartoons the Sentinel publishes very apt and clever and I hope they continue, although I am sure Mr. Nixon will never see any of them in the Sentinel or, for that matter, anywhere else. His Rosemary Woods will see to that.

It is astonishing how many there are of the letter writers lately, and the list of women who put their names to a document upholding Mr. Nixon; it goes to prove that you certainly can fool some of the people all the time. Or, they may like being slapped on both cheeks and his on the stomach. However, soon it will be the pocketbook that will take the beating. Then I think there will be plenty of wailing and gnashing of teeth.

And, I want to assure Mr. Bader that even if Pres. Nixon saw the "cruel, vicious caricatures" printed by the Sentinel they wouldn't even phase him, his skin is too thick, his stubbornness is too great and he is all ego.

So Mr. Bader need not be concerned any cartoons would "destroy" Nixon. He has done a good job of that for himself.

Too bad these people who are so concerned about Nixon, couldn't be concerned about things in Hanford and, write beautiful letters like the one Alice Hall wrote "Spare That Tree." Or do something about the poor neighbors like Mr. and Mrs. Homer Smith who was visited by conscienceless vandals who make a wreck of their car or take the time to help the little girl with a sick mother who at Christmas needed help so badly and I suppose still does. Or spend the time they are wasting writing Nixon eulogies to the paper doing something to prevent all the vandalism, robberies and such things as killing some persons pig and leaving it for them to find.

The Sentinel has lots of these things in it, so stop looking at the cartoons which annoy you and complain and do something about these more important things.

BESSIE S. WESTFALL
3424 W. Tulare Ave., Visalia

Hanford Sentinel
1973 Dec 20
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559562669/

Defends Writer

Editor, The Sentinel:

After I read the last two nasty, insulting letters in The Sentinel on Friday under the headings "Shadow Theologian" and "Fool in Public Places," I decided that it was my duty and my privilege to refute their disgusting aspersions on Mrs. Lawrence's character.

I have followed Mrs. Lawrence's letters for years and I am convinced that she is a dedicated human being, a true humanitarian. I only regret there are so few like her.

If I remember correctly Mrs. Lawrence did not name either Piet Hofmans or J. K. Perkins in any of her letters, but they in turn had no qualms about attacking her viciously in their public letters. It is one thing to call a person a fool face to face, but quite another to put it in a paper: it is a matter of personal opinion to sneer at a superior intellect, but it is showing a jealous disposition to publish it for others to read and evaluate.

For one person like Lena Lawrence who stands steadfastly against war, who deplores the killing and the misery it entails — there are thousands who, if they do not glorify it, they at least condone or tolerate it.

For one person, like Lena Lawrence, who grieves over the cruelty and killing of helpless, innocent birds and animals there are thousands of persons calling themselves Christians who look the other way and say man must have his "sport."

To Piet with his word of advice — perhaps he is right, for it takes a very brave and unselfish person to stand up and say, "You are wrong." This person is staking his (or in this case her) liberty or perhaps his (or her) life.

To J. K. Perkins I would like to say he signed his name to a little of his personal "graffitti" when he signed his name after the letter, "Fool in Public Places." So who is calling whom a fool?

Mrs. Lawrence may be your "judge" and I may be your "jury" but I am leaving it up to you to be the "hangman."

As to that cute little remark about "belly-buttons" I can state "everyone" does not have a belly-button because I have none.

And his quotation from your Bible really hasn't made a small dent on his brain because in his letter he threw stones like crazy.

BESSIE WESTFALL
3424 W. Tulare Ave., Visalia

Hanford Sentinel
1973 Jun 20
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559601188/

Kings General Closing

Editor, The Sentinel:

I feel like one of the persons who listened to the boy int he fable who cried, "WOLF, WOLF," so often that they (and I) didn't believe that there was any problem.

I had heard — and read — so often the threat of closing the Kings County Hospital that I wasn't prepared for the actual happening. And so it came as a surprise, a shock, and has left me with a keen sense of dismay and sadness — like the passing of an old and very dear friend.

I spent 20 years of my life there (working days) and grew very fond of that stately brick building and the lofty elm trees that grow around it and, of course, the persons living and dead who made it a hospital of which we were very proud.

To me, this is like destroying my second home and I cannot help feeling grief; although I haven't been a part of this hospital for a number of years I knew it as there and my friends (some of them) were there and I felt satisfied.

To the employees of the hospital who will soon be (or now are) displaced persons, please don't think I have forgotten you; because, believe me, I haven't.

In fact, this is the second letter I have written in your behalf — the first The Sentinel refused to print. Oh, no, I didn't use any nasty four-letter word in it.

I apologize because I am late — although I am certain even if I had spoken sooner it wouldn't have changed a thing. When the supervisors make up their minds to do anything, whether it be raising their own salaries 10 or 15 per cent or disposing of a good sturdy hospital that has dispensed kindness and mercy along with medicine and care to the community for 50 years or more — it goes their way.

By the way, I am bewildered about the $400,000 the county is so very generously donating to another hospital to take over the Kings County Hospital's services. Doesn't this hospital intend to collect for its services? If it does intend to collect, why this huge donation?

BESSIE WESTFALL
3424 West Tulare Ave., Visalia

The Fresno Bee
1972 Aug 03
https://www.newspapers.com/image/703641750/

Course Of Justice

Editor of The Bee — Sir: it is time the people of this country make a good study of what we are doing to promote crime, not to lessen it. The lawyer and judges are engrossed with spending the federal, state and county money as they protest these murderers and at the same time enlarge their bank accounts. They think only of freeing the criminals and have no pity for the victims of the murderers.

When a judge gives a man only a one-year jail sentence for killing a child and another judge sends a man to have psychiatric treatment for burying his child alive, then I think it's time people take notice. The case of Juan Corona has cost a county in California $150,000 and no end is in sight. Why does this case along with so many others, take so long and cost so much?

Surely, there should be a reformation of our slow system where justice is bent over backwards in favor of the criminals. I thin it is about time we should tear that blindfold from the eyes of justice and allow her to see what our lawyers and judges are doing to her.

Visalia.

BESSIE S. WESTFALL

Hanford Sentinel
1972 May 24
https://www.newspapers.com/image/703454837/

'Searching'

Editor of The Bee — Sir: I found Maureen Fitak's letter in The Bee May 14 quite interesting and agreeable until she got the paragraph where she started her Nixon eulogy.

She doesn't need to worry over Nixon committing "political suicide" as I am very sure he sifted every word with his political sieve carefully a dozen times and decided they would do him more good than harm.

As for his "guts," I don't think anyone can question "guts" after his "guts" sentenced thousands of our young men to death (imprisonment or being cripples the rest of their lives) through his four years in office.

Thousands of our young Americans sacrificed in a foreign country for a foreign cause which would have ended sooner with fewer lives lost, both military and civilian, less country and property destroyed if Nixon had less "guts" for war. He could have ended this bloody, costly war when he first took office four years ago. He showed his "guts" all this time and I, for one, didn't like their looks.

I am glad to be an American but I am not "proud" of Nixon. I feel let down that one I voted for didn't come through as I had expected one of Quaker parentage to do.

Nixon, your President, speaks up for "the unborn baby in the womb" but aborts thousands of grown-up babies, whom we have raised and educated.

He may have restored Maureen Fitak's faith by his concern for unborn babies but I lost my faith in him when he refused to stop this aggressive war four years ago. He turned me — a lifelong Republican — into a Democrat searching — like Diogenes — for an honest man to be our next President.

BESSIE S. WESTFALL
Visalia.

Hanford Sentinel
1972 Feb 09
https://www.newspapers.com/image/560572848/

Not A Bad Record

Editor, The Sentinel:

Ever since I read your warning about "Older Drivers" being a driving menace, I have been concerned. As I'm sure you would consider me an "Older Driver," I'm writing you.

Of course, I am not sure where you place the "older" line. Is it 40, 50, 60, 65 years; or when does one enter this hazardous class?

Then I decided to check your paper to se how many older drivers were involved in traffic accidents and violations.

After a week, this is what I came up with:

Jan. 27 — Two fined, a 18-year-old and a 19-year-old, for traffic violations.

Jan. 27 — Two drunken drivers, 32 and 37, and one traffic violation, 47 years.

Jan. 28 — One 40-year-old drunken driver.

Jan. 31 — Driver, 22, jailed for drunken driving; one 26-year-old in an accident; two more drunken drivers, 24 and 37 years of age, and one 53-year-old (older driver?).

Feb. 1 — 52-year-old involved in an accident (his fault), one 66-year-old in an accident and one 26-year-old in an accident.

Feb. 2 — Girl, 20 years, excessive speeding; one 21-year-old drunken driving.

Feb. 3 — One 20-year-old and one 21-year-old, drunken driving.

Feb. 4 — Wrong-way accident (man), 24 years old; 32-year-old expired license; 36-year-old revoked license; suspended license of 24-year-old; 49-year-old drunken driver; 18-year-old reckless driving and one 49-year-old drunken driving.

One driver from this is 53, and one 66. Not too bad a percentage for "Older Drivers," eh?

BESSIE WESTFALL

2424 W. Tulare Ave., Visalia

[Address appears wrong.]

The Hanford Sentinel
1971 Dec 16
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559571682/

Enjoys Billboards

Editor, The Sentinel:

After I read Mr. Congdon's harsh condemnation of outdoor advertising signs, I planned on writing my opinion (if anyone cares!) but this time of the year Christmas cards and letters seem to be very important.

So it wasn't until I read Mr. Vincent's letter that I felt it might be important to endorse his opinion of signs.

Anyway, I may be peculiar, but I like these outdoor signs.

In fact, they often serve as a screen to hide junkyards and the unsightly backyards of untidy people.

As for interfering with our "ecology," I can't see how, as they aren't cutting down any forest to plant signs.

I can't see that signs are a fire hazard or are breathing carbon monoxide into our atmosphere to poison us.

In travelling, I appreciated signs to relieve the monotony of the long roads; and also found them useful in finding motels and markets and filling stations.

In fact, I have even enjoyed seeing some of those old "Burma Shave" signs of years ago. Some of the signs I've forgotten, but one I remember (along the highway) is "If You Lived Here You Would Be Home Now." Some sense of humor!

Maybe this makes me the odd one in a million, eh?

It was a treat to see signs (not highway signs) saying we were only a few miles from some town and dinner. [diner?]

The signs were never so close that they interfered with the sight of sage brush, cattle or hills.

Mr. Congdon would be really surprised to know how many people never see signs at all. For instance last September, in passing through Montana, I often saw a big sign that read: "Save Our State, Vote 68." I inquired of many people what that meant. And after deciding I'd never know, I found one man who had a halfway explanation. He said it was something about state taxes. I had to be satisfied with that. Although I know Montana had no state taxes at that time, perhaps they were voting on it.

Mr. Vincent, I hope we can keep the billboards. I enjoy them, I really do!

BESSIE WESTFALL
3424 West Tulare Ave., Visalia

Hanford Sentinel
1971 Jul 09
https://www.newspapers.com/image/560768624/

Human Cost of War

Editor, The Sentinel:

The screaming black headlines in The Sentinel of July 2nd, Troop Removal to Cost Billions must have hit a number of people right in their hearts (their pocketbooks) and may have made them feel why bring them back.

The article neglected to mention how many billions it took to put them in Vietnam and how many billions it has taken to keep them there.

I wonder why the newspapers didn't have headlines like this before the government sent out children to Vietnam such as This Contemplated Vietnam War Is Going To Cost The United States Billions and Billions and Billions Of Dollars and INCIDENTALLY 45,000 Of Your Children's Lives; Not To Mention The Drug Habit They May Acquire Or The Legless, Armless Or Mindless You Will Have To Provide For To Rehabilitate.

Our worthy Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird bemoans the difficulty of removing "equipment" from Vietnam and I could suggest we follow the usual way the army removes the supplies they transport to support wars — just leave the expensive "equipment" where the army put it and let it rot there or some of the natives of the countries can make off with it. This has been the way the military has always done, so why be any different now? The taxpayer pays the bill so why should Secretary Laird care?

Before I stop I want to heartily endorse the sentiments expressed in your paper July 2nd by D. Tomer and I think more people should take a stand for the right; it sure takes a lot of courage to write a letter like he did and I admire him for it.

It is an odd fact that it took me 60 years to learn what the kids of today have learned in only 16 years — that we spend more for war than for education or welfare and that is not a good thing even if our beloved country does it.

BESSIE WESTFALL
3424 W. Tulare Ave., Visalia

Hanford Sentinel
1971 Jun 03
https://www.newspapers.com/image/560624528/

Praises Writer

Editor, The Sentinel:

It is with pride, admiration and satisfaction I'm writing to endorse the most worthy sentiments expressed in your paper by Lena Lawrence.

I, too, in the past have expressed my strong feelings against war and war makers in The Sentinel.

I appreciate anyone who has the courage to make a stand for peace publicly. And Mrs. Lawrence has that courage along with a vocabulary that most persons can envy — I do.

I cannot understand a person (or persons) who criticizes and puts down others for having a hate for war.

It seems instead of picking on a person for advocating peace we should all unite and work to stop this costly (in lives and money) war and fight, too, against pollution, crime and inflation. We should send our criticisms to the President, Senate and House of Representatives for keeping us in this unnecessary aggressive war.

In a few years we will be bankrupt if this war goes on.

Right now we are borrowing at an exorbitant rate of interest from other countries to pay for this war. It has already cost the United States $115 BILLION since 1965.

So instead of writing petty criticism against one who only has our best interest at heart these persons should direct their criticisms to those who should be criticized — the government in Washington D. C.

MRS. BESSIE WESTFALL
516 W. Florinda

Hanford Sentinel
1970 Oct 15
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559619013/

Misses Grant

Editor, The Sentinel:

For some time now I've been missing the cartoons made by my favorite cartoonist, Lou Grant.

I would like to know why your paper has discontinued them.

I found his cartoons so very pertinent to our times and well drawn.

Perhaps they were too pertinent and so worried some of our higher-ups; is that why you don't publish them anymore?

I do hope he is in good health, however, and that is not the reason for the loss of some very good material.

Material so thought provoking and likely to disturb those of us who just want to not think, that we suppress such worthwhile ideas.

BESSIE WESTFALL
516 W. Florinda

Hanford Sentinel
1970 May 15
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559609018/

Students' Depth Of Thinking

To the Meteor, and to the contributors of the Symposium:

I feel if someone has something good to say about anything or anybody, one should say it.

This is why I finally am writing to tell you how much I enjoy the Meteor section of The Sentinel this year.

I especially appreciated the Symposium on "Pollution." I was amazed at the depth of thinking of the youngsters. How very intelligent they are beyond their years!

The cartoons were so good and pertinent, too. The town and county should be very proud of young people who can think on problems so deeply and can express themselves so well.

Some Meteor issues back, I clipped a writing called "America" or "I Remember" I found that to be exceptionally written by Terri Echols. I have enjoyed every Meteor issue this year and please accept my congratulations for having such a brilliant school paper.

Also, congratulate Mr. Lawrence P. Shehan, advisor, as I feel he must have had a large part in the make-up for the symposium, "On Pollution." His coaching and teaching seem to have good returns this year.

Good luck in the future.

Bessie Westfall

Hanford Sentinel
1970 Apr 22
https://www.newspapers.com/image/562210744/

Letters to the Editor

What About War?

Editor, The Sentinel:

I have been wondering ever since the safe return of the three astronauts from space whether there is anyone in this county, state, or even in the whole United States as choked with anger and frustration as I am.

In every paper it is front page news and in our Sentinel there was almost a whole page devoted to jubilant news of the safe return of three men and a couple of paragraphs about a victim of this careless, useless slaughter of one of our own boys in Vietnam — one who can never return and he was only 20 years old.

I think it is a pathetic, sick state of affairs when a whole country goes crazy with joy over just three men who shouldn't have been up in space and ignores the 140 boys (really it was 142 or 143) who were slaughtered in Vietnam in about the same period of time.

I, along with all the others, had a healthy interest in the first trip to the moon and worried about them (and, please don't think I wasn't happy over the safe return of these three). But, these last two expensive expeditions seems to me to be just two too many. It seems beyond reason for us to finance these super-rock hounds on their rock hunts.

From the President down, the papers, radio and TV, all have gone insane with joy over only three men. Men who were willing and eager for the moon trip and returned safely to be greeted like conquering heroes with presidential medals, dinners and plaudits.

Now I ask, what did these men accomplish besides spending an enormous amount of the taxpayers' money on a fruitless, dangerous trip?

The country couldn't have been more joyful if the President had declared an end to the Vietnam war.

Hanford and Kings County makes more fuss over sex education, the busing of school children than over this immoral war. We quarrel and fight over food stamps and welfare and accept the billions the government is draining from us for this unnecessary, shameful war without question.

I think this country has retrogressed not progressed, with this senseless war (along with the Korean war, which did not good but cost lives and money) the waste and spending is enormous, the presidential show-off with gaudy uniforms, trumpet blare, dinner parties for the yes-men, sure cloud the real interest for the country's welfare.

I would be 425,000 times (I think there is about that many of our men in Vietnam) as happy for the safe return of our troops as I was for the three who got the heroes welcome last week.

Yours Respectfully,

Bessie Westfall
516 West Florida
Hanford

Hanford Sentinel
1969 Nov 27
https://www.newspapers.com/image/562493157/

Questions Job Report

Editor, Hanford Sentinel:

It's been some time, Oct. 30, 1969 to be exact since I read your editorial "Job Competition." So, I have been slow in writing to ask you how and in what way the California Department of Employment can create "Nearly a Million and a Half" new jobs?

They say there is "declining job opportunities on the farm" with "expanding job opportunities in clerical, professional and service fields."

All this seems to be built on the 52,000 farmers, who are, when you come right down to the bare facts, the foundation of all jobs — "clerical, profession and service." Anyway, that's the way I have sifted down all the pleasant prospects of so many new skilled jobs.

So, another question, how are 52,000 farmers going to feed, clothe, give medical care and paid vacations, high (and higher) salaries to a million and a half people?

And, as the state grows richer in population it grows poorer each day in production acres.

The lessening of farm lands by encroaching cities, subdivisions and housing has me worried; but it seems like I am the only one who worried over the future. I guess most people think production is endless. And, in population that is true.

The whole wonderful promise of training for non-existent jobs sounds to me like a beautiful dream and one from which we can only awaken, jobs doing what? [This was an odd sentence.]

What with the tremendous waste in our nation, the war which should never have been, the charity to other nations, the pleasure jaunts of our law-makers in Europe, North America and here and there, the trips to the moon. We are in worse shape than we now realize.

I would hate to see this wonderful promising country of ours go bankrupt. But, if an individual was in this shape I would say it was only a question of time.

Don't think this is just a pessimistic view, I consider myself a realist, I realize I am not an optimist, only in so far as I do have a little hope that some of the citizens will do something.

Bessie Westfall
516 West Florinda

(Editor's Note: The California Department of Employment does not purport to create the million and a half new jobs. What it did was report that so many new jobs will open in the various fields — primarily private enterprise — in the coming years. The reason why agricultural jobs are declining is that farms are becoming more productive per acre.)

Hanford Sentinel
1968 May 23
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559282591/

Improved Parade

Editor, The Sentinel

I have just a few words of praise for the Homecoming Parade. I attended the parade both last year and this year and found it was improved 100 per cent.

I want to express my sincere congratulations and appreciation to all of those who arranged or participated in any way to provide the spectators so much enjoyment.

I enjoyed all of the entries and I am happy to see the Tache Indian children won an award.

My congratulations again to the committee for a parade to be proud of and for their luck in picking a perfect day to celebrate.

Bessie Westfall
Hanford

Hanford Sentinel
1968 Feb 14
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559734314/

War Not Inevitable

Editor, The Sentinel:

I keep promising myself — "No more letters to the editor, no matter what."

But, when I read letters such as the two in last night's Sentinel (Feb. 9) I just can't keep calm and quiet.

So, once again I have to stand up to be counted on the side of peace for our nation.

Many people, such as these two, seem to think war is a disease that has no cure, when all the time we do have the cure, if we band together.

I agree with Maryann Douglass; Mrs. Lawrence does, indeed, have a wonderfully "broad vocabulary." And, my sincere congratulations to Mrs. Lawrence, both for her courageous stand for peace and her excellent vocabulary.

I feel that while Mrs. Lawrence is definitely "proud" of our servicemen, she is infinitely sorry for them as well.

I think I can do a fair job of answering Maryann Douglass' question — what would Mrs. Lawrence do if she were "in the place of the heads of state?" I think she should stop this carnage. What would it matter if we lose a little from our many faces if we save thousands of innocent lives; our own dear ones included? And, notice I made no mention of a country laid waste, nor billions spent every day.

I do not know whether Mrs. Lawrence sits at her "kitchen table" or a rosewood desk when she writes her pleas for peace which has so disturbed her; that really has no significance.

To me, a defensive war is justifiable but an offensive war is not. Just the words — defend and offend — show the difference.

If Mrs. Lawrence were the first to cry "uncle," she would surely have stopped writing for peace long ago. I cry uncle, "Uncle, Uncle Sam, what are you doing to your country and your people?"

Roberta Troxell remarked that Mrs. Lawrence "sets little value on her freedom of speech, religion, and pursuit of happiness."

So, I must ask her how much freedom have we to vote for or against war? So far we have been able to speak somewhat freely — within limits — although many have been locked up in jail for too much expression. And, how much happiness can we pursue without our country in turmoil and war? Unless, of course, you don't care.

The silly ignorant question of "Would Mrs. Lawrence have pushed him off a cliff?" I find this too childish to refute.

Let Roberta Troxell pray for peace both night and day, but, I think I have heard that prayer without works is of no avail.

Perhaps you two, who have so much in common, can "console" yourselves, if your sons, husbands, brothers and other relatives die in war — I cannot.

Somehow, I can only question the remark, "none of us like war," when I have found quite a number (like these two) that seem willing to fight for war, not against war.

Because we have always had war every few years is no reason to nonchalantly and complacently say it is a necessary evil and accept it.

I say it is an evil that should be done away with. When a boy, not yet 19, starts training in July, is shipped to Vietnam in November, and is killed two months later, it is time we should lift out voices loudly in our neighborhood, in our state, and in our country for peace.

Bessie S. Westfall
516 W. Florinda St.

Hanford Sentinel
1967 Oct 19
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559539707/

The Fence: Round 4

Editor, The Sentinel

I can see around, through and over Mr. Hagerty's beautiful fence.

But I can't see around, through or over the big duststorms our officials have been kicking up over this fence.

This has been going on for what seems like a nauseous year with Mr. Hagerty trying to please those who are determined to be displeased.

I am glad someone has at least come out and said what so many of us have been thinking.

Bessie Westfall, 516 W. Florinda

Hanford Sentinel
1967 Jun 01
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559578954/

Different Impression

Editor, The Sentinel:

I, too, was an interested observer of the Town Meeting of the World And, contrary to Hope Fochetti, I found the young people most intelligent and well-informed.

I think the only portion of her description of them hat fits is they were all young.

I heard no insolence — unless you call questioning our presence in Vietnam insolence.

Is it a crime or insolent to as questions? I thought that was the reason for this world program. I only wish Gov. Reagan had made a better showing. He seemed to evade answering. Robert Kennedy did much better.

As for these young people being grateful for the United States' saving their parents, I was under the impression that these parents were fighting right beside us. And for a long time before we went in.

I have always been grateful to these children's parents for helping to keep Hitler on the other side of the ocean.

Why are we entitled to all the credit? There were other countries helping us — even the Russians.

Bessie Westfall
576 W. Florinda

The Hanford Sentinel
1967 Apr 13
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559578226/

Editorial Boils Blood

Editor, The Sentinel

Will you please explain how an editor who has written some good articles such as "Shaping Community" and "Welcome Decision" can also write such blood thirsty editorials as "Stop Pussy-Footing" and "Take Gloves Off?"

I agree with the letter written by Dr. (L. F.) Christensen absolutely.

How can we hold the book of brotherhood of man in one hand and aim a gun at that brother with the other hand?

It is gratifying (to me, at least) to know there are a few individuals in these days of strain who have merciful thoughts for all of the human race and the courage to write and say so for anyone to read.

This most unnecessary and costly war, together with killing some of our nation's best men and wasting our resources, is making enemies out of good neighbors here at home.

I had not intended to write again about my convictions against war but your editorial made my blood boil, so I have to say again war is no answer to the world's troubles.

But, as you said, "let us get over there and get this thing over so our men can come home with their heads held high." Boy, is your patriotism showing. I want to ask when are we going? I mean you, Mr. Editor, and I.

Of course, we would promise to kill the Viet Cong swiftly and neatly. No messy "dis-emboweling" or dismemberment. And we shall not kill any women or children, only grown men.

However, come to think of it, I never said I would go. It was you, Mr. Editor, who spoke for all of "us." So I am chickening out. I won't go, but don't let me stop you.

Yours would have been a better argument if our country had been attacked. And your several references to "the enemy" makes me ask "whose enemy." None of these people have declared themselves our "enemy." Anyway, not before we entered their country to fight them.

So even though we do "get this thing over" I understand we have committed ourselves to defend 42 more countries over the world. What chance do we have for peace?

And while I am here I want to make a few comments on another editorial — "Going Too Far" March 25. The heading was fine but the ones you cited for "going too far" were the wrong ones.

Who can have any tolerance for hoodlums who harass peaceful citizens and "threaten death?" Of course, you were writing about Los Angeles citizens but would you feel the same if you met the same kind on the streets of Hanford?

To me, the Nazi sign is a badge of shame as are the garments of the Ku Klux Klan. These symbols stand for torture, massacre and no one should tolerate the ones who wear them.

If I met anyone wearing either of these symbols I would feel a rage as I remember the Nazi crimes of World War II and the deeds done by the Nazi and Ku Klux Klan members. These are the signs of war too.

May I say you really aren't very consistent? Bombs for Viet Cong, tolerance for LA hoodlums. I want to end on a more cheerful thought. My answer to your question of "Growing Burden" on March 29 — but first I have a question: why begin your salary figures at $6,000 a year: Is that the least a person can make these days?

My answer — mine along with many others — is a lot less, believe me.

Bessie Westfall

Hanford Sentinel
1967 Feb 27
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559607114/

Letters to the Editor

Replies to Reply

Editor, The Sentinel:

Pardon me, please, I really had no intention of monopolizing your readers' opinion section. And, for several days I have been debating with myself on whether I should reply publicly to a letter printed in your paper under the heading "Not Cannon Fodder."

The letter I wrote against war undoubtedly provoked this reply. However, I made no mention of "cannon fodder." And, as the reply put this in quotation remarks, it implied I made such a remark.

I made no insulting remarks about either the Cadet Corps or "the man in charge." I would have said the same had this man been my blood brother instead instead of a "brother-in-law."

I needed no public explanation or a treatise on the duties of a Cadet Corps instructor or his objectives. I already knew these quite well.

I only felt (who cares?) that if this war goes on for years, and it looks as if it will, these children will have to go, with chances of being crippled or killed.

Now, for my "crocodile tears." How do you judge tears? I have never seen a crocodile cry. I have heard they don't.

So, I gathered this was meant as a public insult, a trifle more pointed than the rest of that answer to my letter.

I have decided this letter was meant to be a public rebuke for my opinions on war. After all, who cares for my opinions? And, I was really only endorsing another person's ideas.

I certainly did not say a thing about "uncouth military methods" (quoting the letter). "Uncouth" is a word I especially dislike. I dislike, also, national or civil war, family feuds or neighborhood quarrels.

Bessie Westfall
516 West Florinda

Hanford Sentinel
1967 Jan 31
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559606209/

Letters to the Editor

Backs Mrs. Lawrence

Editor, The Sentinel:

I have stood in the silent cheering section for too long. My abject apologies to Lena Lawrence of Corcoran. I am ashamed and a coward, and don't think it doesn't take nerve to announce it to a military, war-minded community.

But, my conscience will not let me be silent any longer — so I am taking a place beside Lena Lawrence and Mrs. Peter Anthony.

Naturally, I am expected a lot of criticism and name calling — all the way from a "nut" to a traitor and a "communist." I am very sure I shall not be disappointed.

However, a nut has its purposes and as I understand the word, "communist" means one of a community, who has the welfare of the community at heart. So, if I am called one of those I will not mind.

Of course, there seems to be different meanings to this word and I take it, the retired Mr. Haley means a Russian communist — the lowest insult an American can give to a fellow American.

Perhaps, he has forgotten (but, how can he, having been in World War II) that the Russians were our friends, our allies, our buddies.

And, even at this time, that many American dollars are being invested in Russia, our financiers are quite friendly with the Russians, it seems.

Retired Commander Haley said, "Thank God we still have a few youngsters like James Anderson."

Yesterday, as I live close to Woodrow Wilson School, I saw a group of about 30 boys marching by. Some of these children were perhaps, 11 or 12 or at the most 13 years old. On each small shoulder was a big rifle. The man in charge was calling out military orders.

I suppose retired Commander Haley would have cheered. I cried.

Of course, children the ages of these are fighting against our army in Vietnam. But, they are other peoples' children so we don't care about them.

Naturally, retired Commander Haley, who I hope has all his faculties unimpaired, (and, no doubt, a large pension) and Mrs. Key, who also lives a military life paid for by the military, would defend war and the army.

We agree, it is necessary to have a defense system, an army and a police force until, if ever, people become brothers.

But, do we send our police force to other countries to keep order for them? How foolish and costly that would be, but we do send armies to force them to see things our way. We are sending the best of our country's young men to Vietnam to die in a foreign country in an unnecessary war — to leave that country in ruin and kill peaceful citizens. This is not to mention the inexcusable blunders in which we have killed our own soldiers and destroyed our own supplies.

This explains why I have waited so long to stand beside Lena Lawrence and say, "I agree with you with all my heart."

I dislike intensely being criticized, mocked and scorned, but there comes a time, even to a coward, when he (or she) has to speak out.

So, while I am drawing criticism for this attitude I might as well finish it off and say I agreed definitely with The Sentinel's editor on his 12-month school idea.

If children were going to school they would have less time to get into trouble or "bored" as the Rev. Strange advocated in his letter.

His memories of horse and buggy days and a country doctor amused me (I, too, remember those days with nostalgia) but I know (as he doesn't seem to) those days died years ago. Some of our children have never seen a buggy (outside of TV) and horses are getting rarer. And how knows a country doctor in this day? Doctors are specialists now and few even make city house calls — bring her (or him) to my office or the hospital.

Today's children are not like yesterday's children. We read and they watch TV; we walked, they ride in a car, some even ride a few blocks to school; we wore long skirts, they wear mini-skirts and long hair and so on and on.

I wonder why G. Wilkinson was disappointed with that editorial — perhaps he is a teacher or a principal.

I would naturally expect teachers or educators to not favor doing away with their three-month vacation with pay a year.

O. B. Watson really goes overboard in his idea of six-day-a-week school (why not seven) and 10 hours a day.

Some persons cannot accept change but everything else has changed — been speeded up — so why not education?

As it is, we already have summer school and the teachers who have worked so hard for the nine months are happy to get extra pay for sitting with the children.

As I understand it, the summer sessions do not offer any make-up or remedial subjects, so I can't see it is much help to the students.

But, it is very nice for the parents who want to have their children in someone's safe care so they can relax and enjoy the freedom.

What a wonderful idea (Watson) to the teacher — a year's sabbatical leave with pay. There is no limit to what the taxpayers can do, is there?

We now have principals who do not teach, who have secretaries to do their paper and office work, so why not a year off with pay for the teachers? Every one should visit foreign countries — I'd enjoy that, too.

If the teachers have such an "emotional strain" at the wage of from $6,000 to $8,000 (or more) in the school room five days a week, they could exchange places with some farmer who works 365 days a year (or 366) (30 or 31 days a month) and at least 12 or 14 hours each day. It is quite likely farmers make $4,000 a year or less.

So, I vote for year round school and no overseas wars, such as the last two, the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Bessie Westfall
516 W. Florinda

Hanford Sentinel
1966 Jun 13
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559572214/

"Rage and Frustration"

Editor, The Sentinel:

On the same page with your editorial "Too Young to Vote," there was Mr. Clark's letter that you should have headed "Too Young to Die."

I had read the announcement of this boy's death in Viet Nam and although I did not know this boy personally, I too felt "rage and frustration."

I feel this rage and frustration every time I hear Viet Nam news on TV, radio or read it in the newspapers. When are we going to unit and stop these barbaric wars? Wars that kill our most prized possessions, our sons; the country's brightest hope for the future.

They are senseless and useless and leave the countries we help (?) in much worse condition than they could have been if we had not interfered, not to mention how we swell their already over-populated countries with children who are half American, children who live half starved all their lives, practically naked and forlorn.

Why aren't "we, the people" given a chance to vote on whether we should make war on a country? The persons we elect to the highest or lowest office forget us, "we, the people," who put them there.

They all seem to have the same purpose; fooling the people and adding to their — and their friends and relatives — bank balance. So it's "Too Young to Vote" but not "Too Young to Die."

Bessie Westfall, 516 W. Florinda.

Hanford Sentinel
1966 May 30
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559571899/

Woodrow Wilson School

Editor, The Sentinel:

The Question Box stated County Superintendent Jacobus reported that if the seventh and eighth grade grammar school is operated as such with one teacher to one full class, it is much cheaper than putting in a "junior high school program" with each pupil being taught different subjects by different teachers.

Why can't that one teacher-to-a-class for seventh and eighth grade students be returned with economy to the taxpayers?

We then could have a seventh and eighth grade added on to each of the five elementary schools, eliminating a full, expensive school administration of a spurious "junior high." Hanford has no junior high school.

Taxpayers have a right to be considered.

Lemoore schools teach from the first to the eighth grades in individual schools. Thus, a big taxpayer savings.

Corcoran schools teach from the first to the eighth grades in individual schools. No taxpayer padding in Corcoran.

Hanford is the only seventh and eighth grade separated school in the County of Kings and why should the taxpayers suffer the expense of a "junior high program" when the seventh and eighth grade Woodrow Wilson School is not a junior high?

Is it true if Woodrow Wilson School was closed and the seventh and eighth grades returned to each of the five elementary schools that a third of a million dollars yearly would be saved?

The Sentinel owes it to the school district taxpayers to have these questions answered.

Bessie Westfall, 516 W. Florinda

(Editors note: Wilson is not the only seventh and eighth grade school in Kings County. Corcoran also offers a departmentalized junior high program at John Muir School and both Armona and Lemoore have separate buildings for sixth through eighth grades.

(Excess cost of the Wilson program for 1964-65 — the latest complete figures available — was $58,516. Saving from closing Wilson School now would be doubtful in any event, since it would mean closing a school specifically designed for this program and shifting students to elementary schools already operating at or near capacity. This would probably require a new building program while Wilson stands idle.)

Hanford Sentinel
1966 Jan 31
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559603113/

Poor Place for a Concert

Editor, The Sentinel:

I attended the Dave Rubinoff violin concert in the high school gymnasium. Why wasn't this concern held in the Hanford High School Auditorium as advertised on the front page of The Sentinel?

Surely the world famous violinist Dave Rubinoff deserved better than an improvised stage — a stage some kind persons made as a tribute to his great talent.

Perhaps climbing steep steps and sitting in a sort of bleachers section (narrow board seats with no back rest) appeals to a 16-year-old; anyway they can take it more easily than one who is 60.

Outside of not being grateful enough to provide Rubinoff with the auditorium stage, the tax-paying audience of our town deserved more consideration.

Two hours of sitting on the narrow board made me wonder how much consideration I should return to those in charge of school affairs.

Bessie Westfall, 516 W. Florinda.

Hanford Sentinel
1965 Dec 28
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559741321/

Good Work Unrewarded

Editor, The Sentinel:

I read the list of Christmas decoration winners in The Sentinel Dec. 24. So I have a question to ask: Why didn't the decorations at 1218 Whitmore win a prize, or at least an honorable mention?

I passed this house three or four times a day (or evening) and admired the decorations very much. In fact, it surpassed some of those (in my opinion) that won. I do not know the family who lives there, not even their name, but I do know what a lot of work that went into their efforts.

I saw the man carefully putting up Santa's reindeers each day as it grew dark and arranging the display. Surely such efforts should be commended at least. I was disappointed.

Bessie Westfall, 516 W. Florinda

Hanford Sentinel
1965 Nov 02
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559734661/

The Death of Socrates

Editor, The Sentinel:

On your Women's Page last Wednesday, I read a column headed "Shakespeare, Socrates Knew About Herbs". I don't know who made this statement that "in the year 300 B.C. Socrates committed 'suicide' by drinking the bitter herb hemlock, then known as 'Fool's Parsley.'" I have always since my school days, been under the impression (and I think it's truthful) that Socrates was forced to drink the hemlock potion.

In my mind, a person who is forced to die does not commit suicide. However, as Socrates is long dead it, of course, really does not matter to him. But right is right at any time and making a statement of this kind is wrong.

Bessie Westfall, 516 Florinda St.

Hanford Sentinel
1964 May 11
https://www.newspapers.com/image/559580152/

Accent on Youth

I have tried to look the other way as I go by this fine old building, which would give many years of good service yet.

I realize these times are only for the young — young people, young ideas, young buildings, new roads, everything young. Nothing old — no matter how substantial the ideas or buildings are, or how experienced the older person has become. it is somewhat a crime to become old.

But, as I view the sightless windows — the doorways minus does — the scarred and torn interiors of Woodrow, they reproach me. I can't bear to see such a find old building being shattered without a few remarks.

Of course I realize my views will find little sanction and do no good, but it has relieved my feelings.

Bessie Westfall
576 W. Florinda
[Different address at same street; maybe a typo.]