Defined by ‘pranks’

So, Mitt Romney cannot remember what he said, but he stands behind it. He also cannot remember his behavior as a teenager. We should worry about his not remembering and, worse yet, about his behavior. We know about him cutting off the hair of a fellow student who was being held down. That student said the assault was a “horrible moment.”

Romney was leading an almost-blind teacher and purposefully ran her into a door. He was said to have giggled hysterically. Gary Hummel, a closeted gay student, was trying to speak in class, and Romney called out “atta girl.” Dorm-mates described Romney’s behavior in the dorms as “evil” and “like Lord of the Flies.”

In his first year at Stanford, Romney and others led University of California students into a trap, shaving their heads and painting them red. None of this is remotely funny. Some call it “pranks.” I think it defines who he was and still is. That is, if you are not like me, you don’t count and I can get away with anything.

Rick Tibben
Nipomo

Hats off to Robyn

Recently, Robyn Metchik of the Nipomo High School Drama Department directed “The Best of the Best” at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts. It was her finale in her role as teacher, but to those of us who know her well, we are confident we will see her supporting the arts again.

Robyn Metchik taught hundreds of Lucia Mar students to believe in their abilities and strive to do their very best. She gave them 110 percent, and they reciprocated without complaint. Not until you have witnessed a packed cafeteria at dinnertime filled with eager cast members auditioning for parts in the upcoming play, can you understand the depth of Robyn’s positive influence on a generation of schoolchildren. She taught them to smile, to stand up straight, to listen and care about a job well done. Thank you, Robyn.

On top of all that, she has always been an awe-inspiring mother, sister, daughter and wife.

So hats off to Robyn Metchik, an awesome teacher, director and coach. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement; we wish you health, happiness and best wishes for Act 2 of your amazing life! The show was spectacular and a treat for all in attendance.

Colleen Martin
Arroyo Grande

Away from the storm

Re: “Nipomo shuts off future faucets,” May 24: Watching the boat that is the Nipomo Community Services District lurch violently back and forth, first, from their capsizing defeat of an expensive and ill-conceived water line, and now reefing their sails to a standstill of providing no water, the question occurred to me, who are these guys at the helm? One would think the responsible action to take, after dumping their sails in the drink, would be resignation en masse.

But no, responsibility apparently not their collective strong suit, they gathered together to shut the water off completely. What are they thinking? And who is directing their thinking? Is it their district manager, or is it their attorney and engineer pulling the lanyards?

I am inclined to place a bet on their attorney and engineer. Both are conveniently on shore, away from the storm and the perils of being on board.

Kem Weber
Nipomo