Blood for oil

The Mideast is back in the news with the increased violence in Iraq, the pullback from Iraqi cities by the 130,000 United States soldiers still there, the continuing, never-ending buildup and slaughter in Afghanistan, and unrest in Iran â€"â€" which just happens to be surrounded by these occupied nations. Could oil have anything to do with this continuous war?

Soon there will be bidding by the international oil companies for … control of the Iraqi oil reserves ("Big Oil poised for return to Iraq," June 28). They lost control and the monstrous profits it gave them when Iraq nationalized the oil industry in 1972. So basically, international oil will return to its position before 1972 as arbiter of Iraq's petroleum. Two oil industry presidents (both with the same last name) worked on this for their entire terms in office.

So far it has cost more than $1 trillion, 4,318 dead American soldiers and who knows how many Iraq and Afghanistan lives. You can bet these same oil companies are drooling over all that black gold in Iran.

So you still think our actions in the Mideast are to bring "democracy" to the long-suffering people there? Try reading a history book.

Eric Parish

Vista

Manager's review was on agenda

The employee evaluation of Escondido City Manager Clay Phillips was listed on the agenda of the June 3 Escondido City Council meeting. The fact that the North County Times didn't report on this either before the meeting or immediately after, should reflect poorly on the North County Times, not the City Council.

Rick Paul

Escondido

Is this today's 'neighborly'?

I attended the Francine Busby fundraiser Friday night and left before this unfortunate incident ("Hostess of Busby fundraiser pepper-sprayed, arrested," June 28).

The reception was a delightful coming together of politically- and community-minded people concerned about getting more responsive congressional leadership for our area in Congress. It felt like the epitome of American grass roots democracy at work. Our stay was jarred by rude and obscene shouts from a neighboring property demeaning Mrs. Busby and the group.

Admittedly, there was a public address system in use, so guests could hear presentations by speakers. If that inadvertently disturbed some neighbors, I, for one, am sorry, but there must be a better way for neighbors to resolve situations like this than pepper spray and tromping on peaceful and community-spirited events such as this.

We decry the heavy-handed response in Tehran by Iranian officialdom. Should we be replicating it in our own community and attacking our own hard-won political and speech rights?

Nelson Heller

Cardiff

Fight those wanting to destroy Oceanside

No fireworks this year in Oceanside? City budget problems? Shame on the Oceanside police and fire unions.

The police and fire unions have paid for a recall of Oceanside City Councilman Jerry Kern. People who get paid to collect signatures used deceitful tactics to get signatures … even though Kern will be up for re-election in 2010. This election is at a cost of $500,000. The Oceanside police and fire unions want to place in the council seat some left-wing breadmaker (Charles "Chuck" Lowery) … to increase the pay for the unions.

This will not stand! I and many others are now going to (fight against) those who want to destroy Oceanside. Many of our police and firemen make more than $100,000 a year, plus a pension. This is the highest in Southern California, yet they want more control.

Please join me and other neighbors to stop this madness. Contact Larry Barry at LBarryIndustries@cox.net.

Escondido residents, this corruption is coming to you!

Larry Barry

Oceanside

Let's use safer at-grade crossings

I am a resident of Encinitas for more than 30 years. I live north of Encinitas Boulevard, just east of Vulcan Avenue, and want to express my opinion regarding the at-grade crossings of the railroad tracks. I would also like to state that I am a physician, so I consider myself intelligent and cautious.

I frequently cross the tracks to get to the beach so I can take my daily runs. I carefully listen for the train whistles, look both ways, and then run across. Now there is a proposal to spend millions on a few below-grade crossings.

However, at the Coaster station, I am allowed to cross the tracks at a spot with a red light and bells, which is not at the "formal" crossing at D Street. Thus, we are allowing an at-grade crossing with warning bells and lights in our city.

Can we petition to allow multiple at-grade crossings with warnings such as these to be established throughout our community? It would be much less costly, safe and much more practical than the few pedestrian crossings that are planned. Why not make our beach as accessible as possible?

Arnold Markman

Encinitas

Both parties have undesirables

I don't understand Peggy Sloan's "The face of racism is ugly" letter (June 28). My jaw dropped when she mentioned Ted Kennedy and Mary Jo Kopechne and compared that situation to fake wars!

I was a Ted Kennedy supporter until that incident happened 40 years ago. But to compare Ted and Mary Jo with fake wars? I think Peggy needs a new set of "scales of justice." Both parties (Democrats and Republicans) have undesirable people (men and women) serving. They are only human.

By the way, I think Gov. Mark Sanford should resign â€"â€" not because of his affair, but because he disappeared and didn't take care of government business. He just left.

Juleen Carr

Oceanside

Fighting to save American industries

Thanks to the city of Oceanside, MainStreet Oceanside and other sponsors for the patriotic parade on June 27. It was a gorgeous day to honor both our active military and our beloved veterans and to show off the heart of Oceanside. We are proud to live in a city that respects the sacrifices our veterans have made.

We were sad, however, to see that our valiant Pearl Harbor survivors and other veterans were riding in Toyotas. In sharp contrast, one gallant veteran was making his way down the parade route with his cane. How proud of him we were!

Those brave souls won the war for us, but we may be losing the economic battle. We hope Americans will fight as hard now to save American industries as those brave men and women did in World War II.

Lynda Gifford and Lowell Gifford

Oceanside

A reminder that freedom is not free

My wife and I walked the Santa Monica Pier to see Arlington West. On the sand were 4,318 grave markers, arranged in rows surreally signaling more to come.

Each marker had a name on it. Crosses, Stars of David, crescents. Memorializing an American hero who made the ultimate sacrifice. Sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers of us all. Some not even citizens, "illegals" eager to earn our treasured citizenship. At the head of each section were photos of each hero, young, not-so-young, every shade of skin color. Within seconds of seeing them, the realization of the cost of war hit us.

We broke into sobs for people we never met, for families and friends left behind. Realizing that 100 times that number will return from Iraq and Afghanistan wounded brought to mind the additional pain that will come.

No matter which political stripe you are, whether you support the war or not, this sight reminds us that freedom for us, or for any nation we help, comes with a cost. History, and the future, will tell us whether the cost is worth it. If you get the opportunity to get near the Santa Monica pier in time to view this heart-wrenching vision, do it.

Jerry Sarnataro

Fallbrook

Collect income taxes on lottery winnings

With the budget crunch we are facing in California, a very simple partial solution to the problem would be to collect income tax on winning the lottery, the same as national does, and that goes for California mega winners. This way taxes could be collected without anyone getting hurt. Who needs $20 million anyway?

Robert Kirby

Oceanside

Offended by graphic commercials

Is there anyone else out there who feels disgusted by television commercials touting men with erectile dysfunction, problems with how often they need to urinate, or women who itch and smell, and what they do when they are constipated? How about what to do about monthly leaking?

Can they not get their message out with some dignity? Do they think we are so stupid that we have to have everything spelled out in detail? Do they really need to show hand vacuums for men's problems?

Frankly, I'm sick and tired of the dumbing-down of everything in this country. We the people are not as ignorant as these advertisers and drug companies think we are. We get it! Please stop bombarding us with these unnecessary and offensive commercials.

I can't imagine how parents explain all this to their young children. We have become a crude nation and need to interject more dignity back into our culture. Hollywood, ad agencies and the media are the worst offenders.

Joan O'Connor

Vista

Targa Trophy puts residents at risk

While cycling up Palomar Mountain's South and East Grade roads on June 27, I witnessed close to 100 Porsches, Lamborghinis and other high-end sports cars rallying up county roads and putting motorists and cyclists in danger.

These cars were participating in the Targa Trophy, (a private) event … (the) cars clearly displayed the Targa Trophy logo. I saw cars speeding in excess of 80 mph, crossing double yellow lines to pass other motorists, and passing on the inside of blind corners on an already dangerous road.

The promoters of this event stop short of calling it a "race," but let's face it, when "points" are on the line it seems that these drivers were willing to do anything to win. Putting oneself in harm's way on a closed course or road is one thing, but putting the lives of innocent San Diego County residents in jeopardy is another.

Additionally, once we called the California Highway Patrol, it was communicated to me that this event did not notify CHP of its intent to use the public's roads as a rally course.

I hope that for the public's safety, the organizers of this event will stop this dangerous practice.

Stephanie Gaudreau

Chula Vista

Say yes to Chargers stadium!

Please be open-minded to a new Chargers stadium here in Oceanside. The city of San Diego's defensive stance is not a template for the city of Oceanside. The Chargers have bent over backwards to make this thing work in the county of San Diego. Millions of dollars have been spent by them on environmental studies throughout.

I am a San Diego native since 1961. That whole valley is stuck in the 1970s. It's quite apparent that it is struggling for an identity. Some industrial buildings, an airport, doughnut shops â€"â€" it's sad and dreary.

Go down in history as the Oceanside City Council that spearheaded the effort! Jim Wood can be the next Jack Murphy!

It's not a looming confrontation with the Spanos, it's an opportunity for greatness for the residents of Oceanside! Be a business partner! It's a win-win! It's an NFL franchise!

And everyone, for the Chargers, it's only 10 Sundays a year, it's jobs and it's in a valley! Imagine driving down the hill on El Camino Real and seeing the crown jewel of Oceanside instead of dirt and old asphalt. Not many geese that lay the golden eggs come calling in a lifetime.

Gary Quijada

Oceanside

Guns or alcohol, it's about responsibility

Re: "Ban guns before alcohol," Letters, June 27, by Michele Arnesen of Solana Beach: Ms. Arnesen should know the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees our right to keep and bear arms but (unfortunately for her), our Founding Fathers forgot to say anything about "the right" to a glass of chardonnay on the beach at sunset.

Perhaps, in addition to the information she provided on gun-related deaths in the U.S. in 2006,ˇMs. Arnesen could Google some stats on alcohol-related deaths in 2006, or narrow her search to alcohol-related incidents and arrests on the beach.

It's true that a bottle of beer, a bottle of wine, or a gun alone can't hurt anyone without a hand to raise it. It all comes down to personal responsibility, and it seems there are more irresponsible drinkers on the beach than tourists from North Dakota coming to the beach for an alcoholic beverage.

As far as billboards for the gun show, there are far more offensive ads for alcohol, clothes, music, etc., than pictures of handguns and rifles.

Michele Fernandez

Valley Center

Thanks for nothing

I would like to thank Mayor Jim Woods and the City Council for not having fireworks on this Fourth of July in Oceanside. The merchants in Oceanside are very grateful for sending the estimated 150,000 customers to other cities and saving the $40,000-plus cost of police and any sales tax that would be produced. This cost savings can be added to the pension plan for all the noncity employees.

Bob Crowell

Oceanside