Mailbag: Imagine Facebook in the real world

Imagine Facebook in the real world

Imagine someone trying to make friends outside of Facebook while applying the same principles.

Every day they walk down the street and tell passers-by what they have eaten, how they feel at the moment, what they did the night before, what they will do later and with whom.

They give them pictures of their family, the dog and taking things apart in the garage, standing in front of landmarks, having lunch and doing what most anybody does every day.

They listen to conversations, give "thumbs up" signs and tell them they like them.

It works just like Facebook! They already have four people following them: two police officers, a private investigator and a psychiatrist.

—James Young, Middletown

PETA complaints about UD research unfounded

Once again, PETA has pulled one over on a major American newspaper and convinced them to publish highly questionable claims about important, well-regulated research. (UD professor’s research on rats sparks PETA complaints, April 12) 

Dr. Roth’s studies at the University of Delaware are aimed at helping the huge number of children who grow up in broken homes and have negative early life experiences. To illustrate how significant the problem is, Delaware alone had 18,409 total referrals for child abuse and neglect in 2015 according to the Child Welfare League of America.

These events can change a person’s genetic makeup and as a result, influence brain development, brain function, and mental health. The early life stress studies in Dr. Roth’s lab translate to humans because many of the same rat behaviors mimic that of people after negative experiences.

Furthermore, rodents allow the researchers to directly examine the effects of gene- environment interactions in the brain. The results can be used to develop improved ways to help kids and better inform public health policy decisions.

Prior to its initiation, Dr. Roth’s research went through many layers of intense review by several mental health and animal care experts to ensure it was worthwhile and the use of animals was justified. This is noteworthy because PETA’s expert quoted in the News Journal’s article, apparently has no such credentials. According to her LinkedIn profile, the former software developer has a degree in applied mathematics.

Perhaps before rushing to air PETA’s anti-science claims, we should first hear from more scientists?

—Paula Clifford, executive director, Americans for Medical Progress

Proud of demonstration in support of assault weapons ban

I was proud to be among 200 people demonstrating along Rt.1 in Rehoboth on Friday night in favor of Senate Bill 163 to ban assault type weapons. The overwhelmingly favorable reaction we got from passing motorists was exciting and encouraging.

The time is now for effective gun legislation.

—Carole Somers, Lewes

Enough is enough on assault weapons

I want Senate Bill 163 to pass to stop the purchase of assault weapons. I am tired of mass shootings and innocent children, and loves taken from their families. Enough is enough!

We must continue to get our voices heard against gun violence.

—Linda Strowhouer

New Castle parking lot critics are out of line

I take issue with Ms. Camac's letter about the proposed New Castle parking lot. Her group has chosen to cherry pick various reports minimizing the need for parking, while ignoring those that support it. This “widely opposed” group, by the way, represents approximately 2 percent of the population.

The meeting of July 31, 2017, to which she refers could better be called an ambush. Her comment that “not one person spoke in favor of the plan” is entirely misleading. What she should have said is that “no one in favor of the plan was allowed to speak.”

Her group packed Council chambers, dominating all discussion. One after another lined up at the podium, ignoring City Council time limits. Each had his or her say, most of whom repeated what those before had already said.

I, along with others, had planned to speak in favor of the plan. The mob rule imposed by Ms. Camac’s group precluded any possibility of input by anyone else. General Custer might have had a similar chance to speak at the Little Big Horn.

—Doug Lovett, Wilmington and New Castle