LETTERS: The Californian, Oct. 31, 2008

By Readers of The Californian | Friday, October 31, 2008 12:13 AM PDT ∞

Elect Pulsipher to TVUSD school board

Temecula has an opportunity to elect an outstanding candidate for Temecula Valley Unified School District's board. I am writing to express my support for Dr. Allen Pulsipher. I have known Allen and his wife for many years and have seen first-hand his dedication to this community. They have six wonderful children who have been raised by loving parents who truly care for their success. Allen has served the community and children in many ways through the years I have known him. He has always served with integrity and kindness. His motives have never been about himself but for the benefit of those who he has helped.

I hope that voters will vote for Allen Pulsipher for Temecula Valley school board on Election Day.

Kay Harrison

Temecula

Prop. 4 is just about common sense

Proposition 4 is such a common-sense initiative that it still baffles me that some are strongly against it. The fear that teens will turn to back-alley abortions or even suicide are outrageous claims because this not true! Abortion is legal. No one is removing the teenager's right to choose. It simply allows parents to know what a doctor will be performing on their child. I was 16 when I got pregnant. I didn't want to nor was willing to tell my parents. My dad lied and said the doctor told him I was receiving care from her. I broke down in tears but after the secret was out and my parents lovingly accepted my pregnancy, I was so relieved and at peace.

Teenagers need support from their family whether they are having an abortion or keeping the baby. Prop. 4 helps parents know what's about to happen to their teenager. Simple as that.

Kathy Shumann

Winchester

The right leader for the school board

Allen Pulsipher is the right choice for the Temecula Valley school board. Honestly, in an election as important as this one, it is easy to put little focus on the local needs, including who serves on the school board. However, the students in the classroom are the future of our country.

When money was being taken from important school programs, Allen Pulsipher immediately took a stand to keep those programs from being eliminated. As highly qualified teachers faced the danger of losing their tenure because of a misinterpreted policy, Allen Pulsipher was there to support them in the struggle. Establishing communication between the local businesses and our schools, Allen Pulsipher created a foundation where the local community can come alongside our students and help fill in the gaps left by the state budget cuts.

The board needs a father who understands and is involved in meeting the needs of our students as well as making sure our schools employ the best teachers. Allen Pulsipher's children attend local schools ranging from elementary to high school. He knows what the issues are. He knows what is necessary. He will accomplish it.

At the polls during this next election, do not skip over the candidates for the Temecula Valley school board, choose Allen Pulsipher for our students and for our teachers.

Dawn Dyer

Temecula

CTA doesn't represent views of all teachers

Once again, the powerful, liberal California Teachers Association, my union, has contributed money to an issue I morally oppose. The CTA has donated $1.25 million to fight against marriage being defined as "between a man and a woman." This family unit has existed across time and cultures, providing the ideal way for children to grow and flourish. Why would a teachers union combat legislation that is best for children? The president of the CTA stated it's a "civil rights issue." Well, I agree it's a "civil rights issue" for children. Children are entitled to be raised by a mother and a father. I'm a teacher with a "Yes on Prop. 8" bumper sticker, a "Yes on Prop. 8" yard sign and a "Yes on Prop. 8" vote. This teacher and many others truly support children, not the politics and ideology of the CTA.

Douglas Carroll

Temecula

Prop. 8 is not about 'tolerance'

The first purpose of this letter is to encourage residents of the city of Temecula to let their voice be heard and vote on Nov. 4. You don't have the "right" to complain if you don't exercise your "right" to vote! The second purpose is to encourage you to study the candidates and propositions and vote your conscience and values.

Many people in the precincts that I walked did not understand Proposition 8, the Protect Marriage Amendment. This is a proposition that if not passed will affect each one of us and our "quality of life" in Temecula. It restores the definition of marriage to what the majority of California voters already approved. It protects our children and grandchildren ---- yes, this is not only about protecting marriage. Massachusetts is an example to us of what could be taught in the classrooms if Prop. 8 does not pass. It protects our religious and personal rights without taking away the rights of those who live a gay lifestyle.

Some in our community whom I have talked to believe that it will not affect them or their families and they don't want to dictate to others how to live their life. This proposition is not about "tolerance," it is about preserving marriage! Please vote yes on Prop. 8!

Lanae Turley-Trejo

Temecula

Let's stick with long-standing definition

Proposition 8 states "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." The Random House College Dictionary states that marriage is "the social institution under which a man and woman establish their decision to live as husband and wife by legal commitments, religious ceremonies, etc." Tina Culp (Letters, Oct.21) states that Prop. 8 will take away that right; sounds like it's just reinforcing its true definition.

It is the four activist judges who are trying to force their religious beliefs on Californians by redefining vocabulary. There are many, many parents whose children attend public school who would prefer a religious education for their children. They do not have the option for that type of education because they cannot afford to pay taxes for public education and pay tuition for private education. Regarding Tina's belief of what is going to be asked on Judgement Day, I'm just curious what basis she uses for those particular questions.

I do agree with Tina that love and commitment in marriage for everyone can only help our society. I'll stick with the widely accepted traditional biblical definition of marriage, and my 1984 edition of The Random House College Dictionary.

Mayra Clingman

Wildomar

McAllister has worked to achieve goals

Sobering newspaper headlines, presidential debates and roller coaster stock market reports; in the midst of all this, it is easy to overlook local elections. The fact is that Murrieta residents also have an important decision to make next week at the voting booth. This year we will be voting for two Murrieta City Council seats.

As a community volunteer, I have watched ---- with a sense of relief ---- Murrieta's City Council working hard over the last few years to enhance our quality of life and promote the financial stability of the community. In that regard, during his five years in service as a councilman, Doug McAllister has proven that he is a leader with vision. He is now running for re-election.

The first time that I met Doug, when he was in his first term as a councilman, he spoke earnestly of his plans for promoting universal design standards for the elderly and disabled, tackling troublesome problems such as traffic gridlock and attracting commerce to our community so we can shop and work, as well as live, in Murrieta. I've watched Doug McAllister working hard to achieve these goals. However, there is still more to do, more challenges ahead.

I trust Doug' s resolve and commitment. He has earned my vote.

Kathi Head

Murrieta

Teachers, stop CTA!

If you watch the news, you know there are nightly reports of protests and violence regarding Proposition 8. From graffiti to death threats to outright assault, crimes are being committed against people who support and denounce Prop. 8. And our union, the California Teacher's Association, has taken a definitive stand on the issue, which means, teachers are broadly characterized as being against Prop. 8.

How many of our students have opinions on the issue? How many of their parents? How might this affect our relationship with them? Parents have already organized "sick outs" to protest the union's stand in some areas. How exactly does this improve our working condition as teachers? Thank you, CTA.

Our union has no business taking sides in this issue and using our dues to support it. I will be cutting off my dues and sending them to charity. I would urge other teachers to do the same.

Steve Kimble

Murrieta

Consider the consequences of your vote

Proposition 8 is one of the hot topics in this year's election. After reviewing both sides of this issue I have learned two things that I think are important to consider before Election Day. First, I believe ads that claim a "No" vote on Prop. 8 will not affect California schools are deceiving voters. One only has to look at the state of Massachusetts, the only state where voters have approved same-sex marriage, to see the truth. Two years after the law was passed, the Massachusetts courts ruled in favor of teaching children in public schools about gay marriage as early as age 5, with no notification to parents, or ability to opt their children out of that lesson.

Voters should look at who is making contributions to the "No on Prop. 8" campaign. The Human Rights Campaign, which fought in Massachusetts for teaching gay marriage in the classroom, is a large contributor to the campaign, as well as the California Teachers Association, which recently donated $1 million, and of course, Hollywood, who uses money and influence to determine the values of our society.

While I support the right of my gay family and friends to choose the lifestyle they desire to pursue, I do not embrace their lifestyle, nor do I want it being taught to my children in school. I am voting "Yes" on Prop. 8. I urge voters to research this issue thoroughly and seriously consider the consequences of their vote ---- our children will be living with our choice.

Crystal Beutler

Temecula

It is up to us to keep the law

"Lawmakers" is what congressman are falsely called, because there is only one "lawmaker," and "the law" has already been made and written down. Congressional representatives, supreme court justices, and the people of the United States can only "keep" the law or disobey the law. I highlight the word "keep" because the lawmaker advised us repeatedly to "keep" the law or we would suffer the consequences.

The single greatest law is the cornerstone at the top. Supporting the greatest law are the 10 Commandments, which are also promises. The details of these ten commandments are explained in the laws of Leviticus and the rest of the Bible. In regards to homosexuality or Proposition 8, I offer the one and only law in Leviticus 18:22. "And you shall not lie with mankind, as with womankind: It is an abomination." The consequence of breaking this law is to be cut off from among your people, to defile yourself and your country, and to be vomited out of your land.

No one is born with a gene that causes them to involuntarily break any of the laws. We are also not asked to believe the law. It is written and established whether we believe it or not. We were asked to keep it and be blessed or disobey it and suffer the consequences.

Gary Clelland

Temecula

Vote no on Prop. 8

As a teacher, I was appalled at what state Superintendent Jack O'Connell said about Proposition 8. Since same sex marriage was legalized in Massachusetts, it has been taught in the elementary schools. In school, we often talk about marriage. Teaching about marriage is not limited to sex education. If Prop. 8 is defeated, same sex marriage could be taught in our schools as the equivalent to a marriage of one man and one woman. Same-sex marriage could be taught in elementary schools.

As educators, we know that having a mother and father in the home is much better for children on average. We also know that not having a father in the home greatly increases chances that a child will commit crimes. Having no mother increases chances for poor grades and teen pregnancy. There are wonderful exceptions to this. Many single parents raise great kids, but do we really want our society to condone and our schools to teach and promote that two moms or two dads is as good as a traditional marriage for kids and that they can marry someone of their same sex? Not having the female or the male parental influence on children often hurts kids. At least in divorce, kids spend time with both mom and dad. With same-sex marriage the children will be without either a mom or a dad. In civil unions, same-sex couples have marital rights without the name "marriage." Protect our children and vote yes on 8.

Michael Turner

Temecula

Recognize Prop. 8 for what it is

Laramie, Wyo., became infamous overnight in the fall of 1998, when Matthew Shepard, a gay college student, was found tied to a fence after being brutally beaten and left to die. This vicious attack on Shepard triggered an avalanche of media and a national deathwatch until Shepard died five days later. The Laramie Project depicts Laramie residents' reaction to Shephard's murder through more than 200 telling interviews with townspeople and officials. While their initial reaction was horror, it morphed into something else as the interviews continued.

Townfolks' fevered objections to this crime were more about their own national image than about the obscenity of Shephard's death. Candid in their absurdity, they decried the crime itself while reiterating the godless, immoral, sinful nature of homosexuality ---- a sentiment bred into their children and exactly the kind of hateful homophobia driving two young men to commit such an act.

It saddens me to learn of our local school districts "sick outs" in support of Proposition 8. Where did these youngsters get such opinions? Who gave tacit permission for their politically motivated absences?

We must, as a society, identify this hateful ignorance and follow it up the breeding chain. I pray that Prop. 8 fails to delude and is recognized for what it is. The smoke screen of "protecting traditional marriage" does not mask the pungent odor of hatred and homophobia.  

Michelle Malone

Wildomar

Why take away rights we fought for?

I am completely confused how women, African-Americans and immigrants could possibly take the stand of "Yes" on 8.

Let me be clear, I am not for gay marriage. I am for equal rights for all individuals living in the United States. Taking rights away from certain individuals is what other countries do, not the United States. Opening the door to this creates a precedent that could be very scary in the future to those crying "religious freedom." Marriage has nothing to do with religion. How do I know? I am a naturalized U.S. citizen. My now-husband and I were in a loving committed relationship for eight years. We had a beautiful little girl and planned to stay together for the rest of our lives. We didn't believe we needed a marriage certificate to prove our commitment.

When my husband was relocated through his work back to the U.S. ---- he is a natural-born U.S. citizen ---- we were told we had to marry or I wouldn't be allowed to stay with my family. Our lawyer told us the United States did not recognize common-law marriage and we would need to be married. We got married in our home with a justice of the peace and ate pizza and watched the hockey game right after. Show me where religion had anything to do with our union?

I don't understand how, given how hard so many past U.S. citizens fought for equal rights, people today would want to take that away. Why?

Lisa McCoy

Lake Elsinore

Vote for integrity, honesty, ethics

This election is not about endorsements or whether there has been too much or too little development. This election is about who best represents Murrieta.

Our recent history is evidence that we need someone with integrity, honesty and ethics on our City Council. With past and present council members facing felony counts, it is no surprise a local group of residents ---- Rescue Murrieta ---- was successful in recalling a council member. Has there been too much development too fast? Absolutely. And this has degraded the quality development we deserve. However, we can not change this and need to look forward.

Today, we are better than in the past. We live in a safe and beautiful city that has the potential to grow. Undoubtedly, the economy will have our next council making tough decisions. They will need to be more creative in attracting the jobs, business and open space our city needs. It doesn't matter if high-technology jobs or more controlled growth is our priority. These decisions will need to be made by someone who best represents the families of Murrieta.

Vote integrity, honesty and ethics for Murrieta City Council

Alan Long

Murrieta

To those of you who depend on the print media for your news, I would like to call your attention to a recent happening in Florida that you probably missed. Joe Biden was being interviewed by Barbara West of WFTV. During the interview, she quoted from both Karl Marx and Barack Obama and asked Biden how Obama's philosophy differed from Marx's.

Why is it that we should not identify Obama as a Marxist? Biden, who is never at a loss for words, immediately became flustered and could only blurt out "Is this a joke?" In retaliation for having the audacity to actually ask a serious question about Obama's intentions for this country, the Democrats have announced that they will grant no further interviews to Ms. West or for that matter anyone on the staff of that station. Yes, Mr. Biden, there is a joke and it's you.

It should be noted that Ms. West has never been identified as being far right (or left) but is that rarest of creatures ---- a serious journalist whose job it is to ask questions that the public would like answered.

Mr. Obama has promised change for this country and the nature of that change has been carefully hidden from the voting public. Only in rare instances of candor has the agenda been revealed. Earlier this year those mainstays of the Obama camp, Congresswomen Waters, Hinchy and Lazu, prematurely let slip the Democrats' plans to nationalize the oil industry. They have obviously been told to sit down and be quiet. The time is not right to let us dupes in on the big surprise. Wake up America!

Edward Healy

Temecula

CTA donation shows its allegiance

Last week, the California Teachers Association donated over $1 million to defeat Proposition 8. A "no" vote forces everyone to accept a homosexual marriage as valid. A "yes" vote simply affirms that marriage is defined as between one man and one woman.

While we respect those who choose alternative lifestyles, must we then accept alternative behaviors of any kind as valid, allowing them to be taught in our schools as an acceptable alternative lifestyle?

Our state Legislature may mandate that gay-lesbian-transgender issues be taught in our schools, but local school boards under current law could ignore that mandate, allowing teachers to substitute academic material of rigor. However, where there is a political will, some politician will find a way to force schools to teach the state's desires, rather than the wishes of the majority of parents. Will the schools continue to teach traditional marriage as central to procreation, and central for the protection of the children thus created, an arrangement that's worked well for the past 5,000 or so years? Probably not, in which case there might be a significant financial backlash, when parents opt out who don't want their children taught values by the state of California. That loss of money, plus the absence of the law of economic return from homosexual marriage, could only add to the state's financial woes.

CTA's $1 million donation was not certainly about kids or families, and shows where its allegiance is. I urge a yes vote on Proposition 8.

Paul Diffley

Murrieta

Now who's being intolerant?

The dictionary defines tolerance: 1. a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own. This morning I awoke to find all of the Yes on Prop. 8 signs stolen on every street in our neighborhood "like a thief in the night" from those who claim to be "tolerant." And now I stand back and look at both sides to clearly see those who "claim" to be tolerant to "change" are, without a doubt, a very poor example of tolerance. Do they think that by stealing the signs they are going to change the minds of those who are supporting this proposition? Anyone can see it's only fueling their passion even more to vote yes.

Throughout California within the last week, these so-called tolerant people have stolen, vandalized in the bright of day and dark of night, trespassed, destroyed property even in front of the owners and are protesting in large groups in areas of worship. If I were undecided on Prop. 8, all I would have to do is stand back and look at the offensive behavior by the so-called "tolerant ones." If that is their definition of being tolerant, I would never belong to such a group of people.

One can clearly see that the tolerant ones are those who are being tolerant of the so-called tolerant, whom I am now redefining as intolerant.

Lisa May

Temecula

Slipping down the slope

Please vote no on Proposition 8 so one day I may legally be allowed to marry a goat.

Robert Crain

Temecula

Preserve the definition of marriage

Politics as usual! Opponents of Proposition 8 have called the supporters of this proposition "liars." In the "Vote no on Prop. 8" commercial, a woman goes on about how Prop. 8 supporters are making this an issue of what our kids will be taught in school. The California superintendent of schools is in the ad saying "this is not our plan; it has nothing to do with what is taught in schools. To say this affects our children is shameful." The woman finishes the ad saying that Prop. 8 is about "taking fundamental rights away from certain people ... and that's just wrong." Well, she is wrong.

The California Family Code, Section 297 and 297.5 insures all domestic, same sex partners are given the same rights and responsibilities afforded to a married couple. Read the code! Educate yourself! Vote!

This proposition is not about rights. It's about the liberal agenda of normalizing activities that are just not normal. http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/cacodes/fam/297.html. Proposition 8 only solidifies the fact that the term "marriage" can only be applied to a union between a man and a woman. It has nothing to do with taking away rights.

Marriage first was introduced as a means to create families and ensure the continuation of a society. The natural creation of life will always remain the job of one man and one woman. No other additives are necessary.

Vote yes on Proposition 8. Keep our definition of marriage safe!

Craig Puma

Temecula

Powell merely trying to reshape legacy

I read Bill O'Reilly's column ("The Powell endorsement," Oct. 27) regarding Powell's endorsement with interest, but I believe he missed two pertinent Obama quotes. First, On "Meet the Press" Powell said, "The election of Obama would electrify the world." We are electing a U.S. president, not a world president. Secondly, Powell said: "I would have difficulty with two more conservative appointments to the Supreme Court." With a Democratic Congress, only a liberal or moderate nominee would be confirmed.

With Obama, we will have liberal appointments and a Supreme Court that will ensure the "Newest Voting Generation" will be able to euthanize their aged wealthy parents to "share the wealth." I believe that Colin Powell's endorsement of Obama is a specious attempt to reshape a legacy that he himself considers tainted by his service under President Bush while he now says he showed poor judgment by praising Vice President Dick Cheney in 2004 and while appearing at the U.N. for the Iraq war appeal.

Robert Banoczi

Murrieta

Support McAllister for Murrieta council

I am writing this letter of support on behalf of Doug McAllister who is running for re-election for Murrieta City Council. I have known Mr. McAllister since 2005. Doug cares about the city of Murrieta and has worked hard to make sure the city is financially stable in these hard economic times.

From early on in our interaction I have been impressed by Mr. McAllister's obvious vast knowledge spanning a number of areas. My assumption is that his knowledge base is the enviable result of many years of valuable experience in the field of business and public service. Mr. McAllister has repeatedly demonstrated his sensitivity to cultural and social milieu in which he interacts. Mr. McAllister is highly self-motivated, demonstrates very effective leadership skills and is highly effective in his relationship with peers, staff and clients.

I support Mr. McAllister without hesitation for re-election to the Murrieta City Council.

Eva Johnson

Murrieta

McAllister, Lane need your support

Doug McAllister and Randon Lane need your support. The Murrieta Firefighters Association support these two candidates for City Council because they have been the biggest proponents of public safety, which is so important to our city.

McAllister and Lane both have been planning commissioners as well. They are well-rounded candidates who understand what a unique and great city Murrieta is and how quickly things can deteriorate if we do not stay on top of public safety issues. Both of these candidates have made a long-term commitment to public safety and have an excellent track record.

Let's get them both in office and continue to make Murrieta one of the safest and cleanest cities in the nation to live, work, play and raise our families in.

Gregory Hull

Murrieta

Vote for Kristi Rutz-Robbins for TVUSD

We need a school board member who will improve our school district; better the education of our children and prepare them for the world ahead. Our children's level of readiness for college needs to be improved! Dr. Kristi Rutz-Robbins is the only candidate who teaches at the university level. She has first-hand experience working with students we have "tested and passed."

Music, art and physical education are proven to benefit children through better success in society and in developing higher intelligence. Why cut the very programs that are proven to benefit education? These are always the first programs cut and then teachers are forced to teach the to the test.

We have created a generation of memorized answers and decreased actual educational processes and forgotten how to teach kids to learn. Lifelong concepts such as critical thinking and problem solving have taken a back seat to the test. Kristi has spent the last seven years observing elementary schools and how this "memorized education" has affected students. She will help to bring back the "real education" our children need.

Our school board needs a change! As there is always room for improvement, it just takes focus and the willingness. Without this we are failing as parents. Our children are losing the ability to achieve in the world. Vote for a change in education. Vote for a real education. Vote for Dr. Rutz-Robbins. She is the candidate of the parents, for the parents ---- and most of all for our students' future.

Mark Butzke

Temecula

None of us should lose our freedoms

It's obvious to me that there are many people that don't really understand what Prop. 8 is all about. It's not about taking any rights from homosexuals.

Actually, there is no place that says they have the right to marry each other, and as far as everything else goes, they have the same rights as everyone else.

However if Prop. 8 doesn't pass with a yes vote everyone else will lose some of the rights that belong to all of us. For instance, the right to teach sex education to our children the way we think is appropriate. They could be taught from very early grades that it's OK for men to marry men and women to marry women ---- tough toast if we don't like it.

This is the sort of proposition that the ACLU would love to see fail. If you think I'm being radical, here's a few things for starters that the ACLU is against. They want any word that speaks of deity erased. They want to take "In God We Trust" off our money. They were responsible for having the 10 Commandments removed from a courthouse. They would fight for a person who objected to a cross on a hill.

Those of you who think this proposition is prejudicial are correct, but only if you vote no. Please give this serious thought and pray about this.

No one should lose any of their freedoms ---- and they won't if you vote yes.

Ellen Nicolson

Lake Elsinore

Why be so hateful, hasty?

In response to Michelle Bowman's Oct. 23 letter, "Candidate's character isn't great": I for one would like to know where she got her information to write such a hateful, nasty letter. Perhaps she should hear both sides before she attributes such behavior to anyone. Shame on her!

Kati Kruhsack

Menifee

Gray, Corral right for LEUSD board

For the last 18 years, I've served on school boards: 13 on the Lake Elsinore Unified School District board and five now on the Riverside County Board of Education. I've seen countless candidates run for these elected positions; some were highly qualified while others sought the chance to redress some presumed grievance. The hallmark of an effective and caring school trustee is the lack of a personal agenda and an overwhelming desire to do what's right for the students served.

Two candidates for the LEUSD board meet these criteria: Jeanie Corral and Jon Gray. Each has the experience, track record and proven fiscal accountability that we need to meet educational future challenges. Under their leadership, LEUSD was the only California district that far exceeded the federal "program improvement' standards. Five of the district's schools were designated "California Distinguished Schools," 12 campuses received the Academic Performance Index scores of 800 or more and the entire district transcended the requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind program. And, in these troubled financial times, the LEUSD annual budget for the current year remains balanced.

I heartily endorse the election of Jeanie Corral and Jon Gray for the LEUSD Board of Trustees. They deserve to be elected and continue to serve as dedicated advocates for our children.

Vick Knight

Canyon Lake

Chew on this thought

Please consider this: If I oppose/try to end abortion and I am wrong, in doing so I am guilty of trying to thwart a civil right. If those who perform and promote abortion are wrong, they are guilty of the murder of at least 48 million children. What sort of society kills its children?

Patricia Giglioli

Murrieta

Candidate should have known it was wrong

This letter is regarding the Murrieta Police Officers Association and Murrieta Firefighter's Association endorsement of Randon Lane and Doug McAllister for seats on the Murrieta City Council. The letter was printed on paper with the city of Murrieta's letterhead.

Why would Randon Lane make copies of this to hand out? He should have known it was wrong to use the city's letterhead. He has been involved in city politics for quite a while and unless he is blind he doesn't have an excuse. He printed 100 copies and has 51 left. Perhaps when it is all said and done, and after the votes are counted, he should have 49 votes removed from his total.

I'm 71 years of age and have been paying attention to union activities for years. I don't believe for a second that this was a mistake. I believe they knew exactly what they were doing, and Mr. Lane deserves "zero" votes from the residents of Murrieta.

Mike West

Wildomar

God will ultimately stand in judgment

I too am in utter amazement regarding Tina Culp's Oct. 21 letter "Prop. 8 would force religious belief on public." She states she is a religious person and has a close relation with God. She goes on to say that those of us that are for Prop. 8, will be severely judged by God on our judgment day.

I do agree that God loves us all, but he does not condone the relationship of same-sex marriage. The Bible clearly states that God commanded that man would not lay with man and woman would not lay with woman. Christians should see that this type of marriage is ungodly and certainly not what God had in mind for commitment in marriage and that he himself will persecute these people.

I feel we do need to push this matter on all people and this kind of love and commitment in marriage cannot help our society, it only brings depravity to our society. It also confuses our young children if we now start to teach them that this is an OK way to live. I pray that all will vote yes on Prop. 8 We need to think about the effect Prop. 8 will have on our young children who clearly should not be taught that same-sex marriage is OK.

Carol Baldon

Murrieta

The arrogance of the Democratic Party

When President Bush was first elected, the Democratic Party's complaint was that all the votes were not counted and they expressed outrage. I agreed with them because the privilege of voting is priceless. However, in the last primary election because Florida and Michigan did not follow the Democratic Party rules, they took that priceless privilege from 30 million people and told them their vote didn't count, as if these two states did not exist.

Two years ago in November, the Democratic Party asked the people of this country to see that major changes in the way the country was being run would require a majority in Congress and in the Senate. Then we would see progress and changes like never before. They got their wish! Where are the changes?

They will not take any responsibility, even though they have been running the country. Maybe the Democratic Party should look at the approval rating of the Congress and the Senate ---- at 16 percent the lowest ever ---- the president at 27 percent, which proves my belief that the worst Republican is better than any Democratic. Now they want the presidency?

Edmundo Galvez

Temecula