Directories
Quick Searches
Find a Job
Quick Search
For Employers
Yahoo! HotJobs Local Search
Letters to the Editor - 3/16/2008
By: Readers of the North County Times and The Californian - | ∞
Where is the concern for the environment?
My concerns regarding the Sunrise Powerlink: I live in Santa Ysabel, the area directly affected by the Powerlink. I've experienced the devastation firsthand previous wildfires have brought to the land and people. The Witch Creek fire [may have been] caused by SDG&E's power lines being blown in the wind. SDG&E cannot guarantee this will not happen again. If they can't protect the land and community from the power lines that already exist, they should not be allowed to bring this major threat to our fragile backcountry.
What about the pollution problem with bringing dirty technology that promotes more greenhouse gases for our environment? Is money all that matters, do the people of Sempra Energy care only about themselves, do they ever give a thought to the many people who lost their homes, animals and lives to those fires? Get a conscience, Sempra ññ and you, Arnold Schwarzenegger, don't be a hypocrite. Your landmark legislation, AB32, and your claim to have a vision for reducing greenhouse gases are on the line.
Jan Narrin
Santa Ysabel
After 30 years, room is now wrong?
I have lived in my home for 10 years. I bought it in 1998, my first home. ... The house, built in 1951, sits on Juniper. I haven't changed or built anything. I take care of my yard, pay property taxes (on time) and work hard. Now the city is forcing me to build a carport, permit a room that has been a room for 30 or more years (hence, garage conversion), is telling me I can't park in my driveway and I can't have a spa that's not even hooked up. Is this America? What happened to the American dream?
I'm single, my daughter and granddaughter live with me. I work two jobs caregiving. I desperately need some answers. I'm trying to comply to things I shouldn't have to do, and the city finds something wrong everywhere I turn.
Michele Glenn
Escondido
Robber barons better than busybodies
Having read some of the liberal pap in the letters column over the last several days, I'm reminded of a quote by C. S. Lewis: "Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience."
Dan Shapiro
Oceanside
Time for the living to end this war
Five years ago, consumed by unwarranted retribution and moved onward by callous exhortations like shock and awe, America marched to battle with little introspection of its implications. With the naivete of children who had been given the levers of war to control, the ensuing destruction became a mere stage spectacle for consumption by a people celebrating the raw power of artificial conviction.
To this day, the collateral damage remains hidden from sight by manipulators who have never known war nor cared to understand its lessons. Their only sacrifices being the imposition of watching others die for their sins. Testified to by the blood of thousands on the false assumption that we were endangered by a tyrant of our own making, many now argue the practical limitations of our occupation, i.e., money. Notwithstanding that logic, how is it that so many saw nothing tragically wrong with opening the gates of hell where evil's darkness was fought with a corrupt light that illuminated naught but our own decadence?
Plato said that only the dead have seen the end of war. Perhaps he was right, but let it be for the living here and now in our great country to end this one.
Thomas Godwin
Oceanside
Glass houses and stones
I can imagine the e-mails Eliot Spitzer has gotten in the last couple of days: Eliot, meet me in Minneapolis and we will talk, Larry.
You paid for women? Pastor Ted, Gov. McGreevey.
Should have waited until you got to Washington. Pages and interns are free, Gary, Mark and Bill.
What's it like with adults? Father Shanley, Father Geoghan, Father Mott, Boston Archdiocese.
Five-thousand dollars an hour? Could have got you waterboarded for a mere $3,000! Dick, G.W. and Condolee.
Shave your head and lose your drawers and the world will think you are nuts, Britney.
Unbelievable! We are about to hit 4,000 dead in a war that we got into by lies, oil-baron president doesn't know gas is expensive, only thing rising faster than inflation is unemployment rate, tens of thousands are being foreclosed out of their homes and government gives banks that caused it a $200 billion bailout, and the most evil person in the entire world is a guy who paid for a prostitute. Go figure!
Don Peck
San Marcos
Power and the human condition
Here we go again. By all accounts, Eliot Spitzer was highly efficient in "cleaning up." It is probably an understatement to say that he singlehandedly did more for U.S. consumers and investors then the entire Bush administration and Congress together in the area of finance and insurance. So, do we excuse him then? Does he even have a regular relationship with his wife and daughters with such pressures of his position? No! If we as a society play games with one of our highest spiritual values ññ the bond between spouses ññ all in the name of tit for tat, we lose more than just another hypocritical egomaniac, we lose part of our humanity.
In the name of power and position, to even have the thought of inflicting harm to the one person closest to you ññ your spouse ññ points to a huge spiritual void that is felt by everyone. Kind of like in the movie "Juno." I want, need, to know that it is possible for two people to feel and protect that special bond, no matter how powerful his or her position is.
Klaus-Peter
Meinhard
Solana Beach
The military coverup is in
I believe there is no justice in the military justice system. In the case against Lt. Col. Chessani, the judge, Col. Folsom, refused to allow defense attorneys' request to depose Rep. Murtha ("Judge won't dismiss charges against Haditha commander," March 8). Why? Murtha accused our troops of murdering Iraqi citizens in cold blood. Our troops have a right to the best defense possible and that should include facing their accusers. Murtha should have to identify the source of his information.
Col. Folsom also denied access to computer hard drives and e-mail messages that could show at least two generals had concluded that no formal investigation was required. If the military doesn't have something to hide, and the fix isn't in, then they should have no objections to our troops' attorneys obtaining the information from Murtha, the hard drives and e-mails.
These rulings are unfair and Col. Folsom should be replaced. Do the citizens of this country really want this injustice to go forward? Can they trust the military to be fair with their sons and daughters? This isn't a trial, it is a lynching! Given the circumstances, I can only conclude the coverup is in.
Patricia Walker
Fallbrook
Remembering a lesson in total immersion
Regarding the recent letter about special classes for those not able to speak English (illegal aliens?): I spent my elementary years in Dulzura, in eastern San Diego County. In 1934, there was a one-room schoolhouse. In order to have a teacher, there had to be a minimum of six students, myself, my brother and four others. Three of the students were Mexican children. Their father was able to converse in English, their mother was not. It took a very short time for those boys to learn English; it was their only choice of learning in a school room. You could say total immersion. Not possible now, so I am hoping those it concerns are appreciative.
Also, there was no transportation to Grossmont to be able to go to GUHS. My father quickly remedied that. He formed a petition and had it signed by the area's landowners, making it possible to have a bus take us to GUHS. I attended GUHS and graduated from there.
Dorothy Salicos
Vista
More scapegoating of Israel
In reference to Mike Thielk's letter of March 10 blaming Israel for Iraq: It was just a matter of time someone would invent a way to blame Jews for the Iraqi war. Jews have been a convenient scapegoat for thousands of years. He accuses Israel of seizing Palestinian land. Israelis are simply reclaiming land originally theirs once confiscated by Arabs. There's vast acres of unoccupied Muslim land that Palestinians can cultivate if permitted by their people and with the will to cultivate it.
He labels the state of Israel "religious extremists." America confiscated this land from Native Americans and turned it into a Judeo/Christian-dominated society, so, according to our expert, we are religious extremists. He mourns the loss of Christian and Muslim lives being sacrificed for Jews! Ask any military personnel their purpose, and they'll most likely say it's for America and freedom.
Mr. Thielk has not one shred of evidence that Israel has benefited in any way from the Iraqi war as proven by continued attacks against Israel. Blaming the war on Israel is unsupported. ...
Dolores Wiener
Oceanside
Rocky's death is a loss for all
I was shocked and saddened to read of the passing of Rocky Velgos ("Remembering Rocky Velgos: Vistan championed rights for homosexual community," March 13). I only knew Mr. Velgos through his Letters to the Editor, but one could feel his compassion for others. My condolences to his family and friends. I feel we have all lost a person of great spirit and tireless efforts.
So, just for today (and hopefully tomorrow), let's all put down our poison pen, our derogative speech and look each other in the eye with the understanding that we are all the same inside. We are all someone's child. Regardless of race, gender, nationality or any other difference, we all want to be accepted and to prosper. Do this in memory of Rocky Velgos and, please, do it for yourself.
Vicki Caldwell
Fallbrook
No proof wiretaps were used against Americans
Responding to my letter dated March 1: Leon Levy proclaims that I am ignorant of the facts. Fact, nowhere in my letter did I state the telecoms were using warrantless wiretaps on Americans. Mr. Levy, in his haste to attack a conservative, didn't read my letter.
Fact, the telecoms simply complied with a request from the Intelligence agencies to assist in intercepting foreign communications. Fact, they are now being sued for cooperating with our intelligence agencies. Fact, there is no proof, as Mr. Levy asserts, that these warrantless wiretaps were used against any citizens within the U.S. Since they were intercepting foreign communications, how does that tie into creating dissident lists, or obtaining marketing information on Americans?
The Protect America Act of 2007 permits our intelligence agencies to more effectively collect foreign intelligence information on targets in foreign countries without first receiving court approval. The act clarifies that the definition of electronic surveillance in FISA shall not be construed to encompass surveillance directed at a person reasonably believed to be located outside the U.S. So who is ignorant of the facts, Mr. Levy?
Jim Stuart
Carlsbad
Plan helps city understand all its people
In this day and age, the duties of serving and protecting the public are both more challenging and demanding. Escondido, in order to serve and protect its citizens, has to understand all its people's needs and problems. A very difficult but fundamental requirement for responsible government, because problems cannot be solved unless they are understood.
Police Chief Jim Maher's plan to have at least half of his police officers voluntarily learn to speak and understand Spanish is a program that addresses this important fact. His plan, in my opinion, could enhance equitable justice throughout the city through the use of these communication skills and enriched understandings. Having a voice, and having it heard and understood, is extremely important to everyone.
The particular language spoken by each of us is our individual freedom of choice, a right no one should trespass upon using blatant notions or excuses. Chief Maher's plan correctly addresses our city's large Latino population, respecting everyone's rights. Hopefully, the knowledge learned from these endeavors can be collected and analyzed, without bias, by our city leaders so more positive citywide solutions can be created.
Richard Matthews
Escondido
Cut expenses in administration
For years, the elected leaders of our state have refused to rein in the out-of-control spending that has brought us to a financial abyss. Education budgets face cuts and, predictably, many districts are cutting those who actually work directly with the kids ññ principals, vice principals, teachers. Instead, the majority of cuts should be made at the district administration level. If districts must lay off the newest teachers, then some certified employees in district offices should go back into the classroom, thus thinning the costs of administration.
Probably the greatest positive reform in education today would be to require administrators to teach in the classroom one year out of five that they work for a district. An understanding of the issues teachers face daily would be the result. Why is all the discussion and media hysteria about cutting the jobs of teachers? Cut expenses where it hurts the least ññ the district administration level.
Lucinda Milks
Escondido
Who is building all the bombs?
This country has been at war in Iraq now for years, and I have wondered where all of the munitions, aircraft, tanks, jeeps and other military supplies are coming from to replace those that are being blown up, along with our precious young men and women in roadside bombings and other military engagements.
Living in a military town, I know where the personnel are coming from; certainly not from Asia, Europe or other foreign nations. Ninety-nine percent of them are coming from the U.S.A., and some from Mexico and other countries. But where is the military equipment originating from?
Unemployment in our country is at an all-time high, many nonmilitary jobs are being outsourced, and I am beginning to suspect that so are the jobs that were filled by all the Rosie the Riveters of WWII. How is it that the new $35 billion contract for aerial tankers went to Airbus, a European-based company? Makes one wonder, doesn't it? I'm beginning to see the downside to NAFTA and all of the other trade agreements our country is involved in.
I was 14 when WWII started and I can remember all the bond-selling tours that movie stars and other notables made, urging Americans to invest in their country so that we didn't need to borrow so much from rich foreign nations. ...
Jeanette Hurst
Oceanside
Mass mailing a waste of money
Next week, the Social Security Administration is mailing information packets to more than 20 million Social Security recipients so they can then file a request for a stimulus payment. Why doesn't the SSA simply mail checks in the amount of $300 to those 20-million plus? Saves a whole lot of mailing costs, paper costs and personnel costs.
Then, those SS recipients who have other taxable income and may be eligible for additional stimulus money would get their additional payment from the IRS. That way, the IRS would not have to process more than 2 million returns and mail out 2 million checks, an additional savings of mailing costs, paper costs and personnel costs. What am I missing?
Obviously, the SSA has addresses of those 2 million recipients who don't pay taxes, or they could not mail out their wonderful information packet. Obviously, the IRS has, or will have, the information about all other entitled taxpayers from their filed income tax returns.
Polly Bennett
Carlsbad
Whose interest is being served?
It comes as no surprise that, after last month's huge coastal victory, Sen. Denise Ducheny has sponsored Senate Bill 1295, which would rip the protective guts out of the Coastal Act.
Currently, the Coastal Act provides that any two coastal commissioners can appeal a local coastal development permit, if such project will impact sensitive coastal resources or is located within 300 feet of the ocean, beach or lagoon. Ducheny's bill seeks to delete this important provision, preventing the Coastal Commission, the agency most responsible for protecting our coast, from exercising such oversight. Without oversight, uncontrolled private development will quickly overwhelm our coast. Don't imagine toll roads ññ imagine toll beaches.
Coming on the heels of the Coastal Commission's courageous vote denying the toll road through San Onofre State Park, one must question Ducheny's motives. What public is she serving? Not the millions of Californians who love the beach, love clean water and demand access to both. And clearly not the hundreds of thousands of tourists who come to see our beautiful coastline. The coast belongs to all of us, not to the highest bidder.
Todd Cardiff
Advisory Board,
San Diego Chapter
Surfrider Foundation
San Diego
Web Comments
Encinitas investigates possible pedestrian RR crossings
Readers respond to our March 14 story about an engineer saying that when the North County Transit District cut down several eucalyptus along Coast Highway in January, they opened new possibilities for a pedestrian tunnel under railroad tracks at Hillcrest Drive.
Sounds good
Oh OK: This must be the area my fellow bus people are complaining about, where they have to run across the highway to catch the Breeze buses. This will definitely be a big law suit as some of the riders said they were almost hit by traffic.
Change it up
Jacob: At grade crossing are common throughout California. The City of San Clemente has one at the state beach. At grade makes much more sense. Plus the same Amtrak trains travel at about 30 mph through San Clemente and about 70 mph through Leucadia -- why is that? Encinitas better get better lobbyists or at least go see how San Clemente got results! It seems like the Encinitas NCTD representative has been asleep at the wheel for the last 8 years. You guys need a change.
Stop, look, listen
Diane: It amazes me that we need to build tunnels to keep people from being hit by trains, yet we can't figure out how to get a border fence built! And 30 mph versus 70 mph. There's a lot of factors that go into track speed -- elevation, track weight limits, blah blah blah. The last time I checked, the rule was stop, look, listen and that went for walking or driving, riding a bike, wheelchairs, whatever.
Admiring the view
Mike: I've noticed the train barely crawls through San Clemente. Just assumed the engineer was busy looking at the pretty women on the beach and wasn't in any hurry.
Utility alters power line route
Readers respond to our March 14 story about San Diego Gas & Electric Co. offering to lighten the environmental footprint of its controversial $1.5 billion Sunrise Powerlink transmission line by slightly altering its route through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Power rehab
Johnboy: We need to be cutting our energy consumption by 20 percent, not increasing our supply. The Sunrise project is just Sempra Corporations attempt to keep us addicted to excessive power use.
Called progress
Reality: Even if everyone cut their use by 20 percent, by the way I'm down almost 50 percent from five years ago, the population is going to continue grow, as will the housing and so will the job base, so we will still need extra capacity. The nimbys just need to face reality, that they can't stop progress.
Stubborn
Won't Matter: It's clear that the core people who oppose the powerlink will oppose it no matter what Sempra does. They'll use whatever excuse is easiest, but in the end it just won't matter. If Sempra found a way to magically beam the electricity to the coast, the opponents would still find something wrong with it. The first post here represents that way of thinking. That's just the way these "activists" work. It's their "religion."
Need activists
Oh brother!: Don't these bloggers and the utility know that people are trying to preserve the quality of life for all citizens? Activist is not a dirty name anyway no matter how you stretch it. Jefferson and Galileo were activists. Think where we'd be without them. Probably dead of the plague in an overcrowded continent elsewhere.
Eveland's family files claims against city, school district
Readers respond to our March 14 story about the mother and stepfather of seriously injured linebacker Scott Eveland seeking damages on Scott's behalf from the City of San Marcos, the San Marcos Fire Department and San Marcos Unified School District. The family claims that failing to quickly send a seriously injured linebacker to the hospital after he collapsed on a high school football field last fall exacerbated the brain trauma he suffered.
Disagree
That's a shame: I think the school, the fire department and the whole San Marcos community has been wonderful to Scotty and his family.
Better battles
Apalled: Though I have sympathy for the family and their ordeal, I don't think a lawsuit against the school district is much more than an attempted dig into deep pockets. They should stay focused on battling the insurance company for adequate care, which is a more legitimate fight in my opinion.
If you were his parent ...
Grizzly Football Mom: For anyone that disagrees with what the family is doing, I ask what would you do if it was your son? Walk a mile in Diane's shoes over the last 6 months, maybe you would think differently.
Wrong move
From what I read: The community has been "there" for Scott. It is wrong for these parents to pursue this action. What they did against the insurance company was correct, this action is not acceptable.
Fan of FD
Fire department: I trust you. You are amazing and did everything you could. I put at least $100 in your boot every time and more at the carwash. We know your commitment and we love you for it. I don't speak alone! Thank you for all you do ... and don't take a family attempting to survive a multi-million dollar medical expense as a slap. We all know how awesome you are.
More Stories
Advertisement
Focal Point wrote on Mar 15, 2008 9:08 PM:Remembering Rocky Velgos: Vistan championed rights for homosexual community
May he rest in peace.
DD Wiz wrote on Mar 15, 2008 9:47 PM: The published letter from Vicki Caldwell brought to my attention a news item I was surprised to have missed, since I do usually scan the obituary page.
I am saddened to hear of the death of Rocky Velgos, who I had known through occasional interaction with the North County Forum and the Pilgrim United Church of Christ, though I was not a member of either.
I knew him and his wife Jeannette (fellow Prius drivers) to be committed to their beliefs in human dignity and equality. While we agreed on many issues, he often chided me for being too aggressive and confrontational; he was a true believer in nonviolence and universal compassion. His many letters to the editor will be greatly missed, but mostly his gentle, compassionate spirit will leave a deep hole in the North County liberal communtiy and a commitment from the rest of us to carry on his message in his name.
Karl wrote on Mar 15, 2008 10:02 PM:In response to Michele Glenn's problem with covered parking; Every City that I know requires one covered parking space per dwelling unit. I have no idea why this is, but it's been around for many years. When the previous owner of your home enclosed the garage your home was then in violation of this ordinace. Typically code enforcement will not go out of their way to cite this kind of violation. Most of the time in cases like your's they are responding to a complaint filed by neighbors. Regardless if you did it or not, you are now responsible to bring your home into compliance. I have first hand experience at this as I was turned in by a neighbor for a room that was built on the back of my house without a building permit 10 years before I bought. I am fortunate in the fact that I am a General contractor and it didn't cost me much to rectify my situation. You have several options 1) You can talk to a lawyer and see if the party you bought from had knowledge of the violation and did not disclose this to you 2)You can visit the Building Department and ask them if there are any exceptions to this ordinance. Ask for the plan checker and remember building department not code enforcement 3)You can hire a contractor to either build the carport or have the room restored to a garage 4) You can file an appeal with the City of Escondido Building Advisory/Appeals Board. This board is made up of five volunteer citizens who hear both sides and make a decision based on National and Local codes and ordinances 5) All rulings that are made by this board are reviewed by the City Council and voted on. So if the board denies your appeal you will get a chance to speak to the City Council and plead your case.
Good Luck.
SOLON ... wrote on Mar 15, 2008 10:18 PM:… I have been reading the letters of Rocky Velgos for many years. He had many detractors and critics, but one thing we NEVER ever detected from Rock was a mean-spirited or personal attack against any other writer. Rock always stuck to the issue and did his research well. I hope you do not rest well, Rocky, until your efforts to expand compassion and tolerance bear fruit in the world you left behind, so that the greatness of your spirit can rest in peace.
SOLON ... wrote on Mar 15, 2008 10:32 PM:… So Michele Glen of Escondido has been living quietly in her home for 10 years, maintaining it well, paying taxes, and being a good citizen. Now the city suddenly says she cannot park in her own driveway. WHY? Perhaps Sam Abed thinks you are Mexican. When racists politicians start imposing needless restrictions against a targeted group, they always catch “traditional” citizens in their mean snare.
SOLON ... wrote on Mar 15, 2008 11:03 PM:… Don Peck’s clever sarcasm (letter today) brought smiles and amusement, until I got to the end, then his tragic point came through: All the absurdity and silliness about sexual scandals and exploits of the rich, the powerful and the celebrated are tragic diversions from what is destroying this nation: The tragic Bush War, our deepening dependence on foreign oil and manufactured goods; and our economic and monetary crisis. We laugh at and mock their silly sexual dalliances, but ignore what is destroying our nation.
With merry oblivion we savor the delightful inanities of the Emperor’s Circus Maximum. This is the Circus that so impressed Dionysius who described it in 7 BC as "one of the most beautiful and admirable structures in Rome". How fitting that such an alluring structure was inhabited by crooks, astrologers and prostitutes in the wooden shops in the arcade. It was in this arcade of wooden shops that the disastrous fire of AD 64 broke out during the reign of Nero. Does our own incompetent emperor fiddle and our people indulge with pleasure while our nation burns?
Escondodo wrote on Mar 16, 2008 4:02 AM:Real estate transactions are supposed to list anything that is non-compliant or irregular. I bought a house 20 years ago with an illegal garage conversion. I changed it back because I had respect for myself and my neighbors. It is pretty hard to disguise these cheap shortcuts. Play it straight or move. Neighborhoods tend to get a reputation when this no-code attitude starts spreading.
Alf wrote on Mar 16, 2008 5:49 AM:Well said Thomas Godwin. The total cost of GWB's insane folly in lives lost, lives damaged, international relations, our credibility as a country, our economy, the trillions of dollars (or should I say Chinese "RMB", since it is from China that we get the money to continue "the insanity of GWB") spent on something other than the people of the United States of America is more than I can imagine and yet, GWB keeps doing the same thing which is the exact WRONG thing. Regards, Alf.
To Vicki Caldwell wrote on Mar 16, 2008 7:30 AM:Thank you for the letter regarding Rocky Velgos I knew him very well, and we have suffered a great loss. I hope we can all put down the our pens filled with hate, venom, and indifference. Rocky was a true champion for the struggle against intolerace against homosexuals that is true. However if one is against one type of oppression than when one sees injustice, or prejudice in any other areas one stands against that as well. I miss Rocky Velgos and I know his letters will be missed if we agreed with him or not.
Chuck wrote on Mar 16, 2008 7:36 AM:>>>And there you have it. USA hater Chris being glad US soldiers are being harmed.>>> Chris must stick to the DNC agenda that "any success we have in Iraq and on the war on terror is counterproductive to the agenda of the democratic party. He merely sees these things as a drain on the freebees he might otherwise be able to grub onto.
AVE wrote on Mar 16, 2008 7:43 AM:For 8 month this story has been in your "Most Popular" spot on your front page. When will it end?
New employment rules aim to crack down on illegal workers (437)
Alf wrote on Mar 16, 2008 8:04 AM:Well, Jim Stuart, to answer your question "So who is ignorant of the facts, Mr. Levy?", you are. Do you actually believe that you can trust a government that has lied to the American People? Do you have such naivete? The reason that you can find little or no "proof" is that the government has declared that all information contained in or regarding warrantless wiretaps of American Citizens is "classified" or is secret due to "national security", in other words, they are covering their collective behinds and using your type of anti-Constitutional thinking to justify violating our Constitutional rights. One case is, indeed, of public record concerning the USA Patriot Act and the un-Constitutionality of parts of it, this is a quote from an AP article from 9-26-2007 "Ruling in the case of Brandon Mayfield, an Oregon attorney who was wrongly arrested in connection with the 2004 terrorist train bombings in Madrid, U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken of Portland said he was subjected to surveillance under a 2001 law that flouted the constitutional requirement of a search warrant.". The government is, of course, appealing the decision. This case involves an AMERICAN CITIZEN who is not a foreign national and has no ties, however remote, to any terrorist organization, yet he was illegally wiretapped and arrested under false pretenses. Who then, Jim Stuart, is ignorant of the facts? Regards, Alf.
Focal Point wrote on Mar 16, 2008 8:23 AM:Alf wrote on Mar 16, 2008 5:49 AM: Boy. I am certainly glad that the mighty ALF has returned.
Alf wrote on Mar 16, 2008 8:40 AM:Thanks, "Focal Point" at 8:23AM. I was out sick and then on location and now I'm back. Unfortunately I have less time to use for commenting. One thing I've noticed is that the tone of most comments has mellowed somewhat except for the known provocateurs. Regards, Alf.
Focal Point wrote on Mar 16, 2008 8:44 AM:Chuck wrote on Mar 16, 2008 7:36 AM: This is another continued attempt by Chuck to discredit the Democratic party by misquoting a person or representative of an organization or attributing a quote to a representative of an organization which was never made. I challenge Chuck to provide us with the name of the person making the quote and evidence that he was speaking as a representative of the DNC.
At least Chuck, please identify the person? You have been challenged previously to name the person. You failed to do. Otherwise, we can just assume that you are employing the same old Republican Conservative slime machine tactics.
Alf wrote on Mar 16, 2008 8:49 AM:P.S. to Jim Stuart - If you want the entire text of the article that I referred to, it can be found by going to the San Francisco Chronicle (sfgate) and (using their search) searching for USA Patriot Act and after getting the results, select the "Past Year" option. But, I wouldn't want to confuse you or bother you with REAL FACTS. Regards, Alf.
Surfer wrote on Mar 16, 2008 8:58 AM:Chuck wrote on Mar 16, 2008 7:36 AM oh Dude! Your quote is so bogus. No member of the DNC acting as a representative of the DNC ever made that statement. James Clyburn, the Democratic Whip made it. It was extracted from a larger statement and then manipulated by the Republican Conservative slime machine and echoed by such objective tv host as Sean Hanity. It is a misrepresentation and characterization of what Jimbo really said and meant. I view people who purposely perpetuate these subjective statements as liars. You are ever so bogus.
OBSERVATION wrote on Mar 16, 2008 9:43 AM:“If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy.”
James Madison
esteban wrote on Mar 16, 2008 9:58 AM:Chris...you still haven't taken me up on my offer for me to BUY you a ticket to the mid east. There you can personally set things right by fighting right along side your heroes in Al Queda or the taliban. An opportunity like this only comes along once in a lifetime. What's the matter?
And much worse than either is both! wrote on Mar 16, 2008 10:00 AM:Dan Shapiro does us a great service with his quote, which included this line: "It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies" Under the modern conservative leadership, it's horrible to say, we get BOTH! Not only do they skirt the law and plunder the world to get even richer, but they also presume to tell us how to live our most private lives. It would be an improvement to have a choice between the robber baron and the moral busybody. With Bush and his ilk, we get both.
Surfer wrote on Mar 16, 2008 10:30 AM:esteban wrote on Mar 16, 2008 9:58 AM: You have failed third grade. Go back to second grade.
esteban wrote on Mar 16, 2008 10:32 AM:Ms. Hurst, those were good times. CAn you imagine Sean Penn or Susan Sarandon doing that to support the war effort today? HA!!! Today Hollywood does the COLPLETE opposite. they denounce the Prez and denounce the troops. They do everything in their power to make it harder for our troops to do their jobs. They don't care if the troops come home with their tails between their legs. They are so self important ans ANTI American.
Surfer wrote on Mar 16, 2008 10:54 AM:esteban: Sorry. "you have failed third grade. go back to second grade."
Yokozuna wrote on Mar 16, 2008 10:55 AM:As I go through life I find that there are people who have affected me that I would like to meet and thank. I fully regret that I did not make an effort to personally meet Rocky Velgros. His discourses on the controversial subject of homosexuality were always meaningful, humble, and informative even though responses to them were often volatile and insulting.
Bernard wrote on Mar 16, 2008 11:29 AM:"I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.
James Madison"
Chris wrote on Mar 16, 2008 12:09 PM:On page A-18 of today's paper is has finally come out that the insurgency has very little to do with these al-Qaeda jihadist. It has mainly to do with the economy. So all this time we have been told that it is al-Qaeda that is cousing problems but as par for the course that was all a lie. The article says that since this is the case then our government has been paying 91,000 Iraqis a regular salary and their job is to serve in the local militia. So since we destroyed the economy now we taxpayers are on the hook for just paying these Iraqis for basically doing nothing. I will wait for an appology from Chuck, esteban, , Nick and asteroid for all of the times they talked about how I support Jihadist when I criticize the war and the terrible things we have done especially since it has now come out that these Jihadist who hate America are practically non- existant.
Bernard wrote on Mar 16, 2008 12:14 PM:"Americans have the right and advantage of being armed - unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.
James Madison"
The 'people' must have guns.
Governments (Fed, State, County, City) waste our money and waste our time when they debate steroids involving zillion dollar athletes; when they try to regulate prostitutes and sex of any kind between consulting adults, when they fight the war against drugs. Etc.
The serious issues are ignored: health, education, separation of church and state, foreign affairs & war & borders, and fiscal responsibility.
Most politicians at all levels do not practice "of the people, by the people, for the people" and most are not ethical, knowledgeable, conscientious.
Powerful stupid people who want to govern stupid people.
"... public ignorance, anti-rationalism and anti-intellectualism that has developed over the past four decades ... threatens the future of American democracy."
We, the USA, will destroy ourselves.
DD Wiz wrote on Mar 16, 2008 1:01 PM: The post from Chris (12:09pm) notes the factors other than Iraq that contribute to insurgent violence in Iraq.
It is important to note that the rise and fall of violence there has far more to do with the economy and whether or not Muqtada Al Sadr keeps his truce in place than the surge.
In any case, it is reasonable to assume that a surge in the number of boots on the ground will lower violence levels, but only for as long as those troop levels are maintained at that level.
The purpose of the surge was to provide cover for a permanent POLITICAL solutions but, since that is not happening, the surge is not achieving its purpose and, therefore, cannot be said to be working.
Chuck wrote on Mar 16, 2008 1:13 PM:>>>So since we destroyed the economy now we taxpayers are on the hook for just paying these Iraqis for basically doing nothing.>>>> We desroyed the economy??? lets see your research on that. we have pumped billions into their economy. Sometimes it would serve you better to have a clue before you gum flap
Nick wrote on Mar 16, 2008 1:28 PM:Why was my post ommitted today Mr Ed? Give me a logical reason. It falls well within the guidelines of these blogs. You Ed's are really getting ridiculous these days.
hardtack wrote on Mar 16, 2008 1:34 PM:As a happily married heterosexual libertarian, I always respected Rocky Velgos’ outspoken defense and tolerance of the homosexual community; but, never his outspoken intolerance of the rich and the free market oriented community – which, in my opinion, is, by far, a more persecuted social entity. Rest in peace, Rocky – and respects to your family.
Nick wrote on Mar 16, 2008 1:38 PM:"Chris", you must be delusional if you think anyone is going to apologize to you for your support of Terrorists and those who support them. You constantly defend Palestinian's from the "Zionist's", when they sit in complacent support of Hamas using suicide bombers to murder innocents in Israel and the launching of rockets into civilian neighborhoods. Hamas doen't attack Military targets, they target innocent civilians. That does not make them soldiers, but terrorists and cowards, and your unwavering support of them makes you a coward. Criticizing our Government is one thing and it does not make you a patriot, it makes you a Citizen of a Free, Democratic Society with the right to free speech. Supporting Terrorists is a whole other ball of wax. We all know with whom your true allegiance lays and it sure isn't America.
Most Americans are unAmerican wrote on Mar 16, 2008 1:49 PM:The right wing talkheads have pulled off a creat PR coup over the last couple of decades: making "liberal" into a word no one wants to identify with. That's why it's so interesting that when you present Americans with polls that deal directly with issues and refrain from using words like "liberal" or "conservative", whadda ya know?, the majority supports the "liberal" position time and time again. From health care, to public education, to social security, to foreign policy, to the war, and on and on, the majority of Americans support the liberal perspective without knowing it. I hope the neocons, and old-fashioned cons, realize fully that when they claim to be the real Americans, they are wrong: they are a minority that has won power through dirty politics far beyond their actual representation in the community. Even in that way, they oppose the democratic ideal they pretend to stand for.
Chris to Chuck wrote on Mar 16, 2008 3:05 PM:Well I guess that you are not going to offer an appology. The fact is that even with our sanctions Iraq was managing. Did you see another country paying Iraqis for doing nothing. I suggest you should get at clue before you gum flap.
Chris wrote on Mar 16, 2008 3:15 PM:What I find ironic is that for years I heard how the european countries were going to melt down because of their cradel to grave mentality. They had a shorter work week than we do and a lot more vacations. So all these conservatives that came up with all this nonsense about how great social darwinism is have been proved wrong again because it is the U.S. that is in meltdown. The one thing that angers me is that it is not we the ordinary people who got the spoils before it happened.
Try it yourself, Chuck wrote on Mar 16, 2008 3:20 PM:Maybe you believe that the Iraqi economy is in much better shape than it was under Saddam? I know that oil production is nearly what it was pre-invasion, but that it seems that a big chunk of those revenues disappear only to show up funding the insurgency. This is rather an interesting case, isn't it? Iraqi oil is sold, the money going to Iraqis, to fund Iraqis who want the occupying army out of their country. Of course, the US opposes this, calling it criminal. Is occupying another nation criminal? Not if it's the US! More than two million Iraqis, including much of their professional class, has left home since the war started and many have told interviewers that they assume they will never return. I guess that's another sign that the Iraqi economy is doing great. With plumbing, electricity, and other core needs nowhere near where they were pre-invasion, it's kinda hard for me to imagine that an economy has the foundation to flourish, but I guess this is not a problem for the Chucks to imagine. Being a good, obedient Bushie, Chuck takes his cues from the dancing commander-in-chief. Bush's comments about the US economy lately have been similary optimistic. Inside the Bush bubble, heck, all's well. He even feels envious of the troops and wishes, by gum, that he could be out there with them. Let's keep our eyes on that little gem: in a few months, W will be a 62 year old unemployed dude in great physica condition and a fine record of military service: just the kind of leader Blackwater and other mercenary groups need to train and role model for the young fighters. Let's see how W's envy plays out when he's available to partake of that romantic mission. Hey Chuck: if Bush goes, will you?
to Chuck and Chris wrote on Mar 16, 2008 3:22 PM:We aren't paying them to do nothing. We're paying them not to shoot at us, not even with the weapons we gave them. Sounds like a good deal. If Bush wants to pay me for a few years, heck, I won't shoot at anyone at all!
Chris to Bernard wrote on Mar 16, 2008 3:28 PM:I think your post is wrong about ant-nationalism causing our downfall. That is because I believe that the American people are very nationalistic and because of that the we are going bankrupt by getting involved in all these wars and pouring obscene amounts of money into the black hole called the miliary. I am comming to believe that nationalistic people are intelectualy challenged.
sdraoul wrote on Mar 16, 2008 3:52 PM:Alf, one federal district judge's opinion doesn't mean a congressional act is unconstitutional, it only means one judge thinks so. For example, the Clinton-appointee who ruled the Patriot act was unconstitutional was overruled by the appeals court the second his decision made it to the court.
The Oregon judges decision might make it through the 9th Circuit but as it is the msot over-ruled circuit in the country it will likely be over-ruled by the Supremes, as it should be.
Listening in on calls made from outside the United States is not illegal and does not need a warrant, it never has been.
Calls originating in the U.S. do need warrants but not if they originate from outside the United States. Precedent: Franklin Delano Roosevelt's (his administration and government) opening and reading mail originating from outside the United States.
Did Robert F. Kennedy have a warrant to wiretap and bug Martin Luther King, Jr.? I don't think so.
esteban wrote on Mar 16, 2008 4:24 PM:Chris, the only way I would apologize to you is if you were actually right about something. But I can rest assure THAT will NEVER happen. Now you say you think nationalistic people are intellectually challenged. So to love your country is not alright by you. Shocker! Plus I'm still waiting for your response to my offer to buy you a ticket to the mid east ...
Oh, raoul wrote on Mar 16, 2008 7:16 PM:There you go, bending the truth again. That second court didn't rule that warrantless wiretaps were constitutional. They ruled that since the plaintiffs could not show they were harmed by the actions under the act, their claim could not be brought to court. Why could they not show they were harmed? Simple: Bush claimed that national security demanded that the files remained closed, so we cannot know if the plaintiff was harmed or not. Case closed. In Bushville, it's easy to be above the law. Just tell 'em it's either executive privilege or a matter of national security and the judges roll over every time. Too bad Spitzer didn't think of this: he'd still be Governor tomorrow.
esteban wrote on Mar 16, 2008 7:20 PM:Nice job NCT censors. you guys are gutless. Just because you don't like my opinion doesn't mean you can't print it. I said nothing mean to chris. i just told him he is free to fight along side the enemy in the mid east. You guys love him and would do anything to protect him. He gets to spew any hate filled thing he wants, but us normal Americans can't. Unbelieveable!
Foca Point wrote on Mar 16, 2008 7:53 PM:Classified Material: It will be interesting when a Democrat is President. All that unclassified material that was classified will become unclassified. Can hardly wait for the headlines.
Chris wrote on Mar 16, 2008 8:55 PM:I want to make myself clear about intelictual and nationalist. I had been a nationalist, supporting our country as a independent nation doing what was best for it's people but not promoting imperialism. Since then I have come to find out the terrible things we have done and continue to do to the soverenty of other nations. But I see that people who don't do the acedemics as far as concerning what our government is doing or has done are the ones who support our crass imperialism and look to everything military. The real intelectual is a danger to the powers that be because they know what those powers are up to and thus condem acts like those involved in invading Iraq. It is possible for a person to be aware of what is happening but support wars because it is to their benefit but other than that it is the ignorant that support marching off to war just because the leader says so. So people who are stong nationalist offten believe in thowing our weight around and this is usually supported by the clueless among us because the intelectual knows the folly of such an endevor.
Chris wrote on Mar 16, 2008 9:02 PM:I guess that you don't know much about the history fo Israel. I won't waste my time on you but anything you can say about the Palestinians you can say in spades about Isreal. I used to think you knew a lot about history but I don't anymore. My point in my blog was that all these so-called al-Qaeda that you accuse me of supporting are not al-Qaeda at all but just Iraqis trying to survive.
John wrote on Mar 16, 2008 9:22 PM:A democrat can't be elected fast enough. Our economy has been shredded by the republican borrow and spend mentallity. There really are consequences for letting these fools govern (and I use that term "govern" loosley). And while we are at it this Novemeber, Issa and Bilbray - shills for their party - MUST GO! There are some fine democratic candidate srunning against them. This is not about partisanship though. It is about our nation's survival. We cannot afford these tax cutting big spenders who have borrowed us deep into debt and sat on their hands while the markets tumbled. The cost of having these fools in office is far too high!! Let Issa and Bilbray spend their own cash on the war and get out of the way to make room for the adults to come clean up the mess.
Cal wrote on Mar 16, 2008 9:30 PM:The recession is here. That's a fact Jack. The next depression is coming on fast. All that prozac in the water supply ain't gonna help. There will be a revolution in America and it will start at the ballot box this fall. King George and his frat party have got to go. That means Bush, McCain, Issa, Bilbray et al right on down the the county supervisors and city councils packed with republicans. Send them to Iraq so they can live in their own hell.
John wrote on Mar 16, 2008 9:38 PM:Hey NCT moderators. You folks have seen it all. Are you on anti-depressants yet? Thanks for keeping estaban on a leash. His approved comment at 7:20 was chilling - so the ones you cut must have been doozies! I suggest estaban go fight the war in the middle east with his own blood and money and leave us normal Americans alone so we can mend the economy and stop the bleeding here at home. Change is comin' baby! None too soon.
- ESCONDIDO: Man shot dead at Fourth of July party (10858)
- TEMECULA: Protesters line intersection (6838)
- ESCONDIDO: Border Patrol employee in custody after hatchet attack (5711)
- ESCONDIDO: 3 DUI arrests, 46 impounds at checkpoint (5613)
- ESCONDIDO: City's dreams of an 'upscale' downtown may be dying (5140)
- HOUSING: Local median price up for third straight month (45)
- ESCONDIDO: Man shot dead at Fourth of July party (44)
- ESCONDIDO: Border Patrol employee in custody after hatchet attack (34)
- FALLBROOK: Peruvian chocolatier living sweet American dream (29)
- ESCONDIDO: Victim's roommate recalls July 4 shooting, friends gather for vigil (27)
Advertisement