Amendment supporters applauded

I applaud the businessmen who support the ballot initiative to ban gay marriage ("Locals bankroll initiative to ban gay marriage," June 13). Also, Daniel McCalla of Fallbrook must have read my mind when he said, "Until the gays prove to me that they can have children, which is why God created marriage, I just think this is an abomination."

In addition, Daniel McNeill gives all of us food for thought in his statement: "If the amendment doesn't pass, I expect that within a year or so, gay couples will sue to demand that churches marry them." My dear fellow readers, can you believe this tremendous strain on the clergy to compromise their beliefs?

Wanda Carroll

Valley Center

Gays should follow her lead

I want to let Robert Hoehn know that I plan to voluntarily do my part to make sure that my "gayness" does nothing to affect either his marriage or his income in the future ("Locals bankroll initiative to ban gay marriage," June 13).

My Honda Pilot has been serviced at his Carlsbad location since purchase. However, in good conscience, I can no longer take my car there. You see, my car may negatively affect other cars' performance just by being there. What those other owners do with their cars, what type of gas they put in the tank, how they handle the car, the maintenance and care they provide obviously have much less to do with the life of their cars than my car being next to them in Mr. Hoehn's shop. You might think it makes a difference that I have been a good owner, I respect other people's cars and I really try not to cut anyone off in traffic, but I know that just my being there is a detriment to them. So I urge all gay and lesbian people in San Diego County to follow my example and do the right thing â€"â€" find another car dealer.

Melanie Henderson

Oceanside

Picking up his ball and going home

Regarding the online Community Forum by Thomas Becker ("Officers' actions a misuse of resources," June 16): Obviously the Mongols are not your everyday "Sunday afternoon bike riding" club. They are currently listed as an outlaw motorcycle gang by the attorney general of California.

The heavy and overpowering presence of law enforcement agencies is a proven deterrent to criminal activities. It demonstrates that a community will not tolerate the presence of a group, club or gangs that are known lawbreakers.

I resent Mr. Becker equating his life history as being more prone to support police work, as it obviously is not true. He should be capable of expressing his displeasure with what he perceives as a "misuse of resources" without resorting to mindless statements such as he "now has yet another reason to hate cops" and "they've lost exactly the kind of citizen whose support they need." So he is picking up his ball and going home simply because he does not agree with major league rules. Sorry, Mr. Becker, that is not support.

Jedda Lorek

Fallbrook

Republicans stalling the state budget

The California state Republicans are showing once again how they will stop at nothing to push their pro-corporate agenda. Now they refuse to pass a budget unless the hard-fought new policies to ban the dirtiest diesel engines and to curb greenhouse gases are rolled back.

Republicans claim the economy is more important than our health. It's obvious that the economy they are talking about is the status quo, not the emerging companies that filter diesel fuel emissions and not the new green-energy companies. The Republicans are showing how out of touch they are, clinging to traditional corporate allies regardless of the consequences.

California is one of only a few states in the U.S. that still requires a two-thirds majority to pass a budget instead of a simple majority. Until this is changed we will be facing these absurdities every year, and the Republicans will further tarnish our Golden State, driving it into still deeper debt.

Patricia Bleha

Carlsbad

Let's work for a more sustainable future

I am a senior at UC San Diego and I have just started driving this January. I have been looking forward to driving since I could walk, and I remembered admiring cars for the joy and freedom that came with the keys.

It's disappointing how now I dread having to drive. I am an unfortunate owner of a sports car that needs gas at $4.65 per gallon. Whatever happened to the joy and freedom of being able to sit in the driver's seat?

Gas prices will continue to rise. Increasingly, we see more and more drivers on the road, because we can't go to very many places without a car these days. I urge that we invest more in hybrid cars or other energy-efficient means of transportation.

I urge that we seek to improve our metro systems to make them more frequent, attractive and efficient to use. If we can increase bus and metro use among civilians, then we can reduce CO2 gas emissions, global warming, not to mention the hundreds of thousands of accidents that occur.

Let's work together to bring a more sustainable living for us and for our future generations.

Kelly Lam

San Diego

Republican's failed vision of the future

There is the sad news that the Japanese did it to us again. Thanks to the oil-driven mentality of our failed leader G.W. Bush, the press advises today that they have beaten us to the marketplace again with a hydrogen-powered car. They (Honda and Toyota) beat us in 2001 with hybrids and, in the '90s, Toyota with a fully electric car. Reps. Issa, Hunter and Bilbray's response last week at a fundraiser, as well as candidate McCain's position as reported in the press, was to promote more drilling, with not one word in favor of alternative methods of powering our vehicles.

Does anyone else but a Democrat see the lack of vision for the future? The lack of concern for the environment? The lack of championing the U.S. into becoming the leader, not the follower in what will be the technology of the future? ˇ

Vote 'em all out, and let's get on the way to being the leader we deserve to be.

Jerry Sarnataro

Fallbrook

Cheap illegal labor cause of unemployment

Bob Herbert ("Priority: job creation," June 12) evidently never evaluated the 12 million to 35 million illegal people that have more than caused this vast unemployment of 16- to 24-year-olds. None of those between 16 and 24 will become brain surgeons and are of mostly limited education or even dropouts.

In 1937/38, I was 16 years old in the middle of the Great Depression. Kids would hustle then to earn money because of parental training, guidance and need. In Midwest farm country we never heard of imported labor.

Recently a huge number of trees were cut to save water, and I will wager most of the work was performed by cheaper Mexican help. The young unemployed can pick avocados, citrus or strawberries and operate most all farm equipment. We can mow our own lawns or hire a Marine who can use extra income. Our politicians are supported by the agricultural, industrial complex that have become used to cheap illegal labor. We will soon see the two presidential candidates will do nothing to enforce the law. I'll just bet!

Bob Limpus

Fallbrook

Some teachers don't defend shock tactics

Monday's paper ran an article about El Camino High School's participation in the drunken driving program called "Every 15 Minutes" ("Teachers defend shock tactics in teen drunken-driving program," June 16). Though the article's title claims that "teachers" defend the shock tactics used in the program, I want to make it absolutely clear that there are plenty of teachers who opposed this hoax from the beginning. …

As teachers who work closely with teenagers daily, it was appalling that we were asked to play along in such a traumatizing exercise. This event damaged our hard-won trust with some of our students, and has the potential to damage future relationships between adults and teens.

Did the program make its point? Yes. Does that mean that our ethical responsibility to be truthful to our students was justifiably trumped by this message? No. I hope the day never comes when I have to see an empty desk in my classroom â€"â€" many of my colleagues have suffered that incredible loss â€"â€" but if it does come, I hope that I have the courage to handle the situation with the honesty and respect it deserves.

Carrie Targhetta

teacher, El Camino High School

Oceanside

Amnesty defeated again

The American citizens rose up and defeated yet another illegal alien amnesty in May! This one was proposed by our own liberal senator in California, Dianne Feinstein. She and Harry Reid tried to pander to the Latino Caucus and special interest groups by slipping amnesty for millions of illegal alien agricultural workers into a defense spending bill. Again, frustrated Americans burned up the phone lines and fax machines in Washington and told these traitors no, we do not want to grant amnesty for people who came here illegally.

The farmers have tried to claim they need these illegal aliens to pick our crops, but that is simply not true! The H2A visa program allows farmers to bring in unlimited guest workers to work their farms. … The H2A visa application process is time-consuming and more expensive since the employers are required, by law, to provide farmworker housing and other humane benefits. Instead, they prefer to force the migrants to enter the U.S. illegally, accept slave wages and live in filthy shacks in our canyons.

Reject all agricultural worker amnesties and force farmers to hire workers legally! Sign up for free faxes today at www.NumbersUSA.com and tell our politicians what you think.

Mari Hayden

spokeswoman, San Diego Minutemen

Oceanside

Understanding self-injurious behavior

Self-injurious behavior among disabled persons is increasing. Most are hidden in institutions and group homes, restrained and drugged. Ironically, combinations of skin-shock therapy, exercise, special diets and protective supervision are the most effective treatments. Yet this costs money and takes time.

Indeed, managing self-injury requires vigilant monitoring. Modifications. Discernment. The slightest toothache can trigger savage self-injurious attacks. Likewise, undetected blisters, splinters or ulcers. Ditto, loud noises, hunger, thirst or changes in scenery. In essence, a behaviorally and medically fragile group. Utmost dedication and experience are critical.

Sadly, there is an epidemic shortage of experienced professionals who understand this population. Psychologists don't have a clue how to handle self-injury. Consequently, they write ridiculous reports. Make spiritless suggestions. Moreover, psychiatrists only prescribe pills. This is fraud. Benign neglect. Please, if you haven't invested time or study into this complex population, don't pretend you can help. Better to give families access to state funds and resources currently controlled by bureaucrats.

Kim Oakley

Valley Center

Be a patriot like Oliver North

Col. North is a perfect example for my philosophy that laws are bad. To recap the history, it was illegal to sell weapons to Iran or to give weapons to the Contras of Nicaragua, yet Col. North committed both these criminal acts because what he personally believed in was more important than obeying the laws of our country. This is what I'm talking about, friends! Ignore laws that you disagree with.

Breaking the law made Col. North an American hero. This newspaper even gives him space for a column. His latest words were that waving a flag shows your patriotism, just as his decision to break our laws made him a patriot. C'mon, neighbors! Wave your flags! Break a law! Be a patriot!

I salute this newspaper and our country for promoting people who consider themselves above the law. Bravo! We must teach our children to march behind our heroic role models who are leading us into that glorious future where everyone can be a patriot and laws mean nothing. It's a shame that Al Capone's dead. He would fit right in at the North County Times. He had some really entertaining excuses for breaking the law.

Richard McKenzie

Vista

There should be a maximum age for being president

McCain is simply too old to be president of the U.S. The reason I have the right to make this statement is I'm about the same age, and I'm not half the man I was five short years ago, and neither is McCain. He can still sell the Repug line, but we're not hiring a salesman. We're electing a president, and he should be physically up to the job. His time passed him by when he ran for president in 2000.

The U.S. has a minimum age limit to become president and it should have a maximum age for the same reasons commercial pilots must retire at 65. The last old president we had was Reagan. Have you forgotten his last year in office? He had Alzheimer's disease!

Our nation can't afford a president who can't give a total effort for the job. In the past, there wasn't a problem I couldn't solve if I worked hard enough. Today I go home and take a nap, hoping it'll go away. If you don't want to take my word for it, consider members of your own family who are McCain's age. Do you believe they would be physically fit to be president for the next four years?

Joe Martin

Oceanside

Take back our state from environmentalists

The environmentalists control our governor, our Legislature, our courts and the California Coastal Commission. The governor and our water and power companies tell us that we must conserve water, electricity and gasoline, but they do nothing to restrict the increasing demand, like our ever-increasing population. Conservation cannot solve the shortage problem we face. Conservation can only delay the inevitable.

Conservation will ensure that we will run out of water, electricity and gasoline. This country did not become the greatest nation on Earth by conservation. When we needed more of something, we went out and produced it. That is why our manufactured goods and agricultural products were exported around the world.

By controlling our government, the environmentalists have blocked moving water to Southern California, desalination of seawater, transmission lines for electrical power and drilling for oil off our coast. What will they do if China drills off our coast, like they have off Florida? We the people need to take back our state and rebuild it into what it used to be.

Frank Thurlow

Vista

Let's not bag the bigger problem: global warming

I was inspired when reading the North County Times' coverage of the local movement to ban plastic bags in Encinitas ("Plastic bag ban gets community support," June 14). Our community understands that we must do our part for the environment, and it has to start locally. The same goes for global warming.

Last year devastating wildfires brought a taste of life on a warming planet. Global warming threatens our way of life here in Southern California. We can't wait to take action. While people here are changing their light bulbs, carrying reusable bags and using energy more efficiently, it is not enough to stop global warming. We need action from our leaders in Congress â€"â€" but they won't do anything until they hear from us.

This is a critical election year, and Rep. Brian Bilbray needs to give us a real plan for tackling global warming. His democratic challenger, Nick Leibham, has already stated his commitment to renewable energy, which is a great start. Both candidates should commit to real solutions to global warming. Let's turn up the heat on Bilbray and Leibham. Whoever represents our community in Congress should protect our homes and do what is right.

Jenny Binstock

North County organizer,

Greenpeace

San Diego

Know your housing rights

Same-sex marriage is the topic of the day. There are detractors and supporters on both sides of the issue. Sometimes, laws protecting the rights of everyone are a long time coming. Fair housing laws are an example, and really begin with the Civil Rights Act of 1966. They continue to be updated by the legislature. Equal protection in housing is guaranteed by both federal and state laws. Race, color, religion, sex, disability and familial status are federally protected classes. Age, marital status, source of income, sexual orientation, medical condition and arbitrary status are protected by state law.

We are a nation built on the idea that all men (and women) are created equal. To abridge any law, or diminish any protection offered to uphold this equality, necessarily diminishes us all. Whether buying or renting a house, obtaining a mortgage loan or insurance, only pertinent business information should be used in the decision-making process. If you are a banker, landlord or other housing service provider, personal and religious beliefs cannot come into play. Call your local fair housing provider or city hall for more information on your rights.

J.E. Kelly Matthews

Vista

Too much stick and not enough carrot

Regarding, "Legislating home-grown electricity," June 11: Ms. Saldana's bill is too much stick and not enough carrot. People need to be invited, not just required to do something new.

That said, the opposition to the bill reminds me of the days when the auto industry was forced to start cleaning up emissions and design in safety features that today we take for granted in our cars. Detroit protested that the requirements would raise the cost of cars out of reach of ordinary people. That, obviously, did not happen.

The "stick" of regulation was necessary to change the status quo, and we have all benefited from cleaner air and safer cars. The housing industry does not have to repeat the dysfunctional behavior of the auto industry. American engineers, contractors, architects, builders and Republicans are perfectly capable of providing the kind of housing we all will come to take for granted in the next few decades. Ms. Saldana, hang a carrot out in front so you don't have to resort to the stick!

Jonathan Cartford

Escondido

Human needs take precedent

Finally someone acts like he has good sense and, as usual, it's a Republican: John McCain. McCain wants to open the offshore oil wells. We need gas today, not in the far future, and we have plenty of it. Now I hope he has the guts to tell the environmentalists to go take a hike.

When it comes to gas in my tank or the caribou in Alaska, guess who comes in second? Not me! God says, "Isn't man of more value than the animals?" and he's able to care for both at the same time. I feel the same about the animals in the ocean. God supplied coal for the Industrial Age with 325 years to the good. Why would he not supply enough oil for the machines now? He would. Don't you know he has a fuel stored under the Earth to cleanse the world with fire soon? Why couldn't it be oil, and he's willing to share.

Too many idiot politicians get in the way with their idiotic ideas, and now we are at the mercy of foreign nations. The blame is not George Bush's alone. It goes back 20 to 30 years. Remember Jimmy Carter?

The little man is suffering, but do politicians care? Heavens no! It seems to be a case of "I've got mine, the heck with you all." May God show you the same mercy you are showing us. As for the oil barons, may all of your gold turn to dust.

G. Jean Snyder

Oceanside

Self-preservation trumps bad gun regulations

Joe Grant ("Gun people hate obeying gun laws," Letters, June 16) thinks poorly conceived gun regulations pre-empt an individual right to self-defense and that appeasement of violent, criminal predators is safer than resistance. James Spiers had a gun put to his head by a punk who showed willingness to kill for a few dollars. Spiers possessed the means to save his life, and exercised his right as a human being. Des Moines, Iowa, law enforcement supported his actions, and the Pizza Hut corporate suits showed incredibly poor judgment in firing him.

Mr. Grant cites his U.S. Army service in World War II and Korea to establish credibility for his attacks on lawful gun ownership. I know many veterans who fought in those wars, Vietnam, the Gulf War and the present conflict in Iraq who strongly believe in the citizen's right to keep and bear arms, and who are appalled at ongoing corporate and legislative efforts to infringe that right. I served on the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise in the Gulf of Tonkin during Vietnam. Gun owners don#'t hate all gun regulations; they just despise the useless ones that empower criminals and get innocent people killed.

Jim Mosher

Encinitas

Good job by Marine Corps judge

The decision to dismiss charges against Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani was the righteous thing to do ("Charges against Haditha commander dismissed," June 17). The courage and integrity of Col. Steven Folsom, presiding judge, to adhere to the rule of law is commended.

It is hard to decide whether it was gross stupidity or bold arrogance by Gen. Mattis and his staff when they decided to proceed ahead with filing charges against Chessani. It seems very evident that Col. John Ewers, who helped investigate the Chessani case, should not have become the legal adviser to Mattis and then be allowed to sit in on meetings concerning Chessani. The fact that Mattis said that he made his own decision concerning Chessani indicates that the general is oblivious to the guidelines concerning unlawful command influence. What about Col. John Ewers? Did it never occur to him that he might be doing something wrong?

In my opinion, Gen. Mattis and his staff incorrectly assumed they could violate Lt. Col. Chessani's rights and get away with it. Col. Folsom didn't let that happen. Gen. Mattis, the American people expect more from our military leaders!

Thomas Calabrese

Oceanside

Support those who support the community

The last two weeks of school are a busy time for all. I had the opportunity to attend two fun events at Oceanside High School (the annual Green and White Football Game), as well as McAuliffe School (end-of-the-year BBQ). Both events were supported and funded by the Oceanside Outback Steakhouse. I was amazed to see the owner, Janice, and her staff smiling and laughing as they diligently cooked and served the families of these schools. What most impresses me is her generosity year after year to the community of Oceanside. Thank you, Janice and the great Outback staff! …

Peggy Carroll

Oceanside

Many gather to retire old, worn flags

Just prior to darkness descending upon the land, some 150 patriotic individuals gathered in beautiful Walnut Grove Park for the annual San Marcos Kiwanis Club and Cub Scout Pack 662 flag retirement ceremony. Anchoring the event was our mayor, Jim Desmond, a former sailor, who did a flawless job. Rick Barthel again this year made Johnny Cash glow with his recital of "That Ragged Old Flag." Carrie Clevers and her band of Kiwanians engineered a beautiful program.

Under the watchful eye of the San Marcos Fire Department, various groups, including the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Kiwanians, veterans, Daughters of the American Revolution and others, respectfully placed each of the over 200 tattered and worn flags to rest in the flames of the two fire pits. In memory of Tony Oubre, a survivor of Wake Island, POW and now deceased, I (a survivor of Pearl Harbor) solemnly dedicated the retirement of a flag. Others made similar dedications.

Guests were allowed to read the group such verses as "I Am the Flag," Red Skelton's "Pledge of Allegiance," "Freedom Is Not Free," "For I Am Your Flag," etc. Patriotic songs were sung, maybe off key a little, but heartfelt. … We know we didn't recognize everyone who participated, mainly because everyone participated.

Theodore Roosvall

U.S. Marine Corps, retired

and Ed Bridges

U.S. Navy, retired

Better role models needed

In the June 8 edition of the North County Times, the Back Page lead article "Graduation story" caught my attention. Most people (especially Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson) have swept this story of the Duke lacrosse students, who were unjustly accused of raping Crystal Magnum … under the rug. After months of inexcusable abuse against these students â€"â€" fueled not only by Sharpton and Jackson, but also the liberal Duke student body â€"â€" it was proven Magnum lied. No apologies followed!

Worse yet, Sharpton and Jackson played on the emotions of the (i.e., conned) black community to donate funds to send Magnum to college! Ironically, two of the accused students had to drop out of Duke to defend themselves and could not graduate this year. But, as the article states, Magnum graduated from North Carolina Central in, unbelievably, police psychology. To use against the police?

May I suggest to the African-American community that they ignore the rantings of Jackson and Sharpton. …

Merrill Brown

Oceanside