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Letters to the Editor - 7/26/2006
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North County Times
Oceanside's two-stepping three
Once again Jim Wood and Shari Mackin are caught giving their vote to special-interest groups, i.e., letters of recommendation ("Lobbyist uses recommendations to attract clients," July 20). Their excuses, and there's always one, are so lame it seems they can never accept fault for anything.
Come on, people, it's time to get rid of this embarrassment of a City Council. Starting in November we can rid ourselves of "I never sold my vote to special interest" Mackin. Of course she didn't, she sold it to Wood and Sanchez. Now Wood is about as good a mayor as he was a cop. He removed Jack Feller from an important commission, which Oceanside had power in, and inserted himself into a meaningless position on the same commission (power trip).
I don't support the recall of Sanchez only because of the cost to the city. Let's concentrate on removing Mackin. Sanchez's ineptness and Wood's attitude are a moot point. Let's get rid of the two-stepping three.
JOSE SISNEROS
Oceanside
Bush vetoes research funding
Bush considers stem cells to be early human life and, on that theory, has vetoed research that could cure many nerve diseases. I wonder how the thousands of paralyzed servicemen who fought for the commander in chief feel about his decision not to help them walk again. Gee, they laid their life on the line for Bush, now he says they will just have to live with the problem. The earliest human life is the sperm, so shouldn't wet dreams and other forms of male malfunction be considered crimes if they don't hook up with an egg? Where does the nonsense stop and logic take over?
Women slough off hundreds of eggs that are potential humans each month, so nature does not expect every single meeting of egg and sperm to result in life. Also nature causes millions of miscarriages a year. Next time let us vote for a president who respects women and their partners to make decisions on their own regarding when they want children and leave the government out of family planning.
Funny how Bush claims to have such high regard for life but does not hesitate to enter pre-emptive wars, which claim so many innocent lives.
PEGGY HART
Carlsbad
Sex sells at electronics store
I recently went to Fry's Electronics in San Marcos to buy a movie. I was shocked to see that a few feet from the family section of movies was an adult section. I am not so shocked that Fry's is selling adult movies as I am in how they are displayed and where they are located.
All that is protecting children from seeing the movie covers is a black divider of some sort, and they are located close to the entrance of the store. As a preschool teacher, aunt and child advocate, I am offended by the easy availability of pornography to children.
Pornography is so easily available on the Internet and adult stores that I do not understand why it has to be sold so openly at Fry's. Children of all ages are already exposed to sex through magazines and television -- why add more?
MARIBEL DELGADO
Escondido
Whiny Lebanon evacuees
Scenario: Lebanese-Americans on vacation/business or living in Lebanon are evacuated compliments of the American taxpayer and the U.S. military and all I hear are complaints that the evacuation was too slow or there were no plans. I also read that some felt guilt they were leaving family back in Lebanon, and that it was unfair that Lebanon was being attacked.
Lebanon had its chance to free itself from the hands of the terrorist organization Hezbollah, or Hez bully, as I like to call it. These so-called Americans live and work in our free country but really do not exhibit ties to America other than making money and living the good life. They have no loyalties to the U.S., as exhibited by their comments, and have no loyalties to Lebanon. If they were really concerned about the welfare of the people in their home country, they would have stayed in Lebanon and helped their brothers.
This is the problem with dual citizenship and multiculturalism. No loyalties. These people, as well as a large contingent of Hispanics, want to have their cake and eat it too, without the sacrifice that goes along with being a true American. It is very regrettable we allow such people citizenship.
BARBARA COPE
Escondido
No reason for modern war
The war on terror is giving war a bad name. War, in a misguided sense, was a noble mission in the past. It was nation against nation settling their differences in the most barbaric method they could devise, but fair.
As the technology improved, advanced nations built such horrific weapons they finally realized the absurdity of this concept and found ways to live together without war, such as U.S.A. and the Soviet Union did. Now we're left with a money-sucking military that can destroy any nation but can't win a war.
Today's war is a video game for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy. But for the grunts on the ground it's ride around until someone kills you. It's an error to use the military to attack terrorists. It causes too many civilian deaths, which, in turn, produce more insurgents. I believe we called similar insurgents freedom fighters when they fought the Soviets.
Israel is a perfect example of why you can't defend yourself from terrorism using the military. Where could you find a better-defended nation and, at the same time, a more dangerous place to live? The only answer is serious negotiations with nations with different views and eliminating the reasons for terrorism.
JOE MARTIN
Oceanside
Bush didn't veto stem cell research
If the president had vetoed embryonic stem cell research, that would have been abominable. So let's be clear: He didn't. He vetoed government funding of embryonic stem cell research. That is commendable.
The only problem I have with the president on this is that he didn't veto spending on a lot of other stuff -- like the National Endowment for the Arts, the Department of Education, etc. Areas where the federal government has no constitutional right (as I read the Constitution) to stick its nose.
As I understand embryonic stem cell research, I am in favor of it -- within limits. At the same time, why should I expect government to coerce my neighbors, who may have a moral problem with it, to support it with their tax dollars when I can write a check just as easily as the Treasury Department.
Well, maybe not quite as easily.
GRANT KUHNS
Carlsbad
Jazz leaves Del Mar
Well, Del Mar's off and running again and had a big Opening Day. Profits increase. The bottom line is so important to the management of Del Mar -- too bad tradition isn't. For years Del Mar presented jazz on Wednesdays after the races. Some of the best performers in the world appeared -- James Moody, Bud Shank, Mose Allison, to name a few -- legends in their own time. But, alas, the bottom line wasn't fattened.
The jazz crowd just didn't spend enough on booze. Tradition went by the wayside in spite of the fact that jazz is the only art form to have originated in America -- a fact we all, including Del Mar, should be proud of.
Oh, but every Friday night we can see such groups as the Flaming Lips, Violent Femmes and Alice in Chains -- forgettable names to say the least. But young people will flock to these concerts -- they'll drink, spend and fatten up that bottom line at the expense of real music and tradition. Del Mar should be happy with profits from the parimutuel handle, parking, concessions, etc., and deserves a big fat raspberry from the North County Times for casting aside an old and proud tradition for the sake of the almighty buck.
PATRICK FRAWLEY
Carlsbad
On board with global warming
In response to Mr. Don Dalphin's July 20 rant regarding former Vice President Gore and global warming: I would like to point out that Tom Brokaw's recently aired television program "Global Warming" reinforced the scientific research presented by Gore.
Brokaw further stated, "The scientific community, and even oil company presidents and manufacturers such as GE, are now all on board with the idea that it's real." Mr. Dalphin, have they all lost their minds, too? I won't comment on his letter's further babble and drabble.
CONSTANCE CHASE
Carlsbad
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Council against eminent domain
Readers respond to our July 25 story about a recent City Council decision to start eminent-domain proceedings on a local restaurant. Two council members are saying that the city is skirting dangerously close to condemning property in order to benefit private development.
Who do they serve?
Born and raised in Escondido: "Are there only two moral and decent people on the city council or what? Using eminent domain to take land from someone who doesn't want to sell it for private development is wrong. The supreme court decision was WRONG. The Republican mentality of taking from the poor or middle class to give to the rich needs to be stopped! I hope some other city council members remember that they serve the public, the people. Find some morals and do what is right!"
Deal or no deal?
Good Eminent Domain?: "The seller and the buyer seem to be willing. However, Taxifornia and the federal government's crazy tax policies may be providing a sizable economic benefit to choosing eminent domain over outright sale. Anyone who makes $700,000 during a year is ‘rich' and must pay most of that income as taxes for the ‘poor.' I would test the waters of eminent domain to avoid over $300,000 in taxes any day of the week!"
Move them out
DC: "Too bad the city won't take their property! And we voted them in! Let's see what we can do at the next election - we won't elect them and we will let the city take their property! It's wrong no matter how you look it! Everyone needs to vote against the other board members."
Poor conclusion
no surprise: "As usual, our two genius Council members, Waldron and Gallo, didn't think to see that what is best for the property owner might indeed be what has been recommended - eminent domain."
Escondido's punishing the victims
Readers respond to our July 25 editorial which says that with its new shopping-cart ordinance, Escondido is trying a novel approach to stopping burglary: Establish a minimum standard for self-defense, and fine the victims if they don't meet it.
Reverse that
Unbelievable: "I thought we were supposed to punish the thieves and not the victims. I must have gotten that one wrong ... sorry."
Means of motivation
Cart Dump: "I live about a mile from the Ralph's on East Valley Parkway, yet its carts keep ending up in front of my house. Calls to the store's manager was met with claims that there was nothing they could do about the problem. Now I am hearing the law enforcement claims that the stores refuse to cooperate. Something does not add up. At least now, the stores will have more motivation to solve the problem!"
Bilingual carts
Put signs on the carts: "Stating that if you remove them from the stores parking lot you will be prosecuted and fined up to $1,000 for a first offense. No one would steal them then. Oh, and you had better print them in Spanish."
Breaking the law
State Law Not City: "Dear Editor, it is against CA state law to remove a shopping cart from a store's property. The stores will not cooperate with enforcement of that law. Hence, the city's action to motivate the stores to address the problem. The idea of selling the carts is nutty, and maybe illegal."
Commission negotiates for Elks land
Readers respond to our July 25 story about the Planning Commission deciding that a developer should be allowed to build 29 townhouses next to the Elks Lodge in Oceanside, despite concerns from residents that the project will increase traffic and parking problems in the Loma Alta neighborhood.
Nothing's changed
DW: "Is this project going to be typical Oceanside. No code enforcement, graffiti, gangs, multiple families in one residence. Center St. Barrio North? Oceanside does not know how to plan. Look at the mess on Greenbrier!"
Homes for our kids
Randy: "The proposed project is medium density townhomes, which provides a smooth transition from high density apartments to the west into residential to the east. Does every home have to cost $700,000? Our children cannot afford that! The proposed townhomes are preliminarily priced in the low $400's."
Money talks
Ted: "The residents should be prepared for the townhomes. The city council has no spine and will cave in to the wishes of the Elks and the developer. Why should we expect the council or the planning commission to listen to the recommendation of the city planner? He doesn't contribute to their campaign funds."
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To Barbara Cope wrote on Jul 26, 2006 10:55 AM:You have your bullies mixed up. Most of the rest of the world it calling the Israelis the bullies. Don't forget, we are one of the few countries on their cheering team--Rah, Rah, Go Israel, Go Team Fight". Read the European, Turkish, Middle Eastern, Asian commentaries. I know that you don't give a damn about what other people think. Sounds like our president doesn't it. You'd like to send those Lebanese people back wouldn't you--they aren't full "Americans", whatever your definition of that is.
also to Barbara Cope wrote on Jul 26, 2006 11:40 AM:When you read a letter like Barbara's you wonder: what if she'd talked instead about getting American Jews out of Haifa. She'd say that Jewish and American loyalties to Israel are similarly split and unAmerican. She'd say all Jews should be shipped out to Israel. Ooops, that's anti-semitic! And I'm sure Barbara has no such racist inclinations.
Guiseppi = wrote on Jul 26, 2006 11:51 AM:…Suppose everyone in Barbara Cope’s town of Escondido (letter July 26) were warned they were about to be attacked by a lethal weapons by an enemy force. Now, suppose the enemy had given advance notice that she and all “Escondidoes” should evacuate to the desert immediately. They failed to heed the warning, and many were killed and their homes destroyed. What whiny excuse could Barbara possibly have? She is guilty as charged by the enemy, of course, because she failed to stop her own president in his war crimes of bombing the innocents of the enemy, and also because she failed to heed the evacuation warning. Furthermore, it is a well know that Escondido, one of America’s most conservative cities, harbors many dissident “sympathizers” of the evil Mr. Bush. America has been given six years and a national election to rid themselves of Bush, but failed to do so. They are, therefore, judged deserving of destruction. Does this all sound preposterous? Not according to American writer, lawyer, Alan Derschowitz. This is what he wrote in the Los Angeles Times on July 22: QUOTE “The Israeli army has given well-publicized notice to civilians to leave those areas of southern Lebanon that have been turned into war zones. Those who voluntarily remain behind have become complicit.” END QUOTE. There is no end to the absurdity of the arguments people make to justify their evil wars. And there is no end to people like Barbara Cope who see human tragedy and suffering and feel no compassion. These are the “compassionate conservatives” with stone hearts. Bush thought he could control his war in Iraq, and is deluded once again in thinking he will be able to control the war against Lebanon. You can bomb the world to pieces, but you can’t bomb the world to Peace.
Jules to Barbara Cope wrote on Jul 26, 2006 12:05 PM:Such absolute intolerance is exactly what America does NOT need. I hope you only travel in the US because I wouldnt want you to get caught up in a crossfire and then "whine" when you cannot get out. I suppose you also call yourseelf a Compassionate Christian Right? Hipocricy is the word.
Jules to Guiseppi wrote on Jul 26, 2006 12:08 PM:Well said, you are correct the "Compassionate Conservative Christian" is a warmonger with no compassion at all. I feel sorry for the true CCC's that have had thier names hijacked by the far right.
but guiseppi wrote on Jul 26, 2006 12:11 PM:are we NOT complicit? When you see vehicles with ribbon-decals that say "support OUR troops", isn't it clear that through voting for W, through our taxes, through our support for "our" troops, we are certainly complicit in the wreck of Iraq. you can beg off to some degree if you did not vote for W and don't ribbonize your vehicle, but what about your taxes? I have innocent blood on my hands, as do you.
Jen wrote on Jul 26, 2006 12:36 PM:I wish that people would actually research the topic that they are bashing someone on. When President Bush vetoed the stem cell research bill it was due to the fact that it was for embryonic stem cell research not adult stem cell research. If you look at the research, only adult stem cell research has produced results. And please leave the soldiers out of this. It's way to easy to use their name, and if you ask them, the majority will tell you not to speak on behalf of them.
Guiseppi = wrote on Jul 26, 2006 12:42 PM:…Yes, I agree totally with you (12:11PM), all America is complicit in Bush’ crimes for the reasons you stated: we have all paid taxes to fund Bush's agression, and we have failed to hold our local congressmen’s feet to the fire. Alan Derschowitz is such a darling of the pro-war cabal, but when you see his distorted logic, it is much easier to extrapolate his logic to our own complicity.
GI Joe wrote on Jul 26, 2006 12:53 PM:Maybe those Lebanese/Americans are over here earning money because our country does not just send one-third of our foreign aid (that is US tax dollars) to Lebanon as we do to Israel.
Carol wrote on Jul 26, 2006 1:28 PM:Ole Jose! Wood and Mackin are definitely closet-dealers. I wonder how many other deals there are that have been done in the dark and in-secret. It is clear that they are mediocre in more ways than one. Our Oceanside citizens deserve much more and need to demand good government. Defeat Mackin before she makes the city much worse.
flaming lips rock wrote on Jul 26, 2006 1:28 PM:I like jazz too but Patrick Frawley should check out other music. The Flaming Lips rocked hard at the racetrack last week. An amazingly great band, they did the Hollywood Bowl before thousands this weekend. We were very lucky to have them in Del Mar :)
el_patron wrote on Jul 26, 2006 1:53 PM:There is no crossfire in most of Lebanon.The people are in danger because of Israel. I have defended Israel for 50 years, but I know a war crime when I see one. I think we, the USA, should deduct the cost of repairs in Lebanon from the 3 BILLION DOLLARS we give Israel every year. Bush will find that he has created scorn and hate for us everywhere. And guess what? That hate is without fear. We are so screwed.
Guiseppi = wrote on Jul 26, 2006 2:03 PM:…Jen apparently agrees with Sen. Brown back (R-KS) in deriding embryonic stem cell research as “not producing”. Most genetic experts see fallacy in the argument of Jen (blog 12:36PM) which argues only for ADULT stem cell research, vs. EMBRYONIC stem cell research. Research proponents say it’s far too soon to make such an assertion. “No new field in biomedical research results in cures overnight,” said William Neaves, president and CEO of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research in Kansas City, which conducts both adult and embryonic stem-cell research. This new research offers such exciting prospect, that most researchers advocate using BOTH avenues. Does Jen disapprove of using both? And if so, why? The moral argument has already been fairly well discredited.
Grant Kuhns should be happy wrote on Jul 26, 2006 2:05 PM:Under Bush, the budget of the National Institutes of Health has been severely cut. Science in general has taken hit after hit. But why should taxpayers fund science, right? Well, doing science is incredibly expensive nowadays, true, but with the mighty top 1% of the wealthy becoming SO rich under the Bushies, I have no doubts that they, in their generosity, will easily take over funding research. We can count on their benevolence.
To Barbara wrote on Jul 26, 2006 4:40 PM:You're taking a lot of hits in this forum that you should expect based on the content of your letter. However, short of calling these people 'so-called American's', I kind of agree with you. On one hand, they are citizens of the US who should be treated as such. On the other hand, a little common sense can keep smart people out of stupid situations and I don't feel we should have to spend money saving them from themselves because they thought Lebanon would be a great place to summer. Get them out ... sure ... we'll get there as soon as we can ... but they should absolutely have to cover the extraordinary expense of the specially requested transportion that is coming to their rescue.
Jules wrote on Jul 26, 2006 4:49 PM:Barbara Cope apparently does not actually read the news or listen all that well. Because the Americans in Lebanon have to pay for thier own travel expenses to get out. While I am furious regarding lack of communication and speed that our Goverment seems to have with any evacuations anywhere (New Orleans)I do think that they should have to pay as the State Department warns U.S. Citizens regarding travel in Lebanon, as well as many other countries.
GK wrote on Jul 26, 2006 5:09 PM:What do you bet the same person who wrote the 2:05 PM post is a Democrat who also excoriates Bush for our $8.4 trillion national debt ... and whose selective memory can’t recall the “March of Dimes?”
To Jules wrote on Jul 26, 2006 5:39 PM:Those evacuees are paying a seriously discounted rate for the service they're receiving. They went after being warned ... they should have to cover the exact & actual cost of saving them from themselves.
GK is mostly right wrote on Jul 26, 2006 6:41 PM:I am the 2:05 guy, I am a Democrat, I do think Bush's spending is absurd, but I do recall the March of Dimes. There are many March of Dimes-like things in existence today, so I don't really know what the point of that remark is. In the "good old March of Dimes days", the government spent a great deal of money on science (does GK remember the space program?). Anyhow, I don't see what the implied criticism is. Yes, I think Democrats would be doing a much better job of governing the country (if we could find one any more). Yes, I think that Bush, by tax-breaking and military spending (if you think of the Iraq debacle as military), has been irresponsible with the budget...most conservatives agree. I do believe that "provide for the common defense" is absurdly over-indulged due to special corporate interests that seem to run the government. I believe that "promote the general welfare" (including science funding) is woefully underfunded. I think that unless we aim to become a brutish, rule-the-world-by-sheer-killing-power empire, forgetting about the pursuit of happiness by 90+% of even Americans, this is bad political philosophy. I'd bet most real Conservatives would agree with everything I've said.
Yaakov wrote on Jul 29, 2006 6:01 PM:Mr. Phil Bishop, regarding your blaming President Bush for terrorism. You're towing the leftis line my friend. Typical. Anyone who would kill his own citizens (Kurds)for practice is a threat to the free world. Hussein was a maniac and I still believe he had WMD. Coincidence that Lybia gave up theirs when Iraq was starting to get their butt kicked. Now I wonder where those weapons went? I'm not fond of, nor trust muslim terrorists. Iraq was a breeding ground for terrorists. I too hope we get out of there soon, but to utilize our military resources against Iran and Syria. Israel needs our help to free them and us from future attacks by cowardly muslims. I'm sure his dad was proud, but that wasn't the reason Bush made his move. That was a pretty stupid finish on your letter Phil.
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