Letters to the Editor - 5/07/2006

By: Readers of the North County Times and The Californian | Saturday, May 6, 2006 7:48 PM PDT ∞

Placement of cameras is suspect


I have been an Escondido resident for 40 years. I've seen a lot of good things happen, but lately I have been bothered by the photo light signals going in. I realize it is against the law to run a red light. The new photo light at Valley Parkway and Auto Parkway is very suspect, in my opinion.

Yesterday I was waiting to turn left from Valley onto Auto Parkway, with one car in front of me, and many behind. The green arrow was green just long enough for the car in front to go through. I almost got rear-ended because I didn't want to chance it.

Today I sat there and watched those cameras go off at least four times. What's going on here? We can afford to put these silly things in, but we can't seem to have a traffic signal in front of the main post office. Have you ever tried to get out of the post office? At rush hour you'll sit there forever, and there have been many fender-benders there.

So, if the city is so concerned with safety over revenue, make the signal at Valley and Auto Parkway a reasonable length for all, and put a signal at the main post office!

FLOYD WATSON

Escondido

The real heroes of May 1


The real heroes of May 1 are the Americans who go to work and do their jobs, not people who succumb to mass hysteria.

I wonder if the Democratic Legislature meant in its resolution that our American soldiers should not go to work.

I am sure the American soldiers would like a holiday, but I bet they don't get it. May God keep soldiers safe.

KAREN VON DESSONNECK

Leucadia

Freedom to fly their Mexican flags


Driving home through Vista in the evening May 1, I was greeted by fleets of vehicles cruising East Vista Way with their Mexican flags waving proudly out the windows, and I had time to reflect at a stop light.

What a great country we live in! The absence of the Stars and Stripes flying struck a nerve of nationalism that can be inflammatory at times like these. The freedom those individuals have to fly that Mexican flag down the main drag of the city was bought with the blood of my ancestors and others like them, blood that was lost in WWII flying the Burma Hump, or carrying a stretcher on the banks of the Rhine, or being shot in the groin and bleeding to death. The blood of my uncles, who I will never get a chance to meet or even thank, was spilled for that Cadillac Escalade with the flag of Mexico flying proudly out its sunroof.

When the money is no longer their focus they will find the true reason they choose to dwell in America. Freedom. God bless and help America.

KARL MIETHKE

Vista

Free to make your views public


If I read Mr. Doug Woelke's May 1 letter correctly, he does not believe in freedom of speech, nor does he buy shoes because one pair made his feet uncomfortable.

I did notice that he, as did Mr. Chambers, identified himself as a retired person -- Mr. Chambers, from his position in the American Legion, and Mr. Woelke, from an unknown branch of military service.

In that each of these folks is retired, they are free to make any comment they wish, short of sedition.

I feel that Mr. Woelke forgot that one of the primary reasons he and others were in the military was to protect the freedom of speech. I invite Mr Woelke to join me over a cup of coffee at the Escondido Legion Post to discuss his views of the world.

DICK BECKSTEAD

Escondido

Let's have more days without


What a success Monday's “Day Without a Mexican” was. I must admit that it had a positive impact on my life. In fact, I believe it was so successful that I'd even support a “Week Without a Mexican” or even a “Month Without a Mexican.”

JOHN MILLER

Escondido

Immigration and Senate


What is the Senate doing out of session? Why are they not finishing what they started instead of leaving this country to become severely divided? These elected officials opened a can of worms on the illegal immigration debate and ran off to pander votes.

Do people think that these protests and possible violence will go away? President Bush got chastised for being in Texas during Katrina and, yet, I do not hear anything about this. During a protest in Portland, Maine, an anti-protester got beaten up for holding a sign. One of the organizers, the Rev. Virginia Maria Rincon, said, “When you promote violence, you get violence. Our rally is about promoting a peaceful dialogue.”

So, in other words, she is saying that if you bring a sign contesting what she and thousands of others are doing, you don't have the right. What will happen when or if these people, illegals, get citizenship? Will they not do the work anymore and then we will need to get more illegals to do the work? Where does it end? Stop with the splitting of words.

HOWARD BRENNER JR.

Poway

Description goes both ways


Mark Phillips of Vista gives a description of Republicans in his April 9 letter. Sounds just like Willie (I did not have sex with that woman), as he wags his finger at us, and Hillary (don't care what Willie did, I just want to be president).

Back then it didn't matter to Democrats what Willie and Hillary did, since their political party was in power.

STEVEN MELCHER

Escondido

Good old days in Escondido


The May l boycott turned Escondido back into a tranquil place to live. The flow of traffic was greatly improved. There was much-less congestion. Customer service returned to our stores as clerks were less pressured. I hope our city officials realize that all the construction of housing developments in concentrated areas has contributed to overpopulation of our city. It will take more than covering over graffiti to improve Escondido.

We need code enforcement and better city planning to return Escondido to a desirable area to live in. This boycott should make our city officials take a good look at development in Escondido during the last 30 years and to make some better choices in the future.

BARBARA TAKAHARA

Escondido

The rich in Mexico export their poor


The rich in Mexico (and there are vast numbers of them, because Mexico is a rich country) have the perfect final solution for their poor: Send them to be cared for by the U.S.

This way they can continue to consolidate their power, continue paying little or no taxes and continue grabbing the land of those fleeing the grinding poverty that they have allowed to flourish. If the poor are starving, the rich in Mexico say, “Let them eat cake -- in the U.S., where the taxpayers support them.”

Who is going to make this change? And why should it change, when life for them is so wonderful?

JAMES WALKER

Escondido

Walk out on America, please


Thank you for walking out on America on May. 1. The commute to work was easy and quick, no crowding on the roads, no congestion. The schools were not overcrowded. The fast-food restaurant service was quick and orderly.

You have accomplished in one day what our legislators have been incapable of. Thanks, do it again real soon.

JEFF KENNEDY

Escondido

Sympathy for illegals is gone


What a pleasant experience it was to go shopping on Monday, May 1. No long lines, no rude children running everywhere while the mothers are chatting and not paying any attention to them, and no Spanish-speaking people in your face. If only every day could be like that, I would gladly pay higher prices for everything if that were necessary.

I am not against immigration, but it must be done legally by people who want to be Americans and will make the effort to comply with our laws and respect our culture. Illegals have no rights in this country, and I resent having my tax dollars going to pay for their benefits while there are so many legal residents who need help.

If I had any sympathy toward the protesters who paraded on May 1 it evaporated when I saw our American flag being flown upside down with the Mexican flag on top of it. Can you imagine what would happen if we tried that in Mexico?

EDNA GREEN

Escondido

Comments are out of touch with reality


In response to a letter printed May 1 titled, “Well off Mexicans?”: I find Mr. Al Tschaeche's evaluation of the status of Mexicans in Puerto Vallarta and Mexico, in general, laughable. Obviously he didn't bother to look up any statistics before drawing his conclusion that these people were “well off” because they were buying food and supplies at Wal-Mart.

According to statistics I quickly pulled up from a 2005 report from the Global Policy Network, the average annual income in Chiapas (the poorest state in Mexico) is $2,000 U.S. per year. In Mexico City the figure is $14,000 U.S. You can find volumes of statistics on the disparity between the rich and poor in Mexico as well. At these levels, does Mr. Tschaeche think they are saving for retirement? Are they able to take a nice vacation like him? I think not.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 2004 median income in the United States ranges from about $40,000 to $48,000 per year, depending on the region of the United States in which you reside. Tschaeche questions why they would want to come and find better opportunities in the United States? It's obvious.

I find his comments to be way out of touch and unreal.

CINDY GRAY

Encinitas

May 1 looked wonderful


What was all the hoopla? North County looked like it did 10 to 15 years ago and it was wonderful. I don't feel the protest was long enough to fully appreciate what services are provided by people here illegally.

Let's try a week, or maybe a month to really absorb the full effect of life without the illegal immigrants.

JERRY VETACK

Carlsbad

Does Horn walk the talk?


Supervisor Bill Horn recently gave $25,000 to HirePatriots.com, an organization that seeks to provide jobs to veterans. The spin is that it is preferable to hiring illegal immigrants. I support the organization and the use of the taxpayers money (not Bill Horn's, as was the impression given) in an effort to support former military personnel.

My question is this: Has Supervisor Horn always been supportive of hiring citizens instead of illegal immigrants? I would like to know whom he hires to pick the avocados and tangelos on his Valley Center property. If he hires individuals, are they legal and are they paid above the table with workers' compensation and SSI and other necessary deductions?

If Horn hires a grove service to complete the harvest, does he ensure that they are complying with the law regarding hiring practices? Horn talks the talk, but does he walk the walk?

DAVID LEE REYNOLDS

Menifee

Round up the illegal immigrants


This protest is going to blow up in the faces of the criminal illegal aliens invading our country. I only wish that law enforcement would attend every large rally point, round up all these ignorant protesters and check for their citizenship.

A day without illegals saves this country billions, decreases hospital wait times and eases traffic delays. All the jobs that illegals do would be happily done by U.S. citizens that are paid at least minimum wage.

However, that's a truth the illegals and their ilk don't want to admit. I'd happily pay more for my produce to eliminate this invasion.

DAREN REESE

Carlsbad

Council responds to Crest residents


After residents demonstrated the ability to draw public attention, the Encinitas City Council finally responded to Crest Drive residents. Residents wanted rectification and explanations for the council's decision to blindly follow council member Stocks' suggestion that a traffic signal be put in at El Camino Real and Crest instead of at Willowsprings.

Without valid arguments the council went against common sense and engineering reports and put a light only at Crest, the farthest location from Stocks' home. Only after awareness grew did the neighborhood know to complain about Stocks' failure to recuse himself and coaxing of the council. He should not have participated in the vote because of his conflict of interest. Confirming this charge, Stocks did recuse himself on the revote. The spotlight was turned on this time.

Without Stocks, the council reversed its first decision. The council decided to pick a more expensive plan with a half-light at Crest and a full light at Willowsprings. Their decision was totally different from the original. This shows two things: 1. The council did not do their homework before the first vote, and 2. The original decision fostered by Stocks was not made in the public's interest.

KEVIN CUMMINS

Leucadia

Senators' inaction causes gas price hike


Even more infuriating than current gas prices are the actions, or inactions, of California's senators in creating this mess in the first instance.

The terrorist attacks five years ago warned us that we simply cannot continue to rely exclusively on Middle Eastern oil. Last year's Gulf hurricanes also highlighted the folly in concentrating almost all of our offshore oil exploration and refineries in the annual path of deadly hurricanes.

Despite these unmistakable signals, both of our senators have ignored majority opinion and filibustered any far-sighted energy proposals aimed at lessening our dependence on Middle East oil.

As a result, five years have been wasted and we are even more dependent on unstable regimes than we were before the terrorist attacks.

Just further proof that our senators are good at playing politics and kowtowing to the Malibu liberal jet set crowd, but still cannot be trusted with national security or to look out for average hardworking citizens.

MICHAEL KALT

Carmel Valley

Selective use of data distorts story


William Finn Bennett's April 30 report, “Illegal immigrants: Boon or bane,” cites a study by the Tomas Rivera Policy Institute, which claims that the cost of educating the U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants should not count as a cost of illegal immigration because the children are U.S. citizens. That's like saying the profit made by oil companies on a gallon of gas should not be counted as a cost to the consumer because it isn't part of the production cost.

So while we're paying $3.25 at the pump, we're really paying only $1.87. This is accounting that Ken Lay would be proud of.

Compounding the Rivera study's distortions are the reporter's own selective use of data and characterization of sources. The Center for Immigration Studies is “a hard-line advocacy group for stricter immigration laws and enforcement,” while the Rivera Institute “advances critical, insightful thinking on key issues ... for the betterment of our nation.”

In truth, to claim, as the article's subheadline does, that “experts disagree over (the) relative costs versus benefits of illegal immigration” is as accurate as saying that experts disagree on the validity of evolution and the effects of global warming.

DOUG BELL

Rancho Penasquitos

New energy policy


This administration needs a new alarm clock. Ten years waiting? It has taken them six years to see the need for an effective energy policy. Had they seen the writing on the wall as they could have we would have an effective program in progress. Then we would have only four years to await fair prices.

RICHARD SOULSBY

Vista

Work on the real solutions at hand


If Bilbray finds illegal immigration so scary, then why didn't he start doing something about it the first six years that he was in Congress? This isn't a new issue that just came to light yesterday, it is an issue that has been around for as long as I can remember. And it isn't an issue that will change anytime soon.

My concern is that Bilbray and the Republican Party are using this and fear to sway the voters once again.

It would be nice if we would consider and work on the real problems at hand.

WAYNE SEWARD

Carlsbad

Spring cleaning? Bring in the Marines


Want to spruce up your house? Want to help our economy? Want to help our servicemen? Here's the answer. Hire a Marine!

About six weeks ago, we saw an advertisement for Hiremarines.com. This Web site is for Camp Pendleton Marines. We posted our job request, which asked for someone who knew how to work with electrical jobs, familiar with planting and experience in painting. From that ad, we hired two Marines from Camp Pendleton at $8 an hour each. We have been thrilled with their work, their work ethic and the jobs they have done for us.

They have planted, they have stained wood, they have moved heavy objects. They speak and understand perfect English and they are happy for the work. They show up on time. They clean up after a job, and they're interesting to talk to. You just have to talk to them while they're working, as they really don't do the water cooler thing.

These guys would do any American proud. Want to bring in the Marines to help you? Go to www.hiremarines.com or call (760) 231-5089.

We think this is a win-win situation for us residents here in North County and our military, who work so hard to protect us all.

DEE NUSSER

Fallbrook

Don't protest using a foreign flag


Maybe I misunderstood, but wasn't May 1 supposed to be “a day without illegal immigrants”? Legal immigration is not the problem, illegal immigration is the problem. It appears that the illegals have even forgotten what they were protesting about.

All of us are descendants of legal immigration, but we are now Americans, and do not protest using a foreign flag. That is a slap in the face to all those who are doing it the correct way. If you think so much of Mexico, please, go home.

RALPH SOMMERFELDT

Oceanside

An example of jobs Americans won't do


Have you all noticed the price of meat lately? Gas isn't the only thing going up! Are you all aware that the average wage for meatpackers in the 1980s was $19 per hour and now it's $9 per hour? Yes, those workers of yesteryear were able to support a family and buy a house.

Now, thanks to a glut of cheap labor, wages have come down to close to poverty level. Who do you suppose is making out on this deal? Not the consumers from the looks of prices at my grocery stores and not the workers, who are often illegal aliens or migrants who are being taken advantage of by greedy corporations.

If wages had kept up with the rest of the economy, these would not be “jobs Americans won't do.” We did them before and we can do them again, for the right price.

GINA LOVIN

Vista

State Democrats try to buy votes


I just have to say I am disgusted by the state Senate passing a resolution that condones the boycott. This boycott is intended to do harm to businesses in California and nationwide. It is no surprise that so many businesses have left and are leaving California because of the unfriendly business climate coming from Sacramento.

Thank you to the Senate Republicans for opposing the measure; it is too bad that those Dems are trying to buy some votes by forcing this resolution.

RONALD BRETT CHILDS

Vista

Both parties have abandoned San Diego


I no longer feel that either party represents the citizens of this country. Registration is the key to the utter disregard for the voter. Districts are gerrymandered on how many people belong to either party. Pander to those votes and they get elected, go to Washington or Sacramento, and do as they please.

What does bother them? Not understanding their base. Listen to any talking head and the Independent vote is often the difference. Republicans spend little election money in states like California. Republican administrations take contributions but rarely give federal money to us. Look what we got from President Bush on his latest trip here. No money for levees, illegal prisoners, hospitalization, or border security. His only concern is the independent Hispanic vote and the fact that there are 11 million-plus jobs legal citizens cannot do.

The Republican Party has written off California and has even gone so far as to bankrupt this state by forcing us to pay for costs the federal government should pay. Sacramento treats San Diego as a poor orphan because we vote Republican. We lose all around. If neither party supports you, why bother to support the lip service they give? Register Independent and support what helps you in real life. It only takes a minute, and 39 cents.

PETER MURNIEKS

Vista

Bilbray should condemn the attack ads


I have heard all I need to hear from Mr. Bilbray. He has campaigned consistently that he is not afraid to stand up to his party when he believes his party is wrong.

But, when asked whether the dishonest attack ad against Ms. Busby should be pulled, he retreats to defending the ad on the grounds that all politicians run dishonest attack ads.

If Mr. Bilbray does not have the integrity to demand his party pull an ad that he admits is a lie, then how can I trust him to represent the 50th District in Congress with integrity, especially after we have already suffered through a congressman who disgraced the office by accepting bribes?

DAVID LITTLE

San Diego

My family is spending itself into disaster


I have relatives that I worry about. They have good incomes, but they live paycheck to paycheck -- no savings or rainy day fund. Not only that, but for years they have spent more than they've made, using credit cards so they could have all the latest electronic gadgets, clothes, recreational toys, etc.

Fortunately, when their debts grew to where they were almost unmanageable, the general housing market had appreciated enough in value for them to refinance their homes, pull out the equity, pay off the credit cards and/or buy a luxury vacation package. Then, they went right back out and ran up the balances on their credit cards, thus increasing their total debt.

If circumstances were different, their finances would not be my concern. However, we are a close-knit extended family and both their sole sources of income are from a family-run business, on which I and other extended family members are dependent. When they finally experience an unanticipated financial meltdown, I believe the entire family's earning ability and standard of living could be irreparably harmed.

How can I get them, as well as other family members, to understand the danger that their debt and lack of savings present to our family's collective future?

ROBERT FRAAS

Vista

Help the homeless


If there are 3,200 homeless in the North County, and probably triple that in San Diego itself, it should be evident that shelters ought to be open year-round. Taking the shelters away certainly does a huge disservice to those most in need. Our cities must provide for these unfortunate people.

It is shameful for Americans to turn a blind eye to our responsibility toward any group of people, whether or not they are paying taxes at the moment.

Sure, there are those who make a career of scamming the system, but for every one of those people, I'd bet there are three who truly want a hand up instead of a handout. If you can afford to pay $3 a gallon for gas, how about giving a couple more bucks to some organization that is truly trying to help others?

Three dollars a week from every driver in the county would go a long way to alleviate the suffering of those who need our compassion and assistance.

PJ BRESEE

Poway

Is this the kind of leadership we want?


I am disgusted, but not at all surprised, at the slander ads being run by the Republican Party to try and tarnish Francine Busby's reputation. Why not let the candidates' past and present accomplishments speak for themselves? Because that wouldn't be the way the Republican Party works, nor would their candidate win, especially with their politician Cunningham's downfall.

The Republican Party thinks it can be the bully of the playground. Try and run against them -- or go against them -- and they will throw mud at you, then look you in the eye and say, “So what are you going to do about it? We have the money, the power and an agenda that you can't fight or win.”

I ask the American people, is this who we want leading us and our nation? Liars and cheaters? What does that show our children? What kind of world are we leaving our children? I think that we need to let the Republican Party know that we aren't that dumb and that we do care about truth, liberty and justice. Call me old-fashioned.

LORI PARKER

Encinitas

Bilbray lacks integrity


Although I don't live in the 50th Congressional District, I have met Francine Busby and have been following the race with great interest. Francine Busby is one of those rare Americans who runs for office simply because she wants to work for the people. She has no skeletons in her closet, no scandals she needs to cover up. As a wife, mother and community volunteer, she is an honest and patriotic American, the type of citizen who works hard for her community, and who makes this country great.

Yet now the Republicans are slandering her with ads that are grotesque, and their candidate Bilbray will not even demand they stop. I am a proud Democrat, but I can say this much: If a candidate from my party ever put out such disgusting propaganda, or refused to condemn ads meant to smear his opponent, I could not in good conscience vote for him.

When a candidate looks the other way as verbal violence is perpetrated against another, and he could easily have stopped it, what else will he refuse to see once he is in Congress? These ads prove one thing: Francine Busby is the only candidate in the race with integrity.

ELLEN TERICH

Temecula

Negative ads must stop


Several leading California Republicans have conscientiously spoken out against the outrageously misleading and negative ad from the Republican Party that attacks Democrat Francine Busby. But Brian Bilbray, her opponent in the November election for Randy Cunningham's congressional seat, has retreated behind the statement that it's not as tough as he'd seen some go.

If the man is afraid to take some leadership now on such blatant smear tactics, what can we expect from him once he is elected? Voters have already seen, in Randy Cunningham's tragic example, what happens when their elected leaders are not strong enough to act on their principles (or even to have principles!) and when winning at all costs is more important than anything else.

Luckily, Bilbray has exposed his weaknesses early enough for us to see them now, before it is too late.

WENDY GELERNTER

San Diego

Voters will make selves heard in November


If these illegal immigration rallies don't scare us, they should. They are clearly having an effect on our elected officials. Each political party sees huge organized masses of people that they believe, if pandered to, will become their future constituencies.

We are constantly being told by our media that if we are not in favor of this tsunami of people entering our country illegally, we are racist. That is just not true; we are concerned for our sovereignty and our cultural identity. If we provide amnesty for the illegal immigrants that we have here now, there will be millions more waiting to follow, as they did after Ronald Reaganís amnesty program in 1986.

Unlike the immigrants who came here in the first half of the 20th century, this current wave of illegal immigrants do not want to assimilate, to become Americans. They do not want to adopt our culture, they want to change it. They want to change our country to what they are used to. If our politicians are so short-sighted that they do not see that this cultural change will bring with it a political change that jeopardizes their future, they are naive.

Our elected officials see only what they think will benefit them and their parties. If they continue this flagrant disregard of the peopleís wishes, they will get a surprise in the next election. It is possible that an angry electorate will oust incumbents and start over with officials who respect the people they represent.

PATRICIA PATELSON

Temecula

City needs to keep trail plan on front burner


I read with interest the April 27 article in The Californian entitled "Interchange is top priority for road program." Temecula currently has a nice paved bike trail along Santa Gertrudis Creek and from what I've been told by the city, the next most likely trail to be constructed would be along Murrieta Creek.

Connecting these two trails would be a significant step toward completing the planned trail encircling the city. The connection would open up Old Town and the Business Park to residents on the north side of Temecula and the southern edge of Murrieta. Granted, the connection will be expensive and I doubt it will happen for several years, but if we don't plan for the connection now the cost will be even higher.

So the purpose of this letter is to remind the city planners, when working with the California Department of Transportation to redesign the Winchester Road offramp, that they at least consider the eventual trail that will need to cross over or under I-15. A little bit of planning and foresight could save millions of dollars in the future.

As we indicated in 2000 when the city embarked on creating a master trail plan, the residents of Temecula would like to have viable, fun alternatives to packing the family into their SUV; we trust the city is still listening and getting closer to making the master trail plan a reality.

BILL DULL

Temecula

Call oil execs on the carpet


I think the current administration should take a page out of history. In 1961 the major steel companies issued huge price increases on some of their products. President Kennedy had just recently taken office. He requested a White House meeting with all the steel executives. Outcome ---- the huge price increases were rescinded and a few months later reasonable price increases went into effect.

The idea of hearings to investigate gouging is wasteful. We know what that answer will be ---- no gouging found. How about these sinful profits? All businesses deserve profits ---- but to what degree. No wonder we have no respect of big business ---- just look at the front page of the newspaper. Maybe we should learn from history ---- call in the oil execs.

JOYCE KROLL

Temecula

Don't transfer senior center volunteer


What are they thinking? Last fall the city of Murrieta opened their long-awaited senior center and it is truly a jewel in their crown. It is capably and lovingly run by a wonderful staff. As a volunteer I have been treated with love and kindness and been welcomed with open arms each and every time I walk through the door.

I have seen the senior center triple in attendance, and watched the staff, made up of Annette Jennings, Krissi, Linda and Ashley make every occasion very special. They go out of their way to make all of us feel welcome and important, and are constantly doing little things to show that.

From the day the center opened we have been blessed to have Annette and her incredible staff show us warmth, joy, caring, and above all, respect. Now we hear that Annette will no longer be heading the senior center staff, and will be transferred to another position.

This is very sad news for all of us. We all love Annette. She has a special way that makes us feel that she loves all of us as well. We're all asking the same question ---- why? She has done such an incredible job and is a very large part of why we all volunteer here or come to all the great classes and functions. I know I speak for all the seniors here when I say, "Please, whoever made this decision, reconsider and let Annette stay with us."

DARLENE THOMPSON

Murrieta

Wanted: Some healthy young Americans


I am surprised that the recent offer made by Sen. John McCain to pay any American $50 an hour to work the entire growing season in the California fields hasn't gotten more recognition. I would like to see at least 1,000 healthy young people take him up on his offer. I think there are plenty of young people qualified and willing to prove him wrong.

Think of it this way. At $50 per hour, that would be $500 per 10-hour day; $3,000 per six-day week; and roughly $12,000 per month. Might be worth a few aching muscles.

I don't know how long the growing season is, but let's say three months. That would be $36,000; four months $48,000. For 1,000 workers, Sen. McCain would have to come up with $48 million. That may be chump change for a senator, but it should get the point across. There is no such thing as a job that Americans won't do ---- if the pay is right.

Sen. McCain's office can be reached at (202) 224-2235 or http://mccain.senate.gov.

GORDON SAVAGE

Temecula

Why were signs only in Spanish?


Monday, I really had a craving for a burrito from Los Primos in Murrieta. I went there and followed another vehicle into the drive-through. After a minute or so the vehicle moved forward and so did I. I saw two signs that were posted in Spanish only on their drive-through sign.

No one came on the intercom to take our order and so I decided to drive to the window. I turned around the corner and there were two vehicles in front of me stopped. The person in the vehicle by the window called back and said they guessed they were closed, probably for the immigration protest and drove off, as did the other vehicle and myself.

Why did Los Primos leave messages in Spanish only. I have no problem with their right to show support for something they believe in, but I feel very put out that they decided to put down their English-speaking patrons. This is one Los Primos patron that does not appreciate being treated in this way and will not be eating there in the future.

My parents immigrated to the United States legally and I do not see why we have to look away as so many illegals continue to come over. There are many people from Mexico who are coming over legally who earn the right to have their children in school.

Instead of protesting, how about if the protesters got together and come up with an idea that helps everyone.

MARJORIE DUNMIRE

Murrieta

Web Comments:


Rincon man convicted of murder of woman, unborn child


Reader's responses to the conviction of Andree Francis Calac with two counts of second-degree murder Wednesday.

Drugs the problem


A REAL LEADER: "The article sounds a familiar ring for the Rincon Reservation. It will continue to ring as long as the community and tribal leaders refuse to address the real problem- DRUG ABUSE! Drugs is causing the violence and criminal activity that is killing the people. Marlene would be alive if not for the drugs. Tribal leaders wake up before you lose a loved one too. When you identify drug issues address them. You have the money needed to help your people stop expecting the local clinic to do your job. The local clinic is usually a day late and a dollar short and they are full of excuses, take it from one who knows. What is your excuse. Invest in your future-YOUR MEMBERS."

No easy solution


Corinne: "What is the answer? How can these people be helped if they do not want help. What can be done? I think this is a problem not only at the Rincon Reservation. It is a world wide problem. What is the answer?"

Slater-Price addresses Escondido leaders on transportation, immigration


Reader's responses to a luncheon hosted by Escondido's Downtown Business Association featuring County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price and her position on city issues.

Congratulations to Supe


East County Oracle: "Let's be the first to congratulate Slater-Price for coming to Escondido for something other than an art event. When the politicians talk roads, then you can bet that they're running for office. My money is still on the 50th District, and Pam is still in the running...she's simply correcting her image to appeal to the voters in her gerrymandered district. Congratulations are in order, Pam, and our best to you in November -- is Bilbray in your sights now? Don't you remember the trash plant in San Marcos? Is that what will finally bring Bilbray down? Good luck. Now most of the Republican boys have spent their war chests, and the RNC doesn't understand local issues, is it time for Pam to step into the spotlight?"

Quality, not quantity


Slater- Price supporter: "Pam Slater-Price is the only local Republican I can think of who doesn't equate quantity (of houses, development, and people) with quality. She's the best Republican choice to protect what's left of the beauty of North County and the quality of life it offered its residents."

10.7 percent of state seniors still must pass high school exit exam


Reader's responses to an statement by state officials who said 46,768 high school seniors statewide still need to pass the exit exam.

Lack of motivation


Mary: "I am desperately trying to get my son motivated to do his school work. He has an IEP - the whole 9 yards. There is something really wrong with our schools - especially when it comes to educating our male children. I begged to have him held back and was told "research indicates that kids held back end up not graduating from high school." Guess what, unless something dramatic happens he will be dropping out. His parents are intact, highly educated and middle class and this is still happening right before my very eyes. I have to watch him like a hawk but I can't do the work for him. He has decided he is no longer going to play the school game. "

I feel your pain


Mother of EC Junior: "Boy do I feel your pain. "

Students are victims


Roby: "And what does this tell us? Remember now, these are the children who have hung around to stick it out. They are the ones who, by virtue of their (subjective?) passing grades, have fufilled all other graduation requirements. They are NOT the ones who have already dropped out. It tells us a few things. First, that 13 years of school and promotion, with passing grades, is not enough. (Remember this when your at the polls in June and see the preschool initiative which will throw even more money in this broken system). Second, we really don't care about these kids. As long as it looks like things are OK at our schools, we don't have to do anything differently. Also, we failed these kids by not catching them sooner. We couldn't really catch them with API and other supposed State or district accountability systems because they are flawed. (remember that the next time you hear Jack O'Connell say that CA's API is a better measure of growth or improvement than NCLB's AYP). I don't have a problem with a test that supposedly measures what a child knows but to hang everything on that one test is not right. We need to take a closer look at what our children are learning (or not learing) in ALL grades and address any problems that arise immediately. Waiting until they are in high school to actually address these problems or lack of learning is too little, too late. Bottom line here & no matter who or what you blame this failure on.......it's the child who suffers... not the school, not the system, not the teachers."

Teacher frustrated too


One Teacher: "I'm an elementary teacher and empathize with all of you who are frustrated with our education system. I have dedicated the last 11 years of my life to teaching and volunteer my personal time tutoring students whose parents need and want extra help for their children. My class is the one with the doors wide open and the lights on an hour and a half before the start of school and into the early evening hours. I don't know what it's like to take a child to Little League, Pop Warner, soccer, or karate, but I often hear the shouts of children playing ball on our fields and envy the parents who do. It's the sacrifice I chose to make to be a teacher, and not everyone is willing to do the same. "