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Opinion - Meet our Letter Writers section

Catherine Steele Smith

Published online on Sunday, Feb. 08, 2009

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Age: 59

Occupation: English instructor

Hobbies: Writing, reading, music

Bee reader since: 1965

How many letters: 6 since 2007

Favorite topics: Civil rights and children

Why do you write? I have always had an opinion. This got me in trouble in my youth. I protested everything in the '60s. My main focus is on gender issues, racial issues, socioeconomic issues and children. I am non-violent and hold people like Gandhi, Sojourner Truth and Martin Luther King Jr. in high esteem. I write to carry on many of their ideals.

Excerpt from recent letter: "I teach English at Fresno State, and I am in awe of the changing face of America. I see that face every day, and I am honored to teach our future what the American Dream should stand for: equality, charity, opportunity, freedom and a place we feel safe and call home."

Reaction to letters: I have been pleasantly surprised, because I can be radical. But I guess my sense of fair play is gauged correctly for the majority of your responders. However, there has been a few that tried to "put me in my place" and other readers came to my defense.

Topic that doesn't get enough attention: Human rights. This incorporates almost everything from gender to immigration.

Education: Fresno City College for my associate's degree, and California State University, Fresno for my bachelor's degree. I am graduating this May with my master's in English composition and theory from Fresno State.

Family: Two children and three grandchildren (my youngest grandchild died in 2000). I am just widowed.

Political philosophy: I am a humanitarian, which makes me liberal, but not a bleeding heart, as I also believe people must be responsible for their actions.

-- Compiled by Pam Rowse


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