Nüz BURNING

NUZ, HOW dare you use our patriotic celebration on the beach to take cheap shots at the Sentinel ("Slow Burn," Nüz, July 12). The 2nd Annual Old-Time Flag Burn was a success. The Sentinel actually covered the event and did a great job ("Flags burn on eve of holiday" by Genevieve Bookwalter, July 4). The reporter stayed for the entire event, interviewing all who were present and even seemed to understand the nuanced approach we were taking.

Quite disappointingly, Nüz only referenced the Sentinel's editorial ("Flag Burning Abomination," July 6), which was printed two days later. You didn't even show up, much less reference the two press releases sent to you. You even ignored the amazing amount of national press coverage for the event.

I guess it isn't news unless you can use it to slam the clearly much harder-working daily in town. I recommend a personnel change for Nüz so that this trend of yellow journalism ends or at least run this letter as an act of good faith.

Brent Adams, Santa Cruz

Sorry, but we still feel the need to take a stand against creeping repression whenever possible. Hey, we even support your right to support editorial boards that don't support your rights!--Editor

DO FRIES GO WITH THAT FLAG?

HAS ANYONE read the Flag Code lately? Its protocol defines how we should dispose of old worn-out flags: Burn them! Discreetly, of course. It may occur in one's backyard incinerator or, as we did, in a fireplace down at the Vets Hall ceremonially. No joke. One answer to the desecration controversy would be to make all flags fireproof; but no, flag-makers would object.

We're not talking here about artifacts like pins, stickers, plastic things, stamps, bunting, etc. States all have flags which are honored. All others are banners. On appropriate occasions and U.N. Day in October, we honor flags of other nations and the U.N.

I recall a big flag flap in Santa Cruz when an eagle-eyed veteran perceived some banner in the downtown plaza area a foot higher than the U.S. flag. Big deal.

P.S. For irony, check out the next cotton flag you see. Chances are it's made in Japan or Taiwan or Hong Kong. Pass the nitrous oxide.

Robert S. Hall, Santa Cruz

OH, THANK HEAVEN

I LOVED THIS issue's restaurant review. Finally, someone else appreciates the subtle delicacies that 7-Eleven provides. Thanks for the chuckle; it's nice to find some humor in Metro Santa Cruz.

Anna Bloom, Santa Cruz

LOVE LETTERS

I AM a childhood friend of Denice's. Thank you for running these love letters from Denice's colleagues and acquaintances ("Denice Denton Remembered," June 28). Her beauty radiates off the pages, especially to those of us who knew her intimately and love to read of her lasting thumbprints.

Dianna W. Beasley, Texas

QUESTIONING AUTHORITY

SOME OF the letters that have surfaced regarding the suicide of Chancellor Denton are indicative that a large group of people in this community do not believe in freedom of speech. With Denton's death, the world has lost a world-class scholar. The reason for her taking her own life are still unknown and perhaps should remain personal and private. These letters are critical of those who publicly exercised their First Amendment rights to criticize a university official. Some acknowledge that the chancellor "demonstrated failures of leadership in her first year," yet they seem to blame the local community for not responding in a "humanitarian way."

Chancellor Denton was an accomplished academic who could dish out criticism as well, just ask Larry Summers, former president of Harvard. One of the attributes of a great university is the free exchange of ideas. It would be a shame if Denton's death would lead us in the opposite direction. Those who are blaming the press, students and university workers for Denton's suicide are doing her legacy a disservice. If Denice Denton was truly a believer of diversity and critical thinking, it would be hypocritical to blame her critics, since questioning authority and conventional ideas are what a great university stands for. Her death should not be used to stifle debate and criticism as some would hope to do.

Gil Stein, Aptos

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