LETTERS: The Californian, Saturday Nov. 1, 2008

By Readers of The Californian | Saturday, November 1, 2008 12:11 AM PDT ∞

Paper surprises in a happy way

I owe The Californian an apology. Recently I wrote that The Californian had a hidden bias for Barack Obama. Then, the paper completely stunned me ---- happily ---- with its support of John McCain. There is and has been a continual onslaught of support for Obama in the media that has completely distorted the fairness in the run-up to the election. The worst in modern history.

What this country needs is three major parties: left, center and right. That way, there would have to be cooperation in Washington and the individual state houses. With one party in control of all three branches of the government, there are no checks and balances. For the first six years of George W. Bush's administration, the Republicans acted like Democrats, and the last two years have been a disaster.

The other point I would like to make is there needs to be a change in the Electoral College. The "winner-take-all concept" negates the votes of almost half of all Americans. My vote for president this year is meaningless. This is a Democrat state except for a few large sections such as the Inland Empire and Orange County. The candidates do very little campaigning in California, as the state is considered "safe" for Democrats. But they all come here to raise big bucks. The other fault with this state is the gerrymandering by the state Legislature for the state voting districts. We need to put all districts in a competitive position.

Jack Evans

Wildomar

Many disagree with paper's endorsement

The Californian gave its shallow endorsement of Sen. John McCain for president. One does not have to look far for top Republicans who disagree with the paper's reasoning.

Sen. Dick Durbin recalls Barack Obama telling him he was being asked by people of influence to run for president. Obama said he didn't plan on trying now. Durbin told him that "sometimes you pick the time and sometimes the time picks you." This is Obama's time! He's the Tiger Woods of politics: a rare combination of brains, skill and talent.

Obama's family was not rich, so he understands you work for what you get. He has a brilliant mind. He served as a community organizer in Chicago and served eight years in the Illinois Senate, earning respect for the laws he influenced. He graduated with honors from Harvard. He has great judgment: He spoke against the Iraq war and he was right. Joe Biden, whom he selected as his running mate, said Obama has a spine of steel when facing a challenge. He has chosen great statesmen to advise him on the issues. He is what we need to face the crisis ahead.

McCain has been all over the place on issues and has showed poor judgment in his choice for vice president and advisers such as Phil Gramm and Bush's crew to run his campaign. His $200 billion in tax cuts go to the greedy corporations. He is Bush in hero's gear. His Vietnam service is the only difference.

Anita Baysinger Craycraft

Canyon Lake

Murrieta firefighters for Lane and McAllister

The Murrieta Firefighters Association is supporting two candidates for Murrieta City Council, Randon Lane and Doug McAllister. Lane and McAllister have shown their dedication to this city by their years of continued public service. Randon Lane has personally gone on ridealongs with our Fire Department to learn and have a better understanding of the Murrieta Fire Department's capabilities and responsibilities. This speaks volumes about his priorities when it comes to public safety.

We feel that Lane and McAllister not only have a better plan and goal for Murrieta's public safety, but a better plan and goal for the city of Murrieta's future! Please support your Murrieta firefighters by casting your vote for Lane and McAllister this Nov. 4.

Rob Godinho

Murrieta Firefighters Association

Temecula

Candidates and their empty promises

We voters hear so many empty and unrealistic promises from political candidates, assuring us so many great gifts and benefits that we skeptical voters know they cannot possibly fulfill in this collapsing economy. I just read a list of eight promises from one of our candidates, Grey Frandsen, unlike any other I have seen. They will not cost 1 cent of taxpayer money; they are all achievable and they will benefit the people of our district enormously. All that is required is candidate integrity.

"I, Grey Frandsen, pledge the following to the voters of Assembly District 66: 1. I will continue to reject partisanship and 'dirty politics.' As a Democrat, I will work with Republicans, Independents, and others, putting aside partisanship and bitter party politics to focus on solutions to our problems. 2. I will continue to remain open and accessible at all times. People know they can reach me ---- at a town hall, over e-mail, on the phone, or at any of our cost-free events. 3. I will not back down in my effort to defeat the Liberty Quarry proposal. Despite the money and the pressure being focused against our campaign because of my position, this issue is too important to shy away from. I've staked my campaign on defending our community ---- and that is what I intend to do. 4. I will continue my rejection of contributions from lobbyists or corporate entities." There are four more, equally heartening, promises. What a breath of fresh air.

Joe Crews

Fallbrook

It's all in the genes

Marriage is only between a man and a woman. Who is to state this person is a man when in reality this person may look like a male, have all the characteristics of a male but inside has all the feelings of a female? It goes to say the same about a female who wishes she were born a male because she feels like a male. Why is a person born male or female? Why are we born white, black or brown? Why are some people born with blindness or deaf, or with any other differences from the rest of us?

Before most of us so-called intelligent people look at all the facts, do we wonder why years ago these people had to stay in the closet and state they were born in the wrong body? Columnist Richard Kirk wrote in The Californian that "natural and obvious biological differences in us are as irrelevant as variations in skin pigmentation and eye color." Phooey.

Tina Culp wrote a letter that appeared in the same edition about the mistreatment of gays. I know of a family of six ---- two adults and four children ---- all supposedly being normal, except that one of the boys is gay and now has a male partner, and one of the girls is a lesbian and now lives with her female partner. The other two are straight and married to opposite-sex partners. Now comes the punch line: One of the straight families had a son who died of AIDS because he was gay and his lifestyle led him that way. Look up the word "gene" in the dictionary; it says a lot.

Phil Pavlovsky

Aguanga

Initiative process used to excess

The initiative process with currently 12 propositions on the ballot has become a daunting task for the average voter. Just reading through the lengthy official voter information guide and trying to understand the material is an accomplishment. It is doubtful most people even try reading the last 60 pages of small print consisting of the actual texts of the proposed laws.

Propositions such as those dealing with same-sex marriage, parental notification before terminating a minor's pregnancy and the treatment of farm animals are easy to comprehend. These are emotional issues that most of us have formed definite opinions about even before reading the arguments.

The propositions that are difficult to understand are those concerned with money matters, criminal law and the justice system. This is where many people, myself included, become confused. These are complex issues that are often presented with misleading claims. Too often, a TV ad serves as the basis for a decision on these propositions.

This is the problem with the initiative process. Initially, it was intended as a means by which an informed public would strengthen popular control over government and special interests. As a form of direct democracy, the initiative enables the average citizen to decide public issues directly rather than through representation ---- but it is being used to excess.

I favor a shorter ballot with fewer propositions. We elect legislators and pay them well to make the laws. They should be doing their job and not passing the buck to us on so many issues.

Harold Reikes

Murrieta

It's time for a change in administration

Saturday evening, Nov. 5, 1932, we gathered around the radio to hear FDR discuss democratic problems and the end of the presidential campaign. History is repeating itself this year. Quote: "There can be only one great principle to guide our course in the coming years. We have learned the lesson that extravagant advantage for the few ultimately depresses the many. We have seen how, as the foundations of the false structure are undermined, all come down together. We must put behind us the idea that an uncontrolled economy, creating paper profits for a relatively small group, means or ever can mean prosperity."

I respect this quote, but I love these words: "It may be said, when the history of the past few months comes to be written, that this was a bitter campaign. I prefer to remember it only as a hard-fought campaign. I believe that the best interests of the country require a change in administration. Every sign points to that change. But I would have you realize that the strength of the country is the strength of the union. Let us restore that strength."

Barack Obama and Robert Hamilton represent our historical best changes on Nov. 4.

Louis Stark

Wildomar

Prop. 8 won't take away right

Have you noticed the deceptive ways used by those who are against Proposition 8? Their TV ads show the marriage of a heterosexual couple to persuade voters to accept homosexual marriage. If you go to www.yesonprop8.com, the Web site is a "bait and switch." It is actually a site for No on 8. The bumper stickers for no on Prop. 8 uses the term "preserve marriage" in an attempt to convince the reader that voting no on Prop. 8 will preserve traditional marriage. Our attorney general, Jerry Brown, changed the name of the proposition from "Definition of Marriage" to "Eliminates Right of Same-sex Couples to Marry."

This title suggests that some would be denied their rights by voting for Prop. 8. This is not true. The California Family Code 297.5 will not change. It states: "Domestic partners shall have the same rights, protections and benefits as married spouses." Gay couples do indeed have rights. They can live as they want. They are protected by law with the same rights as married spouses. What they can't do is redefine marriage for the rest of us.

Let California join the other 27 states that have a constitutional amendment protecting traditional marriage. Vote yes on Prop 8!

Dennis Wilson

Temecula

Electing any of 3 challengers would be silly

Temecula council candidate Albert Abbott wants us to elect him so he can take an oath to serve us. However, it seems Mr. Abbott is a bit weak in the oath department. He admits to fathering his son but still refers to the boy's mother as his fiance. If he hasn't made a commitment to her, how can we expect him to commit to us? He is the only one among the five candidates who refused to sign the oath of Fair Campaign Practices when he filed his papers. Couple that with the fact he wasn't even registered to vote here until he filed his council papers, and Abbott looks like a carpetbagger extraordinaire.

James Stewart ran unsuccessfully for council in 2006. He then promised to attend council meetings and be up on issues in preparation for this election. He attended no meetings and offered no input, yet is critical of the council's decision to build a civic center in Old Town. That matter was before the council no fewer then nine times in 2007, and Stewart was nowhere around.

Rita Hernandez says her goal is to promote youth activities. Yet, when over 500 youth and community stakeholders got together in 2007 to create the youth master plan, Rita was nowhere to be seen. Rita's absence at the two youth job expos held this year shows how far removed she is.

They don't call elections the silly season for nothing.

Electing any of the challengers would be just plain silly.

Murray Gutman

Temecula

Marriage not consummated by gays

The Oct. 23 opinion pages included a Community Forum by J. Howard Crews, "History of marriage sheds light on Prop. 8" and in the letters, a letter, "How would you explain this to children," by Paul Puma Sr. Mr. Crews based his support for gay marriage on legalization of interracial marriage and insisted that the right to marry was a civil right for gays. Mr. Puma, a senior citizen, focused on the inability of homosexuals to consummate their marriage; the implication is that sodomy does not satisfy the full definition of the marriage contract. The civil right for gays to marry has never been denied homosexuals. What has been asserted is that homosexuals cannot fulfill the marriage contract by the simple homogeneity of their bodies. It seems that sodomy has to be legalized and somehow contorted to fit the definition of "consummate" prior to the legalization of marriage for gays.

As a senior citizen, 75 years old with nine grandchildren, I would also be unable to condone sodomy as a normal act of love to my grandchildren!

Edward Filardo

Temecula

When the numbers don't add up

A very strange majority-rule democracy, indeed, when 98 percent of the population is expected to agree to every demand of the minority. And when four judges can overrule 4 million voters in redefining the meaning of a word used for many hundreds of years. And when anyone protests mildly against these things, some people do actually accuse them of bigotry and hatred. Amazing, but true. Think about it.

David Thompson

Temecula

The devil is in the details

Each day I have seen letters speculating that a President Barack Obama would bring on socialism. Most unlikely! Instead, watch the $700 billion bank and credit market bailout fund. Vultures from the whole business spectrum are lining up like Kremlin big shots ready to pounce, e.g. I am sure that some of you have heard rumors that General Motors may take over Chrysler and said: "What the devil?" Well, the devil is in the details reported by CNBC on Oct. 29. Private investment company Cerberus Capital Mgt. LLC bought Chrysler for $7 billion dollars in 2006. They also own 50 percent of GMAC, or the General Motors Acceptance Corporation. The other 50 percent is still owned by GM.

GMAC was a money machine for over 60 years and would be today if its real estate arm was not holding bad debt. The solution: Cerberus gets to own all of GMAC in exchange for Chrysler physical assets. Cerberus becomes a Bank Holding Company able to suck up billions from the bailout fund. GM gets $25 billion for bailing out Chrysler. Both get billions in tax deductions. Combined staff get 40,000 pink slips. Cars and trucks. Who cares!

John Arguimbau

French Valley

Let's all show tolerance for others' views

I keep reading in the media that those opposing Proposition 8 say this is simply a civil rights issue. Even the ballot form was cleverly written by stating that it will "eliminate rights." That implies those who are for Prop. 8 somehow oppose rights for our fellow citizens. From my understanding of the proposition and current state law, gay couples have every right married couples have, and this proposition will not change this. So the argument is simply over the word "marriage."

I also read that people who are pro traditional marriage somehow hate gay people or the gay lifestyle. I can only speak for myself, but that is one that really hurts me personally. Why can't I be pro traditional marriage while still loving my fellow gay neighbor or citizen? I wish all my gay neighbors and fellow citizens all the best our great nation has to offer. I don't wish for any of them to be treated unfairly, discriminated against, or feel any less American than I do. But I also don't want to be defined negatively just because I disagree on this proposition.

I hope people will have tolerance toward my view, as others have accused me of not having, because of my support of Prop. 8. Whatever the outcome, I hope we can all understand each other's different viewpoints, and maybe even show our own politicians that we don't need to sling mud at each other in order to elevate our own ideals.

Chad Gharring

Temecula

It's not only McCain who could die

I want to thank The Californian for placing the story about a thwarted effort to assassinate Barack Obama on the front page. I found it interesting that another local paper that supports Obama chose to place the same story on page three. This is huge news that is obviously being swept under the rug so that Americans won't think about this before Election Day.

For days, we have been inundated with news of Sarah Palin's wardrobe costs. People have gone on about it like it is significant. But when a man's life may have been taken, it's a different story. Wake up, America! This is huge news! Everyone is concerned about what would happen if John McCain dies, but what this attempt demonstrates is that there is a very real chance that it could happen.

As much as America likes to think that we have moved past our days of bigotry, it only takes a few minutes on the computer to see that we haven't. Racism continues to pollute our souls. Some folks do not like black people. The chance of Obama being killed by these narrow-minded individuals is very real and something that we need to take into consideration. The Democrats have put a lid on this story so that Americans won't ponder it too deeply. They don't want to lose your vote.

There is a very real possibility that Obama wouldn't be your president for very long. And the civil unrest that would follow an assassination would make the '92 L.A. riots look like a day in the park.

John Martin

Temecula

It's time to stop all the mudslinging

I find it appalling that Nancy Knight has focused her time and energy on discrediting our Police Department instead of focusing on city issues. It appears Nancy has no real answers to our city issues and has stooped to mudslinging.

Nancy has run for office numerous times, but has never won. She claims her opponents always have an unfair advantage because of ties to developers and their big money. However, Nancy owns a newspaper and can print articles that support her views and promote her campaign for office at no cost. With this direct line of communication, I have to wonder if it is not Nancy who has the unfair advantage. However, Nancy hasn't won an election thus far.

I believe Murrieta voters are smarter and realize ideas such as: allowing neighbors to buy the side yards and make smaller, more affordable homes are ridiculous. The voters know that claiming not to have raised money because it makes for easier bookkeeping is only an excuse for not having support! Most of her mudslinging has been focused on Randon Lane and Doug McAllister. I give them credit for not slinging back.

I wonder if Nancy would be trying to discredit the Police Department if she had gotten their endorsement like she had asked for. Hmmm! Voters, don't let one person's political motives discredit our police. We live in one of the safest cities in the country. This is, in large part, due to our fine Police Department.

Dan Holstead

Murrieta

Love the sinner and vote yes on 8

It amazes me that the "No on 8" group attempts to place Christians in a quandary as to how to vote on this issue. If one votes yes on 8, then, according to them, it is actually in opposition to what God would have us do. In reality, the "No on 8" group either has not read what God has said on the matter or, if they have, then they do not understand the plainness of the message.

Homosexuality is a sin. However, God has commanded us to hate the sin but love the sinner. It is difficult but very possible. I love my cousin who identifies herself as a lesbian, but I do not support what she does. I know several friends with brothers, sisters, sons, or daughters who practice homosexuality. They love them, but not what they do. God has also informed us that no matter the sin, he has provided a way to escape its influence. So, it matters not whether one is born with same-sex attraction or chooses that lifestyle; it can be overcome.

Love the sinner, not the sin, and vote yes on 8.

Denton Kimball

Temecula

Prop. 8 is a line in the sand

Steve Lusky's Oct.29 letter referenced "Masters of Deceit" by Mr. Hoover, which warned about threats to the U.S. ---- threats to our values and way of life. Legalized same-sex marriage is such a threat. In California, same-sex domestic partners enjoy virtually all the same rights as married heterosexuals. Prop. 8 doesn't eliminate any rights and saying it does is pure deceit.

Saying that proponents are intolerant, evil or ignorant is also pure deceit ---- we're people of integrity defending our values and way of life. Prop. 8 also is about preventing a loss of parental rights and religious freedom, which could accompany legalized same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage is legal in Massachusetts. Schools there are presenting education on same-sex couples to children 5 and up. Most responsible educators would agree that such a confusing concept is far beyond young children, but the indoctrination continues.

In addition, the Catholic church was forced to choose between losing tax-exempt status in Massachusetts, closing down their private adoption service, or being forced to adopt children to same-sex married couples against their core beliefs ---- a violation of the conceptual separation of church and state.

The "Masters of Deceit" would have you believe that Prop. 8 removes rights from same-sex couples and that legalized same-sex marriage in California wouldn't impact education or religious freedom. Look at Massachusetts, at the rights lost by parents and religions. Are we really so naive to believe that it won't happen here?

Ken Carpenter

Wildomar

How convenient the sound was lost

Tuesday night, I attended the Temecula council meeting. I was shocked that, when most of the audience was gone, their media staffing came out after the Rescue Temecula presenters had spoken stating that there had been an audio problem. That some of the statements made by members of that group had not been recorded on audio. Then, one of the council members stated that media production staffing could match up the auditory speaking with the filming recorded.

The entire City Council and staff members smirked at Al Rattan. Mr. Rattan had stated for the record that he had had three projects with the city, not one. And though Gary Thornhill stated if you have evidence, why hasn't the district attorney come forward? Mr. Rattan corrected for the record that Rescue Temecula had turned their discoveries and factual findings to the U.S. attorney's offices and to the FPPC. How convenient to cut the sound so the entire valley would not hear what was said at the meeting.

Adrian McGregor

Temecula

Pediatrician supports Frandsen

I am a local pediatrician and I support Grey Frandsen for California Assembly. The health of our children is important. Mr. Frandsen is the only candidate who has opposed Liberty Quarry, the giant mine proposed for just south of our community. Over 60 local doctors are opposed to the quarry because they are concerned about health risks. Kevin Jeffries, his opponent, took money from the quarry company.

Frandsen also has the better plan to reduce our taxes and improve the housing crisis and health care. I have spoken with Grey Frandsen numerous times at anti-quarry events. He is an intelligent man with a kind heart. He is the best candidate to represent the interests of our children. He is a Democrat, but he is fiscally conservative and an independent thinker who will not succumb to special interests. Vote for him.

Daniel Robbins

Temecula

McAllister, Lane good choices for city

My hope is that the residents of Murrieta will vote for Doug McAllister and Randon Lane for City Council. I believe that Doug's experience and passion for our community will continue to benefit our city, and that Randon Lane has a long and proven record of service to us via the Planning Commission and many other benevolent organizations he serves.

It is important that we make good decisions for our city during the most trying times of economic downturn, foreclosures and national chaos. Please join me in voting for Doug McAllister and Randon Lane.

Joan Sparkman

Murrieta

Why change the definition of marriage?

The "No on 8" campaign says this is about fundamental rights. Is it really? In 2003, the state of California signed into law AB 205. It states, "This bill would extend the rights and duties of marriage to persons registered as domestic partners on and after January 1, 2005." Same-sex partners under California domestic partnership laws have all the rights and duties of marriage as opposite-sex partners have and therefore are treated equally under the law. Proposition 8 will not change California domestic partnership laws. It only defines the word marriage as between one man and one woman.

When minorities fought for civil rights, they did not want to be called whites or Caucasians. When women fought for equality, they did not want to be called men. Why do the same-sex partners want to be labeled by what heterosexual couples have been labeled for centuries? No one has tried to change or stop anyone from living their lifestyle of choice. They are only trying to keep the definition of marriage what it has always meant in our society.

If the "No on 8" are the tolerant ones, why are all the "Yes on 8" signs being stolen or vandalized? Why do they yell obscenities and give one-finger salutes to fellow Americans standing up for their democratic rights? Why change the definition of marriage? Before you vote, please find out the answer. Hopefully you will join me in voting yes on Prop 8.

Lloyd Peterson

Temecula

Rutz-Robbins right for TVUSD

The city of Temecula has an outstanding opportunity to add a wonderful addition to their school board. Dr. Kristi Rutz-Robbins will bring to the board her tireless enthusiasm coupled with professional experience, total commitment to excellence in education, and the know-how to achieve this goal. Let's not allow this incredible chance to escape.

Kathleen Hamilton

Temecula

Vote yes on Props. 4 and 8

I am outraged that: 1. Proposition 8 is on the ballot because activist judges overturned the will of the people after they approved Proposition 22 several years ago. 2.The mayor of San Francisco is making a mockery of traditional values by stating that gay marriage will be allowed whether we like it or not! 3. The California Teachers Association is speaking out against Prop. 8, defending their position, saying that the schools will not be teaching about gay marriage to kids. Why did they give $1 million to help defeat Prop. 8? Now we have our two liberal senators speaking out against Prop. 8. Why?

Gays should have the right to live together in a civil union. They already have all the rights that heterosexual couples have. They want everyone to embrace their lifestyle and they want to indoctrinate our children! Marriage is a God-given covenant between a man and a woman, and has been forever.

Proposition 4 is another attempt by the state to take away the responsibility of parents to raise their kids by not allowing them to know about their child having an abortion. A child can't even get a tattoo without parental permission, but abortion is OK? I urge you to vote yes to both Props. 4 and 8.

Bob Swannie

Murrieta

Where are the facts on Obama?

I am your average middle-class female. I have spent the past 50 years being educated, working hard, paying taxes, raising kids to be productive, hard-working adults, and giving back to my fellow man whenever possible. I now find myself wondering what has happened to our true American interests. Have we gotten so caught up in the competition of this election that we have all completely overlooked the facts we need to know regarding Barack Hussein Obama?

I am not a McCain supporter ---- I don't feel he is the best man for the job ---- but who is Obama? Why has the average educated American not demanded more information about his background?

I am not asking about your vote, but I am asking you as a fellow American: We need substantial facts before we make such an important decision about the character of this man. It doesn't matter if we are Democrats or Republicans, we are all smart Americans who need to know more about the facts ---- our future and the security of our government depends on it.

Let's get serious, people ---- we need to know more. Where are those unbiased honest American investigative reporters who make a living digging up facts and bringing us the important and factual information? It seems to me this is an extremely important issue that the American people should know! Let's set political agendas aside ---- it's real simple ---- good, old-fashioned, honest "American facts"! Who is Barack Hussein Obama?

Cathy Brown

Menifee

The CTA and Prop. 8

As much as educators are supposed to promote the democratic ideals, I fail to recognize any effort by board members of California Teachers Association to listen to a large proportion of California teachers who are very conservative, especially in defining marriage as a union between a man and woman. I don't know the exact amount of money "donated" by CTA to those opposing Proposition 8, but I can guess that none was provided in support of the proposition.

If the CTA had asked for input from its membership, I believe that a significant number would have stated that a proportional amount of money should have gone to a very worthy cause from our conservative perspective. Instead, the CTA has placed us in a defensive situation with our neighbors, having to explain to them that although most California teachers are part of the union, we do so because CTA helps protect our income. So shame on CTA for saying that California teachers are opposed to Prop. 8. Shame on CTA for being hypocritical about being tolerant when it doesn't even listen to its minority membership.

My hope is that some of us would step forward and hold this union accountable for placing our good names and profession in jeopardy within our local community. Not everyone in the CTA is liberal or lacking moral fortitude. This California teacher is voting yes on Prop. 8 because he believes in the traditional and moral definition of marriage as being between a man and woman.

Jim Pinckard

Temecula

Stealing candy from a baby

The definition of the word "freeload," according to Merriam-Webster, is "to impose upon another's generosity or hospitality without sharing in the cost or responsibility involved." Tax statistics indicate that at least 40 percent of Americans do not pay taxes and are therefore, by definition, freeloaders. As if being a freeloader is not bad enough, they add insult to injury in requesting welfare disguised as tax credits.

The government has a huge national debt, and when people vote for a socialistic agenda that hands out money that the government does not have, they are taking it from future generations. I am not talking about the truly poor, I am talking about the middle class asking for handouts. Like stealing candy from a baby.

William Surrell

Temecula Valley High School

Temecula

McAllister makes a difference for Murrieta

Voting can be an arduous task, as it is often difficult to see through the hype and know what the proposition ---- or the person ---- is really about. I can't help you with most of the difficult decisions you will make on Nov. 4, but I would like to tell you what I know about Murrieta Councilman Doug McAllister.

Doug has been a man of his word and has shown a genuine interest in improving our quality of life in Murrieta. Recently, I expressed concern to Doug about a recurring traffic problem. Days later, radar trailers were set up on that street. This is the kind of action we need and should expect from our City Council.

It is important to me to have members of the City Council that are as passionate about the well-being and the future of Murrieta as I am. I will vote to re-elect Doug McAllister because I believe he is making a difference for Murrieta.

Kimberly Davidson

Murrieta

Where does TVEA stand on issue?

I wrote to the Temecula Valley Educators Association on Oct. 26 regarding the California Teachers Association's opposition to Proposition 8. To date, they have failed to respond. My wife is a teacher and is totally against using her union dues for anything other than the benefit of its majority following.

The TVEA is walking a fine line by remaining mute on this issue. It is the TVEA who seeks community support when it wants to lobby for better benefits and remedy of adverse actions. We are supposed to trust our teachers to educate our students, not forge them into gay, lesbian and transgendered activists. If the local union is backing the defeat of Prop. 8, it may find itself without the support that it has come to expect.

Edwardo Dominguez

Temecula

A man after Chavez's heart

If you like what Hugo Chavez has done to Venezuela, then you will love voting for Barack Obama.

David McFadden

Murrieta