Honey, we're killing all the fun

If it isn't bad enough that as a society we have taken to micromanaging one another's waistlines through such finger-wagging shows as "Honey We're Killing the Kids" and a glut of so-called experts jamming-up the 24-7 airwaves with their prescriptions for how we larded-out Americans should reform and repent, now the Food Pyramid-banging has taken this revival-meeting fervor to the comfortable, old-fashioned, time-honored, once-yearly county fair ("Fat Chance," June 15).

Yet another food cop has skewered the fair for the calorie and fat content of its deliberately over-the-top, excessive goodies designed to feed the soul and the spirit with no pretensions toward healthfulness. The fair's fare is a once-in-a-blue-moon decadence designed to be eaten greedily (not shared to lessen the calories and fat) and, as such, has never been designed as a recommendation for daily consumption.

Give it a rest, already! What's next? Will a pointy-nosed, scrawny, self-righteous dietitian be sent under cover to some poor couple's wedding to ruin the celebration by pointing out the calorie and fat content of the wedding cake? Where does this lunacy end? It's all enough to drive a girl to, well, uh, eat! At the fair!

CYNTHIA DALTON

Escondido

Growth for growth's sake

I find Mick Pattinson's columns not only misleading, but merely more Building Industry Association propaganda that doesn't deserve editorial space.

Mick launched a personal attack on Jerry Harmon in "Two cities diverged on housing," comparing Escondido with San Marcos. I find this a personal attack on an honorable citizen who certainly represents most Escondido citizens' concerns about the BIA goal of turning San Diego into a bad version of Los Angeles. Just look around at what they are doing with McMansions while beating San Diego over funding affordable housing.

In San Marcos, which Mick apparently thinks is doing things right, try driving through at 5 p.m., or should I say crawling through, while looking at the BIA monument of the castrated Double Peak. This monument can be seen from miles around as a symbol of San Marcos' attempt to preserve ridge lines, beat by the BIA.

They also got San Marcos to close a large landfill, which is not full and is centrally located, but was across the street from San Elijo Hills and their new McMansions. They got the new recycling plant closed at that landfill, costing citizens millions.

Growth for the sake of growth is the strategy of a cancer cell. Let's give Mick and the BIA chemotherapy.

JACK PAXTON

San Marcos

A dangerous ride for dogs

I am a Vista resident and I have noticed that many people put their dogs in the back of their trucks without restraints. This worries me because many dogs get distracted and jump out of the truck, breaking a leg and getting run over in the process. I know what people are thinking ññ then what are we supposed to do with them? Well, there are many things you can do.

Simply putting your dog in you car can prevent any injuries for the dog. You can also buy a crate (suitable for your dog's size) and secure the crate (with the dog in it) to your pickup with bungee cords. This also prevents harm to your dog. So, the next time you put your dog in the back of your truck, remember that that is a very good way to kill your beloved canine companion.

MAGGIE LINDNER

Vista

Sore winners

Most rational people understand that both political parties are comprised of some intelligent, ethical members, and some who are not.

The June 15 letter from Mr. Hubbard regarding the win of Brian Bilbray illustrates how mean-spirited some Republicans can be. Apparently, a win is not good enough.

Well, he need not wait for the "sore loser liberals" to claim the election was stolen. Mr. Bilbray won, and now it's time to move on and try to work together to make our country better for all Americans. Let's stop the name-calling and get down to business.

ELLEN NEWTON

Oceanside

Marines deserve decent treatment

Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? Eight Marines at Camp Pendleton are being treated by our own government like convicted criminals. Why? Because the enemy made an allegation against them! This is outrageous and shameful on the part of our government.

We are at war. These men volunteered to go into harm's way for me and my family and all Americans. They do the job the president ordered them to do, and then are sacrificed on the altar of political correctness. Please add your voice to others calling for fair and decent treatment of Marines. Is that too much to ask for men who risked their lives for us?

SUSEN FAY

Carlsbad

Worst fears have come true

I have finally reached my limit with the toll this war in Iraq is taking on our GIs. Actually, I reached it some time ago, but kept hearing that we would dishonor those who have already lost their lives if we left now. But two more young soldiers were captured and one killed.

Now our worst fears have come true, the two soldiers' bodies were found Tuesday. What a shame that our president continues to let this happen because his ego won't allow him to say, "I was wrong!" Every Democrat and every parent in America should be flooding him with letters and phone calls demanding an end to this loss of innocent lives.

We shackle our young men in the brig who may or may not have done an injustice to one Iraqi, while 2,500 lives are lost in a country that doesn't even want us there. American justice needs to be questioned, and so does the self-righteousness of some of our leaders.

Send our troops instead to countries that need us for survival, Darfur, for example. For a change, let our focus be "Worry not what other countries may do to us (no weapons of mass destruction found after all), but what we can do for those who really need us (those being raped, tortured and starved before our very eyes)."

PATRICIA LaRUE

Escondido

Don't count on the Sprinter

Isn't it ironic that three of the North County Transit District board members, representing the Oceanside, Vista and San Marcos towns to be served, voted 3 to 5 against increasing the $385.6 million budget by $54.4 million. But what's another $54.4 million? It's just taxpayer money! The Sprinter is scheduled to begin service December 2007, but don't hold your breath, folks, all those of you who are waiting for it.

When did you vote for this half-billion-dollar commuter rail project between Oceanside and Escondido, conceived by the Transportation Committee of the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)? How and when will you be using it, along with the mostly empty Breeze buses that already are cruising the city's streets? What happened to priorities like health care (hospitals), public education, libraries, etc.?

HENRY SANFORD

San Marcos

Boycotts that cross the line

Last week a gentleman wrote to comment on the rights of radio and other corporate music organizations to boycott the Dixie Chicks. I agree that everyone has a right to boycott anything they choose. I personally boycott Howard Stern and any show that Ollie North appears on. I could list others that I choose not to support. When corporate organizations inform me whom I will boycott, they are crossing the line of free speech.

When I first heard of the Dixie Chicks I thought, OK, just a little fluff. That does not mean they can't have a point of view. It now seems that 60 percent of the country agrees with them. Even though I am not a country music fan, I think they have the same right to express themselves as any other citizen. I chose to buy their CD, and it's not bad.

GLORIA FORMICA

Oceanside

No graffiti on mortarboard caps

Tradition has always required that graduating students wear their mortarboard caps in a dignified, stately manner. There is an embarrassing trend among high school graduates recently to use their caps as billboards by taping messages on top. A young lady last week displayed her entire family on her cap with photos.

Doesn't tradition and dignity count anymore? Decorating one's mortarboard is tantamount to graffiti, and we don't need any more of that. Grow up!

ROBERT HARRELL

Escondido

Republican fundraising unnecessary

I read where Bush is out fundraising for Republican candidates. That really doesn't seem necessary any longer. The Republicans have proven in Florida 2000 and in Ohio 2004 that all you have to do is have a few key people overseeing elections, get some Diebold machines in the critical districts and you can get the results to be whatever you want.

For all we know they may already have taken care of those things in the key districts across the country. The fundraising is just for appearances, like everything Bush does.

KAREN WOOTON

Escondido

NCT misses point on Prop. F

I voted against Proposition F for one main reason that was not mentioned in your editorial of June 18 ("Klutzy campaign killed Prop. F"). I am protesting this bond because I pay enough for the illegal aliens in almost every part of life. If the hospitals would see if people are here legally or illegally, then I would vote for the improvements.

True, compassion is important, but we cannot be the saviors of the entire world and must take care of our own citizens and legal residents first. You missed the whole point of why this proposition failed. First get the illegals out of our country and things will fall into place naturally.

LORRAINE SPRUNG

Vista

Bush's biggest fan

Almost daily I pick up the paper and read the Letters section. I am going to stop reading these stupid idiotic letters as I am sick to death of writers stating George Bush is to blame for everything.

You writers don't have any idea of what you are accusing our president of ññ being a liar, a cheat, an oil lover, a person who hates poor people, colored people, Asian people ññ everyone except Tony Blair. Writers even accuse him of loving the Mexicans and trying to protect them from the wrath of Caucasians who want to throw them out, shoot them at the borders, etc.

Just think about it, George Bush is the hardest-working president since Ronald Reagan and trying to do everything that is morally and legally correct, but for some reason, writers choose to call for "a good day for a hanging." President Clinton was hanged, but he used it to his advantage. That's OK because he chose to ignore the evil that was coming our way (namely 9/11) and left that to George. I frankly think time will show you all owe President Bush a big apology.

I just hope he is alive to receive it from a bunch of small-minded people.

BERNIE SCHROER

Escondido

Some people say they like airports

Oceanside airport lovers remind me of the character in "Apocalypse Now" when he says, "I love the smell of napalm in the morning." No matter how bad, how terrible, how wrong something is, there will always be somebody who likes it.

The lack of any legitimate reasons to justify the existence of a recreational airport in a residential area begs the question: Why is this airport still open? The answer is that general aviation pilots have a well-organized political machine. The funny part is that there are not any honest, intelligent, rational, reasonable arguments in favor of this airport. The sad part is that past politicians have ignored this fact and allowed the airport to remain open. They overlooked the evidence or never bothered to question false claims. No profit can be made. All income must go back into the airport fund.

When will the public and politicians understand this fact? What is on the mind of any politician who votes to keep the airport open? Since there are no valid arguments in favor, this implies that a vote for this airport is based upon ignorance of the facts, or incompetence or both.

ROBERT GAGNON

Oceanside

A letter from the idiotic left

A message to Mike Freeman (Letters, June 16) from the idiotic, angry left: The old media report the news, the new media (Fox News) sell it, and guys like Freeman can't seem to get enough of it. Keep buying, Mike.

With the likes of Brit Hume, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and John Gibson, not to mention the right-wing nuts on talk radio feeding Freeman the "fair and balanced" RNC talking points on a daily basis, he can be entertained for the rest of his (retired) life, as this delusional war on terror will outlast all of us. But, hey, we got al-Zarqawi.

I feel safer already.

JOHN MUSSER

Vista

Fiesta del crybabies

Those poor hypocritical crybabies at Solana Beach City Council all need us to wipe their tears. Their recent guffaws of alleged complaints and wringing of hands over the "indecency" displayed during the music shows at the now-defunct Fiesta del Sol earlier this month are a lark.

Even the public apology and resignation from the chamber's vice president, Dan Herzberg, is not enough to soothe their ever-so burning ears. Now, they will not allow the fiesta to continue at Pillbox, the real name that locals use for Fletcher's Cove.

Let's face it, when well-known bands perform at the fiesta, it brings over $50,000 net cash in profit.

Shouldn't that be a good thing? Without music and the current setup, the city can expect no profits, unless the kiddie face painters and oh-so-boring craft fair junkies donate all their proceeds, in which they may make $100. Whoopie!

The council's generation beget the moral degradation of society many moons ago, as it is apparent via the content of radio, TV, Hollywood, the gay marriage agenda, etc. Stopping the fiesta will only allow for Encinitas or Del Mar Fairgrounds to step in and take what cash Solana Beach used to enjoy.

Adios, Fiesta del Sol.

DALE WESTON

Vista

Minutemen motorcyclists

Last night on one of the local TV stations, some Minuteman was hollering about the illegals taking jobs and overrunning our county. In his diatribe, he shouted, "I'm not going to take it anymore."

In the same story, a woman member of a motorcycle group stated that she and her organization were going to Montana to warn the residents there about the dangers inherent in an influx of those same illegals.

The anchor of the news informed us viewers that the motorcyclists were going to tour the mainland states and spread the word about combating those illegals.

It's a good thing he said "mainland states." If he had used the word "contiguous," the riders would not have known where to go. I do.

HARRY TITUS

Oceanside

Marines were just responding as trained

My advice to our commanding general of the U.S. Marine Corps: After many weeks of rigorous training a company of Marines is deployed to Iraq. Upon arrival in Baghdad, as they deplane (carrying their M-16s, ammo, etc.) they are accosted by the Marine MP detachment and all arrested for "Conspiracy to commit murder." After all, they are carrying weapons and ammunition and are in Iraq to rid the country of insurgents, i.e., kill them.

An unlikely scenario? I don't think so! A Marine buddy was killed and a nearby house took the killers (Iraqis) in. They were attacked and all killed. Twenty-four, the news said. So what?

Free these innocent men, now!

ROBERT L. MEAD

Menifee

Terrorists are the ones running

Terrorist monsters are the ones who "cut and run" and the administration has got to acknowledge this. Instead, they have their Congress people, one after the other, get up and use that term "cut and run" with reference to Democratic leaders.

I asked myself what, if anything, could we offer "in trade" to those people. With the latest discovery of stem-cell treatment helping paralyzed mice to walk again, perhaps we would have medical advances to offer to help attain peace in the region.

Then I realized that the Taliban and all religious extremists in that area would not accept any help to better the lives of their people. Especially since it came from stem cells. This is the same reasoning we get from George Bush.

ANITA M. WILLIAMS

Wildomar

Quarry has right to prove it will follow law

I don't think Paul Jacobs is being honest in his opposition to the proposed Liberty Quarry. On June 18 ("County dumped on again") he wrote, "The environmental report is still pending, but I remember from my childhood Tonka days that moving dirt and rock around is a dusty business."

Why does Paul assume this quarry won't meet air-quality standards before it has the opportunity to do so? Other plants have met those standards countless times. The burden of proof is on them, and they deserve a chance to make their case. I don't know why Paul opposes the plant, but I doubt it is for the reasons stated.

Paul acknowledges the benefits of reducing truck traffic once the rock plant is established, but dislikes the thought that Murrieta and Lake Elsinore will benefit the most.

This reminds me of the opposition by some to the 1978 property tax reduction initiative, Proposition 13. Opponents claimed it was unfair because some people would benefit more than others. It was a weak argument then, and it's just as weak today.

The proposed plant isn't even within Temecula's city limits, but once established, I'm sure Temecula will want to annex it.

Every legitimate business has the right to prove its viability and meet government standards without being shouted down by those who shoot first and ask questions later.

RICK KELLOGG

Wildomar

Registrar mishandles paper ballots

With respect to absentee votes -- or perhaps we should rename them our mishandled votes -- I commend Art Cassel's well-documented input ("Distrust spurs absentee voting," Community Forum, June 21). It is utterly shameful and exceedingly un-American that when the paper ballots were opened, those casting them lost all privacy. Having their name on the envelope and their votes in plain sight is unacceptable.

So, I wish to add my voice to the outrage over the disgraceful way Riverside County Registrar of Voters Barbara Dunmore mishandled these votes, casting these ballots into the highly suspect machines that I, for one, intentionally chose to avoid, instead of tallying them by hand.

Shame on her for her shabby performance. If she and all the others who see nothing wrong with a system so desperately wrong, are allowed to proceed unchecked by higher standards, then indeed, our democracy is in grave danger.

LINDA ALVAREZ

Temecula

Equestrian park needed

I have commented for a long time that Southwest Riverside County needs an equestrian park. I have even offered my 20-plus years of experience in equestrian events and over $100,000 of equipment to help implement such a facility, but each time it has fallen on deaf ears. If anyone out there is listening, I am still in the area.

TED HOFFMAN

Menifee

Nice to read a patriotic letter

I am responding to Desiree Richard's letter (June 15), "War was necessary, important."

As a veteran of three wars, I agree with her comments. I, at age 17 enlisted in the Navy just five days after graduation from high school. My son is 47 and he, too, is a veteran of three wars as a U.S. Marine Corps officer. He served in the first Gulf War, two tours in Somalia and recently completed a year in Kuwait/Iraq. It is rewarding to read of an adult like her with patriotism to our president. Why doesn't she go to her nearest military recruiting office and join in this necessary war? My congratulations to her and smooth sailing!

HUGH OGDEN

Sun City

Unsafe at any speed

Highway 79 South and Wabash Lane is an unsafe intersection. Proceed with caution.

There was a recent three-vehicle accident. The area needs police presence. Speed limit signs need to be posted. Nighttime flashing lights are required for safe exiting/entering. City officials have been notified and residents are awaiting help. Please send all caring, concerned, alert, confident professionals to help residents as soon as possible. Area is unsafe.

KIM YARGER

Temecula

No excuse for Little League ceremony

As a parent and sponsor of the Murrieta National Little League I must express my total and complete dissatisfaction with the end-of-the-year awards ceremony as presented by the league's president, George Carmack.

The fact that the trophies were not ready is absolutely no excuse for not recognizing the hard work, dedication and time spent by each and every individual player.

Mr. Carmack owes every single player, coach and parent an apology for his acknowledged oversight.

RAYMOND WILLIAM BETZ

Murrieta

Web Comments:

Minuteman, Contreras debate illegal immigration

Readers respond to our June 23 story about Raoul Lowery-Contreras, a newspaper columnist, and Stephen Eichler, executive director of the Minuteman Project, debating issues of illegal immigration at an event sponsored by the Republican Club of North County.

Know your sources

Gordon: "My hat is off to Mr. C., but he should know you can't confuse people like the Minutemen with facts - they only believe what they want to believe and smear everything else."

Right but wrong

To Gordon: "You are so right, Gordon. But then again, the facts are all on the Minutemen's side. Mr. C is one without a clue or even a hope of finding one."

A history lesson

RWC: "History is the best teacher of what should be done. Thomas Jefferson warned what would come if illegal immigration is not controlled. Illegal immigration jeopardizes our heritage, our government, our resources, our economics, our safety, our security, our very way of life. America was founded as a republic. We are now more socialist in practice. May God have mercy on America!"

We have a winner

GFN: "Sounds like Stephen Eichler won this debate hands down."

Cross controversy appears headed to Supreme Court

Readers respond to our June 23 story about San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders asking City Attorney Michael Aguirre to file a petition with the highest court in the land, seeking to overturn a judge's order to remove the religious symbol from public land.

Stand on Soledad

Mike the Marine: "Where will it end? There are crosses, stars of David, crescents and other religious symbols in national graveyards all over the country. This is not about a cross. This is about a few people dictating their beliefs to all of us, who have found some liberal judges willing to legislate laws from their benches. It is time to take a stand, and preserving the cross on Mt. Soledad is an appropriate one to take a stand on."

Who does it hurt?

Give it up for who?: "Give it up for who - you? This is an important issue to many of us and to just give it up would be wrong! If it was something you believed in, you would be squawking a different tune. It is more than just changing the symbol. The cross is more than a symbol. It hurts no one and brings comfort to many."

All or nothing

To Give it up for who?: "The cross is absolutely just a symbol - meaningful to some and less to others. It may not hurt by your definition, but it certainly divides. While that may be good for your world, it's very bad for the community as a whole. Either represent all religions or none when it comes to the public domain. Aside from that, the city does not have the funds to continue this no-win fiasco. You have to pick your fights and continuing this one is just throwing good money after bad while continuing to get your teeth kicked in."

Honor for all

Harry: "An eternal flame or an American flag would be an appropriate symbol for a war memorial. A lighted obelisk does nicely for Washington. We can assume the men whose memory are being memorialized, included followers of most of the major religions, as well as some who were atheist, agnostic or nonreligious. The Christian Cross on Mt. Soledad is divisive and against the law. Rather than use it to whip up the electorate and to divide the people, let's move on together and put the energy and money into an appropriate symbol that recognizes the sacrifice of all. "

Running in circles

Time: "What a huge waste of time on everyone's part. If this is a jewel in anyone's crown, I truly feel sorry for them. A 17 year crusade to no where."

Barrante will run for Oceanside council

Readers respond to our June 23 story about former planning commissioner George Barrante announcing that he will run for one of two City Council seats up for grabs in the Nov. 7 general election.

Wish list

Charle: "Good luck George Barrante. We need more jobs in Oceanside! Also hotels, restaurants, and a convention center would be nice."

More requests

A convention center would be great.: "Everyone would like to see a convention center. Let's bring business here. Let's fix the airport. Expand it over the old flea market at the old drive-in. Make an underpass at Foussat!"

Get involved

Everybody loves a healthy debate: "Great to see government in action! We can all get into this."

Past expiration date

Frank: "At age 73, Mr. Barrante is much to old to be entering service as a City Councilman. I would not vote for anyone entering politics over 55 years old. They need to stay retired or doing whatever else they are doing. Hasn't this man already been ousted from some political committee recently? I think he has. Politics requires flexibility. Few people over 55 years old have an open mind. "

How unfriendly?

A voter: "George says the city is unfriendly to business? Ha! Two on our council have never met a developer they don't like! One of them might have a personal thing going with a building applicant. Give me a break!"

Readers' responses to an article on Riverside County Judge James Warren planning to reverse himself on sentencing a woman to prison for vehicular manslaughter.

An accident

MuddyWaters: It sounds as though it was an accident. You shouldn't send people to prison for an accident.

Broken system

BrendaG: Good for you, judge! Prison only punishes for crime and this woman has been punished already. I don't know the circumstances but accidents do happen and nothing sounds premeditated in this case. California must ease up a bit of sending people to prison for long sentences unless they plan to make the time worth it by rehabilitating. You don't do that so what is the differance between one year or two? The system is broken!

Admitting error

Kitty: Kudos to the judge admitting to making a mistake! How many of us are willing to admit we made a mistake? Let alone a judge. Thank you Judge Warren for renewing my views on humanity.

Recall judge

RemoveWarren: MuddyWater, BrendaG and Kitty are obviously very confused. How can you say she shouldn't go to prison? She made a mistake by crossing the double yellow lines and it cost someone their life not to mention the injuries to his wife! So, if I kill someone by driving DUI, I shouldn't got to prison? I thought at the time I was OK to drive and it was only an accident. All those who take life from someone else whether intentional or accidental, should face prison time. Maybe we will be more careful when operating a lethal weapon as a motor vehicle. It's obvious from Judge Warren's past mistakes and liberal decisions, he needs to be removed from the bench. He wants everyone to have a free ride without legal consequence.

Readers also responded to the Murrieta school board's decision to name its new high school "Murrieta Mesa."

Reverse name

Mike: I like the idea of having Murrieta in the name but maybe they should reverse the name to Mesa Murrieta, because when asked what school you go to, kids will be I go to murrieta and then they will be asked which one …so having it be called Murrieta Mesa might be a bit too confusing.

Most votes

Robin: So much for listening to the input from the community. I believe most votes were received for Ronald Reagan HS. For those of us on the outskirts of Murrieta this name is just another of the forgettable, confusing names they already have for their district high schools.

Vouchers

Dug: "What's in a name?" What will be the actual performance and quality of the education product in the years ahead? Perhaps the issuing of vouchers to all for their school choice would be the answer instead of spending money for physical buildings which fail to house good instruction.