Governor wastes everyone's time

Why is the governor wasting time coming to Escondido? While our state is in serious financial peril, the governor is grandstanding by wasting time making public appearances and saying the same stuff we have all heard before. In my opinion, he and the Legislature should be meeting together 24/7 to negotiate a compromise budget.

Stop joy-riding around the state. Stop wasting state money on jet fuel and rented limos coming to Escondido. Stop wasting the time of the Escondido Police Department to provide security. Stop wasting reporters' time covering this nonevent.

Do the job you were elected to do. Or is California getting what we are paying for? Nothing.

Fred Wollman

Escondido

Many reasons for U.S. to support Israel

Two hundred words are insufficient to respond to William Dreu's anti-Israel diatribe (Letters, June 13).

Israel racist? Israel is not for Jews only; Arab-Israelis are citizens, partake in the political process, have among the highest standards of living in the Mideast.

The best example of racism? Xenophobic, intolerant, Muslim-only Saudi Arabia.

Squatters? The Biblical land promised to Abraham extends from the Mediterranean to Iraq, Lebanon to the Red Sea. The historical Land of Israel includes the West Bank, Gaza and the TransJordan. That Israel has sacrificed some of its land does not diminish its lawful right by history, mandate and legitimate conquest to territory claimed by Palestinians.

Israel's existence, surrounded by hostile nations dedicated to its destruction, depends upon a reasonable territorial and ethnic footprint for survival. Israel, our sole ally in the region, shares our values, democratic government and significant economic partnership. Israel is strategically important as a balance of power against terrorism and Arab hegemony.

We enjoy substantial dividends from Israeli high-tech intelligence and joint research. Israel is a modern success story seeking to live peacefully. Arabs are still living in the Middle Ages, determined to bring the West into submission by violence. I don't have to be Jewish to be pro-Israel.

David Bouck

Poway

For just one day

What if, for just one day, we stopped calling each other the names we have so carefully chosen for ourselves? What if, for just one day, we weren't a Jew or a Palestinian? What if, for just one day, we weren't a Democrat or a Republican? What if, for just one day, we weren't a conservative or a liberal?

What if, for just one day, we weren't a Catholic or a Protestant? What if, for just one day, we weren't gay or straight? What if, for just one day, we could rise above the labels and be the human beings we all truly are?

If we started as human beings every time we had to solve a problem, where would that lead us? One of the greatest techniques for securing an enemy is to de-humanize "them" with labels and name-calling. I wonder what would happen if, for just one day, we did just the opposite? Just one day. All of us as human beings, sharing hopes and dreams together, for just one day.

After the day had passed, we could go back to the security of the group we've sworn our allegiance to. Or could we?

Larry Hawes

Vista

'Crash tax' is sneaky

I have lived in Fallbrook for more than 30 years and it has been the norm that every few years, the North County Fire District has attempted to impose a new fee or tax on the citizens. A number of times, it tried to impose a fee on all land owners of $30 per parcel. Another time, it was a similar effort, only graduated this time, based upon parcel size. In all of these cases, those fees were not implemented due to voter anger.

This most recent "crash fee" is simply another effort to sneak in a tax to pay for something we are already paying for ("New accident fee ahead for fire district," June 3). I don't remember a meeting where this was discussed, as Captain Metcalf indicates, however I might have missed the notice.

These double taxes, disguised as "fees," once instituted, will not go away. The fire district will simply grow to spend this new revenue, until it needs more. The rates for the "crash tax" will simply increase.

Fallbrook, stop this insidious tax!

Len Tevebaugh

Fallbrook

No concern for right

The letter by Brandon Webb (June 5) slams Eric Parish because Parish denounces the United States for all the needless deaths and destruction in Iraq and Afghanistan and denounces Israel for it's treatment of the Palestinians. Of course, Webb says these two counties are just defending themselves. This is nonsense and shows it is Webb that is against all that is good and right.

For Phil Epstein (June 5), I have no problem looking in the mirror because I know the truth because of scholarship. But Webb and Epstein would rather use derogatory remarks.

Jack Strumpf (June 7) displays his ignorance. We were never in danger from the Nazis. The Korean war was a civil war, the result of the U.S. dividing Korea after WWII and supporting the South's murderous dictator, not a worldwide march of communism (wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_War).

The Arabs hate us for more reasons than supporting Israel, like the invasion and occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan. Strumpf is lost in that sandstorm.

Chris Pulse

Vista

We do not live in a democracy

There seems to be rampant misinformation as to the type of government we have in the United States. Many keep bandying about the word "democracy," as in Mr. Edward Penniman's letter (June 14). This is not true.

We live in a constitutional republic. Our founding fathers were very cognizant of the dangers of a pure democracy. It would mean that the majority could rule the minority with impunity. This is called tyranny. They carefully constructed a constitution with three branches of government as a form of checks and balances. There is no democracy on this planet.

If it weren't for the due diligence of our founding fathers, we would probably still have slavery, and women would still not be able to vote. We would also probably have ended up a theocracy with a single church controlling our school system. I am very thankful we do not live in a democracy.

Joseph Kraatz

Oceanside

Recall effort is self-indulgent

Not only are paid petition gatherers obtaining signatures, Jerry Kern's recallers seem to think the expenditure of a mere half-million taxpayer dollars is a drop in the bucket.

Harriett Bledsoe tells us these recall activists "have done much for the city" in her June 14 letter. That may be true. But they look casually at burdening Oceanside taxpayers during tough economic times when budget cuts are ravaging all departments.

To everyone who despises trickery and self-indulgent spending, beware of any petition you are asked to sign. You may be adding your name to an effort destined to further deplete Oceanside funds. If a recall is truly in order, do it the fiscally responsible way: Do it at the next election.

Patricia Berry

Oceanside

Politicians violating Constitution's limits

For all those who seem confused as to why the country has deteriorated morally and has accumulated humongous debt at the expense of the people, all you have to do is read the Constitution of the United States of America to see how the government has, by usurpation, placed the debt upon the people of the several states. The Constitution limits government to prevent what is happening today.

Within the Constitution, which uses common English to prevent misunderstanding, are limits on government for the control of money, property and law. Within its text, it contains how it may be changed if we the people decide it no longer applies to present conditions; it does not give the three branches of government power to change it by passing law or making treaties.

Educate yourself, Americans, and see that it matters not what party is governing for they are all usurpers, and it is we the people who are responsible for allowing these violations of the supreme law of the land. If it violates the Constitution, it is unlawful. Vote those politicians out of office, for they have violated their oath of office.

Rick Urias

Escondido

Critics of Israel not all anti-Semites

One of this paper's Israel-can-do-no-wrong letter-writers has lumped me with her perceived anti-Semites (Letters, June 13). I am a Jew.

Ironically, I have never disclosed that in my letters because I know that anti-Semitism is real, and I fear it. Like this writer, I support Israel's right to exist. I was offended by another writer's use of the phrase "two-bit state." But I do not agree that it is in any way anti-Semitic to be appalled at some of Israel's actions and policies.

I fear that Israel's heavy-handed treatment of the Palestinians â€"â€" bulldozing their homes, burning their crops, etc. â€"â€" will only make Israel look worse in the eyes of the rest of the civilized world. I understand the history. I know that Israel has been forced to defend itself numerous times in 60 years. But you can't deny that some of these actions go above and beyond defense.

Yes, there are Palestinian thugs and terrorists. But mostly there are families â€"â€" human beings â€"â€" just trying to earn a living and raise their children. It's time to stop punishing all of them for the actions of the few. If that sounds anti-Semitic to you, I'm afraid your mind is permanently closed.

Carol Kissin

Oceanside

Column is a reminder of network standards

Roland Martin's June 15 North County Times column ("Sarah Palin, the real joke in all this is on you") on Sarah Palin is a useful reminder about network standards: that Mr. Letterman's vulgarities are what passes at CBS for class, taste and humor, and that Mr. Martin's columns, with two paragraphs begun with the word "yeah," are what passes, at CNN, for writing.

Dale Delmege

Escondido

Anti-science, perplexing news

Richard Wible's hilarious parody of an anti-environmental letter had me in stitches (Letters, June 14)! In a single letter, he captures the stereotypical absurdities usually offered by anti-science extremists, tying them all together for added effect!

Wible wonders why plants and animals don't reflect our changing climate, as if completely oblivious to the widespread upheavals in natural and agricultural vegetation, bird migrations and animal extinctions widely documented by real scientists and anyone who enjoys nature.

Wible cites the favorite conservative boogyman, Al Gore, followed by various other political figures. None of the actual science originates from these policy makers, who seek to develop public policy responses to information based on the overwhelming consensus of legitimate peer-reviewed scientific literature.

Michael Campbell repeats the perplexing conservative myth that FDR's peacetime spending prolonged the Great Depression while his wartime spending ended it, without addressing the obvious inconsistency (Letters, June 11). Campbell's solution for the Bush Depression is more of those tax cuts for the rich that caused it, thus assaulting and undermining capitalism. You know what Albert Einstein said about those who keep doing the same thing and expecting different results. …

Douglas Dunn

Escondido

The energy bill now in Congress

I am appalled! Many newspapers across the country have just run a major story from the Associated Press saying Congress is abandoning President Obama's clean-energy jobs campaign promises ("Congress abandoning Obama's clean energy goals")!

It appears that the well-heeled oil and coal lobbyists have, as usual, badly weakened the big energy bill now in Congress.

It may still have good parts, but much to my amazement, the current bill wouldn't require the creation of any more clean energy than is already in the works. Wind and solar create more than twice as many jobs as coal and oil (not to mention far less pollution), so this bill won't create the new jobs we need in our community.

Even worse, the bill would repeal parts of the Clean Air Act, preventing Obama from cracking down on dirty power plants.

For the sake of our economy and our planet, we need our representatives in Congress to fight to fix the energy bill.

Congress is voting in less than 10 days, so we've got to make our support for the bill in its current, strong form before it gets so weakened …

Martha Davis

Vista

Time to wake up on health care issue

It is time for us lemmings to raise our collective heads and understand what our politicians are trying to force upon us in the guise of "giving us something for nothing."

This is a single-payer health system. I am not a neutral party, as I am an insurance agent, but I am also over 65, so I am a concerned consumer.

Our health system is not perfect, but a single-payer system would not work here with our mix of population. There are too many people taking out of the system and not enough putting into the system.

No one is mentioning the rationing of health care should the bureaucrats have their way. One is already hearing about it in regards to diabetes and heart disease.

If you do not like working with an insurance carrier, try dealing with a bureaucrat who does not have to answer to anyone.

Do you think our politicians will wait in line for medical care or accept rationing? I think not.

Deanna Kaskin

Escondido

The public's right to know is vital

The right of the people to know what their government is doing is fundamental to democracy. Not only do they have the right to know what decisions have been made, they also have the right to participate in making those decisions.

Some cities in California have enacted open government policies, often referred to as "sunshine ordinances," which go beyond the minimum requirements of the Brown Act and the Public Records Act.

A clearly established policy of open meetings, easy access to public records and accountability will increase the public's trust and confidence in government.

At the June 10 Encinitas City Council meeting, I proposed a citizens task force to work with staff to craft a Sunshine Ordinance. My colleagues, while admitting to past problems, said a Sunshine Ordinance was not necessary.

I disagree. Without a written policy, it is too easy to ignore and abuse state open government laws.

We must send a clear message to the public that the city of Encinitas values open and transparent government. Furthermore, we must hold ourselves and the staff accountable to these goals.

The citizens of Encinitas deserve nothing less.

Teresa Barth

Encinitas councilwoman

Don't always blame immigrants

Sure, we have an illegal immigrant problem that needs addressing. But Mr. Frank Thurlow (Letters, June 15) says to "count the number of vehicles parked in the driveways and front yards." Sure, if you own a big home in a upscale neighborhood, your family of Mom, Dad and four high school/college kids can have six cars in the drive without causing thoughts of multiple families living there.

But the same family living in a low-income neighborhood in a small home with no three-car garage or circular drive looks different. Also, the economy is causing everyone to double up â€"â€" children moving home, young couples taking in parents, grandparents taking in family members. In some cultures, it is a sign of pride that extended families live together. People should think before painting a broad picture and don't always blame illegals.

Sharon Watson

Escondido

Letter writer needs to check facts

Max Savin's June 13 letter contained many errors, but I will only question one of them. I've lived in a socialist country, and hope that by 2012, the voters will be so sick and tired of the control exerted by the government over many facets of a previously capitalistic state, that they will revert back to the latter.

I hope that the "comedian" who joked about a 14-year old girl being "knocked up" by a Yankee ballplayer so repulsed his audience that he is booed off the stage. In fact, I hope that the present-day audiences who hysterically cheer anything that the "comic" says that is contrary to our traditional values are replaced with today's average Americans.

I hope that our president is successful during the next four years â€"â€" he has a tough road ahead.

"1 million dead Iraqi citizens" during the United States occupation of that country is not an accurate assessment. Check the facts, Mr. Savin.

John Schueler

Oceanside

Merriam Mountains project is flawed

The article "Foes of Merriam Mountains focus on traffic with recent mailer," June 9, highlighted only a few of the major problems with the project. Among the most significant are fire hazards and traffic; however, what about the impact on our environment?

In a time when the entire state is being asked to conserve or even substantially reduce water consumption, how is it a project anticipated to consume more than 1 million gallons of water daily (and further assuming that all 2,700 new homes are as conservation-minded as the developer assumes in its Environmental Impact Report) is being considered by our elected officials?

This development will devastate the environment. It will destroy existing agricultural property and it endangers wetlands and protected mineral resources. Additionally, the project will exceed county noise levels along Deer Springs Road, and the additional traffic and congestion will degrade air quality.

County staff, the planning commission and the San Diego County Board of Supervisors must reject this fatally flawed project before it ruins both our quiet and tranquil community as well as neighboring communities.

Cindi Peterson

San Marcos

Digital conversion good reason not to watch TV

In case the North County Times is planning a story on the digital television conversion for the region, I thought I would like to comment.

The change is a bit of a bust for me, even though I get fabulous reception by antenna for most stations.

I would trade all of the local stations with their beautiful high-definition signals for one signal from KPBS TV15. Due to the location of their transmitter, we lost them since the changeover.

I'm still not motivated to subscribe to cable (I'd rather donate to public radio/TV). Maybe it's a good excuse not to be sitting in front of the tube.

Peter Urban

Escondido

College graduations do not honor flag

I attended my niece's graduation from the Earl Warren College at UC San Diego on June 14. After the graduates and dignitaries were settled in, I waited for them to announce the playing of the national anthem. They did not.

As we sat down, I looked around and noticed there was no American flag in sight. Is this not a public school funded by tax dollars in the United States of America? I have attended graduations at high schools and have always heard the national anthem. Am I missing something? Do colleges not honor our flag?

Lynn Hartz

Escondido

Trust Sotomayor?

Sonia Sotomayor says she'd follow the law. Right, OK, we believe her. I'm sure she wouldn't say that if it wasn't the truth, right? Let's not bring past history into it.

Dan Norwood

Fallbrook

Lest we be judged

It is very important who is appointed judge. Two recent presidents â€"â€" George H. W. Bush nominated Sonia Sotomayor in 1992, Bill Clinton elevated her to the appeals court in 1997 â€"â€" and now President Obama has nominated her for appointment to the Supreme Court. Most reports we see, read and hear are short of glowing. Taste for pig intestines and pig feet can be acceptable, and Princeton was not a bad spot to continue her education.

However, her wide range in explaining her understanding of the law and how she will rule leaves the door wide open to speculation by most. Three presidents could have made critical decisions here.

Obama could end it, but to create a court with three or four other judges on our Supreme Court unable to correct wrongful decisions by Sotomayor would be a tragedy. Obama has responsibilities he ignores, as in his takeover of General Motors, Chrysler, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and it goes on and on. It must end.

But how?

Bob Limpus

Fallbrook

Checkpoint problem solved

Re: "Driver's license checkpoint locations vary," June 14: Monkey's uncle!

Let's fire Police Chief Jim Maher and make Victor Torres Escondido's chief of police.

Cancel everybody's driver's license and insurance.

Driving drunk and hit-and-runs are no longer a crime.

Problem solved.

Kenneth Harrison

Escondido

Proposed budget cuts don't make sense

Many of the budget cuts advocated by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger would result in huge losses in federal funding to the state.

â€" CalWorks: State cuts: $1.3 billion; federal funding loss: $4.2 billion.

â€" Medi-Cal: State cuts: $1.4 billion; federal funding loss: $2.4 billion.

â€" Healthy Families: State cuts: $400 million; federal funding loss: $800 million.

â€" In-Home Supportive Services: State cuts: $765 million; federal funding loss: $1.7 billion.

It does not make good sense to cut these essential programs for the poor and disabled by $4.35 billion and lose $9.1 billion in the process!

All of the above programs can be saved simply by eliminating the more than $9 billion annual budget for the care of illegal alien criminals in the state's prison systems! Why is it that none of our honorable state legislators dare to propose this solution?

Louis Bajkai

Carlsbad

9/11 Truth thanks Encinitas library

San Diego for 9/11 Truth thanks Encinitas and its library for use of the library's community room, where Richard Gage made his 100th presentation, "9/11: Blueprint for Truth."

Gage, a San Francisco Bay area architect, member of the American Institute of Architects and the founder of Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth, presented a hopeful message to a packed audience that the truth of the 9/11 events at the World Trade Center are starting to emerge.

Although this is a difficult topic, there is a growing sense that finding the real truth of 9/11 through an independent investigation will be the key to working through many of America's problems. Gage explains why 700 other architects and engineers have signed a petition at the AE911Truth.org Web site calling for a new investigation.

Everything about the event was superb: the crowd from around North County, the beautiful setting overlooking Old Encinitas, the intriguing artwork in the community room and the hospitality of library and city staffs.

As a former NASA flight research engineer, I have confidence these people are giving the evidence the same close scrutiny they give similar information in their professional lives.

Dwain Deets

Leucadia

Thank you to Wal-Mart

The Committee for Safety of Foreign Exchange Students is an Oceanside non-profit corporation advocating the safety, protection and well-being of exchange students around the world and was instrumental in strengthening the U.S. State Department's regulations for the protection of these young people.

CSFES would like to thank Ms. Beverly Pierce of the Wal-Mart Store 2245 of Oceanside for the generous donation received.

Wal-Mart's donation will be helpful toward reaching the goal's of CSFES to continue advocating for the protection of all exchange students.

Danielle Grijalva

director, Committee for

Safety of Foreign

Exchange Students

Palin attack is cowardly

Regarding the June 15 opinion piece by Roland Martin regarding Sarah Palin ("Sarah Palin, the real joke in all this is on you"), I could not disagree more. Whoever this clown is, he is no feminist, Republican, worthy parent or conservative, so his opinion must be tainted by his fear of her as a woman, a mom and a worthy candidate.

His attack of her is cowardly and his defense of David Letterman is repugnant and truly representative of the Democratic, progressive, liberal, socialist union mindset common to Letterman himself. To say Letterman is a comedian is like saying "Beavis and Butthead" was comedy. Both are trash, and one is typical of CBS.

Now to the heart of the matter: What kind of person or persons unknown write or say such scurrilous things about anyone's child and call it humor? I saw and heard the "joke" and apology several times, and both were despicable. The Federal Communications Commission should investigate and sanction CBS, Letterman and whoever wrote such garbage.

Statutory rape by an athlete of a 14-year-old is not humor nor is it free speech, any more than is the "F" word or the "N" word in this politically correct world the socialists have imposed upon America.

Fred Schuster

Vista

Ban smoking at Escondido parks

The Escondido City Council will vote on a smoking ban for all city parks, trails and open-space areas at its meeting 4 p.m. June 24. I hope the council will vote in favor of a ban. To me, it's no-brainer, win-win issue.

"No smoking" signs have been visible in San Diego parks since 2006. Bans are in effect in all county parks and in every city in the county, except Escondido, Vista and Santee. Signs for designated smoking areas at parks would be no solution since secondhand smoke knows no boundaries when winds are present.

The city's cost to initiate a smoking ordinance would be under $2,000 and private donations would probably pay for most of the sign cost.

Escondido youth picked up more than 26,000 cigarette butts from Escondido parks last fall. They are sending us a message the council can't ignore. Remember that nonsmokers have the freedom and right to breathe fresh air at our own parks.

Jack Pomeroy

Escondido

Large casino billboard an eyesore

The casino pox is now festering in North County. This past weekend, a North County band of Indians had delivered a blow to the beautiful I-15 corridor at Highway 76 by erecting overnight a garish and huge computerized billboard situated over the quiet and dark residential community of Rancho Viejo. I am sure the residents in that community are not pleased with the effect on their home values at this point.

When the politicians negotiated with the Indians, they probably didn't realize their newfound casino wealth would result in off-reservation land purchases. The result of these land purchases has led to a series of environmental insults such as signage and noise pollution foisted upon the citizens of North County.

The San Diego County Department of Land Use needs to step up its enforcement of current regulations to protect us from these inconsiderate and polluting entities who are ruining the quality of life in our area.

Paul Georgantas

Rainbow

Column on Sarah Palin was dismal

Roland S. Martin often writes an objective and thoughtful column, but he certainly missed the message in his ridicule of Sarah Palin in his June 15 column ("Sarah Palin, the real joke in all this is on you"). Palin is just not going "toe-to-toe with Letterman" to enhance her image, but trying to encourage a greater civility in talking about all young girls, whether they be 14 or 18 years of age. If that goal could be accomplished, it would have far more significant impact than the policy plans put forth by the other politicians Martin cited. It is strange that the ballplayer didn't object to being portrayed as a pedophile.

Maybe United States citizens are more in tune with the Islamic view of women than we are willing to admit. Most discouraging was the reaction of the audience who found the Letterman comments hilarious. Hopefully, Roland Martin will reconsider minimizing the impact of Letterman's comments before he finishes his dismissive laugh and moves on.

Gerrie Ryan

Escondido

Extra history class won't benefit all

Concerning some Palomar students not required to take American history: The education of American college students is less than impressive as compared with many European universities. Their students take courses that pertain only to their major and minor.

In what way will taking yet another semester/year of American history benefit a nursing student, Spanish major, science or math major, etc.? It's not just U.S. history that falls into this category. Every requirement should vary according to the major and minor of each individual.

In the U.S.A., we have studied primarily U.S. history for at least eight years by the time we graduate high school. This valuable time and money can be better spent taking more beneficial courses. U.S. history comes in handy only for when I watch "Jeopardy" or do crossword puzzles.

I do believe knowing a little about many things is an invaluable asset, but perhaps they could be interim courses instead of being given the same distinction as those in my major field of study.

The only way we can surpass other countries is by providing our students with the most intensive dedication to those subjects that best prepare them for the future in this rapidly transitioning world.

Phoenix MacKenzie

San Marcos

Patient, sinister progressives

Humanity has been lectured for more than 100 years that progressives are more kindly and caring than everyone else â€"â€" as soon as we all become "progressive," we'll be in the homestretch to achieve Utopia. The problem is, progressivism is not about "social justice," it's about social control.

Socialists/progressives and Marxists have the same goals: "abolition of poverty, strengthening trade unions and extending public ownership" (sounds noble, but completely ignores human nature). The progressives decided patience pays off, and they started infecting and permeating society â€"â€" from public and private education to the media and many religious denominations.

Look at education.

Socialists Sidney and Beatrice Webb founded the London School of Economics and like-minded John Dewey was busy promoting his failed progressive education philosophy at the University of Chicago and Columbia University. He believed properly socializing children was the most important aspect of teaching children. Individualism must be squelched in favor of "the group."

Next, progressive theoreticians threw out "tired" phonics, failing grades and classical education, and adopted idiotic "whole language" reading programs and automatic class promotion. How has that worked?

And we have 1960s radical Bill Ayers infecting the educational climate.

Progressives sacrifice kids â€"â€" it's about control.

Alexandra Cloney

Encinitas