Wrong rules in Vista

The city of Vista, in its infinite wisdom, ruled in January 2003 that it is against the law to protect your property with barbed wire or razor wire. Could it be that criminals are lobbying for easier access to commit crimes against Vista residents? Or is barbed and razor wire too unsightly for the elite who sit on the City Council?

In any case, Vista is sending out the big gun, David Wilson, code enforcement manager, to cite anyone who has the audacity to protect life and property.

This moronic policy is in line with the moronic [actions] of the man who sits in the White House and allowed open borders to bring in thousands of illegals, drug dealers, terrorists, murderers and rapists for eight years. What's wrong with America can be found right here in Vista.

George Mavrik

Bonsall

Fighting drugs by educating youth

About a month ago I submitted a letter advocating the legalizing of drugs because, just as in the case of prohibition of alcohol, the only people benefiting from the present situation are the criminals who are the dealers and suppliers (Letters, April 9).

The current situations at San Diego State and Cal State San Marcos illustrate that the laws do little to curb illegal use of drugs but do much to line the pockets of the drug cartel, etc. It is truly tragic that so many young people unthinkingly jeopardize their futures by using drugs, and the easy and uncontrolled availability of the substances does nothing to deter that use.

I feel that if the $50 billion we currently spend on a failing drug war were to be used toward educating these young users about the damage drugs can cause to their future ability to earn a living, as well as their health, it would be money well spent. It's apparent that the system isn't working because drug abuse is growing. Isn't it time to stop digging the hole we are in?

Ray Raino

Carlsbad

Council shortchanging public safety

Well, Escondido City Hall believes funds should go elsewhere instead of fire protection for its residents. The taxpayer and public need to know why they are understaffing their fire department. Maybe they should request the council to explain why the Marriott hotel funding project does not see any cuts from the budget, butˇ Engine No. 7 staffing does.

Your article ("Council sharply divided over budget cuts," May 8) was one-sided, and I ask David Garrick to interview fire victims and firefighters and listen to the whole truth about Proposition P. I cannot believe that the council is spending money like a rich uncle to private projects and shortchanging public projects. Sure, I hear it is investment in the future. Well, isn't public protection a investment in the community?

I hope and pray the public cries foul on this and brings the sense back to public service.

Michael O'Connor

Escondido firefighter

Valley Center

They did try to change their own government

In 2003, the Carnegie Endowment released a report that found that NAFTA had undermined the economic sustainment of many small farmers in Mexico, who could not compete with subsidized U.S. corn exports. In response to the negative impact of NAFTA on their livelihoods, many in Mexico supported presidential candidate Lopez Obrador, who vowed to improve the situation.

A recent report by Bill Gibbons and Erica Haikara, published in the book "Censored 2008" … reveals how the 2006 Mexican presidential election was stolen from Lopez Obrador by Felipe Calderon with the help of elite elements in the U.S. For instance, some of the anti-Obrador ads airing on Mexican TV were designed by U.S. firms and funded by such corporations as Wal-Mart and Halliburton.

Also, despite hundreds of cases of electoral fraud brought forth in an effort to force a full recount before either candidate had been declared the victor, the New York Times irresponsibly declared Calderon the winner, and Bush personally called Calderon to congratulate him on his "win." In the end, rich investors from the U.S. and Mexico won a victory against the North American working class, thus ensuring that economic refugees from Mexico will continue to arrive.

Brian Williams

Oceanside

Pending crisis could lead to a revolution

Contrary to popular opinion, as a nation, we are most likely in an economic crisis. Maybe even a possibility of a total crash! Our presidential candidates all have impressive credentials. They are all U.S. senators. They all have been the primary cause of our economic and international problems! Then they have the nerve to ask us to vote for them. One, of course, will be elected. Then, watch out, whoever it is. Hold onto your seats. It could be a tailspin. This could happen most likely within four to nine years.

Throughout history, these types of financial and international crises have sparked radical revolutions. I hope not socialism. This crisis could result in real global warming. Like a world war. Where will it end? Without the buddy system and confines of the Beltway? No, not even our tainted judicial system, Wall Street or secular progressivism would help.

Remember this total debt, plus a permissive society, equals a worthless dollar. Let's have a debate on our country's debt. How are we going to pay it off? Not another debacle of a broken government program. Where's the military when you need them?

Stanley Peterson

San Marcos

What are the odds?

I don't know what the odds are for this to happen, but the last three (April 29, May 3 and May 6) Mega Millions Mega number have been 26. I play that number every Tuesday and Saturday; have been forever. But, unfortunately, only one other number came up with it on the third date. As they say, tough! Still curious as to what those odds are.

Bob Cole

Carlsbad

Keep the casino noise down at night

As I write this letter, Duran Duran is playing at the Valley View Casino a half-mile away. The time is 10:15 p.m. and the music is rattling our walls. I can easily understand the performers' vocals as if they were on my radio in my home.

We must rise early because we are farmers here in Valley Center and have lived here for 28 years. I've tried to be respectful of the San Pasqual Tribe and tolerant of their casino. I am asking that they respect us, their neighbors, and keep the noise down at night like all the rest of are required to do.

Richard Price

Valley Center

Another number to register your complaint

Your editorial on April 26 ("Area code redial hits region again") on North County's area code possibly changing listed five phone numbers to call. I called and they told me to call (866) 849-8391 to leave a message voicing my complaint.

Please publish another article letting people know. Please publish this number to get people to call and leave a message. You can call the phone numbers you listed, but not all of the commissioners are taking the calls. Some are referring us to the phone line with the voice mail.

Cherie Heid

Carlsbad

More declining property values

Thanks to your headline in the Thursday, May 8 edition ("San Diego gang active near campus, sheriff's officials say"), my property value went down another 50 percent.

Brian Wolowsky

San Marcos

We're all here for the same reason

Re: Norma Parker's … May 9 letter. I have noticed that some groups do take every opportunity to protest any events that involve the Latino community.

Ms. Parker says, "Do not call me racist or xenophobic because I stick up for my country. …" I can assure her of one thing: When her forbears came here, there were people who were protesting against them, all in the name of country and sovereignty. What makes her think today's immigrants, illegal or legal, are not grateful to be here? … I have never felt that any one is demanding that I speak Spanish to accommodate them. I have many Mexican friends, all of whom speak English. I believe every person has the right to celebrate their heritage.

I don't think Tina Jillings said anywhere in her Opinion piece ("Different reactions to ethnic events," May 5) that she felt her culture was "superior." On the contrary, she said "We all have something to contribute."

Ms. Parker asks, "If their home country is so great, why do so many of them try to come here?" Why did your forbears come here, Norma? The same reason mine did, for that good old American dream.

Bradley Morehead

Vista

Misleading article on egg farms

An article on May 7 referred to the mistreatment of chickens in cages ("Activists release video of chickens abused at California farm"). Unequivocally, the mistreatment of animals should be publicized and perpetrators punished. However, just because birds are in cages does not in itself justify the label "inhumane."

Having been associated with the egg production industry for over 30 years, I watched the transition from the typical labor-intensive "floor" operation to the present "cage" operations. It behooves any animal husbandryman to protect and nurture his animals. Only a healthy, content animal can be productive. … Caged birds are subject to fewer diseases, and advances in genetics and nutrition have contributed to much lower prices and a more wholesome product.

If you were to enter a caged operation, you might be surprised at the euphonious chatter of the birds. Only healthy, happy animals express themselves. Ill and depressed animals are quiet and morose and unproductive.

Incidentally, a recent television program on automation in the dairy industry was udderly fantastic (pun intended). Cows can now decide when they wish to be milked by going to the facility when nature calls … and be identified, washed and milked without attendants.

Sid Zimman

Oceanside