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Letters
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atencionedit@bibliotecasma.com
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defamatory material.
Editor,
I have a question concerning communication between Americans and Canadians in San Miguel and the native residents.
Before asking it, let me express my sincere appreciation of Atención. It is extremely well executed, thoughtful, varied, informative and responsible-congratulations.
My question: Has there been enough stress on the importance of Spanish for occupants of San Miguel from north of the border? Of course, for some elder retirees who have settled in the town, learning a new language could be very daunting. But for others who spend time here it seems more than warranted. Now I confess personally to having enjoyed the luxury of being in a linguistic comfort zone (Wow! you can relax and speak English here-how easy!). But recently some native residents have expressed shock to me that so many northern transplants never make the effort to learn their language. For some natives it comes across as an attitude of superiority or disdain.
Tha's undoubtedly a misconception, and the situation is far more complex than that. We are not exactly a horde of self-serving nuevos conquistadores. In San Miguel many non-Mexican residents and "snowbirds" contribute generously to the local population. But, as elsewhere, there are downsides to such cultural cohabitation.
Which brings me back to my question: Has there been, is there presently, a campaign to encourage and strengthen the learning of Spanish on the part of visiting and lingering gringos? If not, I would respectfully suggest that such efforts be made.
-Vera Lee
Editor,
Anyone who attempts to drive or take a taxi or bus in San Miguel is acutely aware of the traffic congestion and parking problems. Cities in Chile have solved the parking part of these problems by charging for street parking but not using parking meters.
Areas that are not free for parking are marked. A parking attendant places a slip of paper under the windshield wiper of a car when the car is parked. Another slip is placed with the first after every 15 minutes. When the car leaves, the driver pays the parking attendant. If the car leaves without paying, the attendant has the license plate number, and the car gets a ticket. Each attendant is responsible for a block or so of parking spaces.
It is an easy solution that would produce income, increase employment, and use no unsightly parking meters.
-Cheryl Atherton-Powell
William Atherton-Powell
Editor,
Jóvenes Adelante was most appreciative that the February 3 Atención included Lynn Padwe's article about Jóvenes Adelante. She had been moved, as were all who heard them, by the inspiring stories told by some of the university students that Jóvenes Adelante supports. Unfortunately, someplace along the way there had been a slip of the slash in the 'S,' the money sign, when the cost of the annual stipend was reported.
Would that it were only 1,000 pesos a year! Unfortunately, 1,000 US dollars is more accurate. We hope anyone considering sending 1,000 pesos to cover a student's yearly costs will do so. After all, ten such gifts will let us cover one more year for one more young person who, otherwise, would not have even a hope of starting a college education. Any contribution would be helpful. Mail or deliver checks for Jóvenes Adelante c/o La Conexión, Box 175, Aldama 3, Centro. You'll be making one of the most important investments of your life!
-Virginia Wheelwright
THANK YOU
This issue of Atención was made possible by contributions from …
John Barham
Betsy Bowman
Lou Christine
Robert de Gast
Joseph Dispenza
Cliff DuRand
Mauri Formigoni
Bill Gallacher
Jeremy Goodwin
Dione Goyette
Elizabeth Harris
Tim Hazell
Roger Hind
Annie Maxine Kearney
Militza N. Loving
Charles Miller
Gary Mitchell
Agnes Olive
Patricia Zinmeister Parker
Elizabeth Phipps
Donna Quathamer
Shannon Reece
Leonardo Rosen
Bob Stone
Marge Zap
Editing & proofreading
Kendal Dodge Butler
Robert de Gast
John Edwards
Ray Hepburn
Alice McCartor
Rhonda Vlasak
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