Re: your May 27 article, “County clerk to open Simi Valley office�:

Supervisor Peter Foy's plan to open a branch of the Ventura County Clerk-Recorder's Office in the Simi Valley Courthouse is good news indeed.

It has been about 25 years since the late Supervisor Jim Dougherty, for whom I worked as a field aide, did the same thing. The response was excellent and will be again, especially considering the auto fuel crisis.

Re: your May 29 article, "Suicide car bomber kills 21 in Iraq":

The photo caption accompanying this article, reads, "A young boy seeks shelter behind a U.S. soldier." If you continue to print that type of picture, people might get the impression that we're the good guys.

— Bill Buchanan, Thousand Oaks

Re: your May 26 article, “Live taps replaces a taped version�:

It was rejuvenating to read this article. This young woman should be held up by all who have faith in this country and be made a model for others to emulate. She obviously has more respect for this country than do most of its own citizens who were born here. She certainly can educate those who are illegal and march in our streets demanding their rights. She has clearly discovered and paid attention to what this country has to offer and is giving something back that many of its own will never comprehend.

Capitulation by Congress in providing money for the war of lies (Iraq) is a new level of deep shame in America. The leadership of the Democratic Party — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi — have demonstrated they are unfit for public office and have about the same amount of character as the Republican maniac in the White House.

The U.S. government is under the control of criminals, cowards, traitors, liars and scoundrels. These government representatives were all voted in by an uninformed, docile constituency that relishes pleasure, amusement and luxury more than constitutional government and the liberties and blessings that can flow from it.

— John K. Carter, Camarillo

There are two things I don't understand.

First, the citizens of this country, this writer included, voted the Democrats into office in the last election for one specific purpose: to end the carnage in Iraq and bring our boys home. There has never been any doubt that Bush and the Republicans, left to their own designs, would continue the war until voted out of the White House in January of 2009. The only way the Democrats could end it would be to cut off funding for the war. But the gutless wonders reneged, fearing to be tagged as unpatriotic. So now, the blood of every American killed or maimed henceforth in Iraq will be on their hands, as well as on the hands of Bush and the Republicans. I just don't get it.

Among my “doomster� friends, I frequently hear that a dictatorship is necessary to meet the threat of global warming, that people will not voluntarily do what is needed if it means sacrifice or inconvenience.

They say anybody with a brain knows we need to reduce population. Climate change is caused mainly by human activity; ergo, we need to have fewer humans. The Chinese successfully dictated family size and enforced one child per couple.

Re: your May 27 letters and Pulse page:

Did The Star look at its letters to the editor on Sunday? I am assuming it has discretion over what letters to print.

First, Susan Elizabeth Strassel’s “Emergency-room crisis�: This is news? This person wants to know how it can be solved. Doesn’t she know that our government does not want it solved?

Re: Terry Paulson’s May 28 commentary, “Memorial Day thoughts�:

So Mr. Paulson thinks that no sacrifice is too great when it comes to fighting "Islamofascists," whatever they are. As far as I can tell, the only sacrifice Paulson is making while young service people die in Iraq is giving up time on the golf course to serve as a cheerleader for the Bush administration. As evidenced by his continual begging for more tax cuts, it seems that he isn't even willing to pay for the war he so enthusiastically supports. Indeed, Paulson is all for sacrifices - as long as it's someone else making them.

— Joe Power, Ventura

Re: your May 27 article, “The paper chase�:

Interestingly, and perhaps symptomatic of the problem, none of the journalism professors quoted in this article offered the most fundamental and valuable advice to young people studying for a career in journalism: Set yourself apart from the tens of thousands of other bright, articulate journalism graduates and get a better education.

I've been a subscriber for 15 years, but my patience is starting to wear thin.

Earlier this year, The Star declared that it was going to reduce the size of its paper — and of its newsprint — out of environmental concerns. OK, that's fine. But what about those of us who look forward each day to working the crosswords and other puzzles? Those tiny, tiny letters are even smaller now. That leads to eyestrain.

The Immigration Reform Act of 1986 was a pretty simple act, but these laws have not been enforced in substance for 20 years. The current immigration bill in the Senate is 380 pages long, before amendments. President Bush and the lawmakers would want us to believe they will enforce the new laws if passed. Are you kidding me?

Re: your May 27 article, "Increased strife is predicted in Iraq if U.S. troops pull out":
It is disappointing to read yet another example of sloppy, biased reporting masquerading as an "even-handed" review of this issue.

Let's examine the three pieces of evidence that claim to support the prediction for increased violence in Iraq should U.S. soldiers leave.

— U.S. military commander’s opinions: Top military commanders serve at the pleasure of the president. Their public statements tell us only about the opinion of their commander in chief, President Bush.

It came as no surprise that our own local Republican representative, Elton Gallegly, voted May 24 to extend the war funding. That in itself was no surprise because Gallegly always votes straight down the Republican Party line. In this case, and once again without regard for the will of the majority of his constituents, he has voted his personal belief.

Re: your May 27 Pulse page on the Iraq war:

It seems to me that all those people who had letters published on May 27 did not once mention that the war had already been won by American and British boundary "flyovers" long before this President Bush invaded — and without the loss of one single pilot. There was also no civil war between Sunni and Shia. In fact, they were still marrying each other, and Iraqi oil pipes were safe.

Re: your May 27 Pulse page on the Iraq War:

I counted two opinions that were in favor of the war, each with no logical reason why this war is a good idea except the opinion that everyone else is wrong. Virtually every other opinion went on to express various reasons why this war is a bad idea with logical reasons and facts to support their opinions.

Why did The Star choose to start the page with the most pro-war, least supported opinion of all?

— Tom Lazarich, Oxnard

Re: Beverly Kelley’s May 28 commentary, "Baby boomers tripping out with lives of Founding Fathers":

As a midrange baby boomer, please let me apologize to Kelley for not being stillborn. I guess that's just another example of how selfish and self-centered my entire generation has been.

— Nels Norene, Camarillo

Re: your May 27 editorial, “Fillmore puts caps over kids�:

Just because it's legal doesn't make it right. Such is the case with the decision by the County Board of Education in rejecting school transfers from Fillmore Unified School District. Trustee Chris Valenzano was right to dissent, because in his own words, "Districts really have to take into consideration the harm they are doing to students."

I was appalled at so few flags being displayed this Memorial Day weekend in Simi Valley. The retail stores did a better job advertising their Memorial Day sales that we did at displaying our patriotism and respect for our soldiers. Shame on you, Americans.

My conclusions for such a poor showing are that Americans are apathetic and lazy. We have so many foreigners that they are not about to support the country that gives them so much. I know there are exceptions, but in general, I believe this to be true. We have reached the age of confusion about where we are headed and so do nothing. I believe I'm pretty accurate with my assessments.

Monday, the country observed Memorial Day. There were many ceremonies dedicated to the memories of those who gave it all. There were a lot of flags, music and prayers. But still there were the groups that continue to ask, "Why are we there?"

During the ceremonies, a number of airplanes flew close. Police sirens sounded in the distance. Rifles barked a salute to the fallen. But during this, no bombs fell, no rockets went off among those gathered, no prisoners were dragged off to jail or torture, and there were no dead because of the rifles.

Re: your May 28 article, “Service members look for work�:

Monday was Memorial Day — a day of remembrance for all who have died in our nation's service, not just one war, but every war.

Yes, the current war is a very heated debate. However, why should military personnel be treated so disrespectfully?

I was appalled to learn that this year’s annual Touch-A-Truck, sponsored by the Conejo Recreation and Park District, will include military vehicles. Since when are military tanks and armored killing machines considered wholesome family entertainment?

I suppose there will also be military personnel on site handing out pamphlets and telling our children all about the glory of war. Does the military have to take over everything? Why can’t the military just have its own “military truck day�? Why does it have to ruin Touch-A-Truck?

Re: your May 29 article, “Military’s mental healthcare faulted�:

Twenty-four years after leaving Vietnam, my post-traumatic stress disorder surfaced with a vengeance. It took years of group and individual therapy, but I can keep that beast at bay for the most part, even though the Department of Veterans Affairs rates me at 100 percent disabled because of it.

Rocketdyne appears to still be a serious health threat to those living in Simi Valley. After research, it has been discovered that several are dying young, possibly due to the history of several individuals with cancer. Within the past five years, I have had two family members die of cancer — the youngest, my mother, at age 43. Several other family members have been diagnosed and treated for cancer and have survived.

It’s really upsetting to learn you’ve been the victim of a scam, but it’s even worse to find out the con artists reside in the state Legislature. We, the taxpayers, have been defrauded!

Last year, the voters were told the state’s levees were in imminent danger of collapse if they weren’t repaired and that we needed to approve Proposition 84, the water bond, to provide $5.3 billion for the repairs.

Re: LeeAnne Clark’s May 25 letter, “Breast-feeding not for all�:

Ms. Clark took issue with my May 22 letter, in which I stated that babies are born to breast-feed and most babies have no need for a bottle. Ms. Clark referred to me as "sanctimonious" and a "breast-feeding extremist," lumping me in with a couple of women with whom she’d had an unfortunate encounter.

As an international board-certified lactation consultant, I am well aware that there are babies who must be fed with a bottle. That is why I clearly stated, "Most babies have no need to drink anything from a bottle."

Re: your May 27 article, “A bitter Memorial Day�:

I am truly outraged and offended by The Star’s lack of sensitivity and concern for all veterans and for those now on active duty. What is the purpose of such an article? We have so much to be thankful for when we live in this great nation. Instead, I am slapped in the face the day before we are to be honoring those who died serving America.

On Memorial Day, I couldn't help but remember the millions of Americans who fought for our freedom since this country was founded. At the same time, I thought of the politicians I voted for in the last four elections who gave us the unresponsive government we have in Washington.

Many soldiers gave their lives for this country, yet those rogues in Washington, who have offices around here in Ventura, are passing out free citizenship to people who have no right to be here. It doesn't make sense to me. This problem should have been resolved eight years ago.

Re: Thomas Elias’ May 25 commentary, “Is LNG needed? No one yet knows for certain�:

Elias doesn’t want liquefied natural gas terminals. He’s a NIMBY. I can understand that. If he had the intellectual honesty to say so, I could respect that. But, no, he insists on trying to build a case against it using data and logic.

It boggles my mind that so many Republicans and conservatives say that, if you do not support the war in Iraq, you do not support the troops. On the contrary, many people support their dedication and their ultimate sacrifice. How dare anyone suggest different.

President Bush proclaimed that if we don't win this war in Iraq, the enemy will come here and attack and destroy our country. If he really believes in what he says, then it begs the question: Why isn't our president going all-out to win this war? If we are in such a critical state of life and death for the survival for our democracy, then why hasn't our president called for a national draft so our military would be at full strength and capable of fighting the fight?

One of the things that will surely strike future historians about our era is the odd placidity of American cultural life at the time of a wildly unpopular war — so different from the eruptions that attended Vietnam.

Are those who cite the Vietnam debacle as a precedent for the United States abandoning military action in the Middle East considering a vital difference between the two conflicts?

In Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh merely wanted us out of his territory; he had no stated objective to destroy the United States of America.

If my memory serves me correctly, the Constitution says the right to use arms is only if we have been attacked. We have not been attacked, and there have not been any weapons of mass destruction found! I am confused.

— Mary Pezzotti, Camarillo

Doctor’s report: Operation was a complete success. Unfortunately, the patient died.

President Bush’s report: Operation was a complete success. Unfortunately, Iraq died.

Post mortem: Patient was misdiagnosed, coupled with wrong prescriptions.

— Joseph Kobylak, Camarillo

Re: Ann McFeatters’s April 16 commentary, “Czar wars in Washington�:

While I agree with Ms. McFeatters about the proposed "czar of war" being nothing but an effort by the administration to set up a scapegoat to take the blame for the disaster that Iraq and Afghanistan have become, I must say that her comment, "Four years — and counting — into a war that was begun for reasons that have never been explained� isn't quite true.

The Senate, freshly under Democratic control, passed with much hoopla a few weeks ago an Iraq war supplemental funding bill containing benchmarks that were promptly vetoed by Bush. Then I watched the Democrats spinelessly capitulate on C-SPAN. They voted 85-14 in favor of a bill containing no timelines or benchmarks, shamefully caving in and showing their true colors.

What happened? If I understand civics correctly, those in Washington are representing us, and they are supposed to be responsive to our collective will. And yet, even with the mandate of last November, and even with 70 percent of the American public behind them, the Democrats put their tails between their legs and whimpered away.

We need immigrants to harvest our crops. After achieving legal status, how long will they continue picking strawberries?

The injured whales insist on heading away from the ocean. Do you think maybe the mother is protecting herself and her injured calf from sharks that can smell the injuries miles away?

Islam is a religion of peace; it’s only a few fanatics who are bent on destroying democracy. Common sense: Their Koran demands that they slay all non-believers. You think maybe that means us? Did the good ones ever turn in “bad ones?�

It appears that the House is trying to do something about record-high gasoline prices. This would be in the form of a stiff penalty for those found guilty of gasoline price gouging. However, it has already been implied that the president will veto the bill.

Not too long ago, it was reported that the oil companies were making excessively high profits, billions more than had ever been recorded. Consumers complained. Our representatives complained. The president said he didn't like it either, but there was nothing he could do about it. Well, here is his chance: He can be sure the bill is worded properly and sign it.

It appears that the House is trying to do something about record-high gasoline prices. This would be in the form of a stiff penalty for those found guilty of gasoline price gouging. However, it has already been implied that the president will veto the bill.

Not too long ago, it was reported that the oil companies were making excessively high profits, billions more than had ever been recorded. Consumers complained. Our representatives complained. The president said he didn't like it either, but there was nothing he could do about it. Well, here is his chance: He can be sure the bill is worded properly and sign it.

I guess if President Bush can call an occupation a war, the gutless Democrats can call a capitulation a compromise. Their spineless collapse is a disappointment and disgrace to the people who elected them to end this lunacy, not foment it.

— Wayne Saddler, Ventura

I am disgusted by what I see happening to our city. An early-morning walk through downtown Oxnard confronts you with trash everywhere, especially on weekends. Don’t these people have any respect for their city? Why aren’t the litter laws being enforced? Trash bins at businesses and apartment buildings are overflowing with trash. The lids on the dumpsters won’t close, allowing the seagulls to spread trash everywhere. Why don’t we require larger Dumpsters or empty them more frequently? If the adults have no respect for our city, what can we expect from our children?

— Tim Hardin, Oxnard

I recently spent well over six hours in the emergency room as a patient. I observed the people who work there and concluded that they truly are heroes and angels to the rest of us in the community.

There were many people seeking help, and clearly the emergency room was overburdened. What can be done to make the job of these men and women less difficult? I believe this serious problem needs to be addressed, especially in light of the temporary future closure of St. John's Regional Medical Center.

Please vote no on any blank-check bill to continue President Bush's failed occupation. At least Bush had an exit strategy in Vietnam.

— Julie du Bois, West Hills

I commute from Thousand Oaks to Carpinteria on Highway 101 from 6 to 7 a.m.
Driving at 70 mph, which is over the posted speed limit, there are insane drivers who tailgate a couple of feet from my rear bumper, flashing their headlights and weaving in and out across several lanes of traffic just to get ahead of the car in front of them. They do this while traveling in excess of 80 to 90-plus mph. This is a routine occurrence on the 101, including southbound toward downtown Los Angeles.

I recently received an e-mail from someone who pointed out that the Big Three automakers — General Motors, Ford and Chrysler — are all closing down plants in this country and going to other places where the labor is cheaper and overhead is lower in an effort to save money, claiming that is the only way to avoid "bankruptcy."

I am not connected in any way to any auto company or dealership. I’m just making observations. I drive a 1991 Toyota Avalon. It's one of the best autos I have ever owned. I have owned cars made by all the other makers in the United States, mostly GM and Chrysler.

June 13, the Camarillo City Council will be asked to approve 1,350 high-density residential units on prime agricultural land located between Highway 101 and Spanish Hills. This land is located directly under the aircraft traffic pattern of the Camarillo Airport. There are many daily overflights.

In 2000, a consultant hired to do the airport land use plan showed this property being in the airport safety zone. Under legal threat from the then-city manager, the previous director of airports was told to have the safety zone changed. The zone was moved back to the freeway. Why was it changed? The safety zone restricts residential development.

The time has come, the walrus said, peace is patriotic.

Peacemaking is not for pussyfooters, nor is it for the lily-livered. Peacemaking demands courageous fighters like Mohandas Gandhi, Susan B. Anthony and Martin Luther King Jr. And, don’t forget Barbara Lee, first denounced, then honored around the world.

Peacemaking is for world-class passionate patriots.

Re: Chuck Thomas' May 19 commentary, “Could nature’s beauty be just a fluke?�:

It seems to me that if anyone can stand naked in front of a bathroom mirror and say, "This is all a big accident" is not seeing the big picture. That "intelligence" we call God still hasn't given us a clue as to how it all happened, but there must be some purpose and maybe a little sleight of hand trying to tell us, "Maybe it isn't what it seems to be."

As this year appears to be one of the worst for brush fires and forest fires in a very long time, I hope the federal, state and county governments have sought out a more coordinated attack for moving forces. The recent fire on Catalina brought out the well-planned system that Los Angeles County and the Marines had put into effect many years ago. It takes time to work out the logistics and to train up people in the eventuality of need. It worked very well in this case.

We need new commerce in Port Hueneme. The old Vons space is available, and a Trader Joe’s would be nice. If not, let’s look at some stores that would bring in more sales tax and also enhance our community. Right now, we must drive to Pacific View Mall or the outlets for our clothing needs. There are good stores that locate in mini malls, such as Ross, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx and my favorite, Steinmart. With all the new homes on Victoria Avenue in Oxnard, any of these stores closer to home is desirable for many of us.

I am a real estate appraiser who has had to deal with this new real estate market on a daily basis. I find it interesting to read and hear misleading generalities in newspapers and TV news broadcasts. National news posts figures of declining national average property values, while local, state and county realty associations report lower median prices and a decrease in sales volume. These figures do not reflect the multitudes of micro-markets on which the current reported market slow-downs have had little or no effect.

Re: Dianne E. Oliver’s May 22 letter, “No need for a bottle�:

I am continually stunned by the sanctimonious attitude of some breast-feeding activists. Like so many of them, Oliver seems to have completely ignored the needs of one large community of parents: those of us who adopted our children.

With regard to the Attorney General Alberto Gonzales affair, is it not perjury to say that you don't recall events when you do? The inconsistencies in the attorney general's comments, some of which were made under oath, are stunning.

If, in fact, he is as confused and forgetful as he would have us believe, then he must be removed from office for gross negligence, as his statements render him incompetent to carry out his duties in this high office.

Re: your May 19 article, “Residents concerned about chemicals�:

The question that needs to be asked is, "Who was there first, the farmer or the housing development?" If the farmer was there first, then those who bought homes there had to know that he would be using pesticides, fumigants and fertilizers. That should have been taken into consideration before the home was purchased. To ask the farmer to change the way he grows crops just because residents moved in next door is really unfair.

Re: your May 17 article, “Public agencies also feeling sting of soaring fuel prices�:

The article mentions the effect rising fuel prices have had on municipal budgets throughout Ventura County. As a member of the Moorpark City Council and vice chairman of the board of directors of the Southern California Regional Rail Authority, the operator of Metrolink commuter train service, I have witnessed these effects from two different angles.

The concept of "electable" candidates is a ploy of the conglomerated corporate media pundits used to dissuade voters from looking at the substance of where candidates stand on issues truly important to the vast majority of Americans — the middle- and working-classes.

"Coverage" is limited to those candidates who are acceptable to the military-industrial complex — the same candidates whose campaign coffers swell with the corporate dollars needed to buy expensive but meaningless 30-second spot ads on TV. The pundits will talk about money. They will talk about polls. When they do that, they don't have to talk about what is important.

On Memorial Day, there will be a short memorial prayer service for babies killed by abortion, from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Tomb of the Unborn at Santa Clara Cemetery, 1270 North H Street, in the far east corner. We invite you to join us. Everyone is welcome.

If you have lost a child or grandchild through abortion, please name the baby and send the name to: Mothers-for-Life, 1255 South Ventura Road, Oxnard, CA 93033. You may remain anonymous if you wish. The names will be added to the lists surrounding the tomb.

Re: your April 26 editorial “Time flies in P.O.�

The poorly researched editorial was full of misinformation. The Postal Service is not removing clocks at post offices across the nation. The only clocks being removed at some locations are outdated “century countdown� clocks, which were installed before 2000 to celebrate the millennium and have obviously outlived their intention.

Re: your May 18 article, “Deadly Israeli attacks on Hamas aggravate Palestinian tensions�:

The article, caption and pictures are as misleading and biased as any I've ever seen. It isn't until the end of the third paragraph that there is mention that, "The strikes [by Israel] followed days of Hamas rocket barrages into Israel� and not until the 11th paragraph some details, such as more than 50 rockets fired into the border town of Sderot, just a mile and a half from the Gaza border, over a period of just three days.

Re: your May 18 article, “Deadly Israeli attacks on Hamas aggravate Palestinian tensions�:

I strongly object to the wording of this headline. It intimates that Israel, for no reason at all, just started to assault the Palestinians. It’s not until you continue reading that the article states: “The strikes, a series of Israeli attacks Thursday and the reported movement of a handful of tanks a few hundred yards into the northern Gaza Strip, followed days of Hamas rocket barrages into Israel.�

Re: your May 19 article, “Residents concerned about chemicals�:

Spring is in the air, and with it comes the usual nonsense about air quality and what do about it. The latest foray into this deeply flawed public policy realm was described in The Star’s article on chemicals.

First, the headline is deeply foolish. What resident isn’t concerned about chemicals? We all are. The big question is: What are we prepared to realistically do about it?

Re: Rep. Elton Gallegly’s May 20 commentary, “ID need more urgent than ever�:

I oppose the Real ID Act and urge people to consult the Electronic Privacy Information Center Web site (epic.org) to see why.

Scapegoating migrants and supporting Patriot and Real ID acts only make things worse. The war on terror is creating more terrorists. Many Islamic people and Arabs are angry with us, not because they hate our freedoms, but because we have invaded and occupied their homelands.

Re: Rellis Smith's May 17 commentary, “Executions need to be carried out�:

Mr. Smith states that the justice system needs to upgraded to assure that people are not convicted of crimes they did not commit. Later, he refers to "the insane justice system that runs rampant in our county." I would enjoy hearing what is "insane" about our system and how he proposes to fix it. It seems to me that there is a fundamental disconnect here; he admits that the system is broken, but he wants to go on killing people expeditiously when they are convicted by that system anyway.

Re: Rellis Smith's May 17 commentary, “Executions need to be carried out�:

Smith says the system should be severely upgraded, but there is neither the political will nor the money for that to ever happen. Even if it did, the justice system would still never be able to be absolutely sure that those condemned to death are all guilty.

Re: your May 19 article, “Smog reduction effort threatens local farms�:

The Star reports that newly proposed regulations could take a third of Ventura County's strawberry fields out of production. The article did not even mention how much other farmland, in total, would ultimately be lost.

According to the article, the proposed regulations aim to reduce smog. However, if crops now grown and eaten in the county have to be shipped in from elsewhere, the smog produced when this food is transported then has to be factored into the predicted net loss of pollutants.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the local chapter of the Young Marines, a national youth association sponsored by the Marine Corps League of the United States. This local chapter, which meets twice a month at the USMC reserve compound at Naval Base Ventura County, currently has 24 members, with more wanting to join. I saw enthusiastic youngsters participating in a classroom setting, as well as later having physical activities out on the softball field. The program is mostly run by the older kids teaching the younger kids, with assistance from parents and a few reservists.

Re: your May 19 article, “Delayed Hwy. 101 bridge limps toward finish�:

This article just scratches the surface of a totally bungled fiasco. The project has been badly mismanaged from the beginning. I hope that the California Department of Transportation has procedures in place to conduct regular performance appraisals of their employees as commercial companies do. If so, the Highway 101 team should be given a total failure grade and, if not demoted, then not be allowed to perform on a future project such as this.

Re: Rep. Elton Gallegly’s commentary, “ID need more urgent than ever�:

Illegal immigration is an important issue, particularly in California. Gallegly has been a tireless legislator in this area. However, I am troubled by several phrases that appeared in his commentary.

He described three brothers who are not from a “terrorist country.� Labels such as these result in misguided and naïve foreign policies and do nothing to improve our image abroad. What constitutes a “terrorist country�? I would remind the congressman that Timothy McVeigh was an American citizen.

Re: your May 17 article, “Chemical in baby bottles raises concerns�:

There was something glaringly absent from this article: any mention of breastfeeding. Most babies have no need to drink anything from a bottle.

To quote our U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, "Babies are born to be breastfed."

Re: your May 18 article, "Farms losing to development, panelists say":

The article stated, "... people's desire to decide for themselves where development should happen came to Ventura County 11 years ago with one overarching goal: Preserve the county's farmland." This reference was to Save Open-space and Agricultural Resources. Did the environmental BANANAs (Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything) and their supporters genuinely support farmland, or was the claim a smokescreen?

I am so pleased to see The Star doing stories on disaster preparedness. It is so important that we make sure our families are adequately prepared with food, water and sanitation in case of emergency.

Re: Stuart Bechman’s May 9 commentary, “Using prayer rallies to intimidate others�:

Bechman is plainly guilty of the same intolerance he decries in "Christians.� He lumps all Christians into one big lot, speaking of our "hypocrisy" and "egoism" and insisting we promote Christianity by suppressing "any voices that might disagree with theocratic Christian orthodoxy."

There are intolerant Christians who believe it their God-given duty to save everyone, who don't mind using intimidation, political pressure or other questionable tactics to achieve that goal.

Re: Lou Gates’ May 15 commentary, “California needs LNG from BHP Billiton�:

One of the most persistent myths about domestic solar power is the notion of "payback," that this form of energy must be judged largely on its ability to pay for itself quickly in order to justify the upfront expenses of solar panels, wiring, labor, etc.
Gates writes: "It may take 30 years or more to pay off the cost of home-installed solar power units."

Re: John Krist’s April 26 essay, “Bringing an end to an era":

Krist is serious about global warming. I, too, am serious about it. The difference is that he, apparently, has bought into the trendy belief that people are a major cause. I don’t.

History notes that an ice age began about 20,000 years ago and began to melt about 11,000 years ago. That means the Earth, all by itself, cooled down to allow glaciers to creep into North America and Europe. Then, on its own, the Earth began to warm up so the glaciers melted.

Enactment by large airlines, the current presidential administration and members of the Federal Aviation Administration of the Aviation Investment and Modernization Act will push costs of funding the system beyond the current "gas" tax and into a fee-based structure that affects the general aviation community in rural America.

General aviation is pretty much any aircraft flying that is not an airliner or military aircraft. A user-fee-based system has proved to wipe out almost entirely the general aviation community in every country that has instituted it. It is akin to making every freeway we drive on a toll road, with toll gates every few miles.

Re: your May 17 article, “Formula for a lawsuit�:

Regarding the controversy over the dangers of toxins in plastic baby bottles, The Star neglected to point out the obvious solution: breast milk, which comes in perfectly safe, portable, sterile containers that require no washing, no boiling, no cost and no running to the store. It is always the right temperature, always convenient and close at hand and formulated individually to the exact nutritional needs of each baby.

What kind of country are we? We invade and occupy Iraq, which had nothing to do with 9/11. We’ve destroyed their country, killed and wounded thousands of their people, and many Americans don’t seem to care about their sufferings. Yet, when 32 murders happen at Virginia Tech, the outrage is national.

Many of our military have been killed or terribly wounded. Is it wrong to support them and not support President Bush’s personal war? I don’t think so. His war is costing us many billions. Our people have voted against this war, and a committee of learned men advised the president how to get out of this mess.

Re: Rowland Nethaway’s May 15 commentary, “Big business now onboard for universal healthcare�:

What rock has Mr. Nethaway been hiding under? Big Business has always wanted national healthcare so it can pass its cost of doing business onto the American taxpayer. I note in The Star how Canada’s “universal� care will not allow immigrants into their country who would cost their healthcare and social services more than $18,200 in a five-year period. Be careful what you wish for. You just might get it.

— Ann Telling, Thousand Oaks

Re: your May 17 Opinion page cartoon:

I take issue with the cartoon about Jerry Falwell. It appears The Star used the occasion of his death to take one last shot at him, a shot that reinforces the unfair criticism that has come his way over the years. I believe Falwell exemplifies the media’s ability to create a fictional character using a living person’s name.

The cartoon showed God with a list of Falwell’s traits, specifically excluding humility and meekness.

Want to spice up the California lottery? I would rather see 20 tickets win $2 million than one ticket win $40 million — unless it is me, of course.

The lottery should pay the prize in cash and not keep half the winnings for not taking 26-year payments. Who is collecting the interest on all the unpaid money anyway? They should reduce the taxes on the winnings, at least in California; probably not much can be done about federal taxes.

Increase the second-tier prize: $11 million for top prize and $12,000 for second on the last win? Come on!

This is to alert the people involved with the planning and construction of the new Rice Avenue interchange involving Highway 101. Currently, the traffic has increased, involving morning and evening commuter traffic, including tractor-trailers. The people who provide the revenue to finance this change do not want a repeat of the Santa Clara River fiasco.

Re: Lin Howe’s May 17 letter, “When will this war be over?�:

When President Bush is no longer in the White House.

It is my belief that when the GIs leave Iraq, the country possibly will stabilize. Most of the bloodshed is due to the presence of our troops in their country. Perhaps Iraq needs to have a "civil war" to settle its differences. We settled our differences with a civil war.

— Karol Ransom, Ventura

The city of Oxnard is trying to break the Save Open-space and Agricultural Resources ordinance and build outside the city urban restriction boundary with what it considers a justified end-run around this important legislation to preserve agricultural land.

The Jones Ranch project is not a 20-acre-per-year development for low-income housing, as the city would have you believe. Actually, it’s a 165-acre, phased master plan, with the majority of the 2,500 residences for moderate-income households, with all the amenities of a master-planned community, including commercial, which is not allowed in SOAR.

I am disappointed by the recommendation of Pleasant Valley School District staff to deny the Camarillo Academy of Progressive Education charter petition. Of more concern is the false information about charter schools given out by district staff and trustees. A charter school is a public school. PVSD decides whether CAPE’s students stay in the district or not. Charters foster innovative education available to all children and have broad bipartisan support at state and federal levels.

Re: Terry Paulson’s May 7 essay, “Election withdrawal talk�:

For those of us who had loved ones who fought in Vietnam, Terry Paulson’s essay opens old wounds. We remember the lies and deceptions of President Nixon and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and their devious plans to continue the war despite the loss of life and limb.

Re: your May 15 article, “More social services cut in governor’s revised plan�:

Big surprise! Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to take more social services away from the aged, the blind and the disabled. Does this seem right to anyone? Why is it that the poor, the elderly and the disabled are always the first ones that money is taken from? For what? Schools? I am totally for improving the school system like everyone else, but get the money from somewhere else! Where is all the money that the lottery was supposed to generate for the schools? Who is getting that?

I believe it is important that the public know that there is no $500,000 deficit in the Camarillo Academy of Progressive Education budget. There really never was. The district staff and the Pleasant Valley School District board were well aware from the beginning it was an input error and nothing more. One of the district staff “quietly� acknowledged this in the first school board meeting addressing CAPE.

My daughter and granddaughter attend Rancho Rosal School. This is the new school located in Village at the Park. This school was a gift to the city from the developer, D.R. Horton.

Re: your May 16 article, “City to review fire services county provides�:

Let's put the pieces together. Mayor Andy Fox is demoted from his second-in-command position at the Los Angeles Fire Department due to the black-firefighter dog-food hazing incident, among other lawsuits Fox caused. Since he is only a year away from retirement, at age 50 with full benefits, the LAFD brass probably cut him a deal and is allowing him to stay until then.

Re: your May 12 article, “Midwife disputes health allegations�:

I do not know Marcia Kay McCulley personally and have just a general knowledge of her midwifery practice. I am writing to defend home births in general.

It is a fact that for healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies, a home birth is just as safe as a hospital birth. Some studies suggest home births to be safer than hospital births. More information regarding these studies can be found at 
www.gentlebirth.org/ronnie/homesafe.html#safety.

Re: your May 12 articles, “It’s still Mother’s Day behind bars� and “Westlake Village veteran included in Allied landing on Omaha Beach�:

I think it is sad that more space was given to women who have committed crimes and are in jail than to a veteran landing on Omaha Beach. Society keeps rewarding bad behavior.

Kathleen Hendrickson, Thousand Oaks

No wonder our soldiers are being captured and our tanks being blown up in Iraq. We would do the same if the United States were invaded by foreign countries under the guise of freedom. Now that we have assessed that we shouldn't be there, it’s time to leave and allow the people of Iraq to decide their own destiny.

Please give me a definitive answer as to when this so-called war on terrorism will be over. I seriously doubt if anyone will answer.

— Lin Howe, Ventura

I was pleased to note that our road department has finally acquired a supply of asphalt to resurface Telephone Road below Main Street, and I (along with several hundred others) sincerely hope they have enough left over to resurface that horrible block-long bit of sadly neglected pot-holes on Harbor Boulevard between Seaward Avenue and Peninsula Street. If this is not being considered at this time, we surely wish someone would tell us why and when to expect some remedial action.

— Jon C. Funk, Ventura

Re: David Ameling’s May 4 commentary, “Carbon dioxide’s effects easy to check�:

Ameling wrote, for the second time (is he a darling of The Star?), that carbon dioxide effects on climate change are easy to check, under the auspice that the public should be informed and aware.

Ameling's commentaries are disinformation and a disservice to the public. Too much the stuff of ignorance swathed in the guise of inquiry.

Kansas. Tornadoes. Kind of makes me think, "We're off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz."

Surely, if we just stay the course on this yellow brick road, we will find our way back home from the evil war in Iraq, and our nation will be rebuilt after hurricanes and tornadoes and everyone will live happily ever after.

Re: your May 6 article, “UC marks decade of race-blind selections�:

The potential long-term effects of the complete dissolution of affirmative action or similar programs cannot possibly be measured in a short 10-year span. The socio-economic impact will not be known for decades. Not until we have studied statistics on at least one or two generations will it be determined to be considered a success or failure.

Re: your May 9 article, “Turning Point may close site in Ventura�:

For the sake of a fuller picture concerning the new adult wellness/recovery center, some things should be mentioned.

"They" are not pushing Clyde Reynolds out. The contract was given to Pacific Clinics by the committee assigned the task because of their impressive record. It perhaps gives a misimpression to say that they are from Arcadia. Pacific Clinics runs some 35 programs in five counties throughout Southern California.

As parents, we are constantly faced with important decisions and choices for our kids. When we make good choices for them, our reward is their growth and advancement. Finding the best schools for them ranks near the top of the list.

Re: your May 11 article, “Moffett quits top job at Pleasant Valley�:

This article, regarding the resignation of Pleasant Valley School District Superintendent Ken Moffett, read, “While Moffett's letter was dated April 20, board President Ron Speakman said the information had not been released because he had not accepted the letter.�

Re: your May 11 article, “Moorpark man’s motorcycle death similar to many others�:

I believe that The Star’s point was to state that many motorcycle accidents happen because the rider loses control. I would like to add that the number one cause of motorcycle accidents is due to drivers in cars turning left in front of us. Most drivers just look for cars when making turns, but they need to look for motorcycles also. Every time I approach a car waiting to make a left turn, I reduce my speed and look at the driver to see what he's doing. Most are talking on the phone, eating or talking to someone in the car, so I must be very cautious. After all, it is my life that is at stake. Please, drivers, look for motorcycles.

— Roy Hooper, Ojai

I am writing in support of funding for the fish ladder at Casitas Municipal Water District. The federal government has imposed requirements that CMWD must abide by without the faintest idea as to where money would be coming from.

Come on, Americans: This is not the way to support your president. Sales of RVs, SUVs and trucks are flat, while sales of energy-efficient vehicles are rising sharply.

You must consider the long-term consequences of energy conservation. Your president is engaged in a desperate struggle for domination, also known as “regime change� of the world’s oil reserves. The next prize in this struggle is Iran. After that comes the biggest prize of all: Saudi Arabia. Remember, if the United States doesn’t gain control of these oil pools within the next 25 years, China or India or both, because of their rapidly increasing energy demands, will.

What is it about cigarette smokers in the city of Ventura? Every beach, every sidewalk, every street, every parking lot, every park and every public planter are havens for cigarette butts.

And then there are the cigarette butts that, through the forces of wind and water — rain and sprinklers and hoses — are sent to storm drains, going right to the ocean to tempt sea creatures that mistake them for food. That’s not good.

The cigarette butts have filters made of cellulose acetate, a sort of plastic. Cellulose acetate does not biodegrade for seven to 10 years. They are unsightly on Ventura's environs.

People who produce these cigarette butts need to stop littering. What is 
the fine for littering in Ventura, anyway? Businesses ought to provide outdoor receptacles for the cigarette butts. Barring that, smokers need to collect the cigarette butts in a can and properly dispose of them so they go to the landfills. No cigarette butts should ever be thrown on the ground, the streets, the beach or from cars.

Just be responsible.

— Laurel Hewson, Ventura

Re: your May 11 article, “Home Depot seeks south Oxnard site�:

I was very upset to read that Home Depot is trying to replace our Kmart on Channel Islands Boulevard. I am a lifelong Kmart shopper and visit this store at least once a week for necessary items at reasonable prices. In addition, I obtain all my prescription medications from their speedy and friendly pharmacy, which does not make you wait for days to get a medication.

Re: Chuck Thomas’ May 12 column, “Here’s a quick quiz on historical trivia�:

While Ventura is doing some really nice work on practical bus shelters with interesting art incorporated in the design, absolutely the most perplexing one is the "Bus To Home" at Telegraph and Mills roads.

Here we go again. The mobile home park owners are once again trying to get more money than is legally allowed from modest income seniors. Park owners throughout California have united and hired expensive lobbyists to go to the Capitol and influence our legislators against us.

May 11, at Santa Susana High School, I stepped out of second-period English to see a scene that could only be described as movie- or 6 o'clock news-like: SWAT team members with machines guns and other Simi Valley police officers running toward the other end of the school.

I, along with my friends who were walking with me, darted into the office to try to see what was going on and what actions we should take to be safe. The office was empty of administrators, and the office personnel had no idea what was going on or where we should go. I called my mom to inform her of the developments before she learned some other way, and then I walked to my third-period class.

May 8 passed with nary a whisper and barely a news article or TV comment. What was so important? The war in Europe ended in 1945, that’s what. Germany surrendered. For those of us who participated and survived those years of uncertainty and bloodshed, it was a momentous day. Now, for most, World War II is all but forgotten. For those of us who lost comrades, the memories will live forever.

We have now embarked upon a war that is pitting the civilized world against a culture whose ideology is the destruction of Western learning, thought and laws.

Re: Stuart Bechman’s May 9 commentary, “Using prayer rallies to intimidate others�:

The National Day of Prayer was inaugurated by President Truman in 1952. The official day of observance, the first Thursday in May, was inaugurated by President Reagan in the 1980s. So this celebration of prayer has been in our collective thought for more than 50 years and is supported by a great many Americans.

I've attended several of these worship meetings over the years and have found them to be spiritually uplifting, unifying and inclusive of many religious beliefs.

How many families use natural gas to cook meals, heat water and heat their homes? Remember the problems we had a couple of years ago when we ran low on gas in Southern California? Natural gas also fuels our electric power plants and many other industries.

Highways 101 and 23 are increasingly crowded with workers. Ventura County is a lovely place to live. Eventually we will have to face the problem of getting enough natural gas to meet the growing needs of our existing citizens and all these newcomers who want to enjoy our communities.

Re: Ruth Hibbard’s May 10 letter, “Smart growth, smart citizens�:

Ms. Hibbard writes, “Smart growth will only happen if we have smart citizens who are informed enough to see the broader picture and the greater good.�

I am a Democrat. When I look at Hillary Clinton, Obama Barack and John Edwards, I don't find all the qualities in any one of them that are going to be needed in the next administration. Nor do I find them in any other Democratic or Republican candidate.

Re: your May 10 article, “Developers, others look for meaning of A7 vote�:
Having talked to a couple of well-educated and thoughtful Santa Paulans, I think the meaning of the A7 vote is clear. The sense I got was that the proposed 
development was viewed as a positive improvement for the city. It is relatively low 
in density, with 495 homes; high in quality, increasing the property tax base; and 
it is something that offers benefits for the community at large, in terms of 
parks and open space, a potential for a net increase in city funds and affluent customers for local businesses. Key factors were the low numbers of homes and net 
benefits to the citizens already here.

Re: David A. Shaneyfelt’s May 6 commentary, “Assisted suicide: Death with indignity?�

As a devout Catholic, Shaneyfelt fears committing a sin for which his soul would be consigned to everlasting torment in hell.

During the May 1 illegal immigrant rallies, we saw many teary-eyed parents and children carrying signs reading, “Don’t deport our parents.� The sign really should have read, “Parents: Don’t leave us behind.�

Parents who broke the law and face deportation and love their children should obviously not leave their children behind in a strange land. Their home country — say, if it were Mexico — will not prosecute them, and they will be with relatives and friends.

Re: your May 10 article, “Plot sheds light on dangers, flaws of regional radicals�:

It was quite alarming to read about the six militant Muslims in New Jersey planning to kill military personnel on American soil. Just because they were caught this time does not mean that Homeland Security will always be successful. I am extremely concerned that our politicians do not take immigration and border control seriously. Europe is being taken over by Muslims as we speak, and there go our European allies. I wonder how House Speaker Nancy Pelosi feels about wearing a burqa?

Re: your May 5 article, “County quarrel":

Your story on the relationship between Ventura County Supervisors Steve Bennett and John Flynn highlighted, in my mind, the most significant reason Flynn has been voted into his office over and over: He is out in the community mixing and getting to know the people. Behavior that The Star described as old-fashioned is precisely why I am a fan of John Flynn. When he is out shaking hands and kissing babies, it's because he has a sincere interest in the welfare of his community and a desire to represent them effectively.

Bravo to the judge who sentenced Paris Hilton to 45 days in county jail for breaking the law on several occasions, including driving with a license that had been suspended because of her consistent abuse of alcohol and reckless driving. It's a great lesson for our youth and citizens that nobody is above the law. Now if only we had the same judge when it comes to our White House, senators, congressmen and lobbyists.

— Steve Binder, Oxnard

In Ventura County, any mobile home currently under rent control is threatened by a loophole in state law that nullifies every rent control space in a park where just one lot is sold to a renter. There is currently legislation in Sacramento to close this loophole and protect mobile home owners (SB900 and AB1542). They are both in committee.

Another threat to mobile home renters arises from the increased cost of land in the county. Park owners are tempted to sell their mobile home land and allow it to be converted for other uses. When parks are sold, the mobile home often loses its value, except for small relocation reimbursement. The renters lose much of their equity.

You just gotta love these Republican candidates for president. They seem to have the same sort of learning curve as George Bush: a flat line. Look at the record. Bush scorned America's allies. He ridiculed the United Nations. He downplayed almost all global accords except for job-losing “free trade� agreements. He provided tax cuts for the super wealthy and megabucks for the military, but it was deregulation, privatization and crony capitalism for the rest of America.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has until May 21 to approve BHP Billiton's proposed liquefied natural gas plant off our coast, approve it with conditions, veto it or do nothing, which allows the project to continue.

Re: your May 6 article, “Pit bull attacks lead to investigation�:

Our sympathy goes out to Daisy, the dog who was reportedly attacked by a loose pit bull, and to the good Samaritans who were injured while trying to rescue her.

Treated like cheap alarm systems or living weapons, pit bulls are often the victims of abuse, which can make them more likely to attack humans or other animals. Please allow us to share these simple, lifesaving dog-bite prevention tips with readers:

Re: your May 5 article, “Ex-football star from county accused in student sex case�:
I was a classmate and friend of Tom Porras’ at Hueneme High School. Tom was very well thought of by his classmates and teachers at Hueneme High.

I realize The Star has the authority and legal right to print anything it chooses. However, some things considered to be “newsworthy� have the same effect as a dagger to the heart. With the release of this information, The Star has accomplished nothing but humiliating Tom before his family and friends.

Re: your May 7 editorial, “Still awed by our brilliance�:

Every once in a while, the media gets it right.

Re: Clive Leeman’s May 4 letter, “Flight suit inappropriate�:

Mr. Leeman states that it was inappropriate for President Bush to be in a flight suit when he came aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln in a tactical jet aircraft.

It has always been standard practice to properly equip any passenger flying on tactical aircraft. This equipment consists of:

— Helmet. In addition to head protection, the helmet contains communication equipment and provisions to mount an oxygen mask.

Re: your May 6 public notice on Page A11, “Camarillo Airport�:

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ announcement of its inspection report on Camarillo Airport makes one wonder if they really want anybody to read it. The URL is nearly 90 characters long. Assuming one gets through that without a mistake, the resulting Web page has another link. After that, there’s some instruction on how to download the report — that is, if one has the time and/or patience. It is 43 megabytes.

While I am not a religious person, I recently came across a piece of Christian literature listing the “seven deadly (mortal) sins� that I found interesting and surprisingly socially relevant. I looked at the “sins� from a practical, objective perspective and realized each has validity and makes sense in a psychological, physical and social context.

Religion simplifies the matter by making it a moral issue, but when intelligently analyzed, each of the seven is an unhealthy, imbalanced behavior that seems to almost be a basic animal (human) instinct gone awry. I looked at the seven on a broader social and political level and sadly realized that we, in the American society, display all seven of these “sins� to the extreme.

I would like to express public thanks to Oxnard Mayor Tom Holden and Mayor Pro Tem Dean Maulhardt for visiting Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to express our city’s opposition to BHP Billiton's Cabrillo Port liquefied natural gas terminal. I am impressed with Holden's message: "Oxnard has been home to many Ventura County risky projects — enough is enough." I thank the mayor for standing up for us Oxnard residents, and I thank also all our councilmembers.

Re: your May 5 article, “County quarrel":

This was pure sleaze journalism, the worse I've seen in The Star in a long time. A feud between two public officials does not warrant publicity. We, the public, could care less as long as they do their job. There are squabbles in workplaces all the time that survive without the publicity. Give us more human interest stories for a change. For example, a group of young people from a local church going on missions to China, Uganda, Honduras and Biloxi, Miss. — theirs will be a story on their return!

— Jean Nussman, Ventura

Re: David A. Shaneyfelt’s May 6 commentary, “Assisted suicide: Death with indignity?�:

The author talks about how the law affects those who do not want it. How about just not using it?

He worries about others’ beliefs but has no problem imposing his on them. His God may know his heart, but does my God enter into this or only his? How arrogant!

The recent announcement by our local congressman, Elton Gallegly, a Republican and a strong Bush supporter, with regard to his plans to run for re-election, left me with a stupefied sense of wonder at how such a disconnected congressman could possible think he would stand a chance at being re-elected when his voting record reflects the exact opposite of the will of his local constituents.

Re: your May 2 article, “College dining halls have evolved�:

I read the article about the poor, suffering students at our local college campuses nearly an hour ago and I am still shaking my head and muttering!

It was good to read that the colleges are providing healthier food choices for the students. However, the comments that “students are demanding more out of schools,� “their expectations are higher� and, from one student, “We are suffering from a lack of variety,� started the head-shaking and groaning.

Re: your May 5 article, “University Prep school OK'd to stay open�:

The Star reports Pleasant Valley School District trustee Sandra Berg as expressing concern about the Camarillo Academy of Progressive Education's charter application and its effect on the district. On May 3, Berg stated that when the time comes to vote on the charter, she will only be allowed to consider the state-mandated criteria; considering anything else is a violation of the law.

I am not one to send letters and e-mails, but after hearing Pleasant Valley School District trustee Sandra Berg’s comments on how the charter will adversely affect the school district, I felt compelled to write.

She said the Los Senderos program was being moved to Rancho Rosal, and the more Los Senderos students that enrolled, the more intact the open program would remain. How convenient that she has completely forgotten the middle-schoolers who do not have that option.

Re: your May 6 article, “Warning signs ignored in Marmo killing�:

It’s remarkable, but not surprising, that the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department would be unresponsive to John Marmo’s attempts to get help. These uniformed meter maids are in place merely to levy the ticket tax on us all. On two occasions I’ve been stopped by two deputies in a car. They gave me tickets each time, based on lies. Their motto should be to protect and serve our profits. It’s disgusting. It’s systemic corruption, and nothing at all will be done to fix it. Welcome to 21st century Tammany America.

— Gerald Parks, Simi Valley

This is the 10th anniversary of the Conejo Valley's Relay for Life, a 24-hour walk benefiting the American Cancer Society. Everyone in the Conejo Valley and surrounding areas is invited to come join us on Oct. 13 and 14 at Newbury Park High School as we honor both those who have lost their battle with cancer and those who are still battling the disease. This is a great community event for all ages!

I have a small dog, a Chihuahua terrier mix. I do not think people appreciate what a target these small dogs are for some larger dogs. I got my dog a year ago, and it has been attacked by dogs on the loose three times in the past year. I am lucky. I have not been bitten.

The first was a beagle running loose on the Foxmoor greenbelt area. I was able to stave off the attack with only scraped knees to show for it.

Re: Terry Paulson’s May 7 essay, “Election withdrawal talk�:

Paulson’s fast and loose interpretation of the facts is indicative of the “bumper sticker� mentality that got us into this mess in the first place, and it’s unlikely to help us get out of it.

Paulson does a tremendous disservice by stating that the war-funding bill includes “an aggressive timetable for withdrawing our troops.� In fact, the timetable only applies if President Bush fails to certify the Iraqi government has met the very benchmarks he has established.

A curious observer of the "debate" might ask: To which of President Reagan's legacies were the various GOP contenders referring?

There are many organizations throughout Ventura County involved with a multitude of worthy causes. A large percentage is supported by volunteers.

The Ventura County Educators Hall of Fame is a budding voluntary organization that has, as its goal, the recognizing of outstanding educators within the county, including public and private schools. VCEHF is a privately governed, privately funded organization.

An additional goal is to eventually assist young people who are planning to enter the teaching field with scholarships.

Re: Scott Harris’ May 6 commentary, “To find solutions to tough problems, we need a reality check�:

Scott Harris has put forth an admirable idea that, perhaps instead of polarizing into squabbling camps, Americans could unite in solving the issues that plague our country. He has issued a call to realize that this world is imperfect, that not everyone can be swayed, that not everyone who disagrees with us is the enemy.

Re: Scott Harris’ May 6 commentary, “To find solutions to tough problems, we need a reality check�:

All the issues Mr. Harris mentions have gone through various forms of "reality checks" that often don't solve the true problems. In some cases, like illegal immigration, promised solutions are never enforced.

How refreshing it was to hear candidate after candidate at Thursday's GOP debate declare that the day Roe v. Wade is overturned would be a great day for America. This decision denied the inalienable right to life to the unborn, and it is well past time for it to be reversed. Indeed, this is the next big civil rights movement, recognizing that the unborn are human and have a right to life, just like the rest of us. Anyone not convinced that the unborn child is a living person should look at an ultrasound of a pregnant woman.

— Noel D'Angelo, Thousand Oaks

Re: your May 3 Coffee Break page in the Arts & Living section:

I hope the down-to-earth, positive education in "Dear Seventeen" is not being replaced with superficial intellectual trivia in "Dear Mr. Know-It-All." If teenagers are not reading “Dear Seventee,� perhaps their parents are picking up some good information. Providing help for the lives of our young women seems a lot more important to me than checking out the love life of a long dead recluse, not withstanding her stature as a poet. How many teens read the Star? Do they have a vote?

— Kathy Matthews, Thousand Oaks

President Bush spoke to the country and gave his reasons for vetoing a bill from Congress. The bill had something to do with funds for the troops. I must confess that I didn't understand what the bill was about. But while watching him speak, I thought, "Wouldn't it be great if we achieved every goal Mr. Bush has set for Iraq and we established a free and democratic society that could take care of itself?"

One of the most significant criticisms of Mike Nifong, the district attorney in the Duke University rape case, is that he did not interview principals involved in the case. Here in Ventura County, we have a district attorney who refused to prosecute an Oxnard police officer, Frank Brisslinger, who ran over and killed Cindy Conolly while she sunbathed, innocently, on an Oxnard beach. Furthermore, no sworn depositions of Brisslinger have been conducted for the record. Cindy’s family members are refused police reports that will explain what happened.

Some years ago, The Star ran several articles and pictures about the Memorial Field of Flags at the North Oxnard United Methodist Church at 2300 West Gonzales Road at Gallatin Place in Oxnard.

Because we never anticipated that the conflict in Iraq would go on for so many years and that so many service personnel would die, we sadly find that our field can hold no more flags. The count at this writing has reached 3,271.

Save Our Somis continues to claim that widening Highway 118 will bring about the destruction of their town. According to SOS dogma, the California Department of Transportation wants to eliminate Somis and put in a major freeway connection through Highway 34/Somis Road.

Homebuyers consider many factors in buying a home: bedrooms, square footage, the neighborhood. This last item is best expressed by the zoning. But unlike the other property rights, it is the zoning whose value remains unstated when signing the purchase agreement.

Developers know intuitively that zoning is valuable. Why else would they pepper the community with "donations?� Consider these oft repeated headlines:

— "Developer donates baseball equipment to local league."

I have seen many changes and much growth in Thousand Oaks. Some cutting-edge businesses in science and technology have elected to make this area their home. As a result, Thousand Oaks and the Conejo Valley have become an integral sector of the science and technology corridor along Highway 101.

Why are Simi drivers complaining about the traffic light at Highway 23 and Olsen Road when that light operates in the city of Thousand Oaks and under authority of the California Department of Transportation? Simi drivers should find another route through Thousand Oaks and be happy.

— Bernard Jozaitis, Thousand Oaks

I’m joining other people who have Time Warner Cable and writing to say how very bad that service in Thousand Oaks is and continues to be. When channels freeze up or the audio goes out, you can’t reach anyone to report the problem, and I do not have a computer and can’t afford it.

I feel, as a customer who has been through all the changes of companies, Time Warner is the worst of any. I tried to watch the repeat of a recent council meeting and there was no audio at all on Channel 10, our local channel for the city of Thousand Oaks. I tried to wait an hour on the phone, and nobody answered.

I believe that once you believe there is a God, you will come to believe that anyone that does not believe in him is mentally ill. I also believe there are mentally ill Christians whom I now see as the people called hypocrites. It is the hypocrites who are slowing the Christian faith from spreading the word.

— David Crow Cope, Newbury Park

It’s too bad the German people had no access to the impeachment process when, by removing Adolf Hitler from office, the entire world would have benefited immeasurably.

It’s too bad the U.S. Congress, which has the constitutional duty to remove proven war criminals from office, lacks the courage to do so in a timely fashion. Our problem is how to explain to the next generation of students, taxpayers and voters, who will be left to live in the wreckage created by the Bush administration, why we didn't do our duty when we were clearly called upon to do it.

— Donald Wallace, Camarillo

Suicide is when you can live, but you choose to die. AB374 deals with people who do not have a choice about dying.

In a March 2006 survey, 70 percent of all California adults agreed that the terminally ill should have the right to life-ending medication.

— Nelson Wallace, Ventura

Re: Joy Putinta’s May 3 letter, “Star caters to GOP�:

Even though The Star is perfectly capable of defending itself against partisan denunciations, I feel compelled to reply to the reader who feels that The Star caters to the GOP.

The fact is that the GOP presidential debate is occurring in Ventura County, thus it is huge local news. Last time I looked, The Star is named The Ventura County Star.

I recently went to the Ag Classic Expo at Seaside Park with my family and was given tickets to the tractor pull by one of The Star's sales agents. Having never been to one of these events, it was quite a thrill for me and my boys, but I couldn't help but wonder how much fuel was being burned up and pollution created for our enjoyment.

At Monday's Pleasant Valley School District board meeting, members demonstrated that the board's vacillation on its decision to close or alter the alternative schools in the district was just a delaying tactic.

Board member Suzanne Kitchens firmly stated that she had never doubted her decision was right and she never considered revising her position.

A short paragraph at the bottom of the page is not sufficient coverage of the Ventura County Science Fair awards. If it had been a crime or an athletic event for a countywide competition, it would have gotten more coverage, and the winners would have been named. There were hundreds of students in the competition, and they all spent hours doing experiments and getting their displays ready.

Science is a large part of the Ventura County economy, so let’s give it some more positive publicity.

— Paul Lux, Thousand Oaks

Re: Ronald E. Kelly’s April 30 letter, “Global warming all hype�:

Kelly needs to do his homework. He cites the very misleading Oregon Petition, produced by a tiny organization with little scientific credibility and written in 1998 by no one involved with climate science. The “9,000 credentialed scientists� who signed it? Even if true, there are millions of scientists out there. Only a few of the signers were involved with anything related to climatology.

What did Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower tell President Roosevelt after the Allies had landed in Normandy and established a secure beachhead after a few weeks of fighting? That's correct: “Mission accomplished.�

— Nicholas Yanuzzi, Thousand Oaks

George Tenet, the former CIA director, stated on “60 Minutes� that “at the end of the day, the only thing you have … is your trust and your personal honor.�

As the head of the CIA, he never exhibited outrage about the outing of the covert CIA operative Valerie Plame. Rather, he expressed, almost four years later, a passing concern for the leak. An honorable man would have spoken out. He did not; thus, he is disingenuous. That’s a slam dunk.

— Robert Pisapia, Westlake Village

I wonder if anyone in Ventura County is aware of the book fair hosted each year at UCLA. Notable writers of fiction and nonfiction are there for book-signings, lectures and group topics on specific issues. It is no small event.

My question: Why does The Star ignore this event? I have a problem with a newspaper that is so tunnel-visioned that they only cover events in that county.

— Carol Lindsey, Ventura

Re: Miriam Albert's May 1 letter, "Ban vs. mandate":

Ms. Albert compares the preborn child with an omelet or caviar. The comparison is ludicrous, considering that both are unfertilized eggs, unless one happens to live on a farm where the eggs are gathered and not allowed to develop. I wonder how Ms. Albert would respond if she ordered a three-egg omelet and found preborn chicks with eyes and beaks and legs on her plate. I think she would be repulsed and indignant.

— Yvonne Wilber, Simi Valley

I was amused by a bumper sticker I saw recently: “Had enough? Vote Democrat!�

With the new change of leadership in the House and Senate, I guess I was thinking the bumper-sticker conclusion wouldn’t make much sense. In the five short months since the election, these good folks have produced an increase of spending in the House ($20 billion) and the Senate ($18 billion).

Since 1978, I have seen my surrounding neighborhood grow into a beautiful community. Thanks to covenants, codes and restrictions, the energy of many homeowners associations, time and effort of our local politicians and volunteers’ work, our community continues to be a lovely place to live.

Most of us spend too much of our time listening to: "All our lines are busy now. We appreciate your call" while waiting for those blessed words: "How can I help you?"
I admit that, sometimes, I scream into the phone, "If you cared about my call you'd talk to me," but no one answers that either.

It seems there should be some payback due us — maybe so much per minute deducted from our bill?

I recently returned from the California Democratic convention and came away full of hope and optimism. Our long national nightmare of Republican rule will soon be over, and we can begin to actually solve our problems. All the presidential candidates addressed our current problems, especially the disastrous war and our failing health system. Unfortunately, none of them addressed the impeachment question, but it was clear that most of the delegates thought it was definitely on the table and should be looked into.

Re: Doug Crosse’s April 24 letter, “Signal impractical�:

Mr. Crosse and the many other recent letter writers echoed the sentiments of all commuters who must travel north on Highway 23 each day.

The widening of Highway 23 will have a negligible effect upon traffic congestion in the city.

Moreover, the construction of the sound walls will do little to mitigate "noise" and will contribute to the ongoing graffiti problem at "taxpayer expense."

— Ramaul Rush, Thousand Oaks

Re: your April 26 article, “Gallegly says he will seek 12th term�:

We were thrilled to learn that U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly will continue to serve the people of our district into the future. None would be so capable in office. Greg Stratton has retired, and Glen Becerra needs a little more to expand his experience.

We thank the congressman.

— William & Sheryl Caudry, Simi Valley

I know we all want to be as green as possible and teach kids to recycle, etc. Toward that end, I am "Recycling Mom" for a second-grade class, and the kids work hard. But I dread going in to the local redemption center, which is quite poorly run and reliant upon machines that are constantly breaking down. I was there from 8:30 until 10 this morning before finally giving up, and there was a crowd of other people waiting behind me.

If we know we want to recycle more and not less, can something be done to improve our recycling centers? I grew up in Iowa, and the recycling centers are much larger and much more efficiently run. The situation here is intolerable.

With his veto of the Iraq spending bill that included a timetable for pulling out troops, President Bush has finally laid bare the “plan� he had all along. He never had any intention of pulling the troops out. His goal has always been occupation and control of Iraq, which is strategically placed between two sworn enemies, Syria and Iran. It is obvious now he wanted a permanent American presence there to have some control over Middle East oil.

As I sat enjoying the view from the bluff recently at Mugu Rock, I got an unexpected treat: A very young sea lion pup emerged from the surf. Being quite small, it got knocked over twice by the waves as it tried to come up on land. Eventually it made it out of the water for some well-deserved rest on the only stretch of sand not overloaded with people.

Now that we have passed the fourth anniversary of President Bush's "Mission Accomplished" speech and been painfully entertained once again by the sight of him strutting around the deck of the USS Lincoln in a flight suit with a flight helmet under his arm, isn't it time for us to wonder why a sitting president, who is constitutionally always a civilian commander in chief, was wearing military gear that day?

No U.S. president, with one exception as far as I can tell, has ever worn a military uniform while president. George Washington's donning his old uniform and leading the army into western Pennsylvania against the whiskey rebels of 1794 is the only known instance, I believe, of a sitting president acting officially while in uniform.

Re: Too Late Smart’s April 1 letter in Annie’s Mailbox, “3-day event highlights volunteer efforts�:

It is essential that liberal, moderate and conservative moms understand that “preaching� abstinence to teenagers is doomed to failure. However, “teaching� abstinence will lower the teen pregnancy rate.

How can this be done? It is now possible, because of more than 40 years of scientific research by some of the most famous physicians in the world, to teach a woman how to determine her days of fertility and infertility.

Re: your April 28 editorial, “Law and order stays a secret�:

Apparently, The Star fails to grasp who the detainees at Guantanamo Bay really are. They are the worst of the worst — murderers, rapists, torturers, terrorists and so on. In short, the detainees are very evil people who are not U.S. citizens or prisoners of war; they are illegal combatants. They are not entitled to the same rights and privileges as U.S. citizens — and, ironically enough, they have it better than our soldiers stationed there.

They have sent our soldiers into Iraq, not properly trained and clothed. It is the worst it has ever been. And with the atom bomb in midair, might not peacemaking be a better alternative? Otherwise, sooner or later, we will be blowing ourselves up. May God help us all.

— Mary Pezzotti, Camarillo

The Virginia Tech shooter was on psychiatric medications, which means he was most likely seeing a psychiatrist. Shouldn't a psychiatrist be held accountable for incorrectly evaluating, diagnosing and treating a patient?

If I take my car in to be fixed and it later explodes, I would say the car was not fixed. If a person receives psychiatric care and then explodes, I would say that person was not fixed.

Re: Pete Kaiser’s April 29 commentary, “Appeal by Casitas explained�:

I am struggling to understand this commentary.

I am stuck in history here. Mr. Kaiser voted against the Casitas Municipal Water District’s original decision to bring a lawsuit against the federal government for property loss compensation. That decision was made back when a previous similar lawsuit had won in court. There was plausible reason to believe that Casitas would prevail in its claim.

Re: your April 28 article, “Volunteerism in decline, U.S. figures show�:

I work for a nonprofit organization called School on Wheels (www.schoolonwheels.org). We have been featured in The Star on a number of occasions, and after every piece, we have had an amazing response from the community.

So, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors wants to urge the Environmental Protection Agency to put the Oxnard Halaco site on Superfund status for cleanup. That would be a mistake.

There are already 1,500 sites with that status. Cleanup occurs at a few sites per year. At that rate, Halaco will be cleaned up somewhere beyond 2050. And, Congress has decreased the EPA Superfund budget by 35 percent this year. This effectively means that the EPA would never get around to cleaning up the Halaco site, even if they exist to the year 2050.

Why on earth does the city think that charging a fee for parking will make downtown Ventura accessible for all? It didn’t work in the 1950s, and it won’t work now!

If the plan is to motivate shoppers to mall sites, it will stimulate action temporarily. However, the “cookie cutter� shops will not attract me, and I will seek areas where the parking is free.

What you need to address is providing space for the employees who operate businesses downtown.

— Susan Davis, Ojai

Re: your April 29 article, “Ten hopefuls each seek to become ‘Reagan candidate’�:

The Star and Fox: “fair and balanced.�

I was somewhat suspicious last week when there was absolutely no mention of the scheduled April 26 Democratic presidential debate. There was not even a brief item in the television highlights or in the TV schedule on Thursday. Then, on Friday’s Page A1 below the fold and continued on A8, The Star finally provided a brief summary of the debate and a group picture.

Re: Ronald. E. Kelly’s April 30 letter, “Global warming all hype�:

Those familiar with the media recognize Kelly's talking points and can identify the sources of his cynicism. Nevertheless, I salute him for so adequately demonstrating the behavior of a demagogue.

Re: Tom Montali’s April 30 commentary, "Military deserves the best of benefits":

What does “The Star Community Advisory Board" do in Fillmore? I would like to know who Tom Montali is and what he is doing in Fillmore to support the troops? Is he a veteran, and if so, what branch of service was he in? If he is a veteran, we sure would like to have him in the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Re: Marisella Veiga’s April 30 commentary, “Latina wants Hispanics WWII service recognized�:

I find it difficult to understand why Maggie Rivas and so many others feel the need to always require a separate recognition for Latino and Latina contributions, like World War II in this case.

One day, “global warming� will go down as one of the biggest hoaxes in American history, and Al Gore will be revealed as the intellectual lightweight that he is. Voters will realize that the liberal left are socialist self-promoters whose priorities are anything but the values, safety and preservation of the United States or its people. Last but not least, anytime an actor or musician thinks he or she should “school� us on anything but their craft, let's just pat them on the head and tell them to go play with their toys.

— Jen Bennett, Camarillo

Money doesn’t grow on trees, but we can do a better job fiscally with our school district. We just need a school board with the nerve to make the hard decisions they were elected to do.

Recently, it has become obvious to me the Pleasant Valley School District board’s priority is really self preservation of their political careers, like most Washington politicians. I have really been sickened by some of their most recent comments: “If you don’t like it here, you have a choice. Go teach somewhere else,� and “If I vote to close schools, I’m surely not going to get re-elected. It’s political suicide.�

Re: your April 29 editorial, “Yes on A7�:

How very disappointing to read The Star’s editorial in favor of Measure A7. Why would a newspaper print such a thing? This initiative for expanding the Santa Paula boundaries is not an issue for a "county" newspaper to say its opinion. If there was only the one city, Santa Paula, in Ventura County, then it would be all right. However, there are 10 cities in the county, and The Star giving its biased opinion as an editorial definitely gives the wrong message to all who read it.

Proponents argue their support of Measure A7 overwhelmingly on grounds of the economic and demographic benefits they believe it holds for the city of Santa Paula. The promised and presumed benefits, although represented with enthusiastic assurance, range from demonstrably false (regarding estimates of tax revenue the development would generate for the city) to questions about access to recreational spaces and facilities. They avoid the inescapable fact of a large additional demand on an already tenuous water supply. Risk and liability factors would bear heavily on the city’s residents — not on the developer.