The Roe v. Wade decision put the argument for abortion where it belongs: in the conscience of the pregnant person.

My view is that in the very early stages of pregnancy, the embryo is only a fertilized egg and, as my physician husband used to say, "Mother Nature is very extravagant!" The time frame of the current federal restrictions really has it right by limiting abortion to the first trimester.

Re: Ken Davis’ Jan. 23 letter, "Democrats today":

I wanted to comment that his letter was well said! He is right on the money. I agree with him 200 percent.

— Daisy Garcia, Camarillo

Every day, I read and hear about the mortgage debacle and find it hard to believe there is no real corporate accountability.

After reading Countrywide CEO Angelo Mozilo’s letter to his employees about the potential buyout by Bank of America, it’s amazing to discover how Mozilo and his team have yet to be held accountable for their actions.

The Star needs to be commended for presenting letters that inform the reader of both sides of the abortion controversy.

Is there a possible solution to bringing down the abortion rate in this country? Absolutely. It is time for every young man and young woman, in physiology and biology classes, to learn how to determine, precisely, the fertile and infertile phases of a woman's cycle. The benefits of natural family planning information, given to us by some of the most famous physicians in the world, are many.

Re: your Jan. 25 Business article, “Massive fraud case�:

I note with interest the article regarding the fraud that occurred at Société Générale. Unfortunately, the writer chose to anglicize the spelling. Nobody likes to have their name misspelled.

Re: Frank Moraga’s Jan. 25 essay, “Guess who’s back in town?�:

Moraga is supposedly The Star’s director of diversity. Well, he exhibits his qualifications well. Evidently being anti-white and anti-Republican will score him points with some racist Latino organizations. It certainly has him in the driver’s seat at The Star.

In 1994, I voted for Proposition 187, the Save our State Initiative. However, the liberal federal courts overturned the initiative. Now look at the mess we’re in.

Re: Frank Moraga’s Jan. 25 essay, “Guess who’s back in town?�:

I read with great interest Moraga's virulent essay against former Gov. Pete Wilson's appearing at a small, private gathering at California Lutheran University. It is rather clear that Moraga wants Wilson to have no life except perhaps to stay on the golf course as he suggests. Moraga's derision for the former governor stems from Wilson’s support of Proposition 187, which, love it or hate it, a clear majority of Californians supported at the time.

Re: Frank Moraga’s Jan. 25 essay, “Guess who’s back in town?�:

Referring to a U.S. southern border wall, Moraga referred to it as a “new Berlin Wall,� providing yet another example of obfuscating journalism intended to put the United States on par with the criminal behavior of others. The differences between the two walls are enormous.

The Berlin Wall was erected to keep people in, to hold them prisoner, to prevent escape at all costs. The U.S. wall is to keep illegal people out, so they can get in line like others and wait their turn for entry.

I will vote no on every gambling proposal in this state, including the state lottery. It is not a moral position, but one of caring and common sense. I can't understand in a state or country where the cry for justice for the "poor" gets louder each year, and healthcare issues are on the front page because of prohibitive costs levied against the "poor," that a significant increase of revenue is sought against that very section of people who we are supposedly trying to help out.

Re: Thomas D. Elias’ Jan. 28 commentary, “Gambling propositions might end up in court�:

Have we forgotten what President Kennedy said? "My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what can you can do for your country.�

With the way some candidates want to continually socialize our resources and benefits, I'm sure they have forgotten that it is our country, not the country of illegal immigrants - taxpaying or not, the first part is “illegal.�

There have been indications in the press and in some of the campaigns that Barack Obama offers nothing more than “pretty words� or “charms,� and that beneath his beautiful speeches, there is no substance. Each of us harbors a cynic who does not want to take the chance to hope that someone who speaks eloquently could also, through his words, inspire people to once again act in the interest of their country.

I would like to suggest that Obama’s words are actions. They act within people, creating hope that can lead to action. This is why he has drawn so many young people, independents and others disaffected by politics as usual.

I am appalled that Wednesday’s Republican presidential debate — sponsored by CNN, the Los Angeles Times, Politico.com and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum — minimized participation by former Gov. Mike Huckabee and virtually ignored Rep. Ron Paul. Both candidates qualified to be present at the debate. They both deserved a chance to voice their opinions and not just at the level of their support in polls.

It occurs to me that if Hillary Clinton were to be the Democratic nominee and eventually elected, two families, the Clintons and the Bushes, will have been at the helm of this country for almost three decades — and where are we now? The best indicator of the future is the past.

— Nancy Low, Fillmore

I thank The Star for recent articles that have indicated that others, too, share some of the frustrations and thoughts about current situations that affect all of us within our country — i.e., the divisiveness and exclusivity of the essentially “two-party system� we seem to be saddled with.

The article by Melissa McElhose of Ventura High School in the Underage Thinking section of the Jan. 8 issue was very informative and well-written. Melissa shows insight beyond her years and a good approach to problem-solving. She cited George Washington’s warning against forming political parties.

Re: Mike Pringer’s Jan. 29 letter, “Pathetic choices�:

All of what Pringer wrote has a great deal of merit. What Pringer failed to do was to point to a Republican candidate that held to the conservative, not Republican, principles that he listed:

— Stands for capitalism.

— Peace through strength.

Popular convention tells us elections are about the future. How can we ensure a future filled with the blessings of our birthright of freedom if we do not understand the foundation upon which this nation was built?

We have come far from the self-evident truths of our founding — that we are endowed by our creator with those unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Those entrusted with the administration of our government no longer believe they derive their just “powers from the consent of the governed.�

Re: your Jan. 25 news analysis, “Most economists find things wrong�:

Despite the headline, directly beneath, in the first sentence of the second paragraph, the article states, "Most economists praised the deal."

What's going on?

To me, this is just another glaring example of the negative journalism prevalent in both broadcast and written reporting. Why couldn't the headline announce the positive aspects of the rebate deal?

Re: Dale McFeatters’ Jan. 26 column, “Good ways to spend $600 for the economy�:

If McFeatters’ column was meant to be humorous, I missed the point.

Our economy is in serious trouble, and the Bush administration and Congress have found a way to help stimulate it. People are so eager to complain when taxes are high or our economy is headed for a recession, but as soon as a solution is mentioned, they find fault with it.

Re: your Jan. 26 article, “New rules limiting pesticide use finalized�:

Shame on Rob Roy.

It is long past time for him and the Ventura County farmers that he claims to represent as part of the Ventura County Agricultural Association to realize that there is a large public interest involved in the air we all must breathe — much larger than limited, supposedly economic, concerns.

Re: your Jan. 25 article, “CHP officer investigated after alleged racial slurs�:

As the saying goes, there are two sides to every story, as in the case of this article. The headline alone grabs your attention. It even incites anger at the injustice of such a thing. Of course, “alleged� is in the title, but, really, how many people pay attention to that?

After reading this story, many people will make up their minds and find the officer at fault. Look at the comments on The Star’s Web site. Already people are angry about the incident, thinking, of course, that the officer is the perpetrator of the whole thing.

Re: Clifford May’s Jan. 24 commentary, “What we should know about fanatical movements�:

May, president of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, opened his commentary by describing his “short list� of what made Adolf Hitler so effective and enabled him to attract millions of followers. No. 1 on May’s list was that Hitler “understood propaganda, the dynamics of public opinion formation, what it takes to persuade.� He then warned us about Osama bin Laden, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Hassan Nasrallah and others who “are doing exactly the same today.�

Re: your Jan. 25 article, “Shelter use up amid inclement weather�:

I was somewhat disappointed that the Ventura County Rescue Mission was not mentioned.

The Rescue Mission was established in 1972 and continues to be the only year-round emergency shelter in Ventura County. I have been the director of the Ventura County Rescue Mission for going on 20 years.

Now is the time for the Bush-Cheney administration to realize the folly of the Karl Rove hate separation politics that has been used on minor issues to divide people. Maybe the best accomplishment of this administration is just that — to show how destructive that strategy has been to the world and the United States.

— John Puccetti, Ventura

Re: Scott Collins’ Jan. 29 letter, "No 'victim' fee":

This letter hit it right on the head. The city of Ventura has lost its fundamental priority — to provide basic municipal civic services and to create and maintain the infrastructure. The 911 "fee" is like paying to talk to a bank (or city building and safety) clerk. We need to have the city reassess its priorities. Police and safety services are just plain fundamentals of any civilized government.

— Scott Douglas, Ventura

In a republic, the democratic process for choosing a representative of the people for the leadership of the country is called an election. The protocol was determined by our forefathers, who gave us the Constitution and general framework for operating our government.

I have followed the elections since the Herbert Hoover-Al Smith contest. In those days, we had mock elections as part of our civics education. World War I, its causes and consequences, was a popular topic.

Re: your Jan. 27 article, "Man accused of conspiring to kill fetus":

As I read the article, I was struck by several things. First, I was struck by the callousness of the act, that someone would attempt to kill his own child. Second, I was struck by the first sentence of the article, "A young father-to-be is facing a charge of conspiracy to commit murder of a fetus." I was struck by the irony of that statement.

Fillmore’s only senior mobile home park has been seeking the protections of a rent control ordinance.

Since the beginning of this movement, the residents of the park have become divided over this issue. The residents against rent control don’t want change and don’t trust rent control as a good thing. If a rent control ordinance were passed, anyone whose lease has expired would still be given the option to sign a five-year lease, like they have now. Rent control would do nothing to change that.

Re: Rosa M. Navarro's Jan. 28 commentary, “Oxnard change — not always for the good�:

Navarro writes that she has returned to Oxnard after a 24-year absence and “thought by now the Martin V. ‘Bud’ Smith era would be over and Oxnard would be on its way to economic stability."

Re: your Jan. 25 article, “Limited water supplies will require recycling, official says�:

This article on recycling our wastewater again made me wonder about the large acreage of citrus that has been planted on the hills around Simi Valley during the past couple of drought years. Who was able to get permission to plant these trees, and where has, and where will, the water come from?

On Jan. 19, representatives from six of the largest mobile home parks in Thousand Oaks met to form a coalition to fight to preserve our mobile home way of life.

Mobile home parks are being attacked across the nation and in our community, as well. The City Council is planning to rezone two parks — Conejo Mobilehome Park and Elms Plaza — which will potentially close both parks. The owner of the Conejo Mobilehome Park has already begun the process of closing.

Re: Robert J. Pisapia’s Jan. 25 letter, “Two states needed�:

From his biased and erroneous history of the region, Pisapia conveniently leaves out the reason there is a wall in the first place. Prior to Palestinians blowing themselves up in pizza parlors, discos and buses, there was no wall. It is not a difficult concept: If you commit terrorism, you do not deserve a state.

— Jeffrey Finn, Simi Valley

Re: your Jan. 19 article, “Smoking banned in parks in Oak Park�:

The Star reported that the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District board voted 5-0 to ban smoking outdoors in their parks. Congratulations! I now see that Thousand Oaks is considering the same. Now the parks will be healthier for all of us.

I walk through Mae Boyar Park in Oak Park almost every day, and I can now enjoy clean air. Of course, hardly a day goes by that I don't hear the F-word from one of the young people in the park. We are protecting their health, but their minds and values are gone.

Waste Management Inc.’s presentations to our neighborhood councils is a good first step in notifying the community of plans to create a mega-landfill in the heart of one of the finest places to live in all the state. The neighborhood councils have been our local eyes and ears, doing a great job of relaying our concerns to the City Council and being a big part of what has maintained the rising quality of life our families enjoy.

The next step in WMI’s race to build its mega-landfill is to take its presentation to the city’s planners before most members of the community know what’s being planned at the west end of Simi Valley.

After watching the Jan. 21 Democratic debate, it was disillusioning to watch Hillary Clinton put her claws out and rave on and on, attacking Barack Obama about things that weren't true. The audience responded with boos because that should not be allowed. Obama had to explain why her statements were not true.

Do we need this kind of debate?

Bill Clinton was also attacking Obama with things that were not true. We all know that Bill has lied under oath, so he has no reason to tell the truth when not under oath.
Obama spent much of the evening defending the attacks.

No one questions the exemplary service of Sen. John McCain during the Vietnam War. However, that service does not automatically translate to qualifications for the office of the president of this country. Eight months ago, there was a “60 Minutes� interview with McCain regarding his statement that Baghdad had returned to normal and anyone could stroll anywhere.

Re: your Jan. 30 article, “McCain, Clinton triumph�:

The headline should be, "McCain wins Florida Republican primary," or some shorter form, even down to just "McCain wins."

Using "triumph" is part of the language inflation we've suffered in English for the last few decades, plus the related problem of the Sports Talk Syndrome, wherein speakers of American have to find fancy synonyms rather than say "Team A" won or "Team A defeated B" or "Team B lost."

Do you know your candidate’s position on immigration?

Electing a president to lead the greatest nation on Earth should not be about popularity; we are not electing a prom king, a Miss Congeniality or a Mr. Change.

Sens. Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain all talk about change. All they do is talk change. Yet, these three members of the current do-nothing Senate are part of the establishment and status quo, and they really need to be voted out of office, certainly not elected to president. They are the problem, since they are not part of any solutions.

The campaign commercials have started airing. Your vote is likely to be influenced by the housing market, the unemployment rate, health insurance costs.

Those are things on my mind, but I dare say they influence others, too. What else is of great concern to me is global poverty. That is why I am a member of the organization One.

I am confident voters in California and nationwide will elect a president whose proven leadership and experience will resolve the serious economic, social and foreign relations challenges facing our country.

Faced with a serious declining dollar, lacking gainful employment opportunities, rising healthcare and food costs, out-of-control gasoline prices, home losses, serious environmental degradation and an endless costly war that seems to be getting us nowhere, the majority of voters are looking for "serious constructive thinking" from public influential sources such as the media, elected officials, community leaders, etc.

Re: Jeff Gorell’s Jan. 27 commentary, “Political schizophrenia on Proposition 93 hard on voters�:

I am sorely disappointed in The Star for using the word “schizophrenia.� This is a mental illness that many people suffer from; it is not a word to use casually.

Term limits were enacted by the people of California in 1990 mainly as a response to ineffective and permanent leadership in Sacramento. Echoes of that ineffective leadership have attempted to undo the will of the people ever since and are trying again.

On its face, especially given the misleading summary written by a partisan attorney general and secretary of State, Proposition 93 appears to be "not too bad." The key concepts of reducing the overall legislative "service" to 12 from 14 years, and allowing that "service" to be entirely in the same legislative house, were considered in 1990's Proposition 140, but they were rejected in the final draft.

The television ads urging us to vote yes on Proposition 93 cite the value of highly experienced legislators as the justification. We already have a large group of experienced legislators in Sacramento who have consistently served California very poorly. Enabling them to serve longer would be a tragic mistake.

— Sherman N. Mullin, Oxnard

It's time to recap where we are rainwise. Our latest storm dropped 7.53 inches of water in central Simi Valley, where I and my rain gauge dwell. That means we've had 15.12 inches since the season began on July 1, 2007. Compare that to the measly 4.66 inches we received during the entire 2006-07 season.

The annual average is between 13 and 16 inches.

For those who prefer to calculate by calendar years — which is not the way weather beagles do it — calendar year 2007 saw a total of 7.31 inches. So far in 2008 — just January, mind you — we've had 10.74 inches of precipitation.

I truly feel for the family of actor Heath Ledger, but as for the media spectacle, come on. Let’s get some perspective on tragedy.

My son, who was pictured in The Star shortly before he was wounded in Iraq, spent one of his first assignments gathering up nine sets of Marines’ legs that were sheared off from an improvised explosive device. And although he was wounded and suffers from post-traumatic stress, he is one of the blessed ones.

Re: your Jan. 28 article, "L.A.'s Broadway eyed for revitalization":

Growing up in Los Angeles in the 1930s and '40s, we often went downtown to see the films at those wonderful theaters as they were released. There is one inaccuracy in the article, however. "The storied Red Car trolleys" did not run on Broadway but on other downtown streets. Broadway had the "yellow streetcars," and we paid 7 cents to ride there from the south side of town.

— Ed Schlossman, Thousand Oaks

Re: your Jan. 27 article, "Man accused of conspiring to kill fetus":

What's the difference between Jaime Solis Olmos' alleged attempt to kill an unborn child and an abortion? One is attempted murder, and the other is murder, which is worse.
Our government sanctions abortions and condemns murder of a fetus. Is this not hypocrisy?

— Tesi Wong, Ventura

Let me get this straight. A certain Indian tribe has “around� (not my word) 2,000 Nevada-style slots and pays the state of California around $29 million or around $14,500 per machine. With 7,500 machines, the tribe will pay a minimum of $45 million plus a percentage of the “net income� (not my word either) per machine.

Would this be the same type of “net income� where Hollywood studios get sued because their $400 million blockbusters never earn a “net income?�

Re: Thomas D. Elias’ Jan. 29 commentary, “Gambling propositions might end up in court�:

This commentary on Propositions 94-97 seems to either contradict the TV ads or omit material information.

Re: Thomas D. Elias’ Jan. 28 commentary, "Gambling propositions might end up in court":

It was very enlightening to read about the potential lawsuits that might result after the voting in February on additional slot machines. I plan to vote against all four pacts because passage will further entrench a government-granted monopoly.

Re: your Jan. 27 article, "Man accused of conspiring to kill fetus":

The article brings up some serious questions.

Is the basis for the possibility of 25 years to life in prison “brutality against the pregnant mother� or the “attempting killing of the unborn fetus?�

Thousand Oaks Police Chief Dennis Carpenter is quoted: “This is a despicable person that would attempt to do this on his unborn child,� apparently related to his calling the attack one of the most heinous crimes in his 30-year career in law enforcement.

Re: Cliff May’s Jan. 24 commentary, “What we should know about fanatical movements�:

It is interesting that Adolf Hitler is being compared to modern day Islamists. Hitler was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church and was never excommunicated for his acts of terrorism in Europe by Pope Pius. In public speeches, Hitler invoked God’s will and urged his followers to the path of righteousness in Jesus’ name.

The Jan. 11 Irish Times reported that on Jan. 10 in the northern section of Baghdad, “A U.S. spokesman said 18 tons of explosives were dropped by B-1 bombers and F-16 fighters. ... The U.S. military describes the raid as precision air strikes.�

However, a “Sunni tribal leader told al Jazeera TV that many civilians were feared dead, and that 300 families had fled. ... Residents told him the noise of the bombing was greater than anything the villagers had heard before, even during the 2003 invasion.�

How often during the day do we look at ourselves and ask, “Can I do better or be a better person?� Not often enough, from the looks of the world through my eyes. People are too caught up in job pressures, trying to keep their bills paid or other pressing matters. There is never enough time in the day for us to take time to try and be a better person.

I am surprised to learn that the POW/MIA (Prisoners of War/Missing in Action) flag that usually flies in front of the maintenance shop of the Fillmore Unified School District is to be removed. I am disappointed and feel that this is a gesture of disrespect to our military and veterans, especially during this time of war.

The POW/MIA flag represents all military men taken prisoner or who have died in action. This flag is very important to military men or veterans who have lost friends in action or who had friends taken prisoner, never to be seen or heard from again.

Re: David Goldstein’s Jan. 20 column, “Tax breaks save county farmland�:

I very much appreciated Goldstein's informative column, "Eye on the environment.�

It was encouraging to learn of politicians who take steps to ensure the measured protection of our farmlands. As I did once, I would again walk the walk for Save Open-space and Agricultural Resources.

Now, how about another informed column on Oxnard's pattern of backfilling into agricultural land to enhance their expansion policies?

Re: In response to Norman E. Griffaw’s Jan. 17 commentary, “Hueneme: Beautiful city with potent future�; Murray Rosenbluth’s Jan. 14 letter, “Proud to live in Port Hueneme�; and Otto C. Young’s Jan. 18 letter, “Don’t like Hueneme? Then go�, all of which were in response to my Jan. 10 letter, “Hueneme on the decline�:

When Griffaw spoke about the love for Port Hueneme that the military members had, I’m not sure if that love is there anymore. I work on the military base and have for the past three years. I get to see those men and women on a daily basis. However, I see that their loving opinion is that they cannot wait to get out of Hueneme altogether.

Re: Steve Greenberg’s Jan. 20 Opinion page cartoon:

What are we really trying to achieve by making fun of foreign accent in English language? It appears that it has become an obsession of The Star’s cartoonist to poke fun and ridicule Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger whenever he sees an opportunity. Is it to say that when you are in the United States, no matter at what age you arrive here, you have to speak English without a foreign accent?

Re: your Jan. 16 editorial, “Straight talk on the budget�:

The governor has appeared up and down the state in recent weeks to offer the kind of straight talk on the budget The Star called for in its editorial.

Re: Amelia Hadfield’s Jan. 22 letter, “Watch your purse�:

In response to the letter describing the theft of a purse from the child seat of a grocery cart, I would like to suggest that the child seat is for a child and not a purse. A very good place for a purse is under the child seat, at the back of the cart, with the child seat in the open position. There is no need for the purse while shopping. As the cart fills with groceries, the purse is well-protected, and as the groceries are removed to be checked out, the purse is available to the right person.

Re: your Jan. 20 article, “Quagga mussel threat puts focus on Lake Casitas�:

I do not support the closure of Lake Casitas to fishing and boating. The locals here depend on it for our livelihood. Closure of Lake Casitas is premature and would devastate our local economy here in the Ojai Valley.

Changing the ZIP codes? Here we go again: Our tax dollars at work! Many years ago the U.S. Postal Service wanted to build a processing center in the San Fernando Valley — Van Nuys, I believe. Because there was not enough volume to justify the Santa Clarita center, a decision was made to take the mail from the east valley of Ventura County to support the new center. Although our ZIP codes remained the same, everyone thought it was stupid to send all of our mail from Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village and Newbury Park to Santa Clarita.

Re: Norman E. Griffaw's Jan. 17 commentary, "Hueneme: Beautiful city with potent future":

I agree that Port Hueneme is a good place to live, but I think there is a better question. After all, most of what Port Hueneme is can be attributed to Mother Nature and folks who are no longer here. What are we as a community doing to respect what they have given us? Are we willing to climb up and stand on their shoulders, or are we just content to sit on their lap?

— Ted Waddell, Port Hueneme

Re: Norman E. Griffaw's Jan. 17 commentary, "Hueneme: Beautiful city with potent future":

I agree with the majority of Griffaw’s response to Rick Swinehart’s Jan 10 letter, “Hueneme on the decline.� However, we need to keep in mind that Griffaw is a councilman, and it’s his job to speak kindly of the city he represents.

The city of Ventura is promoting Cottontail Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 16, a day which is called Palm Sunday on most calendars — five days prior to Good Friday and a week before Easter. The city's press release indicates it is seeking vendors and performers for this, the 16th version of the event. Most of the events planned, such as egg hunts, are traditionally considered by most Americans to be part of Easter celebrations, even at the White House.

The nostrums that the Washington political crowd and presidential candidates are trying to push on the economy worked fine years ago. You hand $300 or whatever to middle class and poor who will spend it, which they will.

However, this form of relief depends on the multiplier effect. The poor guy (A) spends $100 on goods from B, who then will have his suppliers (C) sell him $100 of more goods. That supplier will pay more wages. These wage earners (D) will then spend it on more things. The classic number has been $100 pushed into the economy this way will expand to $500.

Re: your Jan. 17 article, “Work on Simi Valley street makes it look ‘like Beirut’�:
As an American, I am proud to say that I have been to Beirut several times and find this remark insulting.

First, has Don McClellan ever been to Beirut? Is he just making his comment based on the distorted facts the American media allows us to see? Shame on The Star for quoting his exact words.

As a veterinarian, I urge Californians to sign the ballot initiative petition to prevent cruelty to farm animals.

The petition forms can be found at public places, such as Whole Foods, county fairs, farmers markets, malls, etc.

As Wayne Pacelle of the Humane Society states:

As usual, the safe vote on all of the propositions is “no.� Between the politicians and the special interests, exception is rare, and there is none this time.

— Gilbert S. Bahn, Moorpark

Re: Dan Williams’ Jan. 18 letter, “Voting against principles�:

Williams asserts that the votes in 2001 by John Edwards and Hillary Clinton in favor of bankruptcy legislation were a vote “in opposition to the interests of the middle class.� I beg to differ with that judgment.

Have we not been brought up in this country to believe firmly that the middle class has to be the moral backbone of the nation, that it must always strive for and teach honesty and integrity and, above all, that we members must accept personal responsibility for our actions?

Regarding the abortion debate, it is interesting to note that those making the decisions are people who are already born. And remember, your mother was pro-life.

— Ed Schlossman, Thousand Oaks

Re: your Jan. 18 article, "Doing their part":

I appreciate the coverage of Ron Paul, who has 272 "meetup" group supporters in the 23rd and 24th Congressional Districts, versus 40 for Mike Huckabee and 11 for Barack Obama.

Paul is the only one rejecting pre-emptive wars and the only one taking on hawks like John McCain, who want your grandchildren to be in Iraq for 100 years.

Last week, many of our students attended a special concert presented by the New West Symphony in Oxnard. The performance was outstanding, and many of our students now desire to take symphony classes in middle school.

Previous to our visit, materials were sent to discuss and view on DVD. The information presented was clear and well-organized. The students were able to view several of the performers prior to the concert. The concert itself was interactive, lively and fun.

Re: Noel D’Angelo’s Jan. 23 letter, “It’s not just tissue�:

D’Angelo states that one only has to “look at an ultrasound� to “observe the child, the fully formed body, the motions of the arms and legs� to see that this is a human being.

I have often wondered why the question of when the designation of “human being� applies in the development of a zygote to an embryo to a fetus is rarely discussed.

Re: your Jan. 19 article, "Maple School parents voice frustration":

I'm not sure of the rationale for wanting to close two area schools. Supposedly, it is because of declining enrollment and probably because of inadequate state financial support. Wasn't that supposed to be "solved" by the lottery, Indian gambling revenues and the all-powerful, know-it-all "governator?" Apparently not.

The Conejo Valley Unified School District board has arrived at its decision to close schools. Its choice of Maple Elementary School is the wrong one for various reasons. I cannot think of a worse choice in this town.

Re: John Krist’s Dec. 27 essay, “Opening a new chapter�:

Feeling a real sense of sadness reading John Krist's final column, I would like to comment. Suspecting I have read most every article he has written for The Star in the past 24 years, I want to recognize him as a gifted writer and a thoughtful, fair-minded and remarkable person. It is regrettable that he has not been awarded a Pulitzer Prize for some of his work, particularly the series on the Lewis and Clark expedition. Hopefully that oversight will be remedied in the future because a person of his ability will not lay down his pen, even though his primary focus may be on other things.

Re: your Jan. 20 article, “Rising fees may mean last waltz for dancers�:

So Ventura's senior ballroom dancing might soon fold. Reportedly this is because the city doesn't have a funding source for all the organizations in town, and the city can't pay rent to a third-party facility.

I have a suggestion for the city. Stop making excuses and take steps to see that all our seniors, not just the affluent ones, can go dancing once a week. The many seniors of Ventura have contributed much to our economy during their working lives.

— Delores Schommer, Ventura

Re: your Jan. 20 article, “Rising fees may mean last waltz for dancers�:

I thank The Star for telling the public about the problems of our senior ballroom dancers. We'd like to add something to the story.

It's important for us to keep our admission prices low, or else we shall find ourselves catering only to a handful of well-heeled seniors. Even if there were enough of them to support the club, we don't want to abandon the less affluent seniors. Other cities deal with the problem by making available a ballroom at a low rent — in effect, a subsidy.

Re: Jack D. Prosen’s Jan. 21 letter, “Solutions to fix problems�:

Prosen is right on!

This is exactly what the presidential candidates aren’t talking about — what’s good for America and you. We are heading into an election of again voting for the best of the worst.

Are we in a recession yet? No way. We're in a slow-growth period. A recession means sales of new and used homes drop to zero. Car sales go to zero. In addition, home foreclosures go up to 10 percent a month or more. Recession means a negative gross national product. Unemployment heads toward 50 percent.

California is still booming. So what if a few overpaid people are laid off from Amgen and other companies? Big deal. Let them move.

Everywhere you turn, you hear people talking about how bad things are getting. The price of gas is so high, the cost of school is too high. Yet everywhere you look, people are buying cell phones, big cars, large homes. Then they turn around and realize they can’t make the payments for the items they just could not live without.

We all need to take a minute and look at the real problem. It’s not that they don't make enough money to support their needs, it’s that they don't make enough to support their habits.

Re: Joe Howry’s Jan. 20 essay, “Music man’s talented gift�:

With interest I read Mr. Howry’s account of enjoying the Symphonic Adventures Student Concert sponsored by the New West Symphony. Boris Brott is indeed a gifted conductor and educator. The New West Symphony has always exhibited a deep dedication to music education for the young people of Ventura County.

I am a residential homeowner on Phoenix Avenue in Ventura, and I am disturbed about the removal of the ficus trees lining this street. The sidewalks around them are marked, dooming the trees for destruction. As I write, the beautiful canopy of one across the street fills my living room window, its leaves gently swaying in the breeze. Unbeknownst to them is their fate. Maybe ignorance is bliss.

These trees in our surrounding neighborhood not only add value to our property, but they add curb appeal, wonderful shade and are living, breathing essential parts of our ecosystem. These trees were one of the main reasons we purchased our home in June 2003. They add character, charm and style to our neighborhood.

Re: your Dec. 28 article, “Rules restrict smoking to college’s parking lots�:

I’m responding to Oxnard College changing its smoking policy to parking lots only. This idea makes walking through smoke to get to campus inevitable. Moorpark College, too, has this policy.

If you’re allowed to smoke in the campus parking lots, including the sidewalks and bus stops surrounding the lots, then how is that helping students avoid secondhand smoke when they park in the lots and must walk through them to get to class?

I am a concerned Newbury Park resident and Maple Elementary School parent. The idea of a school closure is not acceptable in this area.

Why would the school board members shut down a top-performing school? The district takes great pride in our Academic Performance Index scores, but it would close a top-performing school? What about the special needs progam? Should we displace children who are making great progress in their development?

Re: your Jan. 20 article, "Women of all ages, demographics have abortions":

Here are some of the quotes and the translations that occurred in my mind as I read them.

Quote: "In one situation, the husband was adamant that they were on track to pay for their two sons' college education, and a third child would throw off his whole calculation."

Re: Cheryl Rollings’ Jan. 22 commentary, “Roe reversal would bring untold misery�:

Who would experience "untold misery?" The unborn who are killed by chemical extinction? The unborn whose brains are sucked out of their heads? Those killed outright? Or Rollings, who has no moral substance in support of her right to control?

Re: Cheryl Rollings’ Jan. 22 commentary, “Roe reversal would bring untold misery�:

Rollings and Planned Parenthood are scared to death America is waking up to the horror of abortion and Planned Parenthood is going to be suffering great losses financially. They resort to scare tactics by quoting alleged statistics that are “estimated� to show how much we need them and abortion. Unfortunately, their statistics are false.

On Jan. 17, the Conejo Recreation and Park District was expected to render a yes vote on the final environmental impact report for the 52-acre Lang Ranch Community Park project.

This was to be the largest and final park scheduled to be built within Thousand Oaks. At the eleventh hour, after listening to more than 30 speakers for nearly four hours, CRPD board members were asked to give their final thoughts. The final board speaker to do so was Joe Gibson.

Re: George M. Bolin’s Jan. 22 letter, “Ignoring sanctity of life�:

Let me begin by stating I am a lifelong liberal who follows no religion and strongly supports a woman’s right to choose. Bolin has every right to his beliefs, as do I.
He stated, “Barack Obama, taking the oath of office on the Quran and being a liberal, is probably pro-abortion.�

On the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s observed birthday, I watched the Democratic debate on CNN.

I couldn't help thinking how, in 40 years, politics has finally caught up with pop culture. I was watching Linc Hayes, Julie Barnes and Pete Cochran four decades later, behind the podiums. For those who are too young to know the reference, these were crime-fighting characters from the 1968 hit show, “The Mod Squad.�

Re: Ron Paulinski’s Jan. 17 letter, “The war candidate�:

How long will it take for the "neo libs" to understand that our republic is best defended by a system that supports individual rights but with the full knowledge that all wars are terrible. Having said that, this war is necessary and, if we stick to our guns, winnable.

I personally know John McCain. I served with him. I have witnessed his loyalty, integrity and devotion to his country. Let me assure you that he does not, as Paulinski wrote, love war. He wants to preclude future wars by winning this one.

Re: George M. Bolin’s Jan. 22 letter, “Ignoring sanctity of life�:

I am dismayed that The Star’s fact-checkers let in this letter. It is the standard anti-abortion rant, which does not need comment, but in it, Bolin says that Barack Obama took the oath of office on the Quran. This is an urban myth that I have heard several times, and I don't think it is true.

Re: Ken Walkey’s Jan. 4 letter, “Killing, for God's sake�:

It certainly is a stretch to take Rev. Rob McCoy’s call for “evangelical Christians to vote for godly representation in the White House� as comparable to “people killing people because one group does not think like the other.� Does not the labor movement call for all of its members to vote a certain way? We see that in many industries — academia, Hollywood, environmentalists, the National Rifle Association, etc. Many groups have their ideology and request their members vote accordingly.

Re: Patrick O'Malley's Jan. 22 letter, “Vote for uniter�:

O’Malley’s girlfriend is right: He is a bleeding-heart Democrat who is very uninformed. Ann Coulter puts it so nicely: "If Democrats had any brains, they would be Republicans."

The reason O’Malley feels that John McCain is the best Republican candidate is because McCain is only running as a Republican. John McCain is a liberal, and his record shows it.

Are we, our country, taking a black person seriously, or are we taking a "person" seriously?

How does one define one’s ethnicity? Physically? We are all a mixture; pigmentation is the least of importance as to whom we are. Barack Obama is not black or white. His values speak to his being, not his face. Being a "black" candidate puts our society (us) smack dab contrary to what the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s messages were not. Obama's chance of becoming president is what he conveys: intelligence, principles, clarity, etc. Voting for his just being has higher value than to be expressed ethnically. Years ago, when Obama made his choice to "fit in," it was a very different time.

Re: your Jan 22 article, "King Jr.'s legacy inspires 2,000 at Atlanta church":

The article wrongly states that Ebenezer Baptist Church organizers allowed Bill Clinton to speak there Monday, but that "political candidates would not be allowed to speak." This is erroneous, as it fails to mention that Barack Obama was invited to speak from the pulpit just the day before to an overflow crowd, estimated at more than 2,500 by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where he gave a historic and moving speech memorializing King and proposing what his legacy demands of us today.

Re: George M. Bolin’s Jan. 22 letter, “Ignoring sanctity of life�:

I do not wish to engage Bolin in debate on the issue of abortion, but I do wish to correct his characterization of Barack Obama as a Muslim. Obama is a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago and has been for 20 years, long before he entered politics. He did not take the oath of office on the Quran; that is one of those Internet rumors that just will not die, no matter how often it is refuted.

Re: George M. Bolin’s Jan. 22 letter, “Ignoring sanctity of life�:

There are so many inaccuracies in Bolin's boilerplate anti-choice statement, but there is one in particular that I must respond to, and it has nothing to do with abortion.
In a drive-by "swift-boating," Bolin asserts that Barack Obama took his oath of office on the Quran. This is an absolute falsehood perpetrated by the hate bloggers. Obama has been a lifelong Christian. I invite people interested in truth rather than lies and character assassination to visit http://my.barackobama.com/page/m/f3b36ff67709b6d3/HSz0D4/.

Re: George M. Bolin’s Jan. 22 letter, “Ignoring sanctity of life�:

Respect should be and will be, by this author, accorded Bolin’s personal beliefs and perspective on the abortion controversy.

Objection can and will be made, however, to the inaccurate information contained in his letter, in which he makes certain ill-founded assumptions and allegations about Barack Obama.

Re: Cheryl Rollings’ Jan. 22 commentary, “Roe reversal would bring untold misery�:

Rollings makes numerous claims that abortion should be kept legal. She primarily makes the claim based on the safety of women who are seeking abortions. Rollings states, “It’s difficult to imagine that abortion in the U.S. could actually be criminalized once again.�

Although I am sure her claims are heartfelt, nowhere does she explain what abortion is. Abortion is intentionally killing an innocent human being prior to biological separation from her mother.

Re: Cheryl Rollings’ Jan. 22 commentary, “Roe reversal would bring untold misery�:

Rollings would have us believe that if Roe v. Wade were overturned, women would be stripped of any choice except illegal abortions. It is a false dichotomy, for it leaves out the life-giving choice of adoption. I know adoption is not as lucrative a prospect to Planned Parenthood, but to the thousands of couples struggling with infertility, the baby whose life is spared it is a priceless gift.

Here we go again. No matter what side of the abortion issue you are on, you know it has been a distorted story since 1973.

First, it was the untruths told by the plaintiff's attorneys — all recanted now. Example: The rape that was not a rape.

Re: Cheryl Rollings’ Jan. 22 commentary, “Roe reversal would bring untold misery�:

On the 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Rollings of Planned Parenthood writes about her fears related to politicians, bans and "government interference" when it comes to keeping abortion legal. But after 35 years and 50 million legal abortions with their consequent adverse effects on the health and well-being of women, the focus ought to be on the questionable safety and public-health aspects of abortion.

I attended Tuesday’s March for Life from the Government Center to the Planned Parenthood center on Ralston Street. More than 200 people came in the pouring rain and cold to pray for life.

I was surprised The Star was not there to cover the story. It had published a front-page article Tuesday, “1973 ruling on Roe v. Wade still polarizes,� quoting a Catholic who didn't care about abortion. There were many Catholics at Tuesday’s march who do passionately care about abortion.

As the upcoming elections approach, we all need to think about this before we decide who will continue to lead our country.

If you have ever wondered why the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has lasted for more than 50 years and why it persists today, here are a few items for thought. They were extracted from an Israeli newspaper called Ha’aretz.

“The Israeli High Court of Justice rejected a Palestinian petition opposing the Israeli ‘Separation Wall’ that annexed 16,800 acres of Palestinian farmland near the West Bank settlement of Modi’ Illit.�

It has been 35 years and 50 million abortions since the Roe v. Wade decision, and some still think that abortion is a fundamental, constitutional right. But look at an ultrasound of a pregnant woman. Carefully observe the child within her, the fully formed body, the motions of the arms and legs. Is this really a clump of tissue, or is it a human being? Does this unborn child, like the rest of us, have an inalienable right to life? Or, despite the scientific evidence to the contrary, is it just tissue to be disposed of?

— Noel D'Angelo, Thousand Oaks

I love the intellectual gymnastics Republicans use to demonize Al Gore for his ecocosmology based on mutualism and balance rather than Cartesian exploitation and wanton biological destruction.

We all know Al Gore has a $4,800 heating bill. We all know he uses jet fuel to travel. And because he does this while at the same time advocating for a revolution of the mind, revolution of values and revolution of business as usual — he is a "hypocrite."
Let me tell you about a couple of other hypocrites.

Regarding the state of what everybody but the president says is a "struggling economy" — at best — it's hard to tell where to start to see whose performance recently was more inane.

First, the secretary of the Treasury took the podium to proclaim: "History has shown that if people have money to spend, they'll spend it." Isn't a significant part of the problem the incredibly large debt load U.S. consumers have taken on? Isn't a major problem getting consumers to start chipping away at that debt load, not that they're not spending and buying enough?

Re: your Jan. 17 article, "Construction of RV sites at Foster Park upsets neighbors":

The Star quoted me slightly out of context and possibly had a typo. In the fifth paragraph, The Star quotes me as saying, “I just couldn’t believe they would do this without noticing the neighbors.� My concern is that they didn’t notify the neighbors prior to the project.

Ron Van Dyck, deputy director of the Ventura County Parks Department, is quoted saying that the new RV sites are “not really changing the park� and therefore he was not required to notify neighbors. This is nonsense.

Re: Terry Paulson’s Jan. 21 essay, “Change isn’t always best�:

Paulson states, "Peace with surrender and appeasement is no lasting peace." I refer him to Vietnam. We declared victory and left. They went Communist by choice. No one followed us home. Now they're a trading partner. But then, they didn't have oil.

— Ed Blumenstock, Ventura

I am urging a no vote on Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97 for the following reasons:

The funds, while increased, would now go into the general fund instead of the special distribution fund. This fund is used to cover shortfalls to the revenue sharing trust fund, the fund that pays tribes with little or no gaming, assists people with gambling problems, pays costs of state agencies that regulate the casinos and makes grants to the local governments affected by tribal casinos. These items would now have to be covered by the general fund if the SDF falls short.

An open letter to presidential candidates:

If you were sincere about uniting the country, then you would be demonstrating how to reach common ground. You would be making finding the best course for the nation more important than being "consistent" and promoting your position. You would honestly engage with candidates of differing views and find common ground. You would be an example of making accepting truth and the highest good for our country more important than your historical positions. You would have an open mind and demonstrate growth and learning.

Re: your Jan. 18 article, “Doing their part�:

I was surprised by the omission of Sen. John McCain in The Star's coverage of supporters of Republican candidates. I found disingenuous and artificial the claim that the supporters were chosen "not to promote the candidates." In each case, the virtues of the candidate were touted and reasons given as to why the person had chosen to give him support. This provided the readers with insight not only into the local individuals, but also a glowing picture of each candidate.

Re: your Jan. 18 article, "Confederate flag takes center stage once again":

Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee defended South Carolina's flying of the Confederate flag on government property by stating, "If somebody came to Arkansas and told us what to do with our flag, we'd tell them what to do with the pole."

I have often heard the statement, “We need a woman president.� I have said it myself. But isn’t this a sexist statement?

Requiring a woman as president specifies gender as a condition of employment for a particular job. Most government contracts do not allow such a condition for employment.

Maybe it’s time for more openness and generosity in conversations about gender and its tremendous influence on biology, behavior and emotion.

— Kirkland Gable, Thousand Oaks

In Nevada, Barack Obama boldly pandered to Hispanics by taking up the cry of the illegals, "Si, se puede." Why didn't we hear that expression in New Hampshire or Iowa? In California, Obama and the rest of the presidential candidates should be pressed by reporters for specific details of their plans to defend the border and deal with illegal immigrants.

— Bill Gourlay, Westlake Village

Recent newspaper reports indicate Thousand Oaks is low on funds to support Conejo Valley Days. Yet the city is about to embark on a $5 million project for a massive community park, managed by the financially irresponsible Conejo Recreation and Park District, the agency that spent $15,000 for four umbrellas two years ago at the dog park.

Last year, the department coughed up $160,000, plus ongoing operating costs, for lights that serve only a handful of people willing to brave cold winter nights. Last check at 7 p.m., there were six dogs and five people, two of which were not residents of Thousand Oaks.

President Bush has declared that Kenya’s elections were rigged. If anyone is familiar with rigged elections it would be George Bush. As I recall, he won two of them that way. Come January 2009 I’ll be dancing in the street with a lampshade on my head delighting in the fact: No more George!

— John C. Jackson, Ventura

Re: your Jan. 16 article, “City Council agrees recount necessary for height petitions�:

When I first read an article some time back regarding the recounting of votes for Ventura’s building-height initiative at a cost of $20,000, I figured The Star had added a few extra zeros. The Jan. 16 article quoted the same number.

Can you taxpayers believe it takes $20,000 to count 10,000 ballots?

My girlfriend, the strident right-wing Republican, claims that I'm a bleeding heart liberal Democrat. That's probably the case, in that my favorite amongst the Democratic candidates is Dennis Kucinich. Her favorite is the man of many epiphanies, Mitt Romney.

But I feel now, with the unsettled times facing our nation, we must put our ideologies and litmus tests aside. With the economic cycle moving quickly towards a recession, what we need in the White House is someone who can unite the country so that necessary legislation can be enacted to bring about recovery as soon as possible.

Most of us have heard the candidates running for the highest office in the land telling us what they would do, if elected, regarding the economy, war, health, education and the like.

In truth, the Executive Branch is quite limited as to the powers of the presidential office. The president cannot declare war nor enact any laws pertaining to the above named issues. The presidential power lies in the vetoes of bills not to his liking.

In response to the Conejo Valley Unified School District’s pending school closures, I encourage people to view the entire report on the district Web site, http://www.conejo.k12.ca.us/_cvusd/index.

The committee applied the first set of criteria but then determined they should revise the scoring because of a "domino effect" caused by closing a school. This caused Banyan Elementary School, which came out ranked No. 1 for closure, to be moved off the identified list to No. 9. This sort of analysis that did not fall in the first or second set of criteria should have been left for discussion, not arbitrarily applied by the committee.

Re: Jeanette Day's Jan.16 commentary, "Religious liberties and our children":

The fifth-grade public textbook, "We The People," which states, "The Founders thought the right to freedom of religion was so important that they placed it at the beginning of the Bill of Rights,� should also note that they thought the right to keep and bear arms was so important that they made it the Second Amendment. I can't help wondering if, in fact, it does.

— William F. De Walt, Simi Valley

Re: Peter Schrag's Jan. 17 essay, “Proposition 92 a bad idea�:

Schrag’s analysis of Proposition 92 hits the target dead center. My reaction after reading the proposal and legislative analysis was that this proposition doesn't pass the smell test. Locking the change into the Constitution so it can't be easily undone really throws a spotlight on the backers' intentions. No cost to the taxpayers? Yeah, right.

— Martin Parker, Thousand Oaks

Re: your Jan. 12 Arts & Living article, “Latter-day politics�:

This article was very informative. The first thing I wondered about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that in the Book of Mormon, I counted 1,700 direct quotes from the King James Bible and then gave up counting. The English language is a living thing, changing and mutating constantly. To have so many exact quotes pretty well pinpoints the Book of Mormon in time. It cannot be older than mid-16th century, contrary to their teachings.

Re: your Jan. 12 Arts & Living article, “Latter-day politics�:

This article was very informative. The first thing I wondered about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that in the Book of Mormon, I counted 1,700 direct quotes from the King James Bible and then gave up counting. The English language is a living thing, changing and mutating constantly. To have so many exact quotes pretty well pinpoints the Book of Mormon in time. It cannot be older than mid-16th century, contrary to their teachings.

Re: your Dec. 30 “Top 10 stories of 2007,� with a photo accompanying the story, “Boy killed in meat cleaver attack� and the four photos on the same page accompanying the story, “Four county men killed in Iraq war�:

How sad to see almost a half page devoted to a photo of a killer, which we are certain his family enjoyed viewing, while in the adjacent article there appeared four approximately 1-inch photos of servicemen killed in action while defending our country!

Re: Kenneth Weber’s Jan. 3 letter, “Tax disguised as a fee�:

I was glad to read Weber’s letter regarding Ventura’s “fee increase� for 911 services. I am sorry that we have to use an important public service to force a fee on the taxpayers. It seems that we could find another way to support 911 rather than using this untimely fee. Why now?

Re: Karen Oren’s Jan. 8 letter, “Fresh air at C.I. Harbor�:

I live in one of the "houses among the individual channels of the harbor" Oren mentions. The Scarlett Belle paddle boat is not the "breath of fresh air" she describes.

An 87-foot commercial vessel is too large for the individual channels and represents a mobile floating hazard. There is considerable boat traffic (sail, power and electric), kayakers and other water craft/toys — and an occasional swimmer — in our channels, which are "no wake" zones. Will it take an accident to get the attention of the authorities? It is just a matter of time.

Our city hires a city manager at a fine salary, practically gives him a free house, and three years later he's looking for a new job in another city? I think he's done a good job, but it sure looks like a slap in the face to Ventura. Is there a back story to this we aren't privvy to?

— Kurt Triffet, Ventura

With a standing room only crowd at the Jan. 9 Casitas Municipal Water District board meeting, I was glad and a bit surprised to see that not only local boating people but out-of-the-area enthusiasts took the time to show up. It was a hastily called meeting about how to deal with the quagga mussel invasion.

Mussel aside, in case you haven't heard what caused the real hubbub, our elected water board members want to close Lake Casitas to all outside boats, even the ones that sit in your Ojai area driveways! Absurd! The intent of the quickly called meeting was no doubt to "slip" that real possibility right by all of us. I thank The Star for putting the meeting agenda on the front page on the day of the meeting!

Re: Steve Binder’s Jan. 11 letter, “Something must change�:

I do not claim that the Republicans have all the answers, whereas Steve Binder apparently thinks that the Democrats do.

Re: Kathleen McLaughlin’s Dec. 31 letter, “Film true horror of abortion�:

McLaughlin’s observations that “abortions would shrink dramatically if the true horror of aborting a child were seen� is a hopeful appeal to expectant mothers and fathers, reminding us that “a picture is worth a thousand words.�

Experience teaches us that photographs of the results of abortion elicit indifference, anger and even laughter at the evidence itself, the mutilated tiny corpses and body parts nobody wants to see or acknowledge.

Marion Jones is the only female athlete punished for drug use. Yes, she lied. But she came forward and admitted it. They took away her medals, her money and a way to make a living. Now they want to put her in jail.

Then you have all those puffed-up pro athletes swearing they didn’t ever take any drugs. These are the men that are supposed to be the examples for our young people. You can have all the inquiries you want, but have I seen some multimillion-dollar contracts go out the window? No.

I am writing partly due to recent letters and on behalf of my own experiences. I am a dog owner. I often walk on the Ventura Promenade with my leashed dog. My dog is often approached by off-leashed dogs. Three-quarters of the time the dog’s owners ignore their pet’s behavior until I step between their dog and my dog. At that point, the owners usually say, "It's OK, my dog is nice." Well, neither my dog nor myself knows this for a fact.

I have a question for these dog owners. Let’s say that I, a complete stranger, run up to you and get in your face as you are trying to enjoy your walk. I may be nice and have no sense of space, or I might be a crazy person. One never knows.

The 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton is upon us again to remind us of this nation’s seared conscience toward the sanctity of life.

The presidential candidates are generally for the “right to life.� Hillary Clinton stands for “women’s right to choose.� Barack Obama, taking the oath of office on the Koran and being a liberal, is probably pro-abortion — my logic for his belief is Islam or else.

Re: your Jan. 6 article, “Winery’s sour time�:

For the first time ever, because of John and Carmel Whitman and the Old Creek Ranch, our high school Advancement Via Individual Determination program has funds to help our students apply to universities, take college field trips, pay for tutors and provide scholarships.

Re: your Dec. 24 article, “Some elderly seek less accountability�:

I am a 71-year-old senior who lives in a senior mobile home park. I resent this article.
I have made some bad decisions in my life but can’t blame them on age. I find many seniors to be mean, self-centered, greedy and always looking for something for nothing, such as a 50 percent return on investments, etc.

What has happened to our American society? The media reports shootings of innocent people, fraud, molestation and theft. I’m writing this because it happened to our family and to tell others, “Be aware.�

My daughter was grocery shopping in a local market. Her cart was next to her as she was bagging walnuts. Her purse was in the child seat of the cart. Big mistake! It was the one time she didn’t strap the purse with the child-restraining belt as she always does. It only takes one time!

Regarding Ojai's state-directed affordable housing, I am inclined to think the City Council is rejecting something they have no vested interest in. They tend to never meet a multiple-unit condo project they don't like.

Building 426 single dwellings means less profit and luxury than the multiple-unit projects with which they have been steadily filling in Ojai. Perhaps there is less money to be had in affordable housing, but is gentrification the long-range plan of Ojai's mayor and city manager? What has happened to modest homes and small friendly neighborhoods without walls and gates?

Re: your Jan. 11 article, “Camarillo OKs housing plan, report�:

I am completely disappointed with the Camarillo City Council in its approval of the Springville housing development.

Unlike Village at the Park, this development will be built very close to Highway 101 and will only have a small berm to separate the freeway from its residents.

Re: William Kristol’s Jan. 15 commentary, “Democrats spin a fairy tale about progress in Iraq�:

Has anyone heard that there was a surge in diplomacy, that the Maliki government is now respected, and that the Shias, Sunnis and Kurds are now living peaceably in a functioning state, all eternally grateful to a benevolent America? Didn’t think so.

The year 2008 should be an interesting and crucial year with a presidential election and the California state budget. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is as reliable as wind in a dust storm. How does he plan on balancing a budget with a $14 billion shortfall? On the backs of classroom teachers? The poor, elderly and welfare recipients? There’s always a winner and a loser.

— Gary Traxler, Camarillo

Re: Ann McFeatters’ Jan. 14 essay, “Understanding Hillary":

I have followed the efforts of Hillary Clinton for many years. I have found her to be both strong and compassionate. She has stood up for children and families and has bounced back when efforts she has put forth have been rejected. She may not have stood with Tammy Wynette; however, she has found it in her heart to forgive and to go forward.

Unfortunately, people (even women) have bashed her for her strong resolve, as well as for moments when her compassion has been evident.

Re: Michael O’Shea’s Jan. 13 Parade magazine article, “7 steps to weight loss�:

O’Shea starts off by announcing the very first thing you must do is buy a scale. Is he insane? He obviously has never been obsessed with weight, had an eating disorder or known anyone who has! The number on that darn machine can make or break a person’s day!

It was wrong advice, and many nutritionists would agree!

Re: Tobin Kelly’s Jan. 14 letter, “Camarillo has Oxnarditis":

It just amazes me how inappropriately our local cities just throw up all of these massive housing developments with little to no consideration for the real and true traffic congestion issues at hand.

All we hear time and time again from city staffers is how they're required by certain state laws to build a certain number of units over a certain amount of time. And each development must have affordable this, senior that, parks here, commercial there, traffic mitigation here, traffic mitigation there. Enough already! It's not working.

Re: Patricia Kochel’s Jan. 8 commentary, “Time for educators to invest in educating the heart�:

I always love reading Kochel’s commentaries, as they always center around the young people in our community.

Her article on investing and educating the heart was of great interest to me, as I have a daughter who is approaching the difficult years of adolescence. While I plan to try my best in letting her know about better choices and handling of difficult situations, I think a social and emotional learning program in schools is a wonderful idea.

Re: Vicky Howard's Jan. 15 letter, “Fantasy-laden attack�:

The fact that Howard is a former councilwoman and county supervisor does not, as she hoped, lend credibility to her statements.

Howard made the assertion that U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly has been helpful to farm workers, but she did not indicate how. She was unable to contradict my statement that Gallegly came to the assistance of Rocketdyne workers exposed to radiation but has done nothing to alleviate farm worker exposure to pesticides.

Re: Ted Hetherington’s Jan. 14 letter, “Van pool wastes tax money�:

Until people such as Hetherington attract the attention of the majority, the likes of these organizations he mentions that supported the van fleet for the farm workers — these “advocate groups� — will continue to promote the pilfering of the taxpayer’s money.

Re: James L. Ziegler’s Jan. 8 letter, “Nanny state�:

Ziegler, an insurance broker as I am, said in his rebuttal letter to The Star’s Dec. 5 article, "Navigating the Medicare maze," that the elderly were pretty much just a bunch of whiners.

I find that people who have not taken the time to help their senior clients by finding drugs for them at the best price — free, for those who qualified — or helped them by navigating this Part D maze, do not know how low the prices are at the best sources in Canada or the best place to buy them here.

Re: The Rev. John P. Fuller’s Jan. 13 letter, “Why we need Democrats�:

First, let us define what the Democrat Party has become. It is not the party of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman or John F. Kennedy. These presidents were for strong military, low taxation, individual rights and self-responsibility, and they were supporters of capitalism. Contrast that with what the Democrat Party has evolved into. Today it is anti-military, anti-capitalist, anti-family, anti-individual and is the champion of abortion on demand.

Re: Karen Dittman’s Jan. 10 letter, "School schedule inconvenient":

There are several inaccuracies and misconceptions contained in Dittman's letter concerning the collaborative meetings in Moorpark schools.

There is no relationship between attendance at the quarterly (four times per year) afternoon in-services and the weekly collaboration periods. The implementation of the collaboration periods is based on research pertaining to student achievement. Through the process of accreditation, common planning time on a regular basis was identified as a best practice in improving student achievement.

During the state’s last budget surplus, the Legislature reduced the automobile registration fees with the express promise that it would only be temporary in the event the surplus ceased to exist. The pledge not to increase registrations became a huge issue in the governor’s election.

Re: Frank Moraga’s Jan. 11 essay, “Barrier at the ballot box�:

Moraga's essay is typical left-wing nonsense. The Indiana identification law requiring approved photo ID in order to vote does not discriminate against anyone. It is not Jim Crow or a poll tax. It does not require one to prove they can read or write. It simply requires a photo ID to validate identity.

The examples in the essay of difficulties getting an ID are bogus. As the essay pointed out, a voter photo ID in Indiana is free. Most states will provide a photo ID for a nominal fee.

Could we really live in a country where a black woman goes to prison for lying about doping to get a competitive edge, while a white government insider is free after lying to investigators, possibly jeopardizing the safety of individuals and perhaps the security of our country for political revenge? I guess we'll find out on March 11.

— Kevin McCormick, Ventura

Re: your Jan. 12 article, “Human trafficking an issue, police say�:

This article left me wondering if I had attended the same Human Trafficking Awareness event at the Oxnard Transportation Center that The Star attended.

Re: Neal Andrews’ Jan. 13 Pulse page commentary, “U.S. needs Sen. McCain�:

Being brave while participating in an immoral war doesn’t seem to help qualify someone to be president of the United States. John McCain might in some ways be a good person. But I hope most moral people are now looking for someone who is willing to stand up, speak out and oppose immoral wars in the face of government and social pressure.

For weeks now, there has been a huge uproar over subprime mortgage loans. The foreclosures on mortgages are increasing at an astronomical rate, credit cards are being maxed out and people are behind on their payments. For someone of my generation, born just as the Great Depression was ending, I find the whole colossal mess beyond comprehension.

Most Americans sense at some level their incomes have shrunk even as paycheck numbers have grown. They feel the shadow of debt over their families. They’re scared of illness because they have inadequate or no health insurance. Vital aspects of their life seem increasingly out of their control.

Because little systematic analysis appears in the mass media, each family sees itself alone in its problems, somehow to blame, or perhaps victims of inevitable forces. Neither is true.

Re: Tom Kisken’s Jan. 6 article, “Managing misconduct�:

The front-page spread about “predatory� doctors gave me some reason to see the picture in a broader framework.

As a retired physician, I can attest to the fact that there are many more “predatory� female patients who were not included in the article. During the years of practice, hardly a month went by that I did not receive a proposition from sexual adventurers. Verbal come-ons, letters, messages left with my answering service, telegrams — all were a fact of life.

Re: Frank Moraga’s Jan. 11 essay, “Barrier at the ballot box�:

Moraga would want readers to believe that asking a voter to produce identification or to have a law which specifically demands the voter identify himself is a throwback to the Jim Crow days of the South.

Voting is a privilege, and it is incumbent upon the voter to identify himself upon demand to identify. There has been ample evidence of voter fraud to require this step, but it is to the benefit of Democrats not to have this law enforced.

Re: your Jan. 10 article, “Few county teachers seek national credential�:

How is this for odds:

What if I told you about a great deal. It would only cost $2,500 for the opportunity of working more than 500 hours over a period of 12 to 14 months, writing extensively on every aspect of your job, making videotapes of your daily work and ending the experience with a daylong series of very difficult tests in your field.

Re: Tom McClintock’s Jan. 13 commentary, “Budget woes not inherent — governor creates them,� and the Rev. John P. Fuller’s Jan. 13 letter, “Why we need Democrats�:

I was struck with wonder by these two items.

The really excellent article by Tom McClintock supports basic Republican principles of fiscal responsibility, accountability and small government. I wondered about it because it flashed through my mind that The Star published it because it "exposed" the obfuscation of the Republican governor. It did indeed. And, it also highlighted the fact that he is not a principled Republican.

Re: Brett Becker’s Jan. 13 Pulse page commentary, “Why would voters risk same-ol’-same-ol’?�:

At last, a political critic who warns us at the outset that his criticism methods are "loathsome!" Brett Becker, author of the commentary opposing the election of Hillary Clinton, did just that and helped me to more quickly turn my attention to more worthwhile materials.

I believe the answer to correct and accurate vote-counting is so easy that it’s just been overlooked. Simply stated, it is a combination of old technology crossed with new, state-of-the-art technology.

I remember my first voting experience. I turned over my card and checked for what would become known as a “dangling chad.� With computer programming experiencing using punch cards, I knew it was important to check the reverse side for holes not clearly punched. For many years to come, the punch card routine worked as the preferred method of voting. It still should.

Should the water companies insist upon forcing the addition of fluoride into our water supply, one may inquire upon the following:

— How will the fluoride interact with detergent and fabric softeners during the laundering of our clothing?

Re: Bernard Lehrer’s Jan. 8 letter, “Sure winners in gaming�:

Lehrer states he has it on "good authority" that American Indians are one of the lost tribes of Israel, and that if we pass the propositions, Jews will be building casinos on Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles and in Brooklyn.

Where does he get his information, maybe from outer space? Good grief, what next? Has he even been to Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles? Or Brooklyn?

It has come to my attention that certain nuclear families, unable to rely on great society healthcare programs, are unable to afford the fees demanded by organizations that would provide them with funds for their medical attention. Therefore, a five-year temporary solution was suggested to provide more than $35 billion in such funds, namely the State Children's Health Insurance Program bill.

Despite the strong support of this bill by Congress, the president has refused to permit it to become law.

This is an open invitation to all members of the Green Party and other political parties to change your voter registration so you can vote for Dennis Kucinich in the California presidential primary Feb. 5. California Green Party’s Blasé Bonpane endorsed Kucinich because a vote for Kucinich is a vote for the future of humanity and our planet.

Kucinich has never taken any corporate or special-interest contributions and relies on individual donations to his campaigns. As mayor of Cleveland, Kucinich had the backbone to stand up and save Cleveland’s Muni Light and Power from a big corporation utility takeover.

I think that with the $200-plus billion we spent in 2007 — or, should I say, printed in 2007 — and with the $555 billion already approved for the rest of the war, coupled with the variable-interest rate housing loans, we are rapidly approaching a great depression that will make the last one look like a walk in the park.

I believe our last chance is Ron Paul to save our future, so I registered as a Republican for the first time in my life and will vote for Dr. No in the primary and for the presidential election. I have never voted before in my life, and in those 33 years, I never thought I would have an honest man to vote for. But then Ron showed up.

Re: your Jan. 8 Business article, “Medical credits are coming�:

The subheadline states, "Score won't be factor in care, companies say." If you believe that, then you'll believe anything.

After reading this article, I almost started shaking in my boots. Why? Because there is no good use for this information, other than to deny care or use it to base treatment on credit. Why else?

I’m wondering: If California is in financial trouble, how about giving the bigwigs a cut in pay — not the secretaries, but the legislators. I have had friends who have worked in hospitals as nurses take pay cuts while the bigwigs get raises. I believe that also happened here in Ventura at the Government Center a few years ago. I am saying those who are making approximately $85,000 or more working for California — such as superintendents, legislators and those in charge — take a 10 to 15 percent pay cut. How much money would that give California? Those making approximately $60,000 or less should not be touched.

— Liza Adams, Ventura

Re: your Jan. 3 article, “State gives $3 million grant to help buy farmworker van fleet�:

The Star tends to impersonalize many political issues. Actually “the state� giving $3 million should read “taxpayers.� Those of us in Ventura County who pay property and income taxes will be faced with yet another outpouring of our hard-earned money for a questionable program and associated bureaucracy for a limited benefit to county taxpayers.

Re: Beverly Kelley's Jan. 7 essay, "The 'vast wasteland' grows under FCC chief":

Kelley correctly concludes that there is a "vast wasteland" created by television. But while discussing her opinion, she ignores a few precious details: Waste in television is created by the heavy hand of government regulation and control of the airwaves.

The next commissioner may be as enlightened as Newton Minow or as bad as Kevin Martin. Commissioners change often. The only way to ensure that bad regulators will not steer television in a bad direction is to eliminate the regulators and all the accompanying regulations.

Re: your Dec. 28 article, “Lawyer honored for volunteering�:

I was very pleased to read this article about J. Roger Myers, who was recently honored with the 2007 Ben E. Nordman Public Service Award. This annual award recognizes a local attorney whose extraordinary community and charitable activities merit public recognition.

Re: your Jan. 5 article, “Church to give men a program on purity�:

The Men of Purity Weekend is based on the fantasy that there is a God who is offended by sexual desires and that the “presence� of this God will somehow fix such desires. What nonsense! If men want to reconcile their biology with their morals, they should first understand the true nature of their situation.

There were a sufficient number of Moorpark Unified teachers not attending the afternoon in-service meetings. This necessitated the teacher's union to change its contract to hold an in-service meeting once a week in the morning. This requires each school to start their classes about one hour later one day a week. Children are now left at home, some are unattended, others are in various Moorpark retail parking lots and parks. Most are unsupervised.

Re: John Strubbe’s Dec. 6 letter, “O’Reilly’s fun, not factual�:

Strubbe wrote that the Fox News Network is "an exercise in propaganda.� I presume he means propaganda coming from the right. Well, I contend that ABC News, CBS News and NBC News (and let's not forget CNN) are exercises in propaganda coming from the left.

Re: Joe Howry's Jan. 6 essay, “Tackling the big city bully�:

Howry talks of Newhall Ranch and Los Angeles County continuing their selfish, shortsighted and irresponsible march, destroying every piece of available open space and agricultural land they can develop.

I guess Port Hueneme’s name as a motto on the city symbol might not be good enough for some, but to me it’s just fine. The Indians liked it.

Good luck in finding a truthful motto because there really is not much around here that is positive anymore.

Let me think. Good schools? No, lowest scoring in county. Good high school? Nope. Awesome recreational services? Nope, I have to go on base for that. The beach? Nope, you have to pay for that now unless you live out there. Parks? Not in my neighborhood. Safety? No, you better look out for yourself in Hueneme.

Re: your Jan. 1 article, “Oxnard likely to OK tax, survey finds�:

The article says 70 percent of Oxnard residents would likely approve a half-cent sales tax for a host of services. Four-hundred people is not a fair sampling to make the absurd statement that 70 percent would vote for a tax increase.

This tax increase will be to help finance Big League Dreams. The city manager and some council members brought Big League Dreams into College Park without any respect for the community. College Park was given to the city to be developed as a public park for the surrounding community per the county supervisors.

Re: your Jan. 6 article, "Winery's sour time":

I find it absolutely incredible that the county is pressuring the Old Creek Ranch Winery to potentially close its wine-tasting room. At a time when the state and county are struggling to make ends meet, Ventura County is attempting to make things difficult for a tax-revenue-generating small business. That simply does not make sense. The county should be looking at how it can help small businesses like Old Creek.

Re: your Jan. 6 article, "Winery's sour time":

The county Planning Division's enforcement of zoning regulations at Old Creek Ranch Winery appears to be a personal vendetta and a flagrant misuse of taxpayer funds. The Highway 33 corridor to the Ojai Valley has many commercial buildings that are a great deal more out of compliance than the winery.

Re: your Jan. 6 article, "Winery's sour time":

The Star’s article about the Old Creek Ranch Winery in Oak View possibly being forced to close its tasting room only touched on part of the issues.

What is apparent from the article is that the Ventura County Environmental Health Division has been guilty of bureaucratic red tape, petty enforcement actions, a lack of responsiveness and accountability to the Whitmans and a lack of respect for a long-term business enterprise that is rooted in the heritage of the county. But there is a much bigger issue involved here.

My 11-year-old niece has to do community service for a school project. So I called Project Understanding and asked the woman who answered the phone if there was anything she could do. She wanted to know how old the volunteer was, and I said 11. She said she was too young, that they usually have people 16 and over. I told her I would be there with her. She told me she didn't think "it would be in her best interest." I thanked her and hung up.

I didn't bother to tell her that two years ago both my nieces, ages 7 and 9 at the time, helped in the food pantry at Project Understanding at Christmas.

I was deeply offended when I was informed that the POW/MIA flag that normally flies in front of the maintenance shop of the Fillmore Unified School District was to be permanently removed. I feel this is a slap in the face to the community veterans and their families. When asked why this decree was handed down, the response was vague, and the originator of this decision would not be shared.

I participated in this community project, which includes the flagpole, the palm trees and the rocks and gravel around the shop.

Other participants included:

Re: Russell Burgos' Jan. 3 letter, "Is Gallegly a Democrat?�:

Burgos states that Rep. Elton Gallegly is a journeyman public servant who has taken progressive positions on questions of land management, animal cruelty, workers' rights, privacy rights and education. He has fought hard for law enforcement and firefighters and to recognize the service of veterans.

Is this only the work of Democrats? I am a Republican, and these same issues are vital to me and to those I love. I am thankful for a representative of my county to have these same values.

Re: your Jan. 6 article, “Winery’s sour time�:

We were completely surprised by the county's action regarding the tasting room at our winery. We took it over 11 years ago, having no experience in this business.

As we read the state Alcohol Beverage Control laws pertaining to our winery with a Type 02 winegrowers (winery) permit, which is the permit type our winery holds:

First we had "shock and awe," and now we have "the surge." They are both fine examples of our military might and the powerful effect it has on the enemy. They scurry away and vanish into thin air — out of site, out of mind.

Since this military presence is so effective, why is it we waited so long after “shock and awe� before implementing “the surge?� By not waiting, could we have saved billions of dollars and thousands of lives? And if 26,500 troops did such a good job of surging, wouldn't two, three or four times as many troops accomplish two, three or four times as much?

Ventura's city manager has announced he is interviewing for the top administrative job in Austin, Texas. In most businesses, when it’s known a top manager is looking for a new job, it sends the signal that the person is no longer interested in the current position.

If he doesn't get the Austin job, will Rick Cole continue to apply to other cities? It’s time to find a way out of his contract and move on with a new manager.

This past holiday season, my husband and I had the opportunity to experience the Channel Islands Harbor as we have never seen it before. Andy and Michelle Volaski have done a remarkable job of bringing a breath of fresh air back into the Channel Islands Harbor with their custom-built, 87-foot paddle boat, “Scarlett Belle.�

I would like to offer my congratulations to the Ventura County Coaches Association on their vindication in the poll that left Darrell Scott as a utility player despite his highly successful season. I'm sure they feel like they got their shot at making a point that nobody fools with the system and gets away with it.

Actually, I'm kidding.

Two weeks ago, I read in The Star where the state of California is $9 billion in debt. A week later, I read where the "governator" proudly declared that he was instrumental in pushing a bill for universal healthcare for everyone in California through the House — at the cost of $9 billion. Wait a minute: That will put us $18 billion in debt!

Recently, we have been bombarded with TV ads showing the "governator" proudly signing a bill that will allow the four extremely wealthy, casino-owning Southern California Indian tribes to greatly expand their gaming facilities with Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97. In exchange, they may, or may not, provide $9 billion in additional revenues to the state over the next 20 years.

Imagine, the state’s Indian tribes will give California $9 billion over the next 20 years! So generous, so patriotic, so caring for our state. They will hardly keep anything for themselves — only about $20,000 per month for each man, woman, child and infant claiming to be a tribesman.

I have it on good authority that the American Indian is one of the lost tribes of Israel. The Jews will be building casinos on Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles and in Brooklyn in New York. I will donate my share to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s re-election campaign.

— Bernard Lehrer, Ventura