Carbon copy
Thanks for the article "Citizens Unite Against Climate Change" (8/24/2012). I've noticed a general pattern over the years when I talk to friends, family and acquaintances about the dangers of climate change: Conservatives deny it's a problem, and liberals say there's nothing we can do.
These attitudes made me feel pessimistic about our future, but when I learned about the work that Citizens Climate Lobby was doing it gave me hope. A carbon fee and dividend system could lower carbon dioxide emissions quickly. And it's a system that Democrats, Republicans and even tea partiers could agree on.
I joined CCL about a month ago. Maybe I'll have the opportunity to go to Washington next summer and do some lobbying. I think climate change is the most important issue we face.
Steve Lewis, Fitchburg
Thanks to Mary Ellen Bell for her fine article about Madeleine Para and her work to reduce our carbon footprint. Even if you don't buy the science or think alternative energies can't completely replace oil, the goal of reducing our dependence on carbon-based fuel is worthy if we want a livable planet. We already provide the oil and coal industries with massive subsidies, even with their massive profits. A carbon fee will help allow alternative energies to develop within the market system. Returning all or part of that fee to consumers will reduce the pain at the pump. What a good plan!
Karen Carlson
Good vibes
I was horrified to read that Metcalfe's and Copps refused to carry the Aug. 24 issue of Isthmus because they considered the cover to be offensive (Letters, 8/31/2012, and "Bringing Sexy Back," 8/24/2012)!
The cover was tasteful, and the story was excellent: consciousness raising and hopeful. Isthmus is to be applauded for giving the story the cover spot and deserves support for standing up in the face of the "morals police."
Kim Barovic
The real Naples
First of all, we would like to say that we are very happy that our restaurant was written of in Isthmus ("Pizza Preference," 8/31/2012). It is an honor to us all. We enjoy receiving feedback about how we can improve.
Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, and everyone has different tastes; however, I have to take issue with some of Raphael Kadushin's comments. I was born and raised in Naples and promise you that what I offer Madison is authentic, far from Italo-American, as Mr. Kadushin described it. I appreciate the compliments on the pizza and the atmosphere of my establishment, but I must correct the comment on the "dancing Neopolitan peasants," as these are, in fact, images of Italian playing cards.
I feel that I need to question Mr. Kadushin's understanding of Neopolitan culture as well as cuisine. If he doesn't know what's on the floor, does he know what's on his plate? As a Neopolitan, I find this article's claims insulting, not only to me but to my home and all the people of my city. Perhaps Mr. Kadushin should stick to American restaurants.
Salvatore Di Scala, owner, Naples 15
Raphael Kadushin replies: Mr Di Scala is right. I've spent a lot of time in Naples, writing on Italian cuisine and interviewing Neopolitan chefs, and this isn't Italo-American cooking. It is the sort of cuisine that you find in some of the more traditional restaurants in Naples.
