Sanchez cares about city

Re: the June 25 story, "Democratic committee chairman threatens to oust Chadwick over Sanchez recall." I can't believe what I'm reading! Where was Mr. Lawson Chadwick during the last election when Councilwoman Esther Sanchez was elected by a landslide? Hasn't he figured it out yet?

Councilwoman Sanchez truly cares about our neighborhoods. Everyone knows that if you really want something done, you go to her. Who is really behind these lies? Probably Jack Orr and the developers he represents, who are responsible for all of the mess our current council is having to fix.

Why would anyone be against raising $70 million for the city in exchange for homeowners owning their own land (i.e., Marina Towers)? And the airport ññ left to decay by past city councils. Its current state has nothing to do with the last several months of this current council majority. We taxpayers do not want to support a hobby airport that services a handful of people.

SANDY SAIZ

Oceanside

Congressional pay raises

Reply to Mr. Mervyn Hoover (Letters, June 21): There are 27 amendments to the Constitution. In 1992 they slid one past us that gives the Congress automatic COLA pay raises with the rest of the government workers. They can pass a bill to stop their raises, but, somehow, they are too busy or just plain don't care.

Amendment 27: Originally proposed Sept. 25, 1989. Ratified May 7, 1992. No law varying the compensation for the services of the senators and representatives shall take effect until an election of representatives shall have intervened.

Sounds innocent, doesn't it?!

DALE CARTER

San Marcos

Bilbray does not represent good government

The North County Times' endorsement of Brian Bilbray was highly misleading. It gave the false impression that Bilbray represents good government due to his "experience."

But his past political experience is really the problem. The NCT editors completely ignored Bilbray's 1996 junket to the Mariana Islands arranged by convicted felon Jack Abramoff. The purpose of the junket was to persuade Bilbray to do nothing about the terrible conditions in the islands' sweatshops.The junket worked like a charm. Bilbray, Tom DeLay and other GOP leaders voted against a 1997 bill to extend minimum wage laws to this American protectorate.

Further, DeLay prevented a House vote on a subsequent bill to extend U.S. labor law protections to the islands sponsored by Sen. Murkowski. Bilbray failed to report the trip on his 1996 and 1997 financial disclosure statement because it was paid for by the Mariana Islands Commonwealth, a government agency.

Good civic journalism requires making an objective investigation of corruption cases such as those involving Bilbray, DeLay and the Marianas government.

JEFF MOORE

Escondido

Catholic Church puts money above children

The article I read on another Web site stating that the L.A. Diocese will not screen workers who will be working with children because the church is afraid that illegal immigrant volunteers will be frightened away has me seeing red! They (the Catholic Church) tried to make it sound as if they were just trying to protect these poor (illegal) people.

They are putting innocent children at risk for the sake of using the illegals for free labor. It is all about money. And the children, once again, are going to pay for the avarice of the Catholic Church hierarchy.

Have they not learned their lesson, yet? Have we not learned our lesson yet? This screening should be mandatory with all positions, within all organizations, public and private (including the Catholic Church), that involve being near children.

MARGARET WOODROFFE

Escondido

Taxation without representation

If you think the average citizen has representation on any of the following issues, you are sadly mistaken: 1. Health care for everyone. 2. Replacement of good jobs with cheap foreign labor. 3. Reduction of prescription drug prices as in Canada. 4. Deficit spending to promote corporate welfare. 5. Border security and illegal immigration. 6. Gasoline price gouging. 7. Lobbyist activities.The White House and Congress have sold the representation on these major issues to the big business investors. The original American Colonies had taxation without representation and they fought the corrupt system and won. The big problem today is that many Americans are getting a piece of the profits and want it to continue.

HERBERT PAIRITZ

Carlsbad

We are being destroyed from within

The accusations against the seven Marines and one sailor are from the dead man's al-Qaida sympathizer relatives. The worse they make his death sound, the more money they will receive. At the press conference at Pendleton, the officer was questioned about this. He also acknowledged that the Marine Corps made what is known as a "solatia" or compensation payment to Awad's family, but did not say how much was paid.

"It's traditional to make solatia payments," he said. "That is a tradition, it is not an admission or an indication of wrongful death."It would pay an Iraqi family to shove an old, unwanted family member out in the middle of a firefight, have him whacked and sit back and enjoy the huge amount of money given them for their loss. What a deal! This is where the billions of U.S. dollars are going, not to our troops but to the enemy. This has to stop. We are being destroyed from within.

CLIFFORD BROWN

Vista

Issa is a Bush spinmeister

Recently I got in on a phone town hall meeting with Darrell Issa. He asked how many listeners wanted to get out of Iraq immediately and how many wanted a gradual withdrawal. His conclusion was that the majority wanted to stay the course. Excuse me, but that wasn't a choice.

Voters, don't be fooled. This guy is a Bush spinmeister and is not representing our concerns. Oh, he takes a good stance on immigration, but, again, don't be fooled. He's been in Congress for years and hasn't done anything about illegal immigration before. He's quick to jump on the election-year bandwagon, but don't believe everything you're told. Once he's re-elected, my guess is that it will be back to business as usual.

There are already plenty of laws on the books if he and his kind want to show their mettle. When I see them put our money where their mouth is, I'll believe it. So far the good intentions (such as 1986 enforcement) are going unfunded.

And don't miss the fact that while giving himself a raise recently, he voted against a raise for minimum wage earners, and against estate tax hikes for those who make more than $5 million or $10 million. Let's try to get the incumbents out and fresh blood in that represents us and not Bush's "haves and have-mores."

GINA LOVIN

Vista

Fear-driven choice is mode for bullies

What is the difference between a soldier shooting a civilian who might be dangerous and finding out that they were not and a country making a pre-emptive strike against another country because of their potential danger and finding out that there was no potential danger? Fear-driven decisions do not make for good choices. Generally, fear-driven choice is the operating mode of bullies or thugs.

I do not see the presence of the U.S. military in Iraq as being a true sending forth of American presence by and of the America I grew up in. The America I grew up in never would make a pre-emptive strike, even in the midst of having very real nuclear warheads aimed at us. The America I believe in does not go into another country trying to force it to change its culture, economy and total structure. The actions taken in recent years by the leadership of this country I see as actions taken by those controlled by the ever-growing military-industrial complex, which has no regard for the value or integrity of human life.

I do not see Darrell Issa as my representative, but as theirs ññ a representative of the industrial-military complex serving a rich minority.

MARK McCLURE

Fallbrook

Another one

Another GOP insider with connections to uberlobbyist Jack Abramoff is going to prison. Just google "Safavian" and read up, you'll be impressed. Rove pulled every string he could find, got off the hook (so far) and promptly slandered his political opponents.

This is the GOP: fighting indictment, lying about other Americans and ruining our country.

If you cast a vote with an (R) next to the name in the last 20 years, you're a chump. You're the biggest chump there is, because you believe they're actually doing something good for the country. They're not. They're doing good things for themselves and people just like them, and you can go rot, chump.

GARTH GREGORY HANSEN

Escondido

Axis of incompetence

Re: The North Korean ICBM. The axis of incompetence (Cheney, Rumsfeld and Crusader George) has struck again. The multibillion-dollar missile defense system, which it turns out is even less effective than FEMA, won't be used to splash the North Korean missile because the axis is afraid it'll miss.

It would seem our new missile defense system consists of, as Security Adviser Stephen Hadley put it, hoping they'll just "give it up and not launch."

MARK PHILLIPS

Vista

War should only be fought by necessity

That is why war should only be fought by necessity and not by choice. When asked the question prior to our invasion of Iraq if this was a war of necessity or choice, the president couldn't answer it. He didn't know. The necessity for war is so exceedingly rare that the United States has had no need to be engaged in one for over half a century. Yet the sad reality belies the truth of the necessity.

And it is the reality of war that has come home to roost when we learn of a massacre of innocent civilians in their homes ññ old men, and young women hovering over babies ññ all unarmed and pleading for mercy.

Yet, they were shot in the head and chest in a Rambo-style rampage, allegedly by American troops. Such atrocities can happen in war, which is one of the many reasons to avoid unnecessary war.

Our leaders talk constantly of terrorism. To them terrorism appears not to be a question of the nature of the act but merely a question of by whom the act was effectuated. In reality, the spilling of civilian blood is a testament to the ill morals of the military and civilian leadership in this country.

PETER BENSON

Escondido

Get real on supporting our military

As the daughter of a U.S. Navy veteran who proudly served three tours of service during the Vietnam era, I say only this: Where is the backup for these young men alleged to have committed these crimes, save defense counsel, for whom the deck is stacked against?

If the allegations are true, and I'm extremely doubtful, where is the psychological help for these young Americans who are placed in beyond-human situations, then egregiously attacked and accused by the very body who put them there? Where's the support of President Bush?

It's veritably criminal, not the other way around. It is upon each of us to accept the consequences of what we create, and not to later persecute our own choices via those only a fraction of the far-reaching formula.

Have you ever seen the look in an active-duty military member's eyes, or those of a veteran's eyes, when you say, "Thank you, and welcome home, soldier"? Try it, it's good for the soul.

JONI HAGAN

COSGROVE

Carlsbad

Get a columnist who can make a point

Only Maureen Dowd ("In search of big ideas, preferably unbruised" June 24) could manage to write an entire newspaper column on the subject of ideas without the column containing one.

As a conservative, I suppose I should be pleased that Ms. Dowd makes such a muddled mess out of advancing the liberal cause. But in her case, my politics have to take a back seat to my respect for clear writing.

NCT should have as many left-leaning columnists as its editors deem necessary. But for heaven's sake, get some that can make a point and, ideally, at least one or two that can write.

DALE DELMEGE

Escondido

White House inaction on global warming

The Bush administration has stated that "the global warming threat is not severe enough to warrant new pollution controls that would cost 5 million Americans their jobs." Wow. Such shortsighted thinking from our leaders! How about leading the world on new efficient technology?

We could be the world leaders in alternative energy technology ññ windmills, tidal and current energy capture, efficient appliances ññ but, sadly, our leaders are failing us. The government should start by providing funding for fledgling technology companies and setting a public agenda to lead the global alternative energy race. It's time for new leadership. America's future depends on it.

GUY JONES

Vista

Razor wire an effective border fence

Instead of building an easily climbed fence and sending thousands of troops to the border we could simply lay a deep and wide swath of razor wire on the ground. This forms a formidable obstacle that takes planning, time and real effort to breach. You do not walk through or climb over razor wire.

If we coupled this barricade with a good motion-monitoring system, the Border Patrol could respond to breach areas and turn back the massive tide before they cross.

CLYDE EDWARD BILLINGS

Vista

Good service from carrier

For several months now our home has been receiving fantastic delivery service from our newspaper carrier. I stopped him the other day and asked for his name and route number. His name is Juan Manuel Barba and he has Route No. 601.

Ever since he took over our route we have been getting our paper either right on our front porch or very near it. Just before he took over the route we had been discussing and planning to cancel our subscription because the paper was either in the street gutter, our neighbor's yard, or our bushes. We were thinking that the San Diego Union Tribune newspaper would have a better delivery carrier. However, Mr. Barba has changed our minds because of his friendliness and excellent service.

As a retired manager I always wanted to know which of my employees were doing a good job for my company so that I could recognize them in some personal way, and who was doing a bad job so that I could help them become better at their jobs by giving them examples of how to do their job by pointing out to them those employees that were doing a good job, and why. We will be giving Mr. Barba a good tip with our next billing.

GARY and

ANDREA MYERS

Oceanside

Gibbs needs to remember who backed him

I was disgusted when I learned that Councilman Rick Gibbs voted to extend the Murrieta Chamber of Commerce contract. Rescue Murrieta has worked long and hard to put Councilman Gibbs in office and deserves his loyalty.

You can hardly blame the Rescue Murrieta people at the meeting for becoming angry. The mayor should realize that his days are numbered and he should submit to the will of the majority.

The Chamber of Commerce came out against the recall. They lost and should expect to be punished. Only when Mr. Gibbs decides whose side he is on can the other people who opposed the recall be brought to task, and then finally the healing can begin. I am grateful to learn that Councilman Gibbs has returned to the fold and is leading an effort to censure the mayor.

RICHARD RINGSTAD

Murrieta

Thanks to all for successful grad night

On behalf of the Chaparral High School Grad Nite Committee, I would like to say thank you to all the supporters who were part of the incredible team that gave 400 graduating seniors a fun place to go for a safe and sober end to their high school career. Please know that we all appreciate everything everyone did and unfortunately the 250 words allotted me could never sum up our gratitude.

Our sincerest appreciation to all the parents who donated time, money, gifts, sweat and a whole lot of encouragement. Major kudos to the city of Temecula and the many businesses and restaurants and almost every grocery store in town who donated to this important event. Without you, this night of entertainment, unforgettable memories and safety would not have happened. Please know that you all have our utmost gratitude.

And for the class of 2006, enjoy your new life and make us proud.

DENISE HAERR

Temecula

School board misses great opportunity

A great opportunity was lost by the Murrieta school board. It now has three high schools, all with geographic references to Murrieta: "Vista," "Valley" and now "Mesa." Bland enough to satisfy those who made it a political issue.

However, it was not the proponents of Ronald Reagan High School who pushed a partisan agenda, but those whose politics denied the reality that Ronald Reagan was the president of all Americans. Elected by huge majorities, he has remained a loved and respected president.

His ties to California and Murrieta are unique. He was governor and had planned to be our neighbor in retirement. His character and values were beyond reproach. He was the leader extraordinaire of the free world. Yet, this was not enough to inspire the school board to recognize this California man for his dedicated service to our country.

Their small thinking is diametrically opposed to greatness. Think big; think outside the box, and achievements are magnified. They wanted the kids to have the town identified when outside of the district. How about having the honor of the only high school in California to be named after our native son?

That makes a bold and impressive statement. Expand your thinking and take the smallness from your decisions. This was an educational opportunity wasted, where young people would have a special connection to a great man. From Ronald Reagan himself, "America is too great for small dreams."

LINDA WOODS

Temecula

Sun City board has acted properly

Pat Thurman ("Sun City leaders breaking code of conduct," Letters, June 22) made some very serious charges against the new board. I contacted Ms. Thurman twice for specifics, and she could not give any. She could not back up the charges she has made. The truth is that no code has been broken, and the new board has acted as required.

Ms. Thurman's recall effort has nothing to do with conduct or codes. It has everything to do with her group's desire to discriminate against those in this community who rent. They wish to limit this protected class of residents, to 15 percent of the community. They have recently demanded that tenants be banned from all meetings.

This community is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation, a "civic association." It is not a homeowners association. Its purpose is to protect and benefit all residents of this community, as written in its articles of incorporation, recorded on Aug. 21, 1963.

Ms. Thurman's group is distributing anonymous fliers that contain false and misleading information in order to deceive our membership. Signing that recall petition is the first step in jeopardizing our status as a senior community. Ms. Thurman's goals would violate the Fair Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA), California's Unruh Civil Rights Act, and SCCA's own governing documents.

I'd ask that the residents of Sun City research the Davis Sterling Act, and the above. Become informed, as to not be misled by the likes of Pat Thurman and her "recall" group.

JIM ROACH

Menifee

Too many unanswered questions

Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District states the LEAPS project will benefit the city. A UC Riverside professor states 3-D hydrodynamic modeling that quantifies the impacts of lake water pumped-storage operations on stratification and mixing in Lake Elsinore, and an ecological model for understanding trophic cascades are necessary to determine long-term effects on the lake.

EVMWD has not done these and other crucial scientific studies and yet they have hired a p.r. firm for $90,000 to deceive the public by promoting benefits of LEAPS. I am outraged at this conscious effort of EVWMD to force this ill-conceived project on Lake Elsinore.

Walking Riverwalk, I noticed gobs of algae floating in the channel that collects city runoff water and flows into the lake. How can we decrease contaminants and chemicals already present and establish satisfactory lake equilibrium when we are continually adding unknown quantities of new contaminants?

Responsibility for replenishment of lost lake water due to LEAPS has not been determined, yet EVWMD states LEAPS will improve water quality and stabilize lake water levels with no plan of action on where the replacement water will originate. It is irresponsible for EVWMD to move forward with this project until it addresses where replacement water will come from and how much it will cost. Increasing sewage-treated make-up water due to LEAPS is unacceptable.

Many other important issues have to be addressed, yet EVWMD moves LEAPS forward at a feverish pace, with no regard to safety or quality-of-life concerns.

VICKY WEBER

Lake Elsinore

Web Comments:

Vista approves hiring law on day laborers

Readers respond to our June 28 story about demonstrators on both sides of the national illegal immigration debate saying that the Vista City Council's unanimous approval of an ordinance to regulate the hiring of day laborers could have broad implications.

Not that bad

You Know What?: "I do not need illegal labor to improve the quality of my life. Heck, I would like to see a day, a week, a year without illegal visitors in my town just to see how 'bad' my life will be. Has to be a lot better than seeing that circus on Escondido Ave. and Santa Fe Road every morning."

Use your head

Shauni: "I am sorry you are sick of hearing the other side, as in truth. There are always two sides to every story. With open minds, people can come together to decide what is the most decent and reasonable course of action. Closed minds and hatred divide us as a country at a period in history when it is critical that we band together. Think with your brains, not with your emotions!"

Critical condition

Bravo Shauni: "I hope you live in Vista because I think rather than a face lift, Vista needs a heart transplant. I agree with you and I'm glad to hear there are at least two people with some sense. "

Lead by example

Vista John: "Example of other communities making laws: The City Council of Hazelton, Pennsylvania just voted to revoke the licenses of businesses that hire illegal aliens. Additionally, they will impose a $1,000 fine for any landlord who rents property to illegal aliens."

Where are we?

It is not racial: "I am of Mexican descent - it is not a racial thing. I am against illegal immigration, period. What do they not understand about 'illegal'? Not all are bad, but there are enough to stereotype the illegal immigrant. By the way, I heard the Del Mar Fair is waving a Mexican flag along with the U.S. and California flag. What is wrong with this country?"

Whose wallet?

Dug: "In the passing of the measure, from where will the money come and was money allocated in that provision?"

Pilots association official backs Oceanside airport

Readers respond to our June 28 story about the city's municipal airport getting a boost from the nation's largest airport association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, which claims 408,000 members nationwide.

Please keep it

C.C. Says: "I view the Oceanside airport as a valuable asset. I want to keep it that way. I wished the mayor felt the same way."

Not that far

American Idiot: "If we should ever have an emergency similar to 9/11 or an earthquake, I think we can manage to drive a few short miles to Carlsbad airport."

What memo?

MB: "My, my, my! Mayor Wood has a different meaning of the 'whole city' than the rest the Oceanside. He hides behind statements like 'I don't have all the facts', or 'A consultant or study is needed.' Nooo! Sanchez didn't get the memo? How convenient! She never gets the memo when she might be confronted with justifying her actions. "

If it ain't broke…

Ed: "The airport has been there for a lot of years now, certainly longer than the local city officials have been in office. These city officials need to learn to leave well enough alone. What's the alternative if the airport is closed ? Will these same officials help see that building permits are granted to put up 1,500 condos? The airport does not add to the traffic problem and it does serve the community. The mayor and his staff would be better off managing issues such as sewer repairs. You guys can't even get intersections right."

We need backup

Common sense: "WE need the airport as an evacuation alternative. Also, the airport gives us the option of receiving medical and other supplies should the rest of our infrastructure fail. Doesn't the mayor have more important things to focus on?"

Republican congressmen renew efforts to save Mt. Soledad cross

Readers respond to our June 28 story about a renewed bid to save the Mt. Soledad cross by transferring ownership to the federal government being launched by Reps. Duncan Hunter, R-El Cajon, Darrell Issa, R-Vista, and Brian Bilbray, R-Carlsbad.

Just change it

Enough Already: "While I am not opposed or offended by the Mount Soledad Cross, the fact that it is a prominent display of the Christian logo is a divisive problem. If the war memorial is what is truly the important heart of what is to be saved, change the symbol to something more inclusive of all those being recognized!"

Is nothing sacred?

Rumblfish: "Tolerance is freedom. The Christian cross is part of American history and heritage. For that reason alone, it is sacred. Leave it alone. America was built on religious tolerance - NOT religious exclusion. Future monuments won't focus on the cross as a symbol. Isn't that good enough? Why do we need to erase history?"

Everyone wins

Rockbobster: "If we wanted to have a monument that shows what the people really worship, there would be a shiny, gold-plated dollar sign on the mountain top. Even the ACLU would be on board with that monument."

Busby says?

Robert: "With this attempt by Bilbray, it really would be interesting to see what the Busby camp says on this issue. Duck anyone? This will be no easy effort with the liberals and ACLU phony antics!"

Readers responded to an article Wednesday stating that the mother of a baby who died earlier this year allegedly at the hands of the mother's boyfriend has filed a $10 million wrongful death claim against the county:

A tragedy

Pittsburgh: What a tragedy for such a young child. I still don't see how the county is responsible for this lady's poor judge of character. I feel sympathy for her, but our people in this country have gone too far with always wanting monetary retribution for everything that goes wrong. So, somehow the county is supposed to investigate every abuse case in Riverside County? …

In harm's way

Mom Of 2: Way to pass the buck. As a mother (especially a single mother), you are responsible for ensuring that you are entrusting your children to someone who is safe. You would research a Preschool -- why not a boyfriend? Too many times, women are putting their kids in harm's way because they get themselves into abusive relationships (and don't think she didn't see any of that anger towards her).

The only victim

Mike: If the judge is smart, he will throw this out before it gets any farther. The mother in this case should take responsibility for herself and her actions. People scream for there privacy, then complain when something like this happens and expect someone else to take the blame for their lack of judgment. The only victim here is the child.

System failed

Auntie-H: Of course, the mom is guilty of poor judgment, but that does not take the blame away from CPS allowing Kerianne to fall through the cracks of the system! How many other Keriannes are out there? CPS needs to be accountable for their lack of follow-up and their lack of protecting our children! The CPS system has failed Kerianne and many other innocent children! This needs to be heard so changes can follow!

Fight for justice

D: I'm a taxpayer and I would like my tax-paying money to go towards a system that works for our children! Not a system that fails our innocent children! Good for you, Mom, kick butt and keep fighting for the justice of Kerianne Bradley.