Letters to the editor - 8/29/04
By: Readers of the North County Times and The Californian | ∞
Too many are running red-lights
It is very interesting to read that four intersections in Vista produced 4,000 red-light violators in July. Out of this, they culled all but the perfect pictures that could stand up in court. This number was 961 and seemed to have surprised the officials. I guess that meant they really didn't think there are that many red-light runners. The 4,000 people are who I am interested in; they are young mothers with children, business men and women, students, grandfathers, professional and nonprofessional alike.
Just average people, missing death by inches. Risking their lives and the lives of others because they are distracted, in a big hurry, impatient to be somewhere, angry, like to live dangerously, and on and on. It is impossible to understand people who have a death wish or those who feel immune to the deadly consequences.
A fine of $361 is the luckiest break that these lawbreakers have ever received. I challenge one of the computer/simulator/animated game developer types to make one for lawbreakers to have to take and go through all the bad things that happen. So many people are not lucky and wind up on an undertaker's table. There has to be some way to stop the carnage on our roads.
BEN BENNETT
Oceanside
We are starving coyotes to death
I don't think anybody wants to see the coyotes destroyed, but we are starving them to death. The natural habitat for these animals is only going to become more scarce as the housing boom continues, and the coyote is going to become more of a nuisance as their hunting grounds are depleted.
I firmly believe the coyote situation should be addressed now before these animals become our front-page horror stories.
IDA J. ENGER
Escondido
Frank Lopez is a good man
I was taken aback to read a letter by Brent Henen slamming Frank Lopez, who is running for Vista City Council. Frank has been a committed community leader for many years and has the city's best interest in mind. He has taken it upon himself to push for the cleanup of South Santa Fe/Mercantile corridor and has generally been active in the community. Mr. Henen just smears Frank without giving a single reason why, politics at its worst.
Frank has my support and I would vote for him even if he remained a Democrat.
JAY BERMAN
Vista
SD County growth a result of in-migration
In his commentary of Aug. 17, Rick Paul analyzed the TransNet initiative estimably, except for one item. He implies that population growth is primarily a "function of our families growing up and having families of their own."
What Mr. Paul and SANDAG members fail to understand is that their figures on population growth ignore one crucial factor, out-migration. SANDAG attributes approximately two-thirds growth to the natural birth rate in San Diego County, and one-third to immigration. This one-third immigration figure is the net gain of in-migration over out-migration. According to the United States Census figures, between 1980 and 1990 for every child born in San Diego County, four people moved into the county. During the same period, many people moved away, resulting in one-third net in-migration.
So, odds are our families will grow up and move away. Population growth is predominantly a result of in-migration. The new industry that draws that in-migration, the new homes built for that in-migration, should pay for the new infrastructure such growth necessitates with developer impact fees as recommended by Traffic Relief Is Possible (TRIP).
MARGARET McCOWN LILES
Escondido
Encinitas needs Maggie Houlihan
On Aug. 23 Lynn Braun wrote, "I am voting against all of the incumbents for our Encinitas city election this coming November. Although endorsed by the Sierra Club, Maggie Houlihan has not shown strong leadership in terms of being able to persuade either Jerome Stocks, James Bond or Dan Dalager that we do not want a sewer easement for a private entity ... through an extremely sensitive habitat. The vast majority of citizens do not want more development impacting traffic and quality of life near Manchester in Cardiff."
I agree with Lynn that Maggie Houlihan could not persuade James Bond, Dan Dalagar and Jerome Stocks against approving this sewer easement on Manchester in Encinitas. Unfortunately, what we can do is ask who will support our efforts to respect these last remaining sensitive areas in coastal San Diego. Voting Maggie Houlihan out will not help us in the long run. She understands the issues and will vote to save the San Elijo Lagoon and the sensitive area around it every time. This could be further from the truth with Jerome Stocks, Dan Dalager and James Bond, who seem to have a different agenda.
MOLLY WEBB
Encinitas
Traffic jammin' in Thibadeau Country
It's no surprise that San Marcos is in need of a new voice and a new vision in City Hall. One political fiasco after another is an indication of unreliable decision making. If San Marcos City Councilman Lee Thibadeau, an asphalt company executive, doesn't know what the citizens are thinking and doesn't care to find out, then he will always be doomed to failure.
Yes, it's true that some citizens are apathetic until a city decision impacts them. Perhaps citizens are unable to attend City Council meetings to voice concerns because they are exhausted from working hard all day, only to be constantly stuck in traffic on Rancho Santa Fe Road, in the Los Posas interchange area and on San Marcos Boulevard. This is the very same traffic congestion that Thibadeau promised to remedy in his rosy campaign promises. Whenever the subject is brought up, he plays the blame game.
His "his way or the highway approach" gets us all nowhere fast. It's time for a change in Thibadeau's gridlock approach to decision making in the city of San Marcos.
SUSAN DENNY
San Marcos
State must address migrant problem
Hats off to Mark Wyland, who announced his backing for an initiative that would block assistance for illegal aliens, including the issuance of driver's licenses, which is long overdue. An overwhelming majority of Californians back this issue.
With support from the Republican Party and immigration reform groups, this issue has gained a place on the Arizona ballot and would have qualified in California with similar support.
Failure to address this issue will lead to a continuation of the financial difficulties facing the state. We also must limit our population growth, which leads the nation. One look at Los Angeles, with millions of illegal aliens and the law-breaking that runs rampant among Hispanic street gangs, is only the tip of the iceberg.
Coupled with this initiative, we must demand the federal government step in to shut down our border, round-up illegal aliens and crack down on employers who hire illegals.
BYRON SLATER
San Diego
Immigration capitulation from the NCT
You ask some remarkably stupid questions in your Aug. 15 editorial, "Immigration reform must be based on work."
For instance, "Why should it be legal for a San Diego-based business to hire 4,000 computer programmers in Bangalore, but illegal to hire four groundskeepers from Tijuana?" For starters, because the computer programmers stay in Bangalore. The groundskeepers bring their families to San Diego and, owing to the pittance they earn as groundskeepers, throw themselves onto the rolls of our federal, state and local welfare agencies and public schools.
And that's not all. The groundskeepers' children become teenage mothers and fathers, drop out of school and join gangs.
They work hard, but for lower wages, and nearly all qualify for a full range of tax credits, which means that their income tax obligation (and contribution) is nil. If you read your own newspaper you'd know that.
The answer to the phony labor crisis is not to legalize 4 million groundskeepers, but to deport them and require U.S. businesses to hire American groundskeepers and programmers. What you propose isn't immigration reform; it's immigration capitulation.
DOUG BELL
Rancho Penasquitos
Her vote is for Lee Thibadeau
Regarding Susan Denny's letter of Aug. 15, it is sad she is so full of hate for Lee Thibadeau. But let us get the record straight. Susan does not live in the city of San Marcos. She lives in the county. Therefore, she cannot vote in the council elections, so I give her an "all show, no go, no vote" status.
Lady, get over it. Wal-Mart will not be built, Robertson's cement plant will not be built, which was not in a school corridor to begin with. Lee could not participate in the Robertson's cement issue because Robertson challenged him because of his work and he was advised by the city attorney to recuse himself. You are beating a dead horse!
Too bad Denny does not focus on all the good things Lee has done for our city. The university, widening of Highway 78, providing funding for the schools from RDA, starting the gang and drug teams, putting uniformed deputies in the middle and high schools before the gang activity got really bad. And yes, let us not forget the senior citizens -- the pancakes were delicious and the promises were kept.
I hope Denny's neighborhood is enjoying the sound and safety wall Lee instigated to be put up. It didn't have to be built and she should consider it a gift.
My vote is for Lee Thibadeau.
MARLENE ANN STROHL
San Marcos
Seagull vs. golden eagle
Which bird will win the Gregory Canyon dump fight, the trash-scavenging seagull or the majestic golden eagle?
Place yourself at the crest of Gregory Mountain, watching the golden eagle soar in the updrafts over pristine Gregory Canyon and the San Luis Rey River directly below. Capture the excitement as the eagle spots its prey on the banks of the San Luis Rey, then dives.
Alas, there is no place for these protected eagles to migrate once the giant earthmovers roll in, vibrating, crushing and undermining the canyon walls, dislodging giant boulders and rock faces, excavating the unsuitable canyon deep enough to bring mega profits to the out-of-town trash-to-cash-profiteer owners. They will crush and bury the habitat of the eagle's prey beneath their steel blades, then cover it with thin plastic sheets, like Glad bags glued together. Then come the hundreds of trucks every day depositing garbage and toxic waste, the seagull's repast. Will Utah's state bird, the seagull, become our local emblem, a half-eaten Big Mac dangling from its beak?
Join with me in voting yes on Proposition B. Let our native golden eagles always soar over Gregory Canyon.
JOYCE WARD
Fallbrook
Dinnel the right man for Vista
Sometimes our elections at the local level are overlooked because of the excitement that exists over the presidential elections. But it's precisely the things at the local level that affect our lives most. A lot is happening in Vista right now with all of the redevelopment, and the city is changing every day. When a city changes, tax bases change, real estate values change, and changes are felt within every home.
The right people need to be in the City Council to keep everything in perspective. The county vs. city areas of Vista is a hot topic, and the safety of every citizen has to stay primary in the minds of the City Council as they consider possible annexations, new codes, new regulations, new costs and new income.
Fire and police coverage and safe walking areas of the city are a priority for Michael "Doc" Dinnel. I know him as someone who is concerned over the future of our city. He is the very best candidate for City Council. His desire to do good is contagious. The benefit of the people of Vista is in his heart. I strongly recommend a vote for him.
LORITA RENFRO
Vista
More questions on Tuite's guilt
As someone once said, "It is a good feeling when someone thinks like you do."
I am referring to Beverly Foley's Aug. 17 letter concerning the case of Richard Tuite. Not only do I agree with her letter, but I offer one statement I have not seen in print.
It concerns the fact in the paper at the beginning that perhaps Tuite chose Stephanie because she resembled the woman, Tracy, he was looking for that night.
No mention of previously seeing Stephanie, so how could he think like that? And did he say that? That is the police's summation.
MAY BELLE HALL
Vista
10 reasons why he's a bad choice
W.C. Fields once said, "Start each day with a smile and get it over with." I started the morning of Aug. 18 with a laugh from Janet Price -- it kept me smiling all day. Janet has 10 reasons for liking Bush, laughable as they may be. Here are 10 real reasons why he's a terrible choice for 2004: 10. He turned a $5 trillion surplus into a $5 trillion deficit. 9. Under his tax cuts in 2006, nine of 10 Americans will receive less than $100; the richest receive $25,000. 8. Eight million workers lose overtime pay.
7. No Child Left Behind leaves schools underfunded by $7 billion to $8 billion. 6. In six secret meetings with Enron and other crooks, secret energy plan was formed and his VP still won't disclose those names. 5. Five hundred billion dollars rerouted from Social Security Trust Fund to help finance tax cuts for the rich.
4. He'll be in a position to appoint four Supreme Court justices, further shifting the balance of the court. 3. Condoned the loss of 3 million outsourced jobs. 2. Presided over loss of health-care coverage of 2 million Americans. And the No. 1 reason (sorry, David Letterman) that Bush is a rotten choice in 2004 -- he's saddled us with a $521 billion budget deficit (the largest in our history) that our grandkids will be paying. Not as funny as Janet's list, is it?
PATRICK E. FRAWLEY
Carlsbad
Swift Boat Veterans are hypocrites
When Swift Boat Veterans for Truth or their conservative allies question John Kerry's three Purple Hearts, Bronze Star and Silver Star, they demean all the veterans who have earned those medals.
By insinuating that decorations for valor are as easy to come by as dime store candy, they insult any veteran who risked (or lost) their life to earn them.
I notice that none of the men who now question Kerry's valor have thrown away their obviously worthless medals. Hypocrites, one and all.
DOUGLAS CREWS
Oceanside
Najaf and Iraq aren't America's to control
I am appalled that so much of the American media do not understand that Najaf is a Shiite shrine city, with the Shrine of Imam Ali -- not something that America owns or controls, nor does Allawi or Shaalan or Rubaie.
The Shrine of Imam Ali for the Shiites is like the Vatican for the Catholics, like the Wailing Wall for the Jews. No true Muslim, Shiite or Sunni, would order an attack on such a revered holy site. Also, clearly, if the American military was intent on capturing or killing Sadr and stopping this uprising, they could have been patient and starved him out.
As a former officer in the military, one does not have to be a military genius to use this tactic.
Bush, Allawi and the U.S. military may have started a war with the Muslims, especially the Shiites in Najaf and the Sunni in Fallujah.
Unfortunately, this war will not end in our lifetime because the Muslims, coming from a traditional religious society, have long memories. Those of us who are for peace must find a way to stop this unholy war before it is too late, though it may already be too late unless Bush and Kerry do an about-face in Iraq.
SAN HAMOD
San Marcos
The 'joke' is on the electorate
I apologize in advance to your readers. I know how tedious it is when we letter writers start arguing with each other. And I know that ought to stop me from rising to the bait. But I'm only human, so I really must protest Michael Adams' letter of Aug. 24.
I wrote one of the letters he derides for not recognizing that Mr. Bush's "I call you (the elite) my base" statement in "Fahrenheit 9/11" was supposed to be a joke. Actually, I'd done my homework; I knew it was a New York fund-raiser, the $800-a-plate crowd. Everyone there certainly got the joke -- they knew he was telling the truth. He really does consider that diamond-studded crowd his base. Self-parody, indeed.
My point was that it was deeply shocking to hear that "joke" from his own lips and to realize its truth in light of his actions over the four years since. As John Berger appositely says in an article in The Guardian on Aug. 24 (yes, Mr. Adams, it's a British socialist newspaper, so you shouldn't believe a word), "Fahrenheit 9/11" is "a movie in which millions of Americans recognize themselves and the precise ways in which they are being cheated."
JUDITH M. LEGGETT
Poway
Political mud comes early
I'm well aware of the mudslinging that began a long time ago in the national elections, but I didn't expect it so soon locally: North County Times article Aug. 18 "Challenger criticizes Escondido treasurer." It looks like Jim Rady is looking for a job again and is spreading some early mud in hopes of securing the city treasurer's position.
In my eight-plus years on the Escondido City Council, four of which were spent as mayor, I never had reason to question, nor did I hear others question, our city Treasurer Ken Hugins' judgment or that of the city treasurer's office.
We are fortunate indeed to have Ken Hugins once again as a candidate for this extremely important city position. His 20 years of successful and dedicated service will help the city continue to weather the uncertainty of today's financial investment world. I strongly recommend a yes vote to re-elect Ken Hugins city treasurer in the November election.
SID HOLLINS
Escondido
Paper again disappoints
I am once again disappointed in the North County Times.
You have once again eliminated Jim Wood for mayor and lifted up Rocky Chavez and Terry Johnson. Jim Wood has a brain and can think on his feet, or he would never have survived as an Oceanside Police Department detective.
Also, you lean to the left, no fairness in churches or politics.
BRENDA SOUZA
Oceanside
Cunningham is part of the problem
Re: Aug. 16 article, "Four are after Cunningham's congressional seat." I am fully supporting Francine Busby in the 50th Congressional District on Election Day. Busby supports environmental and social policies that address the serious problems we have in North County. She is supportive of our military personnel, and would fight to have them and their families live at a decent standard of living. She is not beholden to the defense industry and their lobbyists on Capitol Hill. Rather, she will be a relentless advocate for families, children, education and the fragile environment.
"Duke" Cunningham's arrogance in believing that this district is "safe" will cost him this election. The district now includes La Jolla, Linda Vista and Clairemont, not traditionally Republican voting strongholds.
Many Americans believe that the current administration has made many egregious errors in conducting the war in Iraq and continuing to depend on foreign oil. Cunningham is a staunch supporter of the defense industry, not necessarily of enlisted personnel who are risking their lives in Iraq.
I call on all voters to examine Cunningham's voting record and to realize that he is just part of the problem, not the solution.
ROBIN SALES
Encinitas
Cunningham's intelligence role questioned
Rep. "Duke" Cunningham occupies a senior position on the House Select Committee on Intelligence and on the House Appropriations Committee. Those positions have allowed him to contribute to intelligence policy formulation, performance oversight and funding. Yet, his voice has been silent in explaining his role in recent U.S. intelligence debacles. The media have been extraordinarily slow to connect the dots -- and culpably remiss in not holding this man's feet to the fire of public examination for his suspect performance.
Instead, with magnificent detachment the North County Times has reported "Duke's" private version of noble service to his constituents. "They like tax relief. They like prescription drugs. They like strong defense."
I suggest that if his constituents really think they like the kinds of tax relief, prescription drugs and defense that the administration has palmed off on the public, then the media have yet more shame to explore.
What was Cunningham's role in the nation's miserable failures of intelligence? If "Duke" was doing nothing, we need to know. If he did something, we need to know.
DICK WEST
Encinitas
Investigate the toxic spill
The recent toxic spill on Interstate 15 cries out for a real award-winning investigative piece. Here are just a few questions to consider:
Why did Dave Bohorquez, the man driving behind the truck, need to alert the truck driver? How is he feeling now?
How many trucks with toxic chemicals are on California's highways on a daily or weekly basis?
Does the CHP know when trucks carrying toxic chemicals will be traveling through their specific communities? If not, why not? Does any state require notification? If so, which ones?
How many similar situations have there been across the nation? What action, if any, has been taken on a national basis?
What have all the local agencies involved learned from this?
And finally, Pedro Orso, director of Caltrans in San Diego, Imperial counties, was quoted as saying, "We are always learning something from these events." A very poor choice of words. An event is something you plan for -- this was a most unfortunate situation. If, in fact he did say those exact words, then in his position Pedro needs crisis communications training so he can respond to a crisis with more appropriate comments.
MIMI BACA
Escondido
A memory of military might
It was February 1944. I remember the date well because that was the month of my mother's, my brother's and my birthday. I had a run of good luck in poker. Now I had enough to send presents to them both. So, into Lincoln, Nebraska, I ran to buy for my mother a string of pearls ($25) and for my brother a wallet containing $5. Then it was to the USO to dance with a few very attractive girls. At closing time a group of us left to return to the base.
After we had taken a few steps, we were stopped by an MP sergeant who asked why we did not salute the officer hidden in the doorway. We were then given orders to report to the base to be restricted to the base for three days. This was the way to fight the war against our enemy? Then as now I thought this to be a waste of military power. Is this our continuing way?
Oh yes, I must say even in this they did not meet the standards. Because I was scheduled the next day to go to Alamogordo for crew training, I had a friend's dogtags. This got by the MP.
RICHARD L. SOULSBY
Vista
GOP has been hijacked by right
Directly following the 2000 elections I wrote to the North County Times and suggested to my Republican Party leaders that they begin immediately to settle upon an electable candidate for the 2004 presidential election. My rationale was that the legitimacy of George Bush as president was severely tainted at best, and that so much resentment was building against him that he had no chance of winning the White House in 2004.
Well, I was ignored by the current far-right leadership of the GOP and so we are now faced with a landslide loss to the Democrats in November.
The GOP, as I knew it, has been taken away from us Republicans of the center. Forgotten are the old-time principles of smaller government, fiscal responsibility. In exchange we have accepted hot-button items as our platform - such as gay marriage, stem cell research, abortion rights, etc., etc., none of which addresses the real problems in the country.
A great Republican president (Gen. Eisenhower) warned us of the danger of turning the country over to the industrial/military complex. And here we are, since 2001, doing exactly that. Bush and his corporate henchmen will lose us not only the White House but both houses. After that maybe we real Republicans can regain our party.
ROBERT F. GREEN
Fallbrook
Soldiers need help to get home
As of Aug. 16 on Fox Channel I heard two wives of servicemen scheduled to go to Iraq asking for help. It seems our government and President Bush say the men can visit their families before going to Iraq, but there is no money available for their air fare, thus they must pay it themselves or not be able to see their families (hopefully not for the last time) before going overseas.
I am on a low, fixed income and disabled, but I am so grateful that my son Richard Posner, U.S. Air Force sergeant major, has come home safely; I sent a small donation to those families.
If your readers wish to do a good deed, in gratitude for what these men are sacrificing, you may send your donation to: The Barbarian Wives Club, c/o Zion Bank, 102 W. Main, Burley, ID 83318. Every little bit helps and this is the least we can do for our boys and their families.
May God bless them.
DOROTHY POSNER
Poway
Bush-Cheney unpatriotic, un-American
They govern in secret. That's undemocratic. (See "Worse Than Watergate" by John Dean.) They encourage companies to go offshore, as Cheney did to Halliburton, to avoid paying taxes. That's unpatriotic. They attack a country that has not harmed us. That's un-American.
Of course their Jewish advisers had to get rid of Saddam because he helped Palestinians. Are Syria and Iran next? Bin Laden told us that his attack was due to our funding of Israeli oppression, but they refuse to acknowledge that Muslim terrorism against us will not end until we stop supporting Israeli terrorism against Muslims.
So once again America is being sacrificed on the altar of Israel. They give themselves and their rich contributors huge tax breaks, overburdening the rest of us. That's corrupt and un-Christian. They said Iraqi oil would pay for reconstruction. Instead it's you and me. They replace government for the people with government for corporate profit. That's unconstitutional. They foment hatred for America everywhere, making us less secure.
Anyone who can support these deceitful, bungling would-be Napoleons must be dead, dumb and blind robots who get their misinformation from that GOP mouthpiece Fox news and can't think for themselves.
DOROTHY SARNECKY
Escondido
Bush's failure list is long
I think Bernie Schroer (Letters, Aug. 14) had his head in the sand when he wrote that "no one in the history of our nation has ever had to face such a miserable terrorist war such as the Iraq situation is turning out to be." And whose fault is that? Certainly not Mr. Kerry's.
Also, President Bush has made enemies of most of our allies -- and now we really have to worry. He sends our men to fight in his war to be killed or maimed, even though he himself never served any time.
He has the worst environmental record of any president. He picks his aides from power plant employees who were his biggest contributors, among them Ken Lay of Enron, Vice President Dick Cheney, formerly of Halliburton, and Interior Secretary Gale Norton, to name just a few.
The BLM and the Forest Service have been instructed by the White House to make oil and gas development their No. 1 priority, forsaking wilderness areas. Animals and birds that drink from groundwater die; even the air is polluted. Apparently, they won't be breathing any of that polluted air in the White House.
When Bill Clinton left the White House, there was a surplus in the Treasury, but now there is such a huge deficit, it will never be paid off.
IRJA SYLVIA GRAHAM
Oceanside
This is no time to elect a replacement
Re: the July 22 letter from Robert Green. I served in both World War II and Korea as a naval officer on a destroyer (World War II) and as a Seabee (Korea). Like Mr. Green, "I was raised at a time when one accepted a moral obligation to one's country when one put on a uniform and took an oath."
What puzzles me is the fact that Mr. Green classifies this position as "unfortunate." As a nation, we should be proud of this honorable position and encourage our youth to do the same. The object of Mr. Green's letter is to support the position that the war in Iraq is questionable without indicating his reasons for this conclusion.
I think that the real war is about eradicating the terrorists who want to kill all Americans. The fight in Iraq is only the beginning of this war.
Whether the action in Iraq is justified can only be determined after all the facts are known. We elect a leader to gather the facts and take action to keep our nation secure. The public cannot possibly know all the facts.
This is no time to elect a replacement who has never held an administrative position and has for 20 years possessed a questionable record in the Senate for his nonsupport of the military and intelligence communities.
O.B. "MIKE" SHOLDERS
captain, U.S. Navy, retired
Escondido
An entertaining way to explore the last century
Have you been to the Oceanside Public Library lately? If you haven't, you are missing the unique experience of celebrating the century in the library's centennial year.
My introduction occurred by stepping into the Civic Center branch and being impressed with the life-sized replica of the original library as it looked in 1904. Since then I've been sampling the myriad centennial offerings available: from the informative "Discover the Decade" brochures to major free events such as the "Car Classics of the Century" show. Other educational opportunities include monthly historical lectures and fascinating library displays. A series of concerts aligned to decade themes have been sponsored. The most recent one featured the Alley Cats quartet singing the happy music of the 1950s and 1960s.
We have a treasure in the Oceanside Public Library, a source of quality activities that enrich our community's life. Thanks and congratulations are due the staff and the resourceful Friends of the Library board. This time they have outdone themselves in giving us such an entertaining way to explore the last century's history, or to relive it.
LORA MARIE BENEDICT
Oceanside
Writer tells why he focuses on homosexuality
Richard Baumbach's Aug. 1 letter, "Why so much interest in homosexuality" is an example of why I write so much on homosexuality.
First, Richard alluding to Rocky Velgos' kindness and compassion is a biased observation based on his own orientation. Richard somehow overlooks Rocky's continued attack against the Bible and Christians.
Second, Richard senses hate and disgust in my letters but fails to give any examples - because there are none. The hate and disgust he senses has to do with the facts, themselves, associated with homosexuality. I agree that they are, indeed, disgusting -- that is why I keep writing.
Third, the dialogue Richard says he tried to have with me via e-mail was a pretense. There was no name-calling on my part, and it was I who discontinued the discourse. Anyone really interested can e-mail me, wakywillie@aol.com, for Richard's original two e-mails and my two responses. People can judge for themselves how the homosexual works to lie and misrepresent facts.
FRANK LANCELOTTI
Oceanside
Pro-Bush and anti-barbarian
For several months, I've been reading how we, the American voters, should vote for John Kerry and get rid of the incompetent, lying, warmonger George Bush.
I am supporting George Bush for re-election because he recognized the fact that war was declared on us in 1993. Shame on Democrats, past and present, for failing to recognize the barbarians at our gate. Shame on Bill Clinton for allowing an assassination plot against former President Bush to go unpunished. Yes, peace is patriotic, but justice is more so. George Bush has our nation's survival foremost in his mind. All the sniveling and whining about giveaway programs and entitlements mean little or nothing if we, as a nation, are physically, or economically, destroyed.
I also support Bush for his unfailing support of Israel. Every single peace rally I've watched on C-SPAN has dozens of pro-Palestinian speakers. How appropriate that Saddam sits in jail after funding so many Palestinian suicide bombers.
Lastly, I am an ardent Bush supporter because of his rejection of the barbaric partial-birth abortion procedure. A Caesarean would be just as quick if the health of the mother were the issue.
To sum it up ---- I am pro-Bush and anti-barbarian.
ALEXANDRA CLONEY
Carlsbad
A comprehensive plan to stop abortion
A picture is worth a thousand words. The right-to-life images of mutilated fetuses have had a profound effect on me. So have the pro-choice images of mutilated women who received back-alley abortions. It is no surprise this issue has become so divisive.
Even within myself I am torn. If faced with the decision, I doubt I could get an abortion. However, I feel strongly that other women should not be denied this choice.
What I would like to see is a more comprehensive strategy on the pro-life side. Instead of simply pushing for laws banning abortion, why not push for laws that do the following?
I don't mean to bash pro-lifers; I realize their beliefs are grounded in a profound reverence for life. On the other hand, it is unfair and narrow-minded when a pro-life individual refers to me as a baby killer. This label ignores the complexity of the issue.
LAINE GONZALES
Fallbrook
Sept. 11 was just the beginning
Sept. 11 was retaliation for conduct in their homeland that was perceived as a threat to their way of life. To respond, the Bush administration, lacking understanding of the ramifications, retaliated with massive military, setting up a cycle of violence. Instead, Bush should have sent in a small number of troops to capture those responsible, which could have gotten him more assistance from moderates in the community, and not made more enemies.
Now we are engaged in a religious war between the Taliban and the religious right, who are pushing their agenda to be the law of the land with their same-sex marriage ban, abortion and the like.
With the separation of church and the state, and having many different religions and factions in this country, keeping religion out of politics has worked very well.
Myself having two grandfathers who were pastors of different factions, I have developed my own beliefs and will not accept any state religion. Bush has stated that the 21st century is expected to be filled with continuing wars. Afghanistan and Iraq are only the beginning.
DOUGLAS SPENCER
Vista
We should thank Halliburton
Halliburton has approximately 100,000 employees and 7,000 customers in more than 120 countries. Their Iraqi operations are only a small part of their total business. No contractor, however, has ever worked in a more difficult and dangerous situation than they do in Iraq.
So far, they and their subcontractors have lost 42 employees (more deaths than the British army). Few companies have the skills to perform their work in Iraq, which includes making the troops safer and more comfortable by providing shelter, supplies, clean uniforms, communications with loved ones, mail, meals, electricity, fuel and life-support systems.
There are a lot of lies being told by the Dick Cheney-bashers about Halliburton's lucrative, &illegal,8 no-bid Iraq contracts. The truth is that a Congress-initiated investigation found &the 14 suspect no-bid or limited-competition contracts generally complied with requirements,8 i.e., they were legal.
Halliburton's quarterly results for Iraq-related operations showed an anything but lucrative 3 percent operating margin. We Americans owe Halliburton's management and employees a big thank you for taking on a difficult and dangerous job with poor financial returns and lots of undeserved criticism.
RALPH ALLEN ANDERSON
San Marcos
Bush's smear campaign will backfire
William Rood of the Chicago Tribune and the commander of a Navy swift boat who served alongside Sen. John Kerry during the Vietnam War reported on Aug. 22 that attacks challenging Kerry's integrity and war record are wrong and smear the reputations of veterans who served with Kerry. Rood said that it is hard &to listen to accounts we know to be untrue, especially when they come from people who were not there.8
The Bush campaign has claimed no connection with the group that has led the attack on Kerry, but an individual resigned from the Bush campaign on Aug. 21 after it was learned that he appeared in an anti-Kerry ad sponsored by the swift boat veterans.
The New York Times reported on Aug. 20 that Bush family, friends and Republican contributors are behind the swift boat attack ad, and also said the ad is &riddled with inconsistencies8 and &undercut by official Navy records.8
Sen. John McCain stated weeks ago that the swift boat ad is &dishonest and dishonorable.8 That statement alone was more presidential than anything Bush has said about this matter.
ROBERT TORMEY
major
U.S. Air Force, retired
Escondido
Republicans con the average taxpayer
A question that's often asked by Republicans is if it's fair to hardworking people to take their hard-earned money and give it to lazy people. The simplistic question is usually followed by a statement suggesting that this is the way Democrats think; therefore, you should vote Republican.
Similar statements have given the conservative movement a great deal of undeserved power in Congress. How else could they possibly con hardworking people making less than $100,000 to help advance their cause? They realized that the average hard worker would react to this question/answer and support them. This allowed Republicans to help their buddies who are making millions in a single stock transaction pay less of a percentage in taxes than a postman.
In a Republican's world, how hard one has worked for their money isn't considered when deciding who gets the tax breaks. It's who can support their quest to gain unlimited wealth and financial power over the average citizen. The question that hardworking people should be asking Republicans in return is, &Is it fair that people who put forth little effort to acquire great wealth pay less tax percentage than me?8
JOE MARTIN
Oceanside
The big 'if' from Kerry
Politics are heating up, which is OK, except one thing really stands out. It's kind of a play on words from John Kerry and I wonder how many Americans catch this when he is being interviewed. When questioned about the war, Kerry very quickly says he has a plan to settle this problem, &if8 they make the right decisions. When asked about the economy, Kerry quickly says that is no problem as he can bring 20,000 jobs back to the U.S.A. &if8 they make the right decisions.
And this is the same for all questions asked Mr. Kerry; it's always the same: &If8 we make the right decisions. This disturbs me, as we would have the perfect world &if8 we all made the right decisions. In essence, Kerry has not shown anything or said anything except pie in the sky.
Anyone can promise the moon but delivering is another thing. Please deliver something, Mr. Kerry, but knock off the big if on everything you say.
BERNIE SCHROER
Escondido
No-frills adobes assuage the massesß
To assuage the ill-affordability of new home prices, and to mitigate the swinish incursions of American law enforcement thugs in this post-Bill of Rights era, builders started offering a special, if a bit retro, no-frills package.
"It's designed to keep the drug cop Gestapo from stinking up your domicile," a suburban vulture Realtor intoned. "To forestall the imputation that you're growing pot indoors due to a high energy bill, there's only one electrical outlet in the living room."
"Where are the bathrooms?" I asked.
"We've reverted to outhouses," Ms. Volvo-Gladhand explained. "It reduces the odds that ninja wannabe DEA fascists will thump you for flushing evidence. You'll get used to the smell, it's just more of Bush the Elder's new world odor."
"The front door is missing," I persisted.
"Just cool your jets, Mr. Henderson. We simply hang a vertical array of hippie love beads left over from the 1960s. By the way, did I mention that the outhouse comes equipped with a lifetime supply of corncobs?"
"That suits me just fine," I shot back, "because I don't think citizenship in America today is worth a roll of used toilet paper."
KELLY PATRICK HENNESSY
Oceanside
GOP engages in character assassination
A lot of people have been knocking John Kerry because he threw his medals away. They claim he insulted other veterans. Some even claim he shouldn't have been awarded those medals in the first place.
Both claims are wrong. Kerry threw his medals/ribbons over the fence, not because he didn't support other members of the armed services, but because he did. It was a statement against the continued sacrifice of lives in another no-win war.
And whether you admire or dislike him, the fact remains that he did serve in Vietnam, he was wounded, he was awarded medals for bravery by the Navy. He was there. Bush wasn't. He was getting his teeth cleaned in Alabama; Cheney was nowhere to be found.
And all of this furor is clever obfuscation by some Republicans who don't want the record of the Bush administration examined. They'd rather engage in character assassination than meaningful dialogue about the last four years of flip-flops by Bush.
JOHN LYNN
Carlsbad
Independents vs. ideologues
If you can't compare Bush and Kerry and see that one is a good man trying to do his best, and the other is a phony of the worst kind trying to take advantage of the public naivete, then you are not independent, you are an ideologue, whoever you are.
BRYAN A. MACE
Carlsbad
Are fears unwarranted?
The F.J. Wethly letter to "jail the border crossers" (Aug. 17) would be a great way for illegals who are weary, and possibly prone to not working, to get free room and board, and even rest, since we no longer have chain gangs -- and all at the cost to U.S.A. taxpayers.
Am I simplifying this too much? Are my fears unwarranted?
DOROTHY SMITH
Oceanside
Kerry is no war hero
If you're a Vietnam veteran and you're thinking of voting for Kerry, please think again. Kerry can't run on his Senate record, so the centerpiece of his campaign is his four months in Vietnam and his self-proclaimed status as a war hero.
Most Vietnam vets knew that Kerry betrayed his country and the men fighting in Vietnam when he testified to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 1971 that all Americans fighting in Vietnam were war criminals and had committed unspeakable atrocities. If that wasn't bad enough, now we learn from some of the officers in Kerry's swift boat division that his war record is a fraud, and that Kerry allegedly falsified the action reports on which he was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts. See SwiftVets.com for the details.
I served three combat tours in Vietnam, two with Navy Special Forces and the third as commanding officer of USS Crockett (PG-88) operating with the Market Time Forces out of Cam Ranh Bay. The lowest form of life in Vietnam was an officer who would write false reports to earn medals and awards. Kerry is that lowest form of life, and he doesn't deserve your vote.
MIKE FREEMAN
Poway
Voters have a choice in 49th District
When Darrell Issa first ran for Congress in the 49th District, I remember him making one campaign promise -- to remove the border checkpoints in Temecula and San Clemente. Last time I looked, they were still there.
Issa's major accomplishment while in office has been to bankroll the gubernatorial recall, which probably would have fizzled out without his money. I don't think meddling in state politics is part of a congressman's job description, and I don't appreciate my congressman spending a good deal of his term with his attention focused on Sacramento instead of Washington. When he has been focused on his real job, he has been little more than a yes man for President Bush's policies, from Iraq to the Patriot Act to immense tax cuts for his fellow millionaires.
Voters of the 49th Congressional District, you do have another choice.
His name is Mike Byron. Unlike Issa, he can relate to issues facing average middle-class Americans, because he is one of us. Please check out his Web site: www.byronforcongress.org.
CAROL KISSIN
Oceanside
It's what people think you are that counts
Joseph Kennedy is said to have told his sons: It isn't what you are that counts, but, rather, what people think you are. You can be sure that John Kerry watched the earlier JFK and tailored his actions accordingly.
Anyone who has been in the military has seen it: wealthy Ivy League grad picks up commission, volunteers for active combat spot where he quickly accumulates medals, including three Purple Hearts that are his early ticket back home, a proclaimed hero. Then he's into politics, or another vocation where his medals can speak for him without any other demonstrated proof of his worth.
It is also said that when an enlisted man is awarded a medal, you can assume he earned it. When an officer and a gentleman garners a medal, it's often a benefit of the club.
Grunt soldier Audie Murphy was the most decorated American of World War II. His genuine heroism bought him a good career in the movies, where he wasn't half bad. But he tragically couldn't seem to rid his life of the many demons in his head.
Is John Kerry a genuine hero? People think he is, don't they? And that's what counts.
DARRELL E. McGUIRE
Oceanside
Bush must have slept through history
Everyone would like to see Bush's and Kerry's military records. I would like to see their university transcripts. I think that Bush slept through history. I wonder if he ever heard of the famous British general Charles "Chinese" Gordon, who met his maker about 120 years ago in Khartoum, Sudan. He had a British army of 10,000 with him. His opponent was the Mahdi, a Muslim leader at the time. I do not think that there were any survivors.
So, history repeats itself (as usual). Bush has this country involved in another Middle East debacle, with no good end in sight. Gen. Gordon was one of the greatest military figures of the British Victorian Empire, and a two-bit army of religious zealots made mincemeat of the vaunted Gordon and his army.
I also find it interesting that the Bush administration considers France an enemy of the U.S. Again, our president should read some history. These United States would not exist had it not been for the French Fleet, which kept the British Fleet at bay and caused the surrender of the British army to Washington.
I have every right to complain about Dubya because I voted for him. I am greatly disappointed and won't make the same mistake again in a few months.
GERALD JUNTTI
Escondido
Civilization hangs in the balance
After careful consideration I have decided that it is imperative that we quickly protect the sanctity of marriage. I came to realize that if same-sex marriage were allowed in California that one or more of the following scenarios would occur:
1. Many men would leave their wives and marry other men.
2. Many women would leave their husbands and marry other women.
3. Heterosexuals will quit marrying.
4. Heterosexuals will quit producing offspring.
5. Last (and most terrifying) heterosexuals would quit divorcing.
Let's quickly follow the lead of the great state of Missouri and immediately pass a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. It is obvious from my observations that civilization as we know it hangs in the balance.
JOSEPH W. KRAATZ
Oceanside
Diversity of farmer's market is its draw
Thank you for your column by Jan Roberts (Aug. 1), so that the citizens can respond. It is the diversity of the farmer's market that draws us to Old Town every week. It is not the city's job to regulate free trade. The marketplace is always changing and any prudent business adjusts its merchandise and marketing goals to the current climate. Many businesses are benefiting very positively from the traffic, and those that are not, could if they were creative. If the attraction of the farmer's market leaves, then the entire weekend traffic to Old Town will be adversely affected.
GRETA PONTARELLI
Temecula
Demonstrations aren't publicity stunts
Where has Paul Jacobs ("Hypocrisy mars debate," Aug. 22) been? He calls it a public relations stunt by a couple of drive-time radio talk show jocks. Some people may have come due to what these two said on the radio, but there have been many demonstrations in Temecula in support of the Border Patrol. I know, because I have been to some of them, notably the one by the Border Patrol office and some by the Duck Pond.
These were not promoted by any radio talk show. We are people that had enough of lawlessness and would like this to be a sovereign country again.
There may not have been borders when God created this Earth, but there are borders now, and every country on Earth has them and protects them to their best ability, and we are not doing such.
His argument that we need illegal laborers in order to keep prices down for certain items is ludicrous. There are other legal ways of accomplishing that. Why not establish a migrant worker program, where people can be checked out and given permits to work? All the tired and poor masses of years ago came here legally. They had to have a visa, a job, a place to stay and a sponsor. I know, because I was one of them.
Times are such now that we have to be very vigilant as to who enters this country; I am sure he realizes that.
ERIKA HORNISCH
Temecula
Business, people help upgrade baseball stadium
Earlier this year, several Temecula Valley businesses and individuals came together to help upgrade the Murrieta Valley High School baseball stadium. With their help, the baseball stadium has been given a face lift, including new metal bleachers, concrete pads, and beautiful landscaping and painting of the snack bar.
The following companies, organizations and individuals deserve thanks for their contribution to the valley's children: Dan Atwood and Toyota/Scion of Temecula and Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac purchased bleachers from Tomark Sports; Dirk Westfall of Westfall Construction acted as project manager, and donated the required equipment; Superior Concrete, Robertson Concrete and Mike Noriega Concrete donated 80 yards of concrete for the pad around the stadium and snack shack, making the footing much safer; the late Randy Fleming of Engineering Ventures provided the grading plan for the project; Mitch Philips of Moreno Valley Landscaping provided the landscaping and irrigation; Lowe's of Murrieta donated several palm trees.; Doug Misemer and Dave Brossoit of Timberlake Painting donated the paint and labor for the snack shack; Premier Marketing worked to get the word out about the entire project. Special thanks to Mike Alan, who spearheaded the MVHS Baseball Booster Club who worked with construction teams, and provided the labor needed to complete the job. Dave Zirkle, MVHS athletic director, helped make it happen.
It is the great business and organizations of the Temecula and Murrieta Valley that help make it a wonderful place to live and work. Thank you for supporting our community!
TERRY GILMORE
Temecula
We're becoming minorities in our own state
Thanks to Jerome Roach (Letters, Aug. 20) for the true story on illegals. I have lived in Southern California for 78 years and have never seen such a mess ---- free medical, free school, free cab fare, even third-generation kids don't get that treatment.
How come we worked for years to cure certain diseases and now they are coming back? People are trying to give them driver's permits and they can't even read street signs. I remember when speaking English came first, and now everything you buy comes in umpteen different languages. I've got four Mexican TV channels and you can't even find a radio station that plays anything but twangy guitars, and people don't sing, they scream.
We will never get the state above water until we close the border and return the illegals to their own countries. If we are so eager to help them, send them people willing to go help them learn. We are fast becoming the minorities in our own state.
JEANNE MILLER
Sun City
Kerry should drop Vietnam in campaign
With all of the debate raging about the war record of John Kerry, I asked my Vietnam vet brother about it. My older brother enlisted around the time of Sen. Kerry's service. My brother told me that his own duty above swift boats was sometimes perilous and sometimes boring, like most duty in the armed forces.
His take on all of the controversy is that Kerry did a fine job while on duty, but that he did a hatchet job when he returned from duty. The dilemma with Kerry championing war hero status is that Kerry himself washed it away with his subsequent wholesale condemnation of soldiers on duty during wartime.
Kerry's record for the Vietnam War should not be the focal point of his campaign. Although the vet issue did help Kerry win the Iowa caucus against Howard Dean, Kerry needs to find another position that contrasts him and President Bush, not the Vietnam issue.
Should swift boat ads be removed from the air? Candidates should probably denounce stuff like "Fahrenheit 9/11" and disallow distribution of all other types of biased advertisements. But isn't that censorship?
BILL SANZ
Temecula
You can't fool people all of the time
This administration's new theme: "Even if we knew then what we know now, we did the right thing by war with Iraq."
A large majority of Americans know more now than they did then, and believe it was not the right thing. You can only fool the people some of the time, not all of the time. The use of WMD was used as a fear factor. Mass destruction is happening in Iraq. Nuclear weapons are weapons of mass destruction, as we used on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in WWII. Chemical and biological weapons are not WMD.
This administration mixed the war on al-Qaida and Iraq into a witch's brew and we are paying a horrific price in lives of Americans and Iraqis. Yes, they had chemical and biological agents; no, they did not have the facility to produce plutonium. Israel would have destroyed it as they did in 1981.
The Iranians are warning Israel not to destroy an actual atomic reactor. The U.S. is standing by to parlay with North Korea, as they have the bomb.
President Bush Sr., an experienced and respected world leader, a decorated combat veteran of WWII, told Iraq in the Gulf War if they used chemical or biological weapons, the consequences would be massive (nuclear) and they heeded the warning. Did our commander warn Iraq? When and whom?
Is anyone listening? The Muslim world is!
BILL WASLEY
Murrieta
No way paper won't create conflict of interest
So Murrieta Councilman Doug McAllister has partnered with city Planning Commissioner Steve Rawlings to publish a new "non-political" Murrieta paper. Right! They say they already have advertisers lined up.
I'll bet the advertisers are Chamber of Commerce members with real estate or developer interests.
Other Murrieta businesses will be asked to support this business alliance between the council and the Planning Commission. Who's going to say "No thanks"?
I thought that the City Council was supposed to sit in judgment on appealed decisions from the Planning Commission. So how is Councilman McAllister going to exercise neutral and independent judgment over his business partner's decisions? Who's going to resign, McAllister or Stevens? One, or both, have to give up their official positions to avoid this obvious conflict of interest.
Just one more reason why Murrietans should recall Doug McAllister.
EDWARD L. FAUNCE
spokesman
Rescue Murrieta
Kerry the hero of Vietnam
Imagine the excitement that a John Kerry win would bring to the War Heroes Museum in Ho Chi Minh City (formally Saigon). They already have "their" picture of Mr. Kerry displayed as a "hero" because he returned to America and threw away his (or someone's) medals, testified against his own comrades-in-arms, accusing them of heinous acts, betraying America and Americans.
They find him a hero to their cause and display his picture for all to see. His testimony was used to discourage and break Americans who were prisoners of war. He may be their hero, but he is certainly not mine.
LINDA WOODS
Temecula
Failure to pass harassment policy 'reprehensible'
It is disturbing that the Murrieta Valley Unified School District would choose not to enact a policy of nondiscrimination that was approved by district lawyers and had been overseen by the civil rights commission for language and content. As a teacher in this district, I find the decision by Kenneth Dickson, our school board president, and two other school board members to be out of the mainstream of what is appropriate and necessary to establish our district as a leader in this community.
This is no small thing. It reflects poorly on all of us and marks Murrieta as a school district that tolerates ambiguity and intolerance. Mr. Dickson should have acted sincerely and decisively that very night, not refer it back to committee, and not delay the policy that we had been prepared to embrace from our first day of school. Mr. Dickson fools no one with his claims of protecting First Amendment rights. His wink-and-nod approach is reprehensible. How dare he!
TOM DALY
Murrieta
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