ASHES TO ASSES

Why is it that we are born with nothing and can't take anything with us when we die, but spend the time in between shopping, consuming and hoarding as much stuff as we can get our hands on? (The Green Zone, "Buy Nothing Month," Dec. 19.) We think of ourselves as such a smart species. Clever and inventive, perhaps. Blinded, fearful and superstitious might round out the description a bit. It's going to take more than just being green. We've run amok, but our well-honed denial mechanisms won't let us see it.

Luda Fiske

SANTA ROSA

BUY NOTHING CONCRETE POETRY

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Buck Duke

Santa Rosa

DUCK DUCK GOOSE

I was hoping someone would write regarding Gretchen Giles' "Killer Gifts" article (Nov. 28) and the recommendation of buying foie gras as a holiday present. Sadly, it seems to have gone unnoticed by any human who cares about animals. Why do we need to torture ducks to have something else to eat? Ms. Giles obviously has not seen the documentary on how ducks are force-fed. She mentions the ducks are free-range, but how is that possible with a tube stuck down your throat? How is that humane treatment? Foie gras is a killer, not a gift.

Karen Zimmerman

Santa Rosa

Dude, Ms. Zimmerman, you are not alone. For over a month, we in editorial have been decrying the senselessness of writing a humor piece in which the consumption of foie gras is recommended and the phrase "But enough of that PETA crap" is used and what? No one responds? You've restored our faith in the readership. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

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