Open mind called for in religion, evolution

Lately there have been quite a few letters concerning the possibility of evolution being taught in the classroom. After all, it's just another point of view.

The one thing that seems to be a common factor is they all point out that evolution is just a theory. Well it is.There is no proof of Darwin's studies and his conclusions. But these same people need to flip that coin over and take a good look at the other side. Where is the proof that Moses parted the Red Sea, or that Jesus fed his large flock with a small amount of bread and wine? Oh yeah, just did how Noah care for all the animals on the ark? For all we know there could be some validity to these stories.

But we all know how stories go, the longer ago you caught that fish, the bigger it gets. Every religion has its own version of the story. No one knows for sure, there is no proof. Therefore, dare I say it … the history of religion is just possibly only a theory. There are many unproven theories throughout history. If you believe in one, great, just don't have blinders on.

The Bible has a lot of unanswered questions that people assume worked out to their beliefs. The history of religion has many versions, believe in yours with an open mind. And make sure to flip the coin now and then.

DAVID J. WILSON

Lake Elsinore

Let official know your vote matters

Thank you Paul Jacobs, for keeping this vital issue alive in your column. (The people can exercise their power, July 9). As one of the "Save R Vote" volunteers, I would like everyone to understand that each and every time anyone votes on one of the electronic voting machines, Barbara Dunmore, the Riverside County registrar of voters, takes that as a meaningful stamp of approval for these dangerously problem-ridden machines.

She has irresponsibly decided to view every e-vote as a vote of confidence in the system, even though she very well knows that is not the case. However, since she chooses to play fast and loose with our rights, it is exceedingly important for every person who values their vote and understands the need for transparency in the counting of them, to show up for Tuesday morning's Board of Supervisors meeting. It is not hyperbole to say that our very democracy is at stake, so please stand up and let her know that keeping your vote safe matters to you.

LINDA ALVAREZ

Temecula

Planting the seeds of mistrust

Re: the July 6 story, "Vista responds to DA's decision on 3 deputy-involved shootings." Doesn't Tina Jillings have anything better to do than plant the seeds of mistrust in the Latino community against law enforcement? I can acknowledge the sadness at loss of human life, but let's keep it in perspective.

What kind of social order could we expect to be maintained when it becomes acceptable not to listen to a direct order from a law enforcement officer? It's probably asking too much to use this as an example of why it is so important to do as you're told when a cop tells you to stop. They really are here to protect law-abiding folks. There are always two sides to every story, and to not consider both is not very bright.

I suppose everyone needs their 15 minutes of fame. Tina is just making very poor use of her time.

A.J. WILSON

Vista

Why not two airports for San Diego?

Why is everyone spending so much time wasting money on finding a single airport solution? Houston has three airports. New York has two major ones. Chicago has O'Hare and Midway.

Let's stop playing the military take-over routine. Fire everyone on the airport committee and sue them to get the money back that's been wasted on their childish, albeit inane, efforts.

It's so simple: Leave Lindbergh Field alone, fill in the salt flats at the south end of the bay and, voila!, a second airport! Duh!

BILL POVONDRA

Bonsall

Leadership requires truth

The North County Times' July 1 edition reported the resignation of Oceanside Planning Commissioner Robert Neal. Mr. Neal resigned in anger at not being elected chair, that portion is true.

The article quotes Mr. Neal as saying "he had received calls of apologies from all of the commission's members and that they have asked him to reapply to finish out his term." That statement is not true. I did not contact him and I am vice chair of the Planning Commission. Per the NCT two other commissioners have stated they did not contact him either; refer to Letters, July 6, and blogs, July 1.

Mr. Neal indicates that he was somehow ordained to continue in the office. This is not true. There was an annual election, he chaired it and did not indicate his desire to continue. He was not chosen. Mr. Neal also submitted a letter to the editor (July 6) stating his "momentum was derailed." He lists his chairmanship of the RV parking subcommittee as an example of his leadership. Mr. Neal fails to mention that in one meeting (I was a member) he halted the meeting in anger and stomped out.

Members who gain the respect of their colleagues are elected. Respect must be earned, not demanded. Mr. Neal should be thanked for his service and move on.

RICHARD PARKER

vice chairman

Oceanside Planning

Commission

Offshore oil drilling ban in trouble

When I paddled out on my surfboard last week, I was among pelicans, terns and dolphins. But the marine life may be replaced with oil residue if Congress gets its way.

The House of Representatives recently voted to repeal the ban on offshore oil drilling. Every California Republican voted to allow the drilling, and no California Democrats voted for it.

While the Congress holds pointless dog-and-pony road show hearings to keep the focus on immigration during an election year, some of us will not be so easily distracted. The oil industry sure got its money's worth by funding Brian Bilbray.

BILL COLLINS

San Diego

Time for Wood to be held accountable

Jim Wood needs to help me understand how in his relatively short time as mayor he has been misquoted by every reporter, his fellow council members, misinterpreted by both friend and foe from things as far back as when he was a police officer.

His own words seem to do more damage to him than the words of others.

The blame game must stop. Oceanside needs to again repair its reputation and it needs to start at the top. We need accountability. My son suggested sharing our five house rules with Mayor Wood.

1. Don't lie, it will come back to bite you in the butt.

2. Don't deceive, manipulate or assume you're more powerful or intelligent than the next guy. Powerful, confident people don't boast.

3. Be accountable for what you say, and if you make the choice to say something negative, own it. And, if you're wrong, apologize.

4. Know that every time you open your mouth and speak you leave your lasting mark of integrity, or lack thereof.

5. And, most important, if you're having the same problems with multiple people, it's probably you.

KELLY PATTERSON

Oceanside

Cross idea should satisfy all concerned

If I was a resident of the city of San Diego, and if Mary (July 5, Web Comments/Cross battle) is a resident of the city of San Diego, I would start a grass-roots campaign to elect her mayor.

Her idea of installing an "S.D." for San Diego and a prominent U.S.A. flag, hopefully on the horizontal bar of the cross, is brilliant. Think of all the hours of litigation and millions of dollars of tax money spent over the last decades fighting over the cross.

This should satisfy the Christians among us, of which I am one, as we could easily visualize it as a cross and others could accept it as a memorial.

SHEROLL TREVETT

Oceanside

Be kind to seniors; you will be one someday

I am writing in response to Joe Ellis' letter on July 6 ("Here come the senior boomers"). It is sad to read a letter written with such disregard for seniors.

Our senior citizens have worked hard for 40 to 50 years and many are retired from the military and have fought for this country. Many of these senior citizens are former nurses, one of whom may have even assisted in the delivery of Mr. Ellis. This nurse might have used one of the handicapped spaces Mr. Ellis was complaining about.

Or how about a former doctor who has saved many lives? And think about the senior who is a former mechanic who helped many people with their cars and perhaps let them slide when they didn't have the money. Or a former janitor at a school who greeted many children with a smile and a good morning. Many, many seniors do volunteer work in animal shelters, hospitals, Meals-On-Wheels and put many hours into helping out senior centers.

The impact our seniors make on society is nothing compared to the impact the illegal immigrants are having on our health care system. Mr. Ellis needs to realize that he very well may be the one in need of that handicapped space someday.

CAROLEE HILL

Oceanside

Road confusion an easy fix

Once again, Oceanside and the powers that be have made a mess of something that should have been a simple fix.

I play golf at Oceanside Municipal and drive out that way several times a week.

As people might have noticed, construction has been going on at the corner of Douglas and El Camino Real for some time now. Well, they finally finished their street repairs and widening.

One problem. Heading east/northbound, they have three lanes merging into two without the benefit of letting anyone know. So now we have a major backup as people jockey for position for those two left-hand lanes. And, of course, there are multiple idiots who just can't wait and dive in at the last second, causing near accidents and certain fingers to come flying out the window.

Why is it every day normal people can think of easy solutions for traffic problems and it seems to escape the professionals at Caltrans? If you want to stop the car diving, put up cones a couple hundred feet before the actual turn. Can't dive in then.

Baby steps, Caltrans, I know you can do it.

DON SNYDER

Oceanside

A spectacular Fourth of July

I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to Four Seasons Resort Aviara, La Costa Resort and Spa, and Legoland for providing spectacular Fourth of July firework displays in Carlsbad.

Our residents were fortunate to have three separate shows to view in our community, and I hope everyone enjoyed them as much as my family. Thank you to everyone who helped coordinate these magnificent shows of patriotism.

MAYOR BUD LEWIS

Carlsbad

Columnist divided in his thoughts

Cragg Hines ("Court as divided as nation," July 5) writes "Justice Scalia, writing for a 5-4 majority in support of a robust reading of the constitutional right to counsel." Where does Justice Scalia get the idea that Hamden (bin Laden's chauffeur), a non-U.S. citizen, enemy combatant without uniform (therefore a civilian terrorist), not wanting any part of our Constitution or the Geneva Convention, should have a U.S. constitutional right to counsel?

Please choose your opinion writers more carefully lest you (the North County Times) be deemed a terrorist sympathizer also.

Also, reading Jay Bookman's Opinion piece "(Neglect more threatening than burning flags," July 5) helped me to remember that burning the flag is the proper way to dispose of it, and that someone who desecrates the U.S. flag by burning it as a demonstration of hate for our great nation, that the light created by the hateful burning helps provide a much better target to hit the burner with our muskets.

NEIL TURNER

Carlsbad

Change the laws, stop the fear

I love my country and grew up with two parents who served during WWII. My mother was just interned at Fort Rosecrans and you can't help but well up with emotion when standing among the memories of so many men and women who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.

The flag is a symbol for this freedom, justice and liberty. It should not be used as a shield for people who intimidate, harass and use fear and vulgar tactics to demonstrate anti-immigration issues. Not in my country! Barking dogs, racial slurs, tactics that are reminiscent of white oppression is a disgrace. Their misguided loyalty to protect our borders through fear and intimidation is wrong. Reform the guest-worker program, work toward a just and peaceful resolution to immigration.

Stand up for justice and liberty, not fear and intimidation. That poor farmworker is picking food for all our dinner tables tonight, and that has not changed for many years or for years to come. Change the laws, stop the fear.

BARBARA FROSETH PERRIGO

Cardiff by the Sea

CBS changes will have him viewing ABC

I have watched CBS most of my life and, as far as I am concerned, the day Bob Schieffer leaves the anchor chair I am switching over to ABC or NBC. Katie Couric has no credibility with me whatsoever. Put somebody in the chair with real-life experience in the field like Dan, like Bob, like Peter Jennings. Someone who has been on the real frontlines of the world news. It is simply a ploy to improve ratings. Matter of fact I do not even consider her a reporter. She is simple window dressing. Why don't they put her on the frontlines in Iraq, then let's see what she is made of!

As a viewer, I want to know that the person reporting the news knows what it is like to be on the frontlines. It is truly a sad day at CBS News. How dare CBS put Katie in Dan Rather's chair! What has she really done? Nothing that I know of but sit on a morning talk show sipping coffee, smiling and looking pretty and perky. Give me a break.

God help CBS News ññ they are going to need it. I bet Ed Murrow is rolling over in his grave and Walter Cronkite has some not-so-kind words for the network. An anchor needs the experience, the toughness, the perspective of an elder statesman at CBS, whether they think they do or not. The way the network treated Dan was very bad; that man did more in his life and career than most people can even dream of. He is a true reporter, something CBS probably does not even know the meaning of.

MICHAEL WILLIAMS

Oceanside

Ditch the agenda, give us back the truth

I received the notice a few years ago by the North County Times that it was being taken over by the Lee Enterprises newspapers with much dismay, having lived in communities across the nation where its peculiar brand of journalism has poisoned the minds of its readers. However, even I was surprised at how quickly it has whipped the squeaky-wheel mentalities of reactionary groups such as the Minutemen into the appearance of a real majority and movement, and frightened our corrupt local political class into submission.

As a result, I would like to remind their adherents that in the early 1800s (before the Gold Rush) that many of us who are native sons and children of the Californios (Anglos) who wrote our state constitution making it a "country first and a state second," had ancestors who moved here to escape their pro-slavery stance and intolerance for all that is not "cracker."

Their early migrations in the 19th century to escape drought, dust bowl politics and the lack of compassion of their political class has brought them to the present, where they are re-creating the same nightmare they fled nearly 80 years ago.

Give us back the truth, and send your political agenda back to the confederacy to die a long-awaited and just decline.

JOHN ELDER MOFFAT

Vista

Battle to secure America's borders

Politicians and media moguls use decoys with skill these days to take attention away from the real, pressing issues and relentlessly focus them on incidental issues.

A survey of today's media headlines shows them featuring alarming stories regarding Korea, Iraq, Israel, Afghanistan and the like, but do you ever see alarming stories about what's really going on right here at home? Many of us feel that the illegal alien invasion from Mexico and the Bush administration's stand-down policy on securing our borders and enforcing our laws greatly dwarf all other issues.

Between 10,000 to 15,000 illegal aliens from Mexico invade our nation each and every day. Because of this many Americans now fear for the safety of our nation.

We are told that terrorist strikes against us are imminent, and yet President Bush and the Senate are doing their best to flood our nation with even more illegals and terrorists. Congressman Tom Tancredo's new book, "In Mortal Danger," and the new book by Jim Gilchrist and Jerome Corsi, "Minutemen: The Battle to Secure America's Borders," detail the immediate and grave danger we are in. These books will shatter all media and political myths and lies about this critical problem. Read them, if you dare. Your nation hangs in the balance.

SAUL LISAUSKAS

founder of Encinitas

Citizen Brigade

Encinitas

U.S. needs to develop an exit timeline

I was against this war before it even started. Attacking a country that has not attacked us or our allies is un-American and wrong. President Bush was untruthful before the Iraq invasion and he certainly hasn't improved since then. A real leader would take responsibility for the mess Iraq is in today. He has squandered our military to pursue his misguided agenda. Whether our soldiers committed war crimes or not, Bush needlessly put them in a chaotic and deadly situation. Shouldn't he take some blame for whatever occurs there? We can also ask if Iraq is better off than it was under Saddam Hussein. The thousands of civilians killed and maimed were certainly better off -- at least they were alive.

Today, Iraq is a magnet for terrorists from all over thanks to us. This inept administration's fairy tale dream of spreading democracy through the Mideast is just that -- a fairy tale. Think of the really important things we need to do at home that we can't afford due to the constant drain of the war. Since the president has no real plan for ending this war, Congress needs to step up and set a deadline to be out of Iraq. One or two years; the point is everyone would have something definite to look forward to -- especially our troops. Other serious problems exist in the world that demand our full attention such as North Korea, Iran, etc. Back when Bush pushed for war, Congress had neither the brains nor the guts to say no. Unless we want to be in Iraq indefinitely, they must now rise above partisanship and do their duty to wind down this costly and counterproductive war.

CHRIS DEJAN

Murrieta

Don't believe commercials for quarry

I have watched the barrage of commercials showing all the wonderful things that will happen, if the quarry goes in.

It's said that it will reduce truck traffic, then where is all that material going? It has to go south or north, either way it will impact us.

Another lie is that you won't know the quarry is there. They will be blasting and grinding for most of the day and night and we won't hear that? We hear the artillery from Camp Pendleton, which is farther away than the quarry will be.

Also and most important, there will be minute dust in the air, silica, which will be carried into our area by the daily winds that come from that direction, which is known as the Rainbow Gap, and which blow quite strong more often than not.

Silica is a very dangerous material, very detrimental to your health.

I am asking, are a few tax dollars worth the risk? I think not.

Don't be fooled by these slick commercials, they do not tell the truth. And the statements that the company can be fined if they don't adhere to the standards set are misleading at best. I have read in this paper that this very company that wants to start this quarry has been fined for violations and has paid the fines rather than fixing the violations, because it was cheaper to do so.

ERIKA HORNISCH

Temecula

Ordinary people need to stand up, take action

I went to the movies last night and they spliced themselves into this news junkie's mind. I saw a preview of the new messianic Superman before viewing "United 93" at the Temeku Cinema. After the stirring images, it occurred to me that the United 93 hijackers and our "Unitary Executive" shared a similar goal: to take out Congress. The jihadists failed because ordinary people recognized the big picture and took action, but the White House is still determined to neutralize the legislative branch of government.

Why is Bush a zero-veto president? He doesn't need to veto anything.

Laws bounce off the chest and fall at the feet of this man of steely resolve. He merely drafts a "signing statement" that "clarifies his interpretation" of a new law. Bush has done so 750 times. The problem is, he swore to support and defend the constitution, not interpret it.

That's the job of the judicial branch, which finally weighed in last week on this presidential power grab.

But the Supreme Court won't wield the kryptonite that finally reins in this super presidency. We will: by voting in a new Congress that won't allow itself to be marginalized like a 98-pound weakling. Do your part by refusing to re-elect a sitting member. We need a Congress that will stand up to power hijackers. We need ordinary people to see the big picture and take action. Let's roll.

TODD SHORACK

Temecula

Web Comments

Readers responded to an article Saturday about the county's plan to require that all dogs and cats in unincorporated areas be spayed or neutered and implanted with microchips identifying them:

Bizarre

Gayle: Six months in jail because you didn't microchip your cat? That's truly bizarre.

Unfair burden

Rural resident: Forcing all people to spay/neuter and microchip all cats in unincorporated areas may be well-intentioned, but it seriously misses the mark in terms of practicality and adds an unfair financial burden in terms of chipping and subsequent fines for noncompliance. We utilize cats as rodent control on our property of about 20 acres, as do all of our neighbors. …

Another encroachment

How: I am appalled by this most recent example of our "representatives" spending their time (and our tax dollars) figuring yet another way to increase profit revenues, steal more from our rapidly shrinking wallets and encroach further on our few remaining civil liberties. …

Education hasn't worked

Bill: I don't like anything that forces citizens to give up any rights, but in this case education on this problem has been going on for years and it hasn't seemed to work at all. …

Falsehood

Karen: The idea that mandatory spay/neuter contributes to the health and well-being of animals is blatantly false! It is well-known that there are risks associated with any surgery, and particularly with invasive surgeries. …

Living and breathing

To Rural resident: … we are talking about a living, breathing creation, not a computer ink cartridge.

Overkill

Angry Man in Temecula: This is just an overkill of government regulation! When government regulates or criminalizes actions or inactions that have no bearing on our individual freedoms or safety, then we inch closer to tyranny. …

Farm cats

To the girl that attacked Rural Resident: Everything that they said is true about rats and mice and they could have included ground squirrels, too. Cats have been used for that on farms for hundreds maybe even thousands of years all around the world. On a farm, they are tools. …

Enforcement problem

Denice, unincorporated Riverside Co. resident: … if animal control cannot enforce the basic leash laws that are already in place, PLEASE tell me how are they going to enforce all of the new regulations they want to implement? …

Pitbull bites Escondido woman

Readers respond to our July 10 story about a woman receiving minor injuries Sunday when a neighbor's pitbull bit her on the leg.

Picking on pitbulls

Pitbull Owner: "It always amazes me how much attention these stories get. If it were a German Shepard, Lab, or Cocker Spaniel we wouldn't be reading about it. This women didn't even have to go to the hospital and it still made the paper. Stop giving these dogs a bad name."

Up to the owner

Bad Name: "These dogs are a potential menace. For the most part that is because their humans are incompetent and irresponsible to deal with their aggressive tendencies. I have known some lovely pit terriers who were bred, raised and trained so that their innate aggression was subdued. However, it seems to me that most people who acquire them look for the baddest dog, thinking that its aggression tendencies is a sign of their personal toughness and machismo. They don't understand the responsibilities of dog ownership or are unprepared to fulfill them. I strongly support legislation requiring the neutering of all aggressive breeds of dogs and 'one strike and you're out' rule for owners. This dog got loose, these owners should not be allowed to have a pit terrier."

Owner mistake

EskieLover: "Whether the dog is an aggressive breed or not, it is the owner's responsibility to maintain control of their animal at all times. I hope the owner has excess liability on their homeowner's insurance, I smell a lawsuit. BadName is right on - it isn't the dog's fault, it is the owners who fail the dog by not providing the obedience training required for the dog to lead a happy, healthy nonaggressive life. Sorry, but that owner just struck out and the dog should be removed from him/her."

All bark, all bite

GFN: "I have a friend who just got a pit bull. It is the cutest puppy! It really is, says the owner. There is no way this dog would ever bite anyone or anything, it's just too cute. What a moron; these dogs grow up … and bite. Bad breed to have in a residential neighborhood."

Twin Oaks residents prepare to battle development

Readers respond to our July 10 story about some residents of Twin Oaks Valley coming out to Walnut Grove Park to say a proposed 2,700-home, 400-acre development in the Merriam Mountains would be a massive fire hazard that could threaten their homes and even neighboring towns.

Get out now

Welcome to our world: "We who have lived in the Elfin Forest area for many years can attest to what you Twin Oaks folks are about to go through. San Elijo Hills has been nothing short of a nightmare! From traffic, crime, noise, dirt, pollution, trash, snotty Styrofoam people, who bought a Styrofoam house, who now think they live in Beverly Hills for crying out loud? Gag! Now you TOV people have it worse, you have the daunting task of convincing Bill Horn to put the kibosh on the project. Not. I have two words for you, move NOW!"

Is this a joke?

Lake San Marcos resident: "It would be a huge loss to all of us to lose the rural character of the outlying communities. The Merriam Mountain project would be a disaster, for many reasons. And this 'shelter in place' fire strategy? Ridiculous! How can they propose that with a straight face? Once again, residents have to spend money, aggravation and time to fight their own elected officials to defeat a project no one wants. Thankfully, the Twin Oaks Valley Property Association is organized and affluent. Please keep in the news and let us know how we can help. Another thing: Is anyone representing the developer who used to be on the planning commission or otherwise associated with any County Supervisor? Just asking…."

Stand strong

No way: "This idea is ridiculous. How greedy do these builders have to get? Stick as many people as you can get into these developments and not worry about the dangers that lurk. This sounds like a major problem ready to happen. Stand firm, Twin Oaks Valley Residents, and I know a lot of people are on your side."

Escondido councilwoman proposes banning rentals to illegal immigrants

Readers respond to our July 9 story about Councilwoman Marie Waldron is proposing that Escondido adopt a city ordinance that would prohibit landlords from renting to illegal immigrants.

Three cheers, Marie

Way to Go!: "Marie! A woman after my own heart! Finally, a person in the political arena with some SENSE and the intestinal fortitude to back it up!"

Dig in

Larry: "The measure must also contain provisions for financing enforcement. And there needs to be a measure for reporting to immigration and border patrol those illegal and fraudulent applicants. Grrr. Put some teeth into it, baby!"

Works in theory

ughII: "This is political grandstanding at it's worst. I wouldn't vote for Marie for dog catcher. After being slapped down by the voters in the Assembly race, she needs to find another knee-jerk issue to keep her name in the news. Maybe another photo-op with the Minutemen? I'm steadfastly anti-illegal invasion, but let's get real. How many illegals do you think apply for rentals on their own? "

Keep going

eureka: "Expanding the idea to business space rentals might eliminate half the tenants at the biggest blighted business and area of crime in Escondido. Hmmm."