Wouldn’t it be nice if we could depend on our government to come up with the right solutions? The farms and orchards could be easily taken care of without illegal immigration workers if we utilized two options that I can think of.

The first is that some prisoners in jail should be used for farm labor to reduce their upkeep expense.

My second option is to offer scholarship awards for specific time spent working on farms and orchards. This should include youth, homeless and unemployed.

Re: Evalyn J. Stout’s Aug. 29 letter, “Deportation was earned�:

I am in full agreement with Ms. Stout’s letter, especially in reference to speaking English.

It seems to me that most of the Hispanics who come here illegally never learn to speak our language, but they sure know how to get all the freebies they want.

Re: Kathy Phongpitag's Aug. 30 letter, "Who's safe in America?":

Yes, I am brave enough to explain the truth about Elvira Arellano. She's an illegal alien who broke into our country not once, but twice — a country she holds responsible for all her problems. She's a person who chose not to attend her deportation hearing while committing fraud by using a fake Social Security number while working at a major airport. She also chose to hide in a sanctuary city, which, by the way, is against our federal laws. She also chose to leave behind her child after she finally was deported.

Re: your three Aug. 30 stories, “Legislators push legal status for hero’s immigrant widow,� “U.S. sued over illegal worker crackdown� and “Teamsters ask appeals court to block Mexican trucks�:

This is where I stand on the law. If you are not supposed to be here, get out. Take your relatives with you. You are breaking the law now, as when you came here.

Re: your Aug. 23 article, “A ‘free Iraq’ is within reach�:

President Bush tells the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention that a free Iraq is close, despite all signs to the contrary. This, by the man who led the people to believe Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction, a threat serious enough to consider a pre-emptive strike, who four years ago announced Iraq had been subdued.

Re: your Aug. 28 article, “Teenager is killed, two are injured in car crash�:

Ryan Edwards would probably be alive today if he had worn his seatbelt. And driving while allegedly intoxicated is stupid and very selfish. The driver could have killed more people if he had hit another car.

This was an "accident" that could have easily been avoided. The drivers and passengers need to take responsibility for their actions. They were all in the same car.

Re: your Aug 24 article, “County asked for $15,000 for teen homes�:

I fully support a program that phases in independence for foster children who are approaching their 18th birthday.

However, I am absolutely appalled that an organization cannot manage to run a program that pays them $3,863 per month per child. It is a slap in the face to any parent who must struggle daily to make ends meet for more children on far less money than that. It’s the equivalent of having a $22.28 an hour fulltime job — with no income tax taken out.

Re: your Aug. 24 editorial, “Rail-crossing plan welcome�:

In this editorial, I find a salient point given to me by a friend who is a retired railroad engineer. The braking surface between the steel rail and the engine’s wheels is only the size of a dime, and the engine weighs more than 450 tons. That makes anyone stop and realize the stopping distance is longer than imagined.

— John Adams, Camarillo

With more than 70 percent of Americans fed up with the war in Iraq, this president is still doggedly pursuing a futile course of action in the hope of victory and a legacy that he brought “democracy� to that country.

“We are making progress.� We have heard that phrase ad nauseam for years now, as our troops go on dying.

President Bush is oblivious to the fact that he personally has made a mockery of our system of government with his depredations on our Constitution by his abuse of executive powers shrouded in secrecy.

Re: your Aug. 23 article, “Tapping into consumers�:

When it comes to bottled water or tap water, most people drink both, depending on the circumstances. People recognize the importance of water consumption for hydration and refreshment, and that should be encouraged. Pitting bottled water against public drinking water only confuses consumers who make bottled water their beverage of choice.

The financial issues with mortgage companies are the front end of what is going on in terms of shaky lending practices.

Based on my experience in college supervising consumer credit and customer service activities for a large retail store, credit worthiness was based on three primary factors: job stability and length of employment, credit history and available credit and net monthly income compared to monthly obligations. Someone who was unemployed or less than six months on the job and had other credit cards at their limit was not a viable candidate for credit.

Re: your Aug. 25 article, “Governor endorses overdue budget�:

Any governor who cuts an effective program for the mentally ill while preserving a tax break for purchasers of yachts, planes and recreational vehicles is neither competent nor moral.

Legislators who say they worry about the state deficit but keep a $45 million tax break in the budget for the “deserving� rich who buy yachts are neither fiscally conservative nor honest.

Re: your Aug. 24 article, “Minorities score lower on state test�:

Consider not only what was said in the article, but what was not. The subheadline stated, "Schools chief says the problem lies with educator."

State Superintendent of Instruction Jack O'Connell was quoted later in the article saying, "The achievement gap cannot be explained solely by economic factors." The article concludes with this statement by Linda Murray, an official with The Education Trust-West: "Certainly there is something more going on than just poverty that's impacting these students."

I want to make known a very disturbing fact to anyone who might care: Ventura County Medical Center owns the building the County Behavioral Health Department rents from them. The hospital has decided to tear down a perfectly good building so they can build a parking lot. It seems like a waste when you look at the cost of real estate. Plus, aren’t we wasting a resource just for a parking place? It just doesn’t make sense to me.

— Cathy Howell, Ventura

If Alberto Gonzales were a Democrat, he would still be attorney general of the United States.

— Elaine Navarro, Ventura

Re: your Aug. 23 article, "Survey says: Seniors like sex":

Why would our so-called "family newspaper" select such a banner headline story for the top of Page 1?

At a time when America's moral fiber has been — and continues to be — corroded by large segments of the film, television and Internet industries, do we need to start our day's activities by spicing up breakfast with "an unprecedented study of sex and seniors?"

I am really fed up with the press and the media having given this excuse for a president a free ride for virtually his entire presidency.

This man and his corrupt administration obviously have no respect for the laws of our land or our Constitution. George Bush has lowered our reputation in the world community to one of a laughingstock. Our own infrastructure is crumbling, and we are losing our soldiers at a rate that soon will completely deplete our defenses here at home.

Why is it when I read the news, I see that government agencies handle an emergency or other problem using a “standard operating procedure,� usually referenced with the acronym, SOP. I consulted my American Heritage Dictionary to find the meaning of sop, and there is was: the concise reason for so much apparent ineptitude. Used as a noun, and generally capitalized: “Something yielded to placate or soothe; bribe.�

Now I understand why nothing has changed in New Orleans, and particularly the Ninth Ward, in two years. New Orleans certainly was sopped by this SOP.

— Mel Lowry, Newbury Park

Unfortunately for all us taxpayers, the U.S. government clings to a “no� policy: no critical thinking, no initiative, no planning, no action, no meaningful legislation, no accountability and, above all, no common sense.

Re: your Aug. 25 article, “Clergy offer tips to students headed to college�:

To supplement the clergy-inspired college student tips published in The Star, I'd like to suggest these atheist tips:

— There are plenty of natural, evidence-based reasons to be a good person. You're old enough to rationally explore your ethics.

— Remember that science doesn't want your worship, obedience or blind belief. Those things obfuscate nature rather than illuminate it.

Re: your Aug. 19 article, “Growing Zaca fire inching closer�:

The Zaca fire that has been burning in Santa Barbara County since July 4 did burn into Ventura County. “The fire is not expected to be fully contained until Sept. 7 at the earliest,� according to the Forest Service Fire Protection Division.

Since July 4, our local firefighters have spent $81 million fighting the Zaca fire — 2,900 folks are fighting the fire with 21 helicopters and five planes — and they haven’t gotten the fire out.

A state of emergency was announced Aug. 19, and now access to more equipment is available to fight the fire. It looks to me like the original equipment hasn’t been put to proper use at all. Are the firefighters and equipment operators just cleaning up overtime?

— Howard Cottrell, Ventura

Re: Dan Walters’ Aug. 22 commentary, “Will measure help California decide next president?�:

Kudos to Walters for highlighting this attempt to hijack California’s position as the leader in Electoral College votes. Rather than nominate a candidate acceptable to the majority of California voters, the national Republican Party has decided to try to divide our state into what would effectively be two smaller states.

Re: your Aug. 28 article, “School districts have new schedules, buildings�:

Though it was nice to see coverage of back to school, the rosy picture painted couldn't be farther from the reality that is the new block schedule.

Oxnard High School Principal James Edwards said, "Our hope is students will take college-level classes or additional electives on our site."

Re: John M. Crisp’s Aug. 28 commentary, “Impeachment: A good way to say we’re sorry�:

Since Crisp teaches English, he should confine his writing to English issues, as he knows nothing about history.

Re: your Aug. 20 article, “Illegal immigrant woman arrested outside church�:

Elvira Arellano, the deported illegal immigrant, is making me mad. I emigrated from New Zealand legally, a 7,000-mile journey. I did not sneak across the border with the help of a smuggler. I did not have a child with a father unknown to the media. Where is the father of young Saul? Did she produce a child just for the purpose of having an American citizen in the family? What sort of mother would return to her native land without taking her son with her? Is this the sort of role model we want?

Re: David Howard’s Aug. 28 commentary, "Arellano plight shows immigrants' dilemma":

This is an insult to millions of legal "economic refugees" and "political refugees" who helped build the United States. It is an insult to me personally, since my mother and father and their parents legally immigrated to the United States to escape the Russian pogroms and the hatred and terrorism spreading across Europe under the leadership of Adolf Hitler.

Re: your Aug. 20 article, “Illegal immigrant woman arrested outside church�:

The illegal arrest and deportation of Elvira Arellano, who was speaking at a rally outside of Our Lady Queen of Angels church but well within the safe confines of the church’s private property, defies the freedom that churches, temples, mosques or any place of worship in the United States have erroneously believed they have.

Re: your Aug. 28 article, “Church provides shelter to family�:

Our U.S. Constitution separates church and state. I feel two things need to happen:

— The Internal Revenue Service needs to pull the United Church of Christ of Simi Valley’s federal tax exemption status. The church is making a political statement and harboring a federal fugitive.

Re: your Aug. 28 article, “Church provides shelter to family�:

Once again, I write to condemn the granting of sanctuary to a woman who, without apparent remorse, has entered the United States illegally. I cannot for the life of me understand how you can reward the wrongdoer. The United Church of Christ in Simi Valley has chosen to ignore certain laws while presumably following others. This selective endeavor is nothing short of the genesis of anarchy.

Re: Tom McClintock's Aug. 22 commentary, “No substituting for Mom and Dad�:

This commentary is really telling of the way the conservative mind works. McClintock writes, “Parental discretion and judgment ought to be replaced with governmental regulation, intrusion and, ultimately, enforcement.� Oh sure, unless it's the end of life, right to die, medical marijuana, birth control, family planning or the right of two people of the same sex to raise children, or, God forbid, marry. Then, oh boy, does he want government intrusion!

Re: your Aug. 24 article, “Man injured, dog killed in Highway 101 car accident�:

This man evidently allowed his dog free rein in a moving vehicle. Please, please harness and belt in your pets, or use a portable kennel that is belted in.

— Mary Hollan, Oxnard

It's embarrassing to live in Fillmore these days. I thought nothing could top the City Council's decision to fund an $83 million sewer plant. Well, last week the Fillmore Unified School District board "gone and done it."

Immediately following the protests of concerned parents, the board voted unanimously to file a lawsuit against the Ventura County Board of Education regarding the Little Red Schoolhouse — Santa Clara School — transfers.

Re: your Aug. 23 article, “A ‘free Iraq’ is in reach, Bush says�:

President Bush's belief that a "free" Iraq is within reach and that our history with Vietnam supports our troops remaining in Iraq until victory is achieved demonstrates just what a poor student of history Bush is.

History looks back on our entry into conflict in Vietnam as a mistake, as the "domino" theory proved no more true than the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Once we erred into involvement in Vietnam, history also finds that we could have, and should have, left much sooner than we did.

Apparently, security at the Pacific View mall is too busy staring at TV monitors to help animals in danger on their premises.

On a 90-degree day recently, I found two Chihuahuas locked in minivan outside the mall with the windows open about an inch. On a 73-degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 120 degrees in 30 minutes. On a 90-degree day, it can shoot up to 160 degrees. Dogs can only cool themselves by panting and sweating through their paw pads. Heatstroke can come on quickly and result in brain damage or death.

When I was a boy, the big event was when the circus came to town. The big attraction was the one with physical oddities. Things haven't changed much. Such a show came to Ventura.

Re: Michael Lind’s Aug. 26 letter, “Gallegly too close to big oil�:

What planet is Mr. Lind you living on? The future of this country's energy policy is being determined by social engineering liberals — like himself — who know nothing about the realities of oil and how our economy uses same. The liberal Democrats in Congress block every attempt to rid this country of dependence on foreign oil. There hasn't been a new refinery or nuclear generating plant built in the United States for 30 years.

Re: your Aug. 26 article, “Rainbow reigns at Gay Pride festival in Ventura":

How is it possible that the gay community can hold a pride festival that is family-oriented and family-friendly? Nothing about the gay lifestyle is pro-family or family-friendly. Nothing about a gay partnership will ever naturally produce children. By their own choice, gays and lesbians create relationships that cannot produce children or families. The relationship is barren and even anti-family. Saying that a gay pride event is family-oriented is ironic at the very least. I suggest that the claim is dishonest and intentionally deceptive.

— John O'Conner, Ventura

Re: Chuck Thomas’ Aug. 25 column, “How can anyone own the news?�

Perhaps Santa Barbara News-Press owner Wendy McCaw expects reporters and columnists to not confuse billionaire News Corp. owner Rupert Murdoch with billionaire Dole Foods and Lake Sherwood owner David Murdock.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but don't expect me to seriously consider the opinions, "facts," and "assertions" when an underlying factual error is so blatant.

— Ray Johnson, Fillmore

Re: Betsy Hart’s Aug. 24 commentary, “Deflating the myth that organic-grown is better�:

From an ecosystemic point of view, chemical-based industrial agriculture is perverse and fails to understand how nature works. It is an extension of our economic belief system that attempts to turn everything into a dollar with almost no regard for how it affects people and the planet.

Why is the Camarillo City Council pushing Springville on us? Do they want to develop every last open space?

Why do we keep electing these folks? There is a big new housing area to the east side of town. We have every store and shop imaginable and a crowded freeway. Let's get rid of this group and get some council members who do not represent developers. If we don't, then the words of Joni Mitchell, "They paved paradise and put up a parking lot," will come true.

— Benedict Lucchese, Camarillo

Re: Clint R. Matkovich’s Aug. 16 letter, “Trying to save the wetlands�:

I thank Mr. Matkovich for his letter about our property located in Thousand Oaks. I have lived in the Conejo Valley for more than 40 years and have always tried to be a good neighbor.

Re: Raymond A. Greenberg's Aug. 24 letter, “Entitlements in disguise�:

In rebuttal to Terry Paulson's Aug. 6 and Aug. 20 essays, Mr. Greenberg states, "Mr. Paulson should stay away from finance, economics and international relations." Mr. Greenberg then asserts, "GM pays $1,800 per car for health insurance for current and retired employees. Toyota pays nothing (my emphasis) because of universal healthcare in Japan." I cannot dispute that GM pays $1,800 per car for healthcare. I can however, dispute the claim that Toyota pays nothing for their employees’ healthcare.

Re: Chuck Thomas' Aug. 25 column, “How can anyone own the news?�

Mr. Thomas needs to check his facts! David Murdock owned Lake Sherwood, not Rupert Murdoch.

— Richard A. Barton, Newbury Park

Re: your Aug. 23 article, “A ‘free Iraq’ is in reach, Bush says�:

I was dismayed to hear President Bush's comments on Vietnam. I remember our history in Vietnam very differently and believe the president is trying to justify continuing the war in Iraq.

According to Robert McNamara, secretary of Defense at the time, our war in Vietnam killed at least 3.4 million people, mostly women and children. Many were burned alive by napalm. It was truly an atrocity of immense proportion. We certainly didn't leave too soon.

Re: your Aug. 25 Arts & Living section photo, “Emotional devotion�:

The picture on Page E6 shows what's wrong with religion today. These brainwashed children are no different than the brainwashed Muslim children that we complain about.

— John Hantke, Newbury Park

I had the pleasure of being able to watch some of the Little League World Series on TV this weekend. I was quite impressed with the sportsmanship of these young players who greeted each other, shaking hands and/or hugging at the completion of an awesome win or tough loss. While the losing team was upset, the players took the time to congratulate the winning team, adding honor to the battle.

What makes President Bush's comparison of Vietnam to Iraq particularly egregious is the fact that he was technically a deserter from the first conflict and probably would have done the same for the second.

— John Blumenthal, Westlake Village

Re: your Aug. 24 article, “Minorities score lower on state test�:

First, I have to say that I am a first-generation American son of immigrants and a Latino. What the report about the discrepancy in scores did not point out was that the Latinos who broke out of the mold are in the top percentages, and many have become business, civic and military leaders. I don't need to mention names. We all read the newspaper.

Re: Mark F. Sullivan’s Aug. 24 commentary, “Law limits abuse liability to Catholics�:

I thank Mr. Sullivan for addressing the elephant in the room. One would think that the approximately 1 percent of priests were the only child abusers out there.

It boggles the mind to understand how they were able to hold an entire archdiocese financially responsible for the actions of so few people who themselves take the vow of poverty and acted against the principles of the church. But it does probably explain why they were given free rein, so the lawyers could tap into the church finances on a grand scale, especially since many accused are not here to defend themselves.

Now that we are nearing a possible water shortage, has anyone researched how many gallons of water we would save if we deported 20 million illegal immigrants? They say it is impossible to deport that many people, and yet we can topple Saddam Hussein's statue. They say we need these illegals to pick our crops. We should use our prisoners, of which we have an overabundance.

Most of the people moving to California are illegals. I am also getting tired of the media stating we have 12 million illegals in our country. Does anyone know how long it takes 12 million illegals to create 6 million anchor babies? I figure about nine months.

I am writing this to caution pet owners.

I became disabled and had to move. I had to find a home for two of my cats. I had bottle-fed them. It was hard to give them up. I had no family here or children. They were my family. They were brother and sister, Sissy and Smoochie. I wanted to keep them together. I did not want to have them euthanized.

With the departure of Tony Snow as press secretary, who will the White House get to take over the Snow job?

— Marvin Petal, Oxnard

I read with interest Raul Hernandez's story regarding the appointments of two new Superior Court judges for Ventura County. The appointees were praised for their fine reputations in our local legal community and their stellar careers practicing law in the public and private sectors.

Re: your Aug. 22 article, “Deported mother says she’ll ‘continue to fight’�:

I am writing in regards to Elvira Arellano, the Mexican citizen who took refuge in a Chicago church and subsequently came to Los Angeles to lead a protest.

First, she is here illegally and should be deported. Her son should be with her, and when he is an adult, he can come back to this country if he wishes.

Second, had she wanted to become part of the United States, the least she could have done was to learn to speak English.

I recently saw “License to Wed,� which has a scene depicting someone shaking a robot baby that he had to show what it would be like to be a father. It was meant to be funny, and unfortunately, the audience was laughing.

As a mom to a child who was shaken by his birth parents, I want to express just how not funny this is.

Rep. Elton Gallegly had the chance to support legislation that would decrease our dependence on foreign oil, create thousands of clean-energy jobs and change the direction of this country’s energy future. Instead, Gallegly once again chose to support tax breaks for the big oil.

Gallegly showed just how out of touch he is with mainstream America by voting to support $14 billion in tax loopholes for the oil industry at a time when the oil companies are reaping maximum profits.

One thing that is noticeably missing from news reports is what has happened to 223,000 acres of wildlife now that their habitat is scorched. Are people in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Carpinteria and Ojai being overrun with critters? No mention so far.

What are the firefighters seeing when they go in to mop up? Piles of dead animals? Besides the obvious effects of destroyed natural beauty and future flash flooding, inquiring minds would like to know more about what happens to the animal denizens as a result of a fire of this magnitude.

— Guy Ervin III, Westlake Village

Re: your Aug. 23 article, “Immigration law will not be enforced at local level�:

Who does the mayor thing he is kidding? I read with disbelief that less than 1 percent of Simi Valley police bookings were found to be illegals. But when I got to Page 2 of the story, the other shoe dropped when I read, “Lack of Spanish-speaking officers is obstacle.�

I don't understand how the NAACP can suggest that Michael Vick should be allowed to return to football. I feel his crime was far worse than anything that has happened in pro sports. I think this organization will come to regret the statements.

— Jack Brewer, Simi Valley

There is no doubt that Simi Valley is a beautiful city, but there is nothing beautiful about the trash littering our freeways. Not only is this trash ugly and disgusting, but it is terrible for our environment.

During the ongoing construction, there has been little to no effort by the California Department of Transportation to pick up trash. Are we supposed to wait until around 2009 or 2010, when construction is over, for us to have clean freeways? I hope not.

Re: Marty Fast’s Aug. 12 Pulse page commentary, “Ultimate betrayal at the fair,� and Suza Francina’s Aug. 22 commentary, “What happens after the fair auction is the real story�:

What does the 4-H program — whereby children raise animals, care for them, bond with them, even love them and then sell them and leave them to a merciless fate — teach children?

Responsibility? No. It teaches them that the almighty dollar is king.

The city handles most new land-use projects efficiently and in the public's interest. However, projects the size and impact of the proposed landfill expansion appear once in a lifetime. The effects of Waste Management’s expansion on traffic, pollution, real estate values and tax revenues cannot easily be assessed.

Why does the city treat an application for a carwash the same as an application for a megadump? Should there be a one-size-fits-all process? Of course not.

Re: Dan E. Gallagher Sr.'s Aug. 20 letter, “Don’t blame the gun lobby�:

Gallagher, responding to Dan Thomasson's July 28 essay, which apparently suggested confiscating everyone's guns (I didn't see it), wrote, "Automobiles account for 27,000 deaths a year.�

Actually, according to government statistics, the number of deaths on U.S. highways is annually in the vicinity of 45,000. These are all referred to as "accidents." By comparison, about 12,000 people are killed annually by "assaults by gunfire." Surprisingly, an additional 16,000 die annually from self-inflicted gunfire.

For years, I've been aware of right-wing propaganda so pervasive and continuous, I assumed it was everyone's reality but mine. Only recently, have I observed that left-wing propaganda makes a complementary contribution to the same illusions.

Take the capitalism/socialism dichotomy. I can find dictionary definitions of each, but that doesn't mean any reality matches up with the definitions. I can find definitions for gremlins and fairies, too.

Re: Star Managing Editor John Moore’s Aug. 19 essay, “Firestorm on sex offender�:

Ross Wollschlager, deemed a "sexually violent predator," was released in Ventura County because he had lived and committed his crimes here. He is now listed as a transient because he has no permanent housing.

This man was convicted in 1983 at 19 for breaking into the homes of two women while they slept and raping them. He was paroled in 1987 and two years later broke into another home through unlocked doors, stealing items and molesting a girl younger than 14. Wollschlager served 13 years before his release.

Re: Tom McClintock's Aug 22 commentary, "No substituting for Mom and Dad":

The fascinating thing about McClintock's commentary is that every argument in it was made 50 years ago in opposition to child abuse statutes and 50 years before that in opposition to child labor laws.

The senator says he has no problem with listening to government's advice on raising his children, but he will not take its orders on the subject. Nor will he support government intrusion and regulation in areas of parental authority. In his words, that is "a very bright line" he refuses to cross.

Re: Tom McCintock's Aug 22 commentary, "No substituting for Mom and Dad":

I was fascinated by McClintock’s commentary about the right of parents to decide what is best for their children and how the government should stay out of personal decisions such as seat belts and vaccinations. So, can I expect him to support all reproductive rights legislation facing the California Legislature, given that there is nothing more personal than a woman's right to choose what happens to her body and nothing more intrusive than the government telling her she must bear a child?

Re: Tom McCintock's Aug 22 commentary, "No substituting for Mom and Dad":

With all due respect, McClintock is utterly off base with respect to his argument about limiting smoking in cars containing children.

Re: Terry Paulson’s essays of Aug. 6, “Relying on entitlements,� and Aug. 20, “No ‘sacrifice’ required�:

Paulson should stay away from finance, economics and international relations.
About corporate subsidies for "failing" U.S. businesses, he states that, in the worldwide economy, creative and innovative companies will win without government subsidies. He cites the success of Toyota compared to General Motors Corp. He ignores the fact that GM and other U.S. firms do not compete on a level playing field with foreign companies subsidized by their governments.

Re: Richard Larsen’s Aug. 21 essay, “A system running amok�:

While agreeing that we must rein in the primary process, I must take issue with the concept of a national primary.

Re: John Moore’s Aug. 19 essay, “Firestorm on sex offender�:

I have concluded that The Star is bureaucratic and inflexible in its editorial policy.

As The Star’s managing editor, Moore is the messenger who delivered just that in writing about sex offender Ross Wollschlager. The message is that The Star will play it safe by not reporting the facts, even though they are a matter of public record. One only needs to Google Wollschlager’s name to find the information.

Re: Joe R. Howry's Aug. 12 essay, "A firestorm over wages":

Right on! It seems to me that most public employees, including politicians, manage to take pretty good care of themselves financially and in regards to benefits. I am reminded of the old adage of “the fox guarding the henhouse.�

It is hard to point with pride at our “employees,� considering the adversary positions taken by many and their unions.

— Herb Darling, Oxnard

Re: your Aug. 10 Associated Press article, “Army boosts perks to recruits,� and Frank Moraga’s Aug 10 essay, “Born in East L.A., really�:

An interesting coincidence occurred in The Star’s Aug. 10 issue. The Associated Press article featured new and additional incentives, paid for with our tax dollars, offered young recruit prospects, while Moraga’s essay relates a tragic story of racially motivated injustice by our law enforcers.

Re: Bill Danforth’s Aug. 20 letter, “’My Ventura Access’ works�:

We have not had the good luck of Bill Danforth in making traffic requests of the city of Ventura. When I requested a stop sign on the blind intersection of Sunset Drive and Catalina Street after two near-misses, I was told that they agreed the visibility was a problem, but that the traffic volume didn't justify the expense. Since they are on notice, I am wondering about the expense of the lawsuit if someone is seriously injured entering the intersection from westbound Sunset.

Subprime loans are made to subprime borrowers. It’s just that simple. And across the Southland, people are finding out that it's time to pay the piper.

People who refinanced their home every three to six months were known as churners, churning every bit of unearned equity the red-hot housing market bestowed upon them. And for what? To make ends meet? To pay for the kids’ education? On the contrary, I'm betting it was to pay for that fancy new pickup truck, that new boat or that new motorcycle. I know some folks who purchased all three!

Re: your Aug. 16 article, “Test scores show racial achievement gaps�:

It is a recognized fact, as indicated by test results, that there is an “achievement gap� between racial groups. It should be noted that many children enter school with an existing gap. Five-year-olds should enter school with a 5,000-word vocabulary, and yet many of our children do not because of lack of exposure to a literary environment.

Re: Beverly Kelley's Aug. 20 commentary, “Navy plan to get rid of trees needs a rethink�:

An arborist told the Navy the trees are nearing the end of their lives and are decaying. This is a fact, not a "global-warming-denying," pro-oil, Republican scheme. Should one of those trees come down and damage private property or, worse, injure or kill someone, the Navy would be sued. Because this problem has been identified, the Navy would pay out a lot of money. The city of Port Hueneme would probably also be sued.

"If it's broke, let's fix it!"

I remember hearing my grandparents use the scare-phrase "socialized medicine" when I was a boy more than 40 years ago, but I don't remember any of my grandparents turning it down when it came in the form of Medicare.

It is my understanding that Medicare works more efficiently than the current managed care system. My brother is a doctor, and he spends most of his time doing paperwork. He primarily delivers babies and is ready to give it up and start removing tattoos. Something is wrong with that picture.

Re: Clifford D. May’s Aug. 20 commentary, “It’s getting harder to overlook Petraeus’ progress�:

May needs to realize that we are not fighting a "war" in Iraq. We are fighting a counterinsurgency that we have permanently botched.

Commanders from Napoleon Bonaparte onward have written volumes about the differences. Counterinsurgencies must avoid killing, gain respect and restore peace and normal commerce. But if the guerrillas have popular support, they can resist until the occupiers are bled white and go home.

Re: Beverly Kelley’s Aug. 20 commentary, “Navy plan to get rid of trees needs a rethink�:

Finally, someone with a few brain cells gives the other side of "global warming." I greatly appreciated Kelley's commentary.

Why not take advantage of the system God placed in action in creating the world? The only aspect of nature that uses carbon dioxide and, in turn, produces oxygen is plants — trees.

It didn’t seem like “fair time� without in-depth coverage and photos of George Christie defending his right to wear his Hells Angel clothes to the fair. Who gave in, the Hells Angels or The Star?

— Mike Fargo, Moorpark

I am a fairly new subscriber and have been enjoying reading The Star. However, the other day, I eagerly opened the magazine insert called "Vista" and could not read much of it due to the fact that it was written in Spanish! Gee, I could have sworn that I lived in the good ol' USA, where English is our spoken language! Isn't English is the official language of the United States of America?

I want to keep my subscription, but I don’t want any sections that are written in a foreign language.

— Marganne Winter Oxley, Ojai

Re: your Aug. 17 article, “ACE program to offer healthcare for uninsured�:

Isn’t the Access Coverage Enrollment Program just one more step toward taxpayer-funded nationalized healthcare, also known as welfare? According to the article, it will be a Ventura County program funded initially with a $30 million federal grant obtained via the California Department of Health Services.

It seems that there are very few places in Ventura County or any other county within any city limits where it is legal for any convicted sexual predator to live. The law states a minimum of 2,000 feet — almost half a mile — from any school, church, park or other place children may congregate. Personally, I have no sympathy for any of these people, but short of them living in a riverbed or back in jail, no one has come up with a good place for them to live.

I keep looking for the whole truth about the California budget and don’t seem to be able to get it.

As I understand it, the Democrats in the Legislature have crafted a budget that is illegal. The Republicans have, for the most part, refused to sign on to it, and the governor says, “Sign on to the illegal budget and I’ll fix it later.� In the meantime, the Democrats have said, “We don’t care that the budget is illegal, we’re going on vacation.�

We are so pleased we attended Sunday’s open house at the mosque in Newbury Park. It was reassuring to meet dozens of men and women of the Muslim faith who are totally against all the terrorist attacks against civilians, including women and children, by members of their faith. In fact, because their holy book, the Quran, forbids violence against civilians, they do not regard the terrorists as fellow Muslims.

We found the leaders of the mosque to be open-minded and comfortable answering every question by the many visitors from our community. While opposed to the violence of extremist Muslims, they feel powerless to effect change in the Middle East.

Re: your Aug. 19 editorial, “Food stamps use too low�:

It was truly disheartening to read The Star’s lamentation over the lack of a greater number of poor using food stamps, rather than a rejoicing of the fact that a very large number of our fellow citizens can stand on their own two feet and prefer their own labor, sweat and tears over subservience and the horrible feeling of helplessness once one surrenders to "handouts, pity and superior attitudes."

Re: Ben Kwasney’s Aug. 19 pro argument to “Will Michael Vick ever play in the NFL again?�:

I take exception to Kwasney’s dismissal of Vick critics being nothing more than "dog huggers" causing unreasonable levels of outrage. The idea that Vick would ever be a paid pro athlete again I cannot fathom. Yes, some athletes have been forgiven lapses in judgment. Teams have allowed players a chance at rehab. But Vick's number is and should be up. The mere fact that he was allegedly involved with gambling should settle his prospects of ever playing again. Remember Pete Rose?

While listening to the very serious problems they are having in a Utah coal mine trying to retrieve the six miners who have been trapped for two weeks, I have come to the conclusion that all those mines are operating in conditions similar to those of the Dark Ages.

A very simple telephone technology would make coal mines and other underground mines considerably more safe. The plan is very simple and should be part of all underground mine safety requirements and approved by a government office.

Re: Tony Lemos’ Aug. 16 letter, “Justices did nothing wrong�:

Once again we are subjected to Lemos' imperious, intolerant and inflammatory one-issue rant on abortion.

Just one time, I would like to see a letter from Lemos attacking the senseless killing in Darfur that the West refuses to stop. Or perhaps the deliberate choice of pre-emptive war in Iraq that has killed more than 3,700 of our young men and women and tens of thousands of innocent Iraqis. Or maybe Lemos might question his respect for life that is denied by this nation's commitment to the death penalty.

Most people struggling with healthcare issues aren't really asking for free healthcare, just affordable.

Perhaps I'm missing something, but it seems the methods of rescuing miners has not improved over many decades. The ongoing Utah mine rescue shows that relying on in-situ oxygen is haphazard at best. Recently, sadly, after drilling a hole in the miners’ presumed location, the oxygen level was deemed too low to sustain life.

I have three recommendations for improving miner survivability if a mine collapse does not occur directly on top of the miners:

Re: Ed Sotelo's Aug. 7 commentary, "RiverPark cineplex a plus for Oxnard":

So the cat’s out of the bag as to the reasoning behind a second cineplex approval for RiverPark. Low and behold, straight from the city manager’s mouth, "RiverPark developers are looking at residential and commercial opportunities in downtown with the intent of making a connection between the two."

And there you have it folks, the holy grail of mass overdevelopment in Oxnard. And why, you ask? More developer promises.

I was recently frustrated with the lack of adequate space to make a right turn from North Dos Caminos Avenue to Loma Vista Road in Ventura. There was some construction going on in the area, and only one lane was open at the intersection because of a large number of parked vehicles near there.

I had been searching on the city of Ventura Web site (http://www.cityofventura.net) and found a link to what is called My Ventura Access. I browsed through that section and decided to make a request for a red-curb parking restriction in the area. The process was quite easy, and so I waited for what turned out to be a very short period. I received confirmation and a promise to look into the situation.

Re: your Aug. 12 article, “Residents rip conversion cost�:

The seniors and the mobile home park residents are the people who are wrong on this issue!

I ran for the City Council more than 20 years ago and showed the mobile home residents how they could buy their spaces back then. They all told me to take a flying leap as they were afraid of the risk and the other issues of owning their own spaces! They said they couldn’t afford it back then, too!

Re: your Aug. 11 article, “Broken leg costs county $1.5 million�:

I’ve now learned that if you get drunk, damage someone’s property and get arrested, you could win $1.5 million! And here's another perk: The person whose property you damage will help to pay for your winnings! All you have to do is get into a scuffle with the police and cry, “Excessive force!� This worked for one Ventura man, according to the front-page article.

Re: your Aug. 11 article, “Broken leg costs county $1.5 million�:

The award of $1.5 million was given to a prisoner severely wounded by specific sheriff deputies. What disciplinary action has been taken with respect to these deputies?

— Sherman N. Mullin, Oxnard

What were they thinking when they expanded the Santa Clara River bridge? It seems to me that all they did was move the traffic bottleneck north by half a mile.

And what’s up with the Oxnard Boulevard onramp? With the brainless merging lane, it just added to the traffic jam.

Also, what’s with two lanes for the offramp to Johnson Drive? It’s a total waste of a lane. In the past two weeks I have seen 10 or more accidents in that section.

I live in an unincorporated area. The sidewalk in the front of my house and the entrance into the driveway have been suspiciously rising. Since a big pine tree sits adjacent to the damage, I deduced there probably was a relationship.

A neighbor, who obviously doesn't work for government, informed me all I had to do was call the county and they would take care of it because the sidewalk and parking strip belonged to the county. After several attempts, I got hold of a knowledgeable, pleasant gentleman in the transportation department who informed that, yes, the pine tree and sidewalk did belong to the county but I was responsible for maintenance because the county did not have the money to do the work.

Re: your Aug. 5 article, “20 highest paid in county,� and Joe R. Howry’s Aug. 12 essay, “A firestorm over wages�:

These excessive remunerations are a byproduct of union pressure applied by the "hourly" employees and the neighbor-county wage comparison seesaw effect. Unions are always demanding "cost-of-living" increases, an incorrect term — it should be "cost-of-labor" adjustment. The vast majority of increasing costs is dictated by hourly salaries and wages that increase 3 percent per year and higher.

Re: your Aug 6 article, “Tough immigration rules worry growers�:

Our county agricultural association director, Rob Roy, admits he chose amnesty instead of stronger national security, bemoaning the fate of the comprehensive immigration reform legislation that Congress ditched last month.

I am a senior golfer at Buenaventura Golf Course and have enjoyed golfing there for several years, and so have many of our members.

Two weeks ago, we were told that we would enjoy getting extra points toward a free golf game called the Eagl Rewards card, and this Tuesday, we were told that we would not be allowed to participate in this endeavor. Everyone else outside of the club would be allowed to participate in this rewards system. What this means is that if you golf approximately 10 times and pay for your games, you will win one free game of golf.

Sandra Ruiz’s immediate family will like to express their gratitude to all the people that have shown their support to Sandra, and to us, at this difficult time.

To all her friends, co-workers, neighbors, the hospital staff, police, emergency personnel, and, in particular, Amgen, the company she works for, thank you for all your help. We deeply appreciate all your kind words and your efforts.

To the community that has been touched by the unspeakable murder of our beautiful Sev’n and has sent money and prayers, thank you for showing us there is good in the world.

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.� – Ephesians 4:26-27

What about the war on terror?

The above quote was taken from the Bible. It clearly states how we as human beings have the right to be angry for all of the indignations and repulsive acts committed. We do not have the option to sin, though. Is not waging war on a country a sin?

Re: your Aug. 16 article, “New air rules causing firms to sell old diesel gear abroad�:

Camarillo Engineering has been a progressive steward of the environment by voluntarily cleaning up the air by replacing 25 of the dirtiest diesel engines in our fleet of off-road heavy-duty construction equipment at a cost of more than $3 million. We could not have achieved this without state incentive funding, but it won’t be enough to meet the regulation adopted July 26 by the California Air Resources Board.

Re: your Aug. 13 article, “Crowds cheer for wild bull riders�:

This article applauding cowboy exploitation of animals failed to mention that bulls and other rodeo animals are annoyed, tormented and spurred in the chute to incite them, thus the bucking.

Just as the gate opens to release the frantic animal, a flank strap is pulled tightly and cinches the animals' sensitive groin area, and some may be shocked with a “hot-shot� device. Cruelty is inherent in rodeos, with many animals injured or killed in an attempt to escape the pain. Once the pain stops, the bucking stops!

Hiring unlicensed security personnel is dangerous and illegal. Unlicensed guards have not undergone a criminal history check and usually have little or no training. If their actions harm someone, the employer is liable. Worse yet, hiring an unlicensed security guard is a misdemeanor crime in California.

I mention all of this because I found an ad today on Craigslist offering to hire inexperienced and unlicensed security guards for an upcoming event in Ojai. The ad doesn’t say what the event is, but it appears that the guards will be working in violation of state law.

With the September deadline close — although it has now been postponed to January 1, 2008 — do you have your passport?

This has become a very big problem for many people, including myself. Obtaining a passport for all travel outside the United States — including Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean — has become something expensive and stressful. No one should go to sleep worried that a trip will have to be canceled or postponed. People can go crazy!

Re: your July 29 article, “Father, son discount similarities in political styles�:

Like father, like son: John and Tim Flynn take right after each other, and they speak up, and I appreciate it. John may not represent me, but I respect his ways, and he cares about issues, especially transit issues. He’s my hero.

— Mary Harris, Thousand Oaks

Re: your Aug. 15 article, “Toys off the shelves again�:

Toymaker Mattel recently recalled millions of toys — the latest in a series of recent recalls of Chinese-made products. While it may be news to some American consumers, products and produce from China had been notorious for lack of authenticity, reliability and now safety.

Irresponsible Chinese manufacturers had long earned their reputation for low cost and corner-cutting. So, as our store shelves are filled with products from China, inevitably we find the dangerous goods among the cheap.

Re: John Strubbe’s July 13 letter, “Liberals ‘are not afraid’� and Terry Paulson’s Aug. 6 essay, “Relying on entitlements�:

Mr. Strubbe apparently hit a politically conservative nerve, while Terry Paulson offered up his politically conservative nonsense. It's interesting that someone else would offer up "compassionate conservative" to someone he favors while offering "bleeding-heart liberal" to someone he doesn't.

There is no disputing that the Simi Valley Landfill must be and will eventually be expanded.

Mark my words that Waste Management will do the absolute minimum required by the county of Ventura and the city of Simi Valley in order to gain approval to expand. That’s just “good business,� so we must rely on our fine elected representatives to actually represent our interests.

Why do so many in this country go to such lengths to promote abortion rights when adoption is so much better for everyone involved? With adoption, the baby lives, the adoptive parents receive a child they otherwise never would have had, and the biological mother can continue her life, all the while knowing that her child is somewhere living and growing. In short, everyone wins.

Islamic extremists believe that they are following God’s instructions. Religious delusion is the crux of the problem, and it cannot be solved by throwing another religion at it or being too timid to criticize it. Only breaking the delusion will solve the problem.

— Chris Habecker, Thousand Oaks

Re: John Andretti’s Aug. 7 commentary, “Sierra Club’s true colors�:

I was anything but amused by Andretti’s commentary concerning the protest by local residents of Home Depot advertising on Fox News.

I think The Star would do a great public service by telling the public how the state of California tries to steal bank accounts, stock accounts and anything else they can get their lying, thieving hands on when they notice an account has had no activity for three years. Millions have been lost by the citizens of this state. It is nothing but stealing, and it is criminal, and this needs to be exposed! Something needs to be done to stop this criminal activity. The state does not have to even notify you they are stealing your property!

— Ann Telling, Thousand Oaks

In June, my daughter was a senior at Simi Valley High School. She took an early-morning bowling class, so every day, she would arrive at school about 8:45 a.m. She purchased her parking permit at the beginning of the year and had been driving herself to school every day.

During the month of June, the school parking lot got progressively worse. This was due to several factors, such as newly licensed drivers now driving to school and the high number of parent volunteers on campus helping prepare for end-of-school activities and closeout.

My wife and I are newcomers to Camarillo and Ventura County. We recently discovered a local treasure in Fillmore: Ventura County Live Steamers, which provides rides and education for both children and adults once a month.

Unfortunately, we also learned that this group is being displaced for low-income housing. The property, which has been extensively developed for a large-scale model railroad by club members, is adjacent to the railroad museum and the Fillmore & Western Railroad operations.

There is a simple way to cure the annual budget mess: an initiative that says, "all state legislators and their staffs will forfeit all pay and allowances, including per diem and car leases, for each day the budget is late." The budget would never be late again.

— William J. Farrell, Camarillo

Re: your Aug. 9 article, “Land of the dinosaurs�:

We are not ones to take offense or write to the paper because of a feel-good article, but we found this featured story a little narrow. We think The Star may have offended many people by labeling them dinosaurs for attending the REO Speedwagon or Beach Boys shows.

Why did most of your article cover REO and not the Beach Boys, since the Beach Boys had nearly twice the attendance at 12,000 people?

Re: Dan K. Thomasson’s July 28 essay, “The gun law’s big rub�:

It would appear Mr. Thomasson thinks that all crime will just go away if we take guns away from all law-abiding citizens.

Did Mr. Thomasson think how many violent crimes are not committed because of the presence of a gun? Has he thought about what is causing an increase in violent crime among our young? I think all he has to do is look at what the video games of violence are doing to them and what they are seeing on television. Television is glorifying gangs and violence.

I am writing to find out why the city hasn't added some kind of safety feature to the crosswalk on Harbor Boulevard that goes from the Ventura Pier to the freeway crossing. Are they waiting for someone to be killed before anything is done?

Well, it has almost happened to me personally at least three times so far. The other day, as I and my boyfriend and our daughter, who is 6, were trying to go for a walk on the pier, we were crossing the street and one car stopped for us but the driver behind him almost didn't stop in time. He had to swerve his truck and almost hit the side of the freeway. Then, of course, he proceeded to get very mad at us, as if it was our fault that he was driving too fast and not paying attention to what's in front of him.

Re: Terry Paulson’s Aug. 6 essay, “Relying on entitlements�:

Every time I think Terry Paulson can’t get any sillier, he proves me wrong yet again. Now he refers to the minimum wage as a government “handout.�

Perhaps Paulson is unaware of this, but the minimum wage that he calls a handout isn’t just handed over to those who receive it. People who earn the minimum wage have to work for it. A handout, by contrast, is something that is given away for nothing.

When there was a flood in Louisiana, many of us found a way to help out.

We have a local problem. One of our hospitals has mold, and it needs cash to carry it through while it solves the problem. The people in that hospital, private or not, deserve our support. You see, that’s what a hospital is — people like you and me, supporting others with expert care and kindness when they really need it.

Now what this hospital needs is funding to make sure all the extras, like the Mom and Me program for new moms, still have funding. St. John’s Regional Medical Center offers a lot of other free and wonderful services to our community.

Re: your Aug. 2 editorial, “Killer ice meteors�:

Global warming is still an unsubstantiated theory. People have enough to worry about without an unsubstantiated, undocumented scare that ice meteors are going to fall on their heads. If The Star thinks this is important, it should put the issue in perspective. Give the odds of this occurring, give the number that fall to Earth, establish some sort of condition for relevance. This article was an embarrassment to writing, to science and to common sense.

— Mark Savalla, Port Hueneme

I was just lamenting the other day the fact that here in California, violence is all around us, and people are dying every day in the streets. It also appears that our political process is stuck in a quagmire, with no end in sight. I wonder if we should just get out.

— Andrew Hooper, Ventura

Re: your Aug. 9 article, “Details emerge in police shooting of former Seabee�:

The past few years I have noticed an increase in the number of people who have died from multiple police gunshot wounds — 40 bullets into one man in New York City, 20 to 30 in Los Angeles at various times, and now 18 in Santa Barbara.

Indeed, dangerous situations exist in which the police must respond quickly and thoroughly. Yet, what happened to the idea learned in target practice that there are vulnerable places in the human body that can incapacitate a person without resulting in death?

As the Conejo Valley area approaches buildout, we are starting to see more and more pressure from developers to use environmentally sensitive areas for construction. We have seen this in the Mountclef Ridge Wildlife Corridor, and now we are seeing the same thing in the Newbury Park wetlands.

One of the wonderful things about this area is that large amounts of natural open space have already been permanently protected. Now it is important to protect remaining ecosystems that complement the previous habitats.

Re: your Aug. 12 editorial, "U.S. to target hiring illegals�:

Why does the mainstream media, including The Star, and our government refuse to print or even consider the truth regarding the workplace in 2007 and how the middle class and poor working classes are affected? Could it be that there are many out here with another “face� and another reality that do not fit in with the popular viewpoint?

Re: Frank Moraga’s Aug. 10 essay, “Born in East L.A.�:

Moraga's essay saddens me, but not for the reason you may think. He tries to build sympathy for a man who was "deported" to Mexico when he was actually an American citizen, but that's not Moraga's real agenda.

I am all in favor of righting any wrongs done to innocent Americans. But Moraga doesn't stop there. He builds to what he considers a "stirring" climax, questioning "all the frenzy to stop illegal immigration at any cost."

Re: your Aug. 12 article, “Neighbors’ interest, state law conflict on group home:

How sad to read that some homeowners in the Hometown tract in Fillmore are waging a war against the opening of a group home for troubled youths in their neighborhood. This pervasive “not-in-my-backyard� attitude creates unnecessary panic and ill will and prevents children living in them from becoming part of their community.

It is time to “MoveOn� and responsibly get out of Iraq.

It’s not beneath me to bring up the monetary costs of this war. It is not beneath me as long as I clearly state that the human costs to Americans and Iraqis are far and away the greatest price of this war.

It is obvious that the human costs of death, mutilation and permanent psychological damage have not been enough to stop this war. Maybe that is because most Americans do not have direct contact with individuals who have paid one or more of these prices.

We had some concerns about the Home Depot going in where the Kmart used to be, but after attending a meeting and getting some facts about traffic, noise, pollution and cosmetics, we feel building a major improvement center will not work for the area at Hampshire Road.

Re: John Blumenthal’s Aug. 8 letter, “Time to impeach�:

This is yet another ill-conceived rant by the radical left-wing, pro-abortion crowd.
Blumenthal called for the impeachment of Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito from the Supreme Court because of their alleged perjury during their Senate confirmation hearings. Roberts and Alito stated that they wouldn’t alter long-standing decisions based on their own personal ideologies. They didn’t say that they wouldn’t hear cases involving these precedents.

Re: your Aug. 6 article, “Weeds, trash clog flood control channel�:

Beautify Arroyo Simi? I weep every time I see workers for the county spraying herbicide in and along its banks — ten thousand pounds of toxins dumped into the watershed each year to kill all the beautiful, shade-producing, habitat-generating, carbon dioxide-sucking herbs which would otherwise take root lest they slow down the waters in the event of a flood. That’s not flood control. That’s pathetic.

Re: Michael Smith’s July 16 letter, “Warmongering paid off�:

Mr. Smith doesn't like Winston Churchill being called a warmonger.

The purpose of World War II in Europe was to prevent a diabolical, brutal dictator, Adolf Hitler, from taking over Eastern Europe. It's all documented in “Mein Kampf.� At the end of World War II, a diabolical brutal dictator, Joseph Stalin, controlled Eastern Europe.

Re: your July 18 article, “District apologizes for Holocaust talk�:

The Holocaust is a historic fact, albeit a most despicable, horrendous one. The July 17 protest and inquiry into the June 19 discussion of the Holocaust, including obstreperous, disrespectful behavior, is also a fact. It seems to me the latter could have been prevented.

The title of the presentation, although confrontational, was well-publicized in Goebel Senior Center fliers. Surely, those dismayed by the subject could have contacted the center’s director, Andrea Koval, to request clarification or cancellation.

Re: your Aug. 1 article, “Residents protest Home Depot’s advertising on Fox�:

I was quite amused by this story concerning the protest at the Camarillo Home Depot store by the Sierra Club in conjunction with the George Soros/Michael Moore left-wing hate group, MoveOn.Org. Apparently these two groups want Home Depot to stop advertising on Fox in an effort to censor Fox News because it apparently does not toe the Sierra Club line with regard to the global warming issue.

Re: your Aug. 4 article, “Transplant donor’s death stirs concerns about possible abuse�:

More than ever, incentives are needed to get people to agree to donate their organs when they die. Appeals to altruism haven't reduced the organ shortage. Fears that doctors will kill patients for their organs make it even less likely that people will donate if the only benefit is the chance to help someone else.

Re: your Aug. 4 political cartoon:

This “cartoon� was in exceptionally poor taste. Every war has experienced casualties from friendly fire, and it is a travesty that no one, excepting the enemy, wishes for it to happen. However, to make light of the “cover-up,� as if the act itself was not an admission of the shame and disgrace felt by those involved, is a mockery to every American who has worn our country’s uniform. It’s too bad Pat Tillman’s image has been used in such a manner. And it’s too bad The Star opted to print it.

— Don Lyman, Oak View

Here's why we need Hillary Clinton for president: Women don’t start wars. Men start wars. It's in their genetic makeup.

— William Wolny, Oxnard

Clearly, the lack of attention to the infrastructure of this country is seriously endangering the lives of ordinary Americans. I am personally sickened by the priorities in this country, that our so-called leaders have sold us out to corporate interests to the extent that our healthcare system is rotten, our national and international reputation is in the sewer, the very food supply is endangered by lack of any kinds of surveillance (note the recent infestation of the pet food supplies from China, which means human food is equally endangered) and now this. The very bridges that hard-working Americans rely on to get to work and school cannot be trusted because of aging structures that are desperately in need of repair.

The rebuilding of the infrastructure of our country is bigger than the recent tragedy of the Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis and may possibly be the path through which we can restore our nation to its greatness.

First, new taxes to fund rebuilding are not the answer and will not produce a solution. We already have enormous financial means and tax streams, both general and specific, in abundance. The problem is spending priority and not revenue generation.

Here is the simple plan:

No matter where you look, you can see the effects man has had on the Earth.

The Earth is our home. It is the only place where we can live. Every day I see people throwing garbage out and onto the ground. It doesn't matter if they’re walking or driving or if there is a garbage bin close by. Some people just don't seem to care.

Re: your Aug. 5 article, “Disputed vote machines not issue for area�:

This is the time to reaffirm this is the government of the people, if indeed it still is. Elections are the only way we can be heard. People decry the lack of voting among the populace. Who will bother if elections are not secured by some safe method of protecting our votes?

— Marise Cherin, Ventura

Re: your Aug. 5 photo package, “Parading to the fair�:

We remember not that long ago when we would get up very early the morning of the Ventura County Fair Parade, get our donuts and hot chocolate and bring something to do, because if you didn't, finding parking near Main Street was impossible.

Re: your Aug. 4 editorial, “Budget mess hurting state�:

It’s no surprise that The Star is blaming the responsible adults (the Senate Republicans) instead of the real culprits, the spoiled, irresponsible children (the Democrats) who spend money like there is no tomorrow, for the budget mess.
Let’s review the facts, shall we?

— California has a spending problem, not a revenue problem.

Re: Gerald A. Harman’s Aug. 3 letter, “Norway’s a ‘Sicko,’ too�:

My husband and I visited Sweden a few years ago and took a day’s tour. Our Swedish tour guide was extolling the "wonderful" universal healthcare system there. However, when she was probed for more detailed information, she reluctantly admitted that each person would be put on a waiting list for surgery or other care. The waiting list averaged four months. When asked what would happen if the condition were life threatening and required immediate surgery, the response was that there are private hospitals where the patient would have immediate admittance and surgery — and then be presented with the entire bill for payment.

Re: Thomas D. Elias’ July 30 commentary, “U.S. assault on medicinal pot out of whack�:

Who you gonna call for compassionate government? Former President Clinton and former Attorney General Janet Reno? President Bush and Vice President Cheney?

How about a "conservative" presidential candidate who has twice sponsored legislation to prohibit federal law enforcement agencies from arresting terminally ill patients and their caregivers in 12 states that have legalized medical marijuana?

Re: your Aug. 2 article, “Obama outlines anti-terror plans�:

This article shows what an irresponsible person Barack Obama is. He lacks maturity, life experiences and wisdom — all very important things you must have in every high office.

Re: your Aug. 1 article, “Residents protest Home Depot’s advertising on Fox�:

What is it with these people? Are they so shallow and small-minded that they need to protest advertising on a competing network? Liberals already own most of the print media, as well as NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN and NPR. Do they need to dominate all the networks? Do they really fear Fox News so much? These people are thralls to the far left whose goal is to suppress any independent thought. MoveOn.org is as interested in the environment as my neighbor’s cat.

— Bill Coe, Camarillo

Re: David Tunno’s Aug. 2 commentary, “Marina rate hikes become de-facto monopoly�:

Mr. Tunno dresses up what is really just a complaint that “I don’t want to pay more� by calling marina owners effective monopolists because they are raising his slip rental. In the process, he becomes a poster child example of when “I’m not an economist, but…� immediately proves someone’s ignorance of the subject.

Re: Jack D. Prosen's Aug. 1 letter, "Double standard":

Mr. Prosen complains about Congress not getting on with impeachment proceedings against President Bush and Vice President Cheney, and he laments the apparent double standard because Bill Clinton was impeached for lying about his sexual proclivity.

In the first place, there is absolutely no evidence Bush and Cheney lied about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Being wrong is not lying.

Re: Irma Schneider’s Aug. 1 letter, “Treatment of Bush disgraceful�:

I despair over the 29 percent Bush-approvers such as Irma Schneider.

How can it be that they are still so uninformed and naïve after the avalanche of information we now have regarding the dishonest and unethical actions of President Bush and his cronies?

Re: Steve Greenberg's July 24 cartoon:

I wonder what The Star's intent was in publishing this cartoon so many months after the passing of Proposition 83. This cartoon suggests that every registered sex offender in California is some kind of psychotic, pitchfork-wielding maniac, and families living in rural areas where these offenders have been banished now have to live in fear of them.

Clever biotechnologists are able to modify our food sources, for better or for worse, by transferring genes among different species. Now if only these clever biotechnologists would use their cleverness to create dogs with the ability to pick up after themselves, since so many irresponsible guardians of dogs do not have the common decency to do so.

— George S. Arita, Oak View

Re: your Aug. 1 article, "Lamb goes from parade star to auction":

Every year The Star has another fluff piece about the 4-H kids raising animals to be sold for slaughter. And every year I get the same sick feeling.

Expecting Iraqis to set up a democracy is an unrealistic task since they have no prior experience with that type of institution — they have no idea how it's supposed to work — and because of religious factors. Iraqis will run their government based on religious issues whether we like it or not.

The equivalent analogy would be to replace our Congress with Catholics and Southern Baptists and tell them to run America on a common religious principle. It isn’t going to happen.

Re: Irma Schneider’s Aug. 1 letter, “Treatment of Bush disgraceful�:

I disagree completely. Did Ms. Schneider forget that the war in Iraq was the first time in the history of the United States that we were guilty of a “first strike� based on weapons of mass destruction? The only success in this was the capture of Saddam Hussein.

When the weapons of mass destruction lie was proved false, our new reason for starting this war was changed to fighting terrorism. Terrorism continues at full strength and is apparently getting stronger.

The unbelievable tragedy that occurred in Minneapolis is just another symptom of the incompetence of the Bush administration. He and his cronies are wasting billions of taxpayer dollars while eliminating countless lives as they try, unsuccessfully, to occupy Iraq. In the meantime, America’s infrastructure is decaying to the point of collapse.

You must ask yourself, Democrat, Republican or member of any other party: Is the bridge I am crossing going to be the next one to shatter under Bush’s neglect?

Unfortunately, 35W was aptly named.

— John Darling, Ventura

Our elected representatives to Congress did not respond with answers to these questions, so I am sending them to The Star for others to ponder.

Is not starting an unprovoked war under false pretenses criminal? Should not those who have done so be prosecuted? If left unchecked, wouldn’t that leave the door open for more such mischief and catastrophe?

Re: Paul Miller’s Aug. 3 commentary, “Allegations of conspiracy on landfill disingenuous�:

Simi Valley Mayor Miller’s commentary sets forth unproven and rather outlandish accusations not based on fact. It is unfortunate our mayor has demonstrated mistrust in his friends in the community and members of the Simi Valley Landfill Task Force based on one person’s viewpoint. The task force, just like the City Council, is comprised of individuals who have divergent opinions and who may not all agree with one another.

Re: your Aug. 1 article, “Residents protest Home Depot’s advertising on Fox�:

This protest by Camarillo residents was one of five protests held across the nation and arranged by the Sierra Club and MoveOn.org.

Supposedly, the claim is that Fox News denies global warming and that “belief� is against that held by MoveOn.org and Sierra Club.

Maybe it’s time to show the contestants in this Iraqi Middle East conflict (or is it a real war?) just what kind of power and determination we Americans truly have.

I suggest a nuclear test somewhere in a very visible part of the Iraqi desert. If you think this is stupid, then why should we spend a fortune developing new nuclear weapons that we would never use? Really!

Why test in Nevada? Test in Iraq! There, mere talk of an Iraqi test would be some serious saber-rattling. And we here could all support the world and buy glass futures.

Re: Grant Marcus’ July 26 letter, “Healthcare for profit bad�:

This letter is exactly on mark. My work experience includes some 30 years in managing healthcare delivery, with retirement in 1988 as CEEO of the San Gabriel Valley Medical Center.

Re: Mike Zaboski’s July 18 letter, “Cold and heartless�:

Perhaps others made the same connection as I while reading this letter. Mr. Zaboski writes, “I would give the authorities wide berth to investigate and find out exactly how this person’s life ended....� It is both revealing and sad that the writer seems oblivious, through no fault of his own, of course, to the numbers of Hispanic families who continue to grieve without relief while the murders of their young male members go unsolved.

Re: Arturo Barroso’s Aug. 1 letter, “Killer won’t let go�:

I hope Mr. Barroso will accept my sincere condolences on the loss of his precious daughter. I believe I know a little of what he is going through, as my only son was murdered on Nov. 6, 2003, and his killer has yet to be brought to justice.

I believe our judicial system leaves a lot to be desired. The killer has more rights than his victims. I use the plural form because the killer is tried, convicted and sentenced for killing one person, but he gets away with the "murders" of all those left behind to suffer the horrendous loss of a loved one, especially one's child.

Re: John Strubbe’s July 13 letter, “Liberals ‘are not afraid’�:

John Strubbe’s rant against conservatives has rankled in my mind. I am a conservative and, admittedly not a perfect human being, I certainly do not fit into his description of us. I feel this way especially when he piously claims that only liberals believe in justice and equality (it was a conservative Republican Congress that passed the Civil Rights Bill), religious freedom, the right of dissent and free speech, not to mention touting it’s the liberals who believe in progress, science, art and the human spirit!

The debate surrounding the possible new Home Depot brings back memories of controversy when Circuit City wanted to build a store off Moorpark Road, and when the city itself proposed what is now the Civic Arts Plaza. But now those buildings are a part of our great city, and one could never imagine not having them here. When you build it, people will come, as they say.

Re: Stanislaus Pulle’s July 29 commentary, “Why it’s past time for Cardinal Roger Mahony to resign�:

I couldn't agree more that Cardinal Mahony should resign from his position in the archdiocese of Los Angeles. Mahony is what has brought humility to his church.

— Elizabeth Bass, Thousand Oaks

Re: Linda Parks’ Aug. 1 commentary, “Wetland preservation vital to Conejo’s plants and animals�:

I applaud Ms. Parks and Clint Matkovich’s efforts to keep wetland areas, but the visitor to the wetlands that Ms. Parks refers to as a white heron is an egret, not a heron.

— Don Henderson, Westlake Village

Re: your July 29 editorial, “Design raises housing bar�:

The Star endorsed Plaza Amistad as innovative and forward-looking. When The Star endorses something for Santa Paula, you know it has to be a bad thing for us.
With all the coverage this project has gotten, I haven’t seen any protest to it, so I am going to start some.

I’m concerned about the number of films and movies that are being filmed in Piru. Am I the only one concerned about the nuisances, road blockages, the bright lights, the noise and other problems that they create on the town’s narrow streets?

The movies come to town with their deep pockets, buying out everybody who counts — the county, the police, the firefighters and the town council. In fact, I believe the town council is just a front for the movies. You can say they are bedded with them.

What do the people of Piru think of all the moviemaking in Piru? Do they concur? I wonder, has anybody ever really asked them?

Re: your July 27 article, “Pilots worry development unsafe near airport�:

Springville is a bad idea for many reasons.

First, putting another interchange between Las Posas Road and Central Avenue will create a hazardous situation with cars accelerating to enter and slowing to exit within short distances. I do not think the California Department of Transportation will approve it.

Ventura City Council has decided to have itself an election Nov. 6. Measure C7 will be submitted to the voters.

“Measure C7: A measure regarding communication services tax.

It has recently been reported that the Ventura County Watershed Protection District has increased the Sespe Creek projected 100-year flood flow rates from 98,000 cubic feet per second to 135,000 cfs. This increase will leave the North Fillmore area, along with other west side properties, vulnerable to flood damage and more costly flood insurance. Based on the June 27 statement by Bert Rapp, the Fillmore city engineer, the Ventura County Watershed Protection District intends to perform a study that will likely result in the decertification of the Sespe Creek Levee for a 100-year storm.

Downtown Oxnard recently played host to the Oxnard Salsa Festival, an event that attracted more than 40,000 visitors. The resounding success of the 2007 Oxnard Salsa Festival is proof to us that the newly revitalized downtown Oxnard is paying big dividends.

Currently, and in the recent past, the revitalization plans, efforts and development agreements required to revitalize the downtown area are and have been fraught with legal challenges, public naysayings, lawsuits and divisive political posturing.

The Oxnard City Council apparently plans on spending $41.5 million for a baseball park run by a private company and untold millions for a RiverPark development that includes an unneeded new theater. The theater and related projects were demanded by out-of-towners. Our inept City Council is willing to kowtow to greedy developers but not willing to listen to Oxnard citizens.

Oxnard's city streets are a disgrace. One minor example is Doris Street between Ventura Road and “C" Street. There are many others too numerous to mention.

Re: Richard Larsen’s July 31 essay, “Making grocers go green�:

As Mr. Larsen reminds us, plastic is no longer practically or politically correct when it comes to bagging groceries. He noted that shoppers can be correct with a purchased reusable bag, but he failed to mention grocers will pay customers who bring their own reusable paper bags.

Like other authors, I like to quote myself, so here's my "reusing" advice from my book, "Poor Richard's Tips from the Great Depression":

Re: Ed Jones’ July 11 commentary, “White House ‘fall guy’ was working with a safety net�:

This commentary discusses the situation involving I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby.

It has always amused me that Mr. Libby has his nickname "Scooter" connected with any mention of him. It is like the names of gangbangers when they appear in the paper, most often with nicknames attached. Why does Libby have one?

Re: your July 30 editorial, “Revenge of nonsmokers�:

When traveling with my son down Highway 101, secondhand smoke is the least of my fears. Good Time Charlie who just left happy hour worries me more.

When I take my son out for lunch, hepatitis C and E. coli are more of a concern than secondhand smoke from the person standing outside in the rain trying to enjoy a cigarette.

If I were to write a movie in response to "Sicko," it might be named, "Be careful what you wish for, you might get it."