LETTERS: NCT, Oct. 30, 2008

By Readers of the North County Times | Thursday, October 30, 2008 1:15 AM PDT ∞

Why Sigafoose endorses Blackburn

As many of you know, I have endorsed Keith Blackburn for the position of Carlsbad City Council. I am so impressed with the qualifications of this candidate, and want to share my knowledge of his many attributes that qualify him for the position.

Keith is a longtime policeman in Carlsbad; he has a master's degree and is familiar with the social, civil and business issues here. His charitable contributions are from the family trust, of which he is the president, and they are very substantial. Additionally, Keith donates about 40 hours per week to the animal shelter, which is a donation of time and love.

He will serve many long hours on the job of council and he will do it all for us and his dedication to our city. He will donate his council salary to charity.

Keith is forthright, honest and well-spoken and will be a wonderful addition to our council. Keith is endorsed by the fire and police, the Sierra Club, the San Diego Union Tribune and many others because he is a highly qualified and exciting choice for us. Please join me in voting for Keith Blackburn for Carlsbad City Council.

Norine Sigafoose

Carlsbad

Vote for what's best for America

You cannot negotiate with radical Islamic terrorists because we have nothing they want and they don't fear death. They hate America and Israel so much that all they want is our destruction and world domination.

If Obama wins, I believe he will be the Trojan horse for the terrorists because some of his campaign dollars have come from the Middle East.

Obama voted four times against a Senate bill that would give care and protection to babies born alive after surviving an abortion. I certainly don't want a person like that as president of this great nation. Do you?

Proposition 8 won't take any benefits away from gays and lesbians. It just says you must marry someone of the opposite sex, which is only common sense. Please vote for what's best for America.

Ronald Hutchison

Oceanside

Wood a champion of rent control

I am a resident of an Oceanside mobile-home park and thus am very concerned about rent control. Oceanside has had a rent control ordinance in effect for 20 years. This piece of legislation protects the residents and provides for a fair return to the park owner.

When I viewed a recent mayoral debate (KOCT) between incumbent Mayor Jim Wood and challenger (again) Councilman Rocky Chavez, I was outraged to hear Chavez state that he has supported rent control. Someone needs to remind him of his record. On Oct. 15, 2003, item No. 19 on the council agenda, there was a motion to stop all attempts to weaken the rent control ordinance. Chavez and Feller voted no. If their minority position had prevailed, the rent control protection would have been weakened or abolished.

When state Proposition 98 threatened to abolish rent control, it was Mayor Wood who organized a walk/call campaign against Prop. 98. When the council had the chance to vote to oppose Prop. 98, Kern, Feller and Chavez chose not to support Oceanside's local ordinance (council meeting of May 7, item 29). I urge all mobile-home park residents to reflect on the voting record of Wood and Chavez. Wood has been our champion.

Carol Blom

Oceanside

Exciting times in Vista

These are exciting times for us in Vista. There is much to be accomplished, and the best City Council persons will make it all happen.

I have been a commissioner in our fair city for 15 years, and I have had an advantage in watching the city function. Based upon my experiences, I would urge Vista voters to support incumbent Steve Gronke and John Aguilera for Vista City Council. Steve has the experience and background to carry us forward in good fashion. John, as chairman of the Planning Commission, has gained the knowledge and experience to add to his financial background to also be one of the best to meet our goals and objectives. These two candidates would be the best ones to support our mayor and council members.

Norman Halus

Vista

Let's get this country back

After eight long years of the ill-gotten presidency, we have seen what it has done to this nation, from ignoring warnings about attacks 9/11, illegal war in Iraq, based on lies.

Then, when we attacked with shock and awe to torture many people who had nothing to do with the attack on this country, we didn't have the money to pay for the war ($12 billion) per month, so we borrowed from China and other countries.

I heard today we may be able to get out of Iraq in three years. It was a lot easier to get in than out. Who is making money on this war? And who pays and dies? Some people have gotten very rich. Then we give the wealthiest more tax cuts. We have invested in war instead of investing in this country. We need solar, wind and other power. Let's get this country back and invest in America.

Kathleen Murphy

Oceanside

Elect politicians dedicated to serving nation

Ronald Reagan's message to "get the government off our back" found an echo in the "Sage Brush Rebels," i.e., big ranchers who, referring to the federal government, put it so elegantly: "Get the hell out of here; just leave your money behind." ...

Now, there is a long line of "the street people" (Wall Street, that is), with their begging bowls waiting to get the sweet milk of federal billions. Yet, it seems that all the bitter consequences of laissez-faire or unregulated capitalism are still lost on many people, mostly Republicans. They are still clamoring for more tax cuts and lower interest rates, unwilling to face the fact that someone has to pay for the horrendous debts incurred by the present government and many Americans individually.

The Bush administration still thinks in terms of borrow and spend ... to continue financing the terrible war in Iraq to the tune of $10 billion a month. The solution to the tremendous problems we face is not to bicker about the size of the government, be it big or small. The solution lies in having a good government, enlightened and responsible, responsive to the needs of the American people, to do for the people what they cannot do for themselves. To this end, we need civil servants dedicated to serving this nation and not Wall Street.

Branka Caran

Oceanside

History is a wonder: We should all study it

Today people are arguing about marriage. History tells us that until the 13th century, people lived together without vows and separated at will. Then intelligent leaders instituted marriage as we know it to protect women and children by recognizing that males (fathers) should care for the woman (mother) and his offspring, and instituted a ceremony to provide such care. Let's allow same-sex unions, but call them by some other name and ceremony.

Also, to G. Lance Johannsen (Letters, Oct. 19) �“�“ when oil was discovered in Alaska and royalties were decided, the then-governor Jay Hammond had a plane standing by at the airport to which the contracts were delivered and flown directly to already prepared investment programs, thus protecting the money for the use of and good of Alaskans. This money supplies the yearly stipend. A very smart man believed in the future of his fellow Alaskans. Maybe we all need to study more history.

Edith Van Kirk

Vista

Sorry, Joe, you're wrong

In the North County Times' Today's Briefs on Oct. 21 is a 23-line comment by vice presidential candidate Joseph Biden slamming California's Proposition 8 ("Biden would oppose gay marriage ban"). On the "Ellen" show, he called Prop. 8 "regressive" and "unfair."

There was a time in our nation's history when gay people were in the closet and out of sight, and the rest of us didn't have to deal with gay and lesbian rights. Over the last 40 years, we have become more tolerant of citizens who are different, and that is a good thing in our society. What is not good is having society changed in such a negative way that our beliefs and attitudes are being challenged to the extent that our society and country suffer at the hands of a few outspoken radicals and politicians who will stop at nothing to get their way.

Prop. 8 has only one function in California, and that is to right a terrible wrong perpetrated by the California Supreme Court on the citizens of this state. Marriage is between a man and a woman.

John Bulat

Escondido

Prop. 8 is about forcing views on others

From what I can tell, every pro-Proposition 8 argument boils down to the following: 1. America is a Christian nation and our laws should reflect those "traditional" values. 2. The definition of a marriage is that of two people who can biologically produce a baby.

I find both arguments absurd.

As for America being a Christian nation, I defy you to find a single line in the Constitution stating that point. They must have skipped over "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion."

As for their definition of marriage as being wholly that of a union between two persons who "create the next generation by producing children," I am left to assume they would therefore want to exclude women past childbearing age, sterile men, or couples who use any form of birth control.

These people have allowed their irrational religious beliefs to transform then into bigots. This vote is not about protecting marriage; it's about forcing one's religious views upon everyone else in society.

Doug Olive

Vista

Vote out the plan-less politicians

We have witnessed all the schemes and maneuvering in our government. Bailouts and the protection of Wall Street and all the pork. (Susan Davis should be tossed out!) This bailout bill will not prevent our ongoing money problems.

However, the American people must insist on the following: 1. Plans on reducing our $11 trillion debt. 2. Plans on illegal immigration. 3. Plans to prevent the upcoming Iran-Israel war. 4. Plans to prevent dead persons and illegal immigrants from voting. 5. Plans to reduce foreign dependency on oil and reduce our energy costs.

These five questions must be answered by Democrats and Republicans. If not, I, for one, will withhold my vote in the upcoming presidential election. By voting for these plan-less politicians, we will only compound our numerous problems.

Stanley Peterson

San Marcos

Wood, Sanchez help residents of mobile-homes

As the homeowners representative of La Salina Mobile Village, I am endorsing Mayor Jim Wood and Councilwoman Esther Sanchez. Both have helped my community in our desperate hours of need when no other council members would. ...

Like when we had problems with our water supply last Christmas season; at-risk senior citizens were made to go without water for days on end. Mayor Wood saw this situation was desperate and getting worse. ... When neither my park manager/owner could get parts or expertise necessary for the repair, Mayor Wood issued a directive for an offer of reimbursable help from our water department. Within hours, our seniors had water back on to their homes. This shows the degree of compassion of Mayor Wood.

Councilwoman Sanchez helped in many ways, using the back doors of City Hall; through her urging, there have been many improvements in the Loma Alta Creek upstream, although some have been blocked by other council members, thus putting people in my park at risk.

Therefore I urge all the homeowners/residents to vote for Mayor Wood and Councilwoman Sanchez. I know they will continue helping all our communities in Oceanside.

James "Jimmy" Knott

La Salina Mobile Village

Oceanside

Prop. 8 doesn't go far enough

After pondering Proposition 8, I have concluded that it doesn't go far enough to protect the "sanctity" of marriage. California should enact the following laws to correct the situation: 1. Under no circumstances shall divorce be allowed. 2. Because of No. 1, spousal and child abuse will become legal. 3. All those applying for marriage licenses shall be tested to assure that they are able to produce offspring. 4. All newlywed couples must produce a minimum of two offspring within the first five years of marriage. Punishment for noncompliance to be determined at a later date.

5. Any woman beyond child-bearing years shall not be able to marry. 6. Adultery shall be punishable by stoning in the public square. All stonings to be announced in the local newspapers. 7. Women will not be permitted to work outside the home. Her sole purpose will be to raise her offspring and be obedient to her husband.

With the enactment of these simple measures, our social structure will be more stable and easier to live within.

Joseph Kraatz

Oceanside

Much ado about ACORN

Regarding the fraudulent voter registrations received from ACORN: ACORN's job is to register voters. They hire hundreds of people to go out and find unregistered, eligible voters and get them registered. Some of these people are negligent or deceitful, and turn in fraudulent forms just to collect their paycheck.

ACORN takes every registration form and makes a phone call to the voter to verify the information. If it cannot be verified, ACORN attaches a cover sheet to the registration to identify it as fraudulent. ACORN is then required by law to submit every voter registration form they have collected (this means no registration form can be discarded, which is a good check against fraud in the form of discarding valid registrations). The state offices that review the registrations are supposed to sort the ACORN valid registrations from the invalid ones with the ACORN cover sheet.

Perhaps there is an attempt to make ACORN look bad by discarding the cover sheets, and being surprised at all the invalid forms. ACORN registered over 1 million new voters, and the fraudulent batch is 5,000 or so. That is only a .005 error margin, or less.

Carol Pinneker

Escondido

Hate-mongering dangerous to America

I just heard Michelle Bachman, a Republican congresswoman, who identified herself as a spokesperson for John McCain, talking on CCN. She was spewing hateful propaganda calling Obama, Biden and the "extreme liberal" Democrats in Congress "anti-American," because they "associate" with terrorists, aka Bill Ayers. The congresswoman was echoing words said earlier by McCain and Palin.

CCN commentator Pat Buchanan echoed their words like a trained parrot. I think it is the same neo-fascist propaganda that Joe McCarthy spewed during the 1960s. Ayers was a member of the Weather Underground, a radical group that protested the war in Vietnam. Freedom of speech is a right guaranteed by the Constitution. The problem was that the Weathermen advocated violence. That made them criminals, not traitors. Ayers was never tried or convicted of any crime, and he has become a stellar member of the community who was recognized as Citizen of the Year by the city of Chicago.

I think the hate-mongering by McCain, Palin and Buchanan is dangerously un-American and a grave threat to the future of democracy. ...

Bob Fisher

Encinitas

Yes on Prop. 8 �“�“ no education on gay marriage

Our schools have already been subjected to same-sex marriages and Proposition 8 hasn't even been voted on yet. Opponents to Prop. 8 says it won't change educational teaching. Well, just this month, 18 first-graders (5 to 6 years old) were taken on a field tri [with their parent's permission] ... to San Francisco City Hall, to their teacher's wedding to her lesbian partner, in which San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom officiated.

Mayor Newsom has been featured in an ad in which he arrogantly declares of same-sex marriages: "The door's wide open now. It's gonna happen, whether you like it or not."

In public education, we should not be forced to have our children subjected to teachings against our Christian beliefs and/or religion. Vote yes on Prop. 8 and save the morality of the traditional male and female marriage.

Judy Nelson

Valley Center

Blackburn and Kulchin for Carlsbad

Carlsbad has a wonderful opportunity to elect two dedicated and highly qualified people for Carlsbad City Council. Blackburn and Kulchin are public safety candidates and are supported by our fire and police departments.

While many will say that public safety is the No. 1 priority of government, none whom I know of have walked that path the way Blackburn has done. He has been a policeman for about 30 years. As head of a family charitable foundation, he has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to our local charities and will donate his council salary to charity. Blackburn is a managing partner of a successful business and was one of the original partners in the Carlsbad Company Stores.

With his combination of civic, business and charitable experience and his dedication to Carlsbad, Blackburn is exactly what we need for our City Council.

Ann Kulchin has devoted 28 years to our city and, as such, has proven herself to be a leader and deserves to be elected. For Carlsbad, join me in voting for Blackburn and Kulchin.

M. Katherine Lilinthall

Carlsbad

Renewable energy not a cure-all

Proposition 7 calls for 20 percent generation of electrical power by 2010. Since San Diego Gas & Electric Co. (see your monthly bill attachment), 2008 Power Mix (projected) is less than 1 percent solar and 3 percent wind, how is it going to reach 20 percent by 2010?

As a renewable source of energy, wind power and solar power (depending on climatic conditions and cloud cover, as well as night-time inactivity of solar) is a wise resource. But as a continuous source, it is problematic since there is no storage capability during full-power generation. It would be very wise to examine critically all sides of the proposal before plunging headlong into the idea as a cure-all.

Casimir Krol

Oceanside

Let's bring fiscal experience to the Vista council

John J. Aguilera is an exceptionally qualified candidate who will bring a professional background in finance and education in economics to the Vista City Council. John's decisions on issues are always made with respect for all involved and with the highest ethical standards.

As past chairman of the Planning Commission and a member of the city's Investment Advisory Committee, John J. Aguilera understands the city's finances, budget and investments. John will help lead us through this economic downturn. John also devotes his time as a youth baseball coach and, as a father of a young family, he is in touch with the needs of Vista's youth.

I hope on Nov. 4, you will be as excited as I am to support an educated, hard-working native of Vista who didn't grow up and move away, but stayed here to give back to his community.

Teene Miller

Vista

Madison a firm guiding hand for PPH

I am not only proud but eager to support Evelyn Madison in her bid to win a seat on the Palomar Pomerado Health Board of Directors. She has served on the board before and is known to ask tough questions of administrators and to require accountability of the management team. She has a long and distinguished record of serving the community as a leader with many civic and service organizations. She has been part of top management for several firms over the years and has the common sense and business acumen necessary to provide a firm guiding hand to the PPH management team.

She is also known as a strong team player and will work smoothly with other board members to help develop meaningful and successful policies.

For someone you can trust, someone you can count on, please vote with me to elect Evelyn Madison to the Palomar Pomerado Health System's Board of Directors this Nov. 4.

Lowell Neely

Escondido

Brust will bring wisdom to health care district

I am very pleased to write a letter of recommendation for Dr. Donald Brust for a director's position on the Palomar Pomerado Health District. He is an experienced boards man and will bring wisdom, insight and enthusiasm to the health district.

As the assistant superintendent of business services of the Bonsall Union School District, I have had the opportunity to work with him in his role as a governing board member for over eight years. He was involved in planning a new school, and he served as the president of the board during the construction of the school. Dr. Brust's stable oversight influenced the project to be completed on time and within budget.

Dr. Brust maintains interest in the welfare of district. He meets with me occasionally for updates on school finances and facility issues. As part of his board oversight responsibility, he required strict accountability of all revenues and expenses. As might be expected in a small school district our size, the Bonsall Union School District must accomplish the same work, produce the same results and compete with much-larger districts. Dr. Brust made every dollar count. He made every decision count on behalf of the people of Bonsall.

Wayne Jones

Escondido

Why vote for McCain?

He does not associate with people who hate America. He will not deny success to small business by establishing a glass ceiling through taxation of hard-earned profits. He will not discourage investment by increasing the capital gains tax, thus taking money out of circulation and killing potential jobs. He does not advocate redistribution of wealth. He does not hesitate to openly state his position on controversial subjects, i.e. abortion.

His Senate bill of two years ago, warning of the coming financial disaster and requesting regulation of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, was not popular with Congress. He understands military preparedness and the use of force, and has proven he is no pushover when it comes to military appropriations. If this country is threatened or attacked again, he will retaliate.

McCain's position on the above issues are clear and in stark contrast to the other candidate. If you agree, then vote McCain.

Mike Daghlian

Fallbrook

Teachers union doesn't represent all teachers

As a retired teacher, having taught 35 years in California public schools, I was distressed to learn that the California Teachers Association has contributed over $1 million to defeat Proposition 8. That contribution represents the desire of the political arm of CTA, but does not represent the majority of teachers in California.

The purpose of Prop. 8 is to protect traditional marriage. Why would the political arm of the CTA want to defeat and weaken a proposal to strengthen traditional marriage? I personally feel children are better off in a home where they have both a loving mother and a loving father. I also feel indoctrinating children to believe any kind of relationship is equal to the ideal is a grave disservice to our civilization.

I strongly object to the CTA's support to defeat Prop. 8 with unwilling teachers' contributions.

Dix Davis

Escondido

Proposition 8 guarantees religious freedom

With the domestic partnership laws in place, gay rights are already heavily protected. What is not being considered is freedom of religion and speech, and the long-term results on our children.

America was founded on religious freedom, guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. The Pilgrims came here seeking freedom of religion. Will our laws take away our freedom to worship God according to the dictates of our consciences? Should a minister be forced to violate the deeply held convictions in his heart and marry those he considers unworthy? Should parents be forced to watch their children indoctrinated at school? Who is protecting the freedom of speech of a person who is sued or beaten up for expressing his belief in traditional marriage?

Years of research show that children who grow up in stable homes with a father and a mother will usually become emotionally stable adults, with fewer problems, able to work and contribute to society. Throughout time, marriage has always been about families: providing a safe place for children to grow up. Today, too many children are left wounded because of divorce. Will we add to their injuries by taking away their ideal, too? Vote yes for Proposition 8.

Carol Nicolas

Carlsbad

Marriage is between a man and a woman

I am voting yes on Proposition 8. I believe, as taught in the Bible, that marriage is defined as between a man and a woman. If you don't believe the same as I do, fine. But don't push your beliefs on me or my children.

Unless Prop. 8 passes, my children will be taught conflicting moral issues. I will teach them, as the Bible teaches, that marriage is between a man and a woman. The school system, mandated by California Education Code 51890, will teach them that marriage is between any two individuals.

David Parker of Massachusetts was taken to jail when he insisted on fulfilling his parental rights that his child not be taught homosexuality. Taking a first-grade class on a field trip to a gay marriage is unacceptable. Donating $1 million by the California Teachers Association to oppose Prop. 8 without asking its members is unacceptable. This money should be used to improve our schools and not support a political agenda that is unrelated to its mission.

This is not an issue of civil rights. Prop. 8 will not revoke domestic partnership rights. Marriage is about society and the successful development of our children.

Paul Jacinto

Carlsbad

Obama is the man

In 1948, Harry Truman came to Detroit on Labor Day and said in a major address that, "If you were a working man or woman and voted Republican, you should have your head examined." Today, what he expressed then is still valid.

In this election, why would anyone think that McCain is superior to Obama? We have had eight years of Republican ineptitude in the White House. It is time for change, and Obama is the man!

Bob Rutledge

Escondido

Be ready to lose your job if Obama is elected

If Obama is elected, he'll raise taxes on the upper 5 percent, reduce taxes on 53 percent and send annual checks to the 42 percent who don't pay federal taxes. The upper 5 percent, who control most of the goods, products and services, will react to preserve their income. They will raise prices, decrease production, reduce or eliminate jobs, downgrade positions and reduce wages. Like you, the rich want to hang on to their money.

The above scenario will result in the greatest depression we've ever seen, contribute to mass unemployment, further increase the deficit and cause the federal debt to balloon the levels we can't imagine.

When you lose your job, be proud that you voted for Obama. Throughout 2009, if Obama wins and these things occur, I will frequently write letters to remind you of my prediction. If I'm wrong, I will also admit it.

Donald Bentley

Oceanside

McCain in the wrong party this year

For over a year now, we have been watching the press and the radio talk hosts such as Rush Limbaugh and others trying to destroy the Democratic Party to no avail, and Rush Limbaugh is about to have a heart attack because the Democrats are leading by a large vote.

President Bush has destroyed the Republican Party this year, and all the Republican candidates have stayed away from Bush's policies. John McCain was a hero in his own right, but is with the wrong party this year. Sarah Palin brought a big sparkle to McCain's campaign, but when the information came in about her, the sparkle left and McCain again went downhill.

To mention a few issues: Bush fooled the Congress and the general public that there were dangerous missiles in Iraq, but we found nothing. The Iraq war is costing America billions of dollars each month while Iraq is saving billions. Bush tried to change Social Security and MediCare programs but the AARP and the seniors stopped Bush. Another bad issue was imprisoning our Border Patrol agents for doing their job. ... These are just a few issues President Bush doesn't understand.

Max Mazzetti

Valley Center

San Marcos doesn't need Prop. O

San Marcos does not need Proposition O. A responsive City Council and Planning Commission are the best ways to ensure orderly growth with the least cost to the taxpayers.

Please ensure a strong economy and progressive future for our gem of a city by voting no on Prop. O.

Clarke Vollbrecht

San Marcos

Equal rights are at stake

If you are in favor of equal treatment and rights for all people �“�“ vote "no" on Proposition 8. If you believe that everyone should be able to choose the person they want to love and marry �“�“ vote "no" on Prop. 8. If you believe that all people are different and that's OK �“�“ vote "no" on Prop. 8. If you believe that all persons should have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness �“�“ vote "no" on Prop. 8.

My religion teaches love and unity. My government teaches that all people should have equal rights. To deny a person who is gay the right to choose their legal marriage partner is flat-out discrimination.

Prop. 8 is plain and simple about fairness and equality, love and respect for people who have different orientations. Vote "no" on Prop. 8.

Donna Taylor

Encinitas

Prop. 8 is social segregation

Proposition 8 is the most evil proposition I have ever seen in any state at any time. The Mormon Church sponsoring this bill is, in essence, a political action committee, and, as such, must lose its tax-exempt status. How the good people at LDS can stand for this is amazing.

Proposing Prop. 8 is like asking people to use a separate drinking fountain, or to have to take seats only in the back of the bus. This is social segregation and is unconstitutional. You supporters of Prop. 8 should be ashamed to be so un-American.

Dave Wolfson

Carmel Valley

Murder should always be stigmatized

I was struck by Ellen Goodman's column title: "Abortions remain deeply stigmatized," Oct. 17. Note to Ellen: Yes, murder does that.

William Gillespie

Bonsall

Let Abed, Gallo continue their work for city

We have lived in Escondido for about 40 years and have been affected by many changes in this Hidden Valley. What was once a peaceful small town became a dangerous place to live: stabbings, drive-by shootings, hit-and-run drivers, vandalism, graffiti, dilapidation of neighborhoods, uncontrolled noise and increasing gang activity. Crime rates were very high compared with other towns in the county.

Recently our city has been fortunate to be served by several energetic, visionary and compassionate leaders. Ed Gallo and Sam Abed were elected and took up these challenges, knowing there would be resistance from certain sectors. Under their leadership, many conditions are improving. Our city is more attractive, the crime rate is down dramatically, public-use facilities and activities are being added and improved.

There is much left to do; therefore, we support the re-election of Ed Gallo and Sam Abed to continue their service on the council. When you select a candidate to support, please determine who has a proven track record of service, the character to struggle to do the right thing and the courage to stand up for all the citizens of Escondido. ...

Mike and Carol Devine

Escondido

Glaring example of greed and prejudice

Contrary to what is currently believed, domestic partnership is not equal to the institution of marriage. What hasn't been made known to the general public is that there are many glaring examples of discrimination against gays and lesbians.

For example, the issue of medical coverage for registered same-sex couples. My partner of many years has to pay three times the amount of money for our medical insurance than his heterosexual co-workers. This is deducted from his weekly paycheck after taxes have been taken. Does this sound fair to you? To say nothing of the fact that if either one of us were to suffer a serious illness or accident, the other would not be allowed to ride in the ambulance or enter the emergency room.

Why shouldn't we have the right to marry and receive the same benefits as any other married couple? Imagine the untold revenue insurance companies would lose each quarter if this controversial initiative should be defeated. It makes one wonder whether the insurance industry is looking after its own deep pockets and profit margins while letting the religious right take the public heat for Proposition 8. Yet another glaring example of greed and prejudice!

David Teten

Oceanside

Call it something else

You can put a cow into a garage, but that doesn't make her a car. You can call them "Party A" and "Party B" but that doesn't make them man and wife, bride and groom or even a cow and a bull.

I can understand same-sex couples wanting badly to fit into this world where traditional influences are strong. They are already different and, in spite of the gay pride movement, probably haven't always been proud of it and felt accepted. However, I am not willing to cede the tradition and valued institution called "marriage" to same-sex couples. Call it something else, perform ceremonies and make celebrations and promises, but marriage has always been between a man and a woman.

Barbara Miller

Carlsbad

Obama the first step to a socialist state

The Obama campaign, and much of the media, have trashed Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin and Joe the Plumber. They do not care who gets hurt if it helps Obama get elected. To them, it is also acceptable to register voters fraudulently. "The end justifies the means" seems to be their motto.

Another motto they have is "spread the wealth." Obama plans to use the money you and I pay in taxes and give it to those who pay no taxes. He calls this giving tax cuts. This does not help the people he will give the money to, but will keep them indebted to him. It will take away their incentive to strive for a better life. Why go out and get a job when you get something for nothing? Why try to have a better idea or think of a new way to earn money?

This is the first step to becoming a socialist state. We will no longer be a country based on individual freedom and ingenuity, but a country of people who do not think for themselves and follow their leader mindlessly. In fact, voting for Obama illustrates this process eloquently.

Janet Arris

Vista

Why vote against Prop. 8?

Proposition 8 is an effort to destroy the marriage of more than 12,000 loving couples and to prevent others from getting married. These couples have long held second-class citizenship, and some in the majority want to keep it that way. ...

Many backers of Prop. 8 are neoconservative religious fundamentalists who claim to be Christians. This claim is hard to justify, considering their willingness to use fear-mongering and lies to support their position while ignoring fundamental principles of their religion. Jesus taught love, compassion, understanding, tolerance and acceptance, but was angered by those who mislead the faithful.

Learn the truth about Prop. 8 at http://www.noonprop8.com/about/fact-vs-fiction. Prop. 8 has little community support. See http://www.protectmarriage.com/endorsements. By way of contrast, opponents include nearly every major California newspaper, League of Women Voters, California Teachers Association, United Farm Workers, NAACP, Gov. Schwarzenegger, Sens. Boxer, Feinstein and Obama, mayors of San Diego, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco and over 100 churches and faith-based organizations. ... Please support equality for all. Vote "no" on 8.

Robert Borden

Escondido

Give equal time to the other side

Do you plan to give equal space to the other side of Proposition 8? You were very careful to advise vote "your conscience" ("Vote your conscience on Proposition 8," Oct. 19). Then why give all that space to encourage those who oppose us?

As a minister in Metropolitan Community Church, I have sided with GLBT persons since 1971. Mr. Kirk's message is very offensive to me ("Prop. 8: Arguing the obvious," Oct. 21).

The Rev. June Norris

Escondido

Gays will marry; if not now, then soon

Some of you seemed determined to see Proposition 8 pass; even if it does pass, it is not over. We will continue to work for equality, and no amount of money will stop what is inevitable.

The percentage of people who support equal treatment under the law is increasing every year. Meanwhile, conservative churches are spending millions on Prop. 8 while thousands lose their homes, jobs and even their families because of stress from the financial crisis. What would Jesus think of that?

Curtis Fitzgerald

Escondido

Kulchin has helped shape Carlsbad

To the citizens of Carlsbad: Please join us in supporting Ann Kulchin for Carlsbad City Council. We support Ann for re-election to the Carlsbad City Council because she has served this city in an outstanding manner for the past 28 years!

The beauty of living in Carlsbad is because of our effective City Council. Ann has been one of the architects on the City Council that shaped Carlsbad to be the envied city of all San Diego County. She earned her vote by her service, and she will be effective on your behalf!

We ask that you support and vote for Ann Kulchin for Carlsbad City Council in November.

Greg and Barbi

Nelson

Carlsbad

Prop. O provides citizen oversight

From the sample ballot and Voter Information Pamphlet issued by the Registrar of Voters of the county of San Diego: "Shall an ordinance be adopted amending the San Marcos General Plan to require voter approval of certain plan amendments modifying or changing land use categories of designations?"

Proposition O will give the citizens of San Marcos oversight on changes to the general plan and, ultimately, control of the balanced growth of San Marcos. Once an acceptable general plan has been adopted by the citizens of San Marcos, then developers, city officials, city employees and friends have only to follow the laws in the general plan and they can build all they want.

If, after an acceptable general plan has been adopted, and a developer or the city officials think it would be beneficial for the city to deviate from the general plan, then they must submit a general plan amendment to the citizens of San Marcos for voter approval. The key to proper function of a general plan is in the planning. If the planning is right, an amendment should never come before the citizens for a vote.

Vote yes on Prop. O. We need citizen oversight!

Ramsey Tuell

San Marcos

Other candidates more qualified in Escondido

The Escondido City Council election is upon us. Will you be voting to return Sam Abed and Ed Gallo? Think twice. Remember, these two were in favor of usurping the federal government's jurisdiction by supporting an ordinance to deny illegals from renting in Escondido. On tap now is the issue of overnight parking, a thinly veiled ordinance that these two support, to still try to get rid of illegals but which now smacks of discrimination against many American Latinos as well. ...

Abed and Gallo, in their push to rid Escondido of "undesirables," showed us how little regard they have for human dignity. Do you still want Escondido represented by them?

There are several other candidates who are well qualified to serve as Escondido councilpersons, and any one of them, in my opinion, would do a better job. Foremost is Olga Diaz. She has proven through her business acumen that she has the qualities a good leader should have. She knows how to identify problems, research solutions, involve others in the solutions, plan budgets, organize and, most important, she knows how to treat constituents with dignity. Voting for Olga Diaz is voting for a better Escondido.

Andy Pino

Escondido

Next will be divorce and contraceptives

In an Oct. 22 article on "No on Prop. 8" ("Local woman waving signs against Prop. 8"), the Rev. Rich Perozic of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Escondido, which has hosted strategy sessions with other religious leaders in favor of Proposition 8, was quoted as saying, "This (same-sex marriage) is the last part of the destruction of marriage. It began with easy divorce and continued with contraception and pornography."

I think if the church can't convince its own members, let alone the population at large, to follow their teaching, they shouldn't try to use the government to enforce it.

If people don't vote "no" on Prop. 8, the next thing the churches will be doing is outlawing divorce and contraception. We need to keep church and state separate.

Richard Bova

Escondido

Don't let religious folks tell us how to live

Do not let the religious bigots living among us pass laws making gay people into second-class citizens. Marriage is secular in our society and doesn't need any religious people telling us how our government should work. Vote "no" on 8.

Eric Parish

Vista