Here's a copy of the letter I sent to the editor of Sonoma West Times & News, in protest of the yellow journalism (full of mistruths, nasty, provocative) of their front page article this week, Dec. 25, re Dan Smith, a key figure in the rebirth of Palm Drive Hospital. If you agree with me, please do send your comments to the Sonoma West, as well! This kind of ugly attack is not good for the health of our community, or the creation of Sonoma West Medical Center, which hopefully will open in April '15.
Dear Editor,
I am shocked and disgusted at your paper’s attempt to publicly flog, discredit and humiliate an important and highly valued member of the Sebastopol community, Dan Smith. The article in the Dec. 25 ’14 issue is not only mean spirited, but full of nasty innuendo, half-truths, lies, and probably reflects your own extreme dislike of this man - or you’d have never allowed such an article to be published in your paper.
This ugly article was also written obviously with the attempt to set back the formation of the new hospital proposed by the Foundation, Sonoma West Medical Center. As a hypnotherapist, I recognize your use of negative suggestion that it’s not wise to donate funds to SWMC (with the implicit idea that it won’t then have the financial backing needed to open it’s doors.).
Your comments about various previous financial donors withdrawing donations to SWMC are nearly all from “anonymous” voices - is Dan Smith so dangerous, really, that many folks don’t dare state their names? Get real!
Don’t you realize that by trashing one of the main people that is helping bring about the rebirth of our Sebastopol hospital - and emergency room - you are harming our whole community?
Isn’t it time to let go of your anger at this man and start supporting SWMC? God knows we need this hospital, as many locals, medical people, police and firemen have repeatedly testified.
It’s time to let go of the “sour grapes” attitude reflected in your paper in article after article.
It’s time for the Sonoma West Times and News to become a force of good in the community, rather than poisoning the well of public opinion against a powerful but very kind man and the hospital he’s helping create.
Sincerely, Gail Raborn
PO Box 2703
Sebastopol, CA 95473
(707) 827-3615