Home › Blogs › LettersToTheEditor
« November 2005 | Main | January 2006 »
December 30, 2005
Idling trains a problem
I love trains. They are a great way to move both people and freight. But based on my experience with Southern Pacific, I think that the Ventura County Transportation Commission should look long and hard if S.P. would be the freight carrier.
I live on Channel Drive in Ventura where the train tracks run right behind the buildings. In our apartment buildings, people get used to the noise and rumble of the trains. However, on too many occasions, we have had them idling for long periods of time. This means constant noise and diesel fumes.
Awhile back, a train was abandoned for days, and S.P. didn’t know about it until someone in our building called them. Over this past Christmas weekend, a train was idling from Thursday morning until Monday night, despite many calls from residents. The diesel fumes made it impossible to be in the the carport and apartment courtyard because they accumulated and were so strong. It was a health hazard to anyone with respiratory problems. And even though it was a hot weekend, people with apartments facing the tracks could not open their windows because of the noise and fumes.
So, a word of caution when it comes to freight trains.
— Lilith, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:34 AM
Right to live tops list
Regarding the government engaging in domestic spying after Sept. 11, many in the mainstream media seem to be taking the view that this sort of thing is outrageous and that spying on mosques and Islamic businesses is wrong. Yet they would be the loudest critics if another catastrophic terrorist attack happens.
When it comes to my civil liberties, the one I care about the most is my right to life. If that’s taken away from you, all the rest doesn’t matter.
Quite frankly, I don’t understand why people would care if the government monitored them in secret if they weren’t doing anything criminal. And if the Democrats want to take this issue to the midterm elections, I think they had better be prepared to lose even more seats.
Americans are much more concerned about Islamic psychos sneaking in nuclear bombs and wiping out our country.
— Leonard C. Snebold, Port Hueneme
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:29 AM
Club takes over pool
When I first learned that the Ventura Aquatic Center was going to be built, I was thrilled. I enjoy lap swimming, and even though the Ventura City Council was going to have to allocate $22 million for the project, I felt there was a need for it. Demand for open swim lanes is high in Ventura, and it seems as though there are always too few to go around. This community pool seemed to be the perfect tool to alleviate pent-up demand.
When the Ventura Aquatic Center first made its long-anticipated opening, my family and I were duly impressed. It is a beautiful facility, and it was done in a first-class fashion. All was wonderful for the first few weeks. We swam on an almost nightly basis; indeed, it seemed too good to be true.
And apparently it was.
It seems that a local swim club came in and reserved almost the entire pool from the hours of 5 p.m. until, according to one of the Aquatic Center employees, “well after 7 every night.” Sure, there are about four or five lanes open to the public down at the end, but they are constantly full.
We have driven to the Aquatic Center several times now, paid for our lanes and then had to ask for refunds because there was no available space once we got out to the pool. This is during a time period that the Aquatic Center has scheduled for an open lap swim, Monday through Friday, 5 to 8 pm.
It is true that there is time available in the morning and at noon without the swim club domination of the pool. The problem is that with work and school commitments, it seems rather difficult for us — as it is with most people — to manage to utilize the pool at those times.
At this point, we are beginning to feel like the Aquatic Center is little more than a private pool for a swim club paid for with tax dollars. Certainly the concept of an open lap swim between the hours of 5 until “after 7” five nights a week is something of a joke. If you’re lucky, you might get a lane in which to swim. In our experience, it seems more likely that you will drive home with nothing but dry hair and disappointment.
The idea of a community aquatic center open for all was a wonderful concept, but unfortunately it’s a concept that just doesn’t seem to be holding water. In retrospect, I can think of a lot of other ways we could have spent the $22 million.
— Fynn Wilson, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:21 AM
Evolution accepted
Re: Anthony van Leeuwen’s Dec. 30 letter, “Evolution as a religion”:
Mr. Leeuwen is wrong in his assertions on several counts.
There are no simplistic explanantions for many of Mr. Leeuwen’s assertions. Evolution is a very complex process, and to understand it requires many years of dedicated study in paleontology, microbiology, biology, chemistry and physics, just to mention a few areas. Scientific creationism does not explain life’s origin based on an explanation of any evidence, but simply because it is consistent with the story of Genesis.
To address just a few issues that he brought up which are erroneous:
1. Man did not evolve from apes or monkeys, a common misconception promulgated by religious fundamentalists.
2. Evolution has been been observed and documented, including speciation events (cross-species).
3. Fossil records are very time-consuming, expensive efforts, and a lot has been discovered, including many missing links.
4. Many religious organizations, including the Catholic Church, have accepted evolution, as the evidence is overwhelming.
5. Evolution is a theory in the scientific sense, in that it is the only explanation for the origin of life that accounts for the fossil, anatomical and molecular (including genetic), behavioral and geological evidence. Biologists long ago concluded that evolution happens because it explains all of the evidence far better than all other proposed explanations for the origin of life. The popular use of the word “theory” and the scientific use are quite different.
There are numerous Web sites that Mr. Leeuwen can visit that would give him more concrete evidence, including visual proof which he can follow up depending on his desire to know the facts.
— George Pohoski, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:08 AM
Where’s the peace?
“This has been a year of strong progress toward a freer, more peaceful world and a prosperous America. This is an amazing moment in the history of liberty.”
—President George W. Bush on the recent Iraq elections and the American economy
I am still awaiting Bush’s clarification as to precisely how zero Iraq-related American deaths prior to our occupation of Iraq was considered “less free and less peaceful” than the now 2,160-plus American deaths in Iraq, and how more than 100,000 Iraqi citizen deaths after our occupation equates to a global climate that is now more free and peaceful than before. I want specifics, not more rhetoric from the maligned CEO of this country.
Someone remind me again what President Clinton did that was so bad to have gotten impeached? Sure, he may have used poor judgment for his methods of blowing off steam. Then he got caught and was thoroughly embarrassed. I am sure he is the only husband in the country to have ever lied about a fling — and I am sure every other straying husband had an audience of 300 million people when the dirty laundry got aired, as Clinton did.
I’d rather have Clinton’s indiscretions any day than a president who:
— Hires a friend and former racehorse owner to direct our country’s disaster preparedness office, thus resulting in thousands of deaths in New Orleans;
— Is too stubborn to admit that he made a mistake in starting a war and chooses instead to “stay the (undefined) course” nonetheless;
— Attempts to have a lawyer and close friend with no trial experience get a seat on the highest court in the United States — a move that was so impossible to accomplish that even the layperson was critical, which leads to only one conclusion: Bush displayed a highly incompetent decision-making capacity;
— Has a one-time close friend, former Enron CEO Ken Lay, who is about to join the list of CEOs who lost billions of dollars and ruined lives of millions of people because of corporate fraud.
Where is Ken Starr now?
— Jeffrey Bellamar, Ojai
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:55 AM
Intersection is unsafe
Safety? No way at the intersection of Ventura Boulevard and Glenn Drive. Ever since the new on-ramp to Highway 101 South was opened, I have been frustrated — no, angry — at the unsafe conditions. Whoever planned this hazard, please correct it soon. Please don’t wait for us to see a cross, candle and flowers placed at the curb. Thanks for your timely consideration.
— Joan J. Cole, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:30 AM
December 29, 2005
Cartoon offensive
Re: your Dec. 27, Opinion page cartoon on pharmacists by Chris Britt:
The cartoon was deeply offensive to me and many others. It is far over the line of good taste and respect.
Please have no more of such ilk.
— Norma Clark, Ventura
Posted by Rick Larsen at 01:29 PM
System unfriendly
In my 10 short years of teaching, I have watched good intentions destroy education.
California wants superior teachers and so imposes the most stringent requirements in the country. Unfortunately, there is no consensus on what is a credentialed teacher. Confusing laws have potential teachers lingering in college for years trying to meet shifting expectations. If one completes a credential, it must be “cleared” with additional coursework and visits from master teachers (who have gotten their own credentials under a completely different system). In addition, should one choose to shift his path to go from one credential to another, the experience one receives under one credential does not apply to another. The content of one credential does not affect the content or the coursework of the other. For myself — with a cleared multiple-subject credential, a master’s degree in special education and recepient of the Golden Bell for Teaching Excellence in Special Education — I still have to clear the special-education credential and have a visiting mentor teacher. This costs money, about $500 per unit.
These standards not only affect new teachers but also out-of-state educators attempting to move into California. I know of two educators already driven away, two who are struggling to stay, and one who emptied a life’s savings to meet requirements. The harm is that California positions for education specialties remained unfilled as recruits from within and outside the state navigate the duplications of the state’s education processes.
Since I would rather live as a teacher instead of following the treadmill of California credentialing, I find myself looking at the want ads in various states — some are looking pretty good. I’m comforted that I might meet California students who are also fleeing the same education system.
— Ellita Pearce, Camarillo
C
Posted by Rick Larsen at 01:28 PM
Understanding science
Re: Ron Patterson’s Dec. 29 letter, “Science of the Bible”:
Robinson tells us to “examine the Bible as a theory like it does the Darwinian theory. Yes, they are both theories and should both be examined.”
Patterson does not really understand the significance of a scientific theory. A theory is a scientific principle derived through logical inference from carefully conducted experiments or from collected observations. The whole of the evidence is weighed when developing a theory. And when new evidence is found to contradict the theory, the evidence rules that the theory must then be changed.
Shall we apply the same rigor to the Bible? True believers take the Bible as immutable. If evidence indicates an error in the Bible, the evidence is discarded because the Bible cannot be changed. This is not science, and the Bible is not a scientific theory.
Today, we see an anti-science movement in American society. Patterson’s comments — his ignorance of the meaning of “theory” — merely reflect that movement. The result can be the loss of our nation’s technological supremacy and a shift of dominance to nations that can separate faith from science.
— David E. Ross, Oak Park
Posted by Rick Larsen at 01:27 PM
Unchecked power
As this year reaches a close, it is valuable to consider the advice from our founders and other great American leaders that our greatest threat to maintaining our freedom comes from within, not from the outside. Consider the words of Abraham Lincoln on Sept. 11, 1858:
“What constitutes the bulwark of our own liberty and independence? … Our reliance is in the love of liberty which God has planted in us. Our defense is in the spirit which prized liberty as the heritage of all men, in all lands everywhere. Destroy this spirit and you have planted the seeds of despotism at your own doors. Familiarize yourselves with the chains of bondage and you prepare your own limbs to wear them. Accustomed to trample on the rights of others, you have lost the genius of your own independence and become the fit subjects of the first cunning tyrant who rises among you.”
This “war” on terrorism is an unending one, not like previous wars we have fought; and the growth of unchecked power of the president is exactly what Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and Lincoln were concerned about.
— Bill Robinson, Westlake Village
Posted by Rick Larsen at 01:26 PM
Offender living nearby
As a concerned mother of three daughters, I am extremely disturbed by a recent discovery. My children and I live in a townhouse complex in Simi Valley. About a month ago, I was informed that, within this complex, is a registered child-sex offender.
After checking the Megan’s Law Web site, lo and behold there is the face, address and list of offenses of a resident in my complex. My first instinct is panic. After calming down, my journey of emotions begins. My bubble has been burst. The shocking part is how many offenders there are in Simi Valley.
Being a single parent, I have worked very hard to have my children grow up in Simi Valley. I felt it was the safest environment I could provide them. Reality has hit home with the Megan’s Law site. It doesn’t matter where you live, offenders are there. The only advantage is now you can see them, know who they are and where they live.
The issue I have is the lack of security I feel since knowing I am living in close proximity to a child-sex offender. I have a difficult time understanding where his rights stop and mine begin. He has taken away my peace of mind and I resent it. I realize he has paid for his crime, but I feel it is my right to be able to live with my children without the fear of him re-offending.
It bothers me to have to inform my children that a neighbor has to be watched very carefully for fear he might harm them.
It was a sad day when I made this discovery.
— Christine Maurer, Simi Valley
Posted by Rick Larsen at 01:24 PM
December 28, 2005
Dose of Air America
Re: Fred Dixon’s Dec. 4 letter, “Who’s a traitor”:
It sounds like Dixon may be getting a large dose of Air America. I don’t think “we can all agree” that the Bush administration revealed the identity of a CIA agent.
Dixon should get some unbiased facts concerning this case before he passes sentence in the press.
Talk about who needs to be educated?
— Brad Orloff, Simi Valley
Posted by Rick Larsen at 12:29 PM
December 27, 2005
Growing animosities
The Oxnard Harbor District is preparing to seize private land in Port Hueneme through eminent domain to build a 17- acre cargo and vehicle-handling facility. In contrast, a development of 150 houses and a park dedicated to the Chumash Indians has been approved for the same site by the City of Port Hueneme.
Many local residents have consistently attended Harbor District meetings to discuss the expansion plans. Residents near the proposed VHF have consistently voiced their opposition to the VHF project. In contrast, local support for the VHF project has previously been virtually nonexistent. These dynamics changed drastically at the Dec. 21 meeting.
Specifically, a number of port employees spoke in favor of the district’s expansion plans. Many of these port employees are also local residents. Unfortunately, these port employees have been badly misinformed.
The common, almost scripted, theme among these port employees was that construction of houses instead of the VHF would result in a loss of jobs, a reduction in school funding and a reduction in funding for Port Hueneme’s fire and police services.
Unfortunately, these “beliefs” are in error and are contradicted by the available evidence. It is clear that this organized group of port employees has been told that the local community wants to destroy their livelihood. It isn’t likely a coincidence that so many misinformed port employees attended what is likely to be the last meeting before the district “votes” on whether to proceed with the eminent domain action.
Sadly, the Harbor District is attempting to divide the community. This division is evidenced by a growing rift between a majority of local residents and their friends and neighbors who are hard- working port employees. The district is pursuing this division using half-truths, misrepresentations and misinformation.
If successful, this division will further the Harbor District’s expansion plans at the cost of the harmony of the local community and the trust between neighbors.
— Mark Watson, Port Hueneme
Posted by Andrea Howry at 04:14 PM
Liberty, God don’t mix
Re: John R. Mulchay’s Dec. 23 letter, “No God in Constitution”:
Mr. Mulchay is correct in stating that the word God does not appear in the Constitution.
The Constitution is a document that was crafted as part of a political process which was the Constitutional Convention, and, as such, it would have been inappropriate for the framers to endorse any particular religion, especially in a nation that, according to President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address “was conceived in liberty.”
But unfortunately, that same liberty was not extended to blacks in the original Constitution and, in fact, the constitutional language of that time supported slavery, which most Americans, now as then, view as a moral pariah. This constitutional endorsement of slavery was made into settled law by the Dred Scott decision of the Supreme Court, which upheld that a runaway slave must be returned to his legal white owner, much to the consternation of the anti-slavery movement known as the Underground Railroad, which, I must remind Mr. Mulchay, was a Christian movement to eradicate slavery.
Eventually, the Civil War had to be fought and the 13th Amendment to the Constitution had to be enacted to eradicate the evil of slavery from our land. But it was the moral impetus of Christianity that was the underlying cause for this change, and that can be clearly seen in in the final line of Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation:
“I invoke the considerate justice of mankind and the gracious favor of Almighty God.”
— Steve Lynch, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 04:08 PM
Evolution as a religion
Re: your Dec. 24 editorial, “Judge deals a decisive blow; Ruling expels intelligent design”:
While proponents of intelligent design suffered a defeat, as stated in the editorial, the teaching of the theory of evolution as the exclusive explanation of origins in the public school will continue to be controversial.
Proponents of evolution claim “evolution” is scientific, whereas “intelligent design” is religious or philosophical in nature. The facts are that evolution — where one species evolves into another — is also religious or philosophical in nature. After all, evolution has never been demonstrated in the science laboratory, nor has it ever been witnessed by man!
Evolutionists like to point to similarities in features between species and then conclude they came from a common ancestor. However, similarity in design does not prove one species evolved from another. After all, a creator could have used good design principles across many different species.
Evolutionists also like to point out that evolution predicts the existence of extinct species and transitional forms. However, the mere presence of extinct species does not prove evolution ever occurred. For example, digging up bones of extinct dinosaurs only proves the dinosaurs once lived and became extinct. It does not prove evolution occurred.
When you confront evolutionists and ask them where the new species are that have recently evolved — after all, evolution should be happening today — they reply that evolution takes millions of years and cannot be observed. Folks, if you cannot observe it, how do you know it is happening?
What does the fossil record show? Fossils of plants and animals still alive today do not appear to have changed.
Moreover, trillions of human observations, in the laboratory and in the field, by both trained scientists and laymen, over thousands of years of human history, prove one undisputable fact: Every species reproduces after its own kind. That’s right folks, literally trillions of observations — and not even a single observation where one species evolved into another.
So there you have it. The evolutionist is asking you to believe in something that cannot be demonstrated or observed. A belief for which no undisputable scientific evidence exists. A belief that contradicts scientific principles in every area of science. Sounds like “religion” or philosophy to me.
It’s time we ban the teaching of evolution in the science classroom and move it to the philosophy class, where it properly belongs.
— Anthony van Leeuwen, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 04:00 PM
Checkpoints needed
Re: your Dec. 25 article, “Bethlehem recovers its Christmas crowd”:
I think every peace-loving reader of The Star was pleased to read that more than 30,000 tourists enjoyed the holiday in Bethlehem. Unfortunately, almost half your article bemoaned the fact that there is a protective wall separating the entrance to Bethlehem from Jerusalem and that visitors had to go through a checkpoint.
Half of the Israelis killed in terrorist attacks in 2004 resulted from attackers who entered Jerusalem from Bethlehem. About 10 days before Christmas, a car bomb was intercepted. In spite of the risk of terrorists entering Jerusalem from Bethlehem, to facilitate travel, the Israeli checkpoint was not inspecting every bus during the extended holiday season.
A world without passports and border checks is a wonderful dream. It would be great if our own government could let everyone from countries like Saudi Arabia, North Korea and Iran fly here for religious holidays, unchecked and without passports. But until that day comes, can’t we give credit for the progress made toward peace without resorting to bias and emotionalism in reporting?
— Jerry Schwartz, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 03:46 PM
Homes, not cars
Re: your Dec. 22 article, “Harbor District says land is vital”:
Thanks to The Star for keeping the public informed of the outrageous ploy of the Oxnard Harbor District to seize one’s private property though eminent domain in our beautiful little city of Port Hueneme.
The Draconian process of eminent domain is not required or necessary for the Harbor District’s proposed project, nor does it in any way contribute to the public good.
It is interesting to note that none of the elected harbor commissioners live in Port Hueneme, the city that will be greatly impacted by their ultimate decision.
I attended the Board of Harbor Commissioners hastily called special meeting to become educated on the “homes not cars” issue in my community. Ironically, the meeting was set for 5 p.m., a time before most residents arrive home from work.
I listened carefully to the mumbled monologue of the Harbor District executive director and to the more informative comments by representatives of John Laing Homes. Members of the public were also given the opportunity to comment, and those who were not intimidated by others in attendance did so.
It was crystal clear that the port union bosses had given instructions. Their member dockworkers, with arms crossed like bodyguards, ringed the crowded boardroom by standing in the back along all available walls, even though some seats were available. However, no one wants to take dockworkers’ jobs.
I heard absolutely no evidence that the Harbor District project “is planned or located in the manner that will be most compatible with the greatest public good and least private injury.” On the contrary, it was obvious that the commissioners and executive director had not done their homework. Many other sites are available, including, I’m told, optimal space directly at the port.
My neighbors and I strongly feel Port Hueneme residents and the city itself are much better served by the property owner’s city-approved plan for 150 homes, along with a park. New homes generate property taxes that, in turn, benefit our Hueneme schools and services. New residents generate business for our many Hueneme mom-and-pop stores. The district’s current plan would provide little to none of these benefits.
— Ann Holcomb, Port Hueneme
Posted by Andrea Howry at 03:38 PM
Stay vigilant
Re: John Mulchay’s Dec. 23 letter, “No God in Constitution”:
Mr. Mulchay is my hero! He so calmly, rationally and accurately reiterated what the framers of the Declaration of Independence so carefully constructed.
How has it evolved in this country to the point that ultra-conservative Christians — including members of the Bush administration — have usurped patriotism from the remainder of the American people? One can be a non-Christian and still be a fine human being and a good citizen.
I am so frustrated by the incessant droning that Christian religious values are “under attack,” when, in fact, the opposite is true. Those of us who believe or behave differently are the people who are being consistently told that our values have no merit and deserve no respect or protection under the law.
We should all be very concerned by the current climate in our country and our government. Our rights are being methodically undermined by these factions. More disturbing activities by this administration and its supporters are being uncovered every day.
Those of us who believe in the tenets on which our country was founded need to be vigilant and speak out for what we know is true and right.
— Joy Putinta, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 03:30 PM
Just say no to port
Re: your Dec. 22 article, “Harbor District says land is vital”:
I thank The Star for its unbiased view on the situation!
My husband and I have lived in Ventura County beach areas since 1978, in Port Hueneme since 1994.
We do not need any more industrial buildings, car parking lots or traffic in our tiny but beautiful city. We could use more affordable housing, that’s for sure!
We have a huge problem with the traffic that runs along Hueneme Road as it is. When the port workers arrive in the morning, they fly — at the last minute, car after car — into the port entrance. In the evenings, when they complete their day’s work, it’s bumper to bumper coming out of the port entrance.
When the ships are unloaded, the car caravans begin their treks to the parking facilities down Hueneme Road. The drivers will not let the residents exit their driveways. They see you trying to get out, so they speed up to form a bumper-to-bumper convoy, blocking your exit, making the residents wait until all of the cars have passed.
There is a constant stream of 18-wheelers flying in and out of the port, spewing diesel exhaust into our air, not to mention the engine noise, from morning until night. The drivers fly down Hueneme Road, towards Rice Road and Highway 1, in the right lane. As the road narrows from two lanes into one, they cut in front of the left-lane vehicles without even a blink of a turning light indicator, just daring you to mess with them.
In the evenings, especially in the summer when the wind has died down, you can hear the loud noise from the port unloading the ships, which sometimes goes on all night. You cannot sleep with your windows open, which is a shame.
If you take a quiet walk towards the port down Seaview Street around 5 p.m. in the summer months, you are bombarded with the fumes of the diesel exhaust from the ships running their auxiliary engines. You have to shut your windows and go inside to escape and, literally, breathe. Our patios are covered with a black gritty substance that has to be hosed off daily. The Del Monte banana boats have the dirtiest exhaust spewing from their smokestacks!
Doesn’t the Harbor District hear, see and smell all of this, or is the smell of more money and political fame?
As you can see, we do not need more ships, more cars, more trucks and more parking lots, making the noise levels, the smog, and the diesel exhaust unbearable — no, we do not!
What we really need are more affordable homes, quiet neighborhoods and clean air to raise our children and grandchildren in.
Please, please, someone: Try and put an end to the Oxnard Harbor District’s greedy ego and let the current and future citizens of Port Hueneme live a normal, healthy, serene life by the beautiful beach!
— Pati & Bill Vidrine, Port Hueneme
Posted by Andrea Howry at 03:24 PM
Piercing vs. abortion
Re: your Dec. 27 article, “New laws run gamut for state’s residents”:
It was interesting reading the new laws going into effect Jan. 1.
One I thought that was definitely interesting, if not ironic, was that kids under the age of 18 will have to get their parents’ written permission to have a body piercing, a procedure that can be done at the mall.
Yet a child under the age of 18 does not have to have a parent’s permission to go to a sterile clinic and have a baby suctioned out of her womb. How dumb is that?
— Len Newcomb, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 03:05 PM
Hubris is spreading
On Dec. 19, The Star described President Bush as “humble.” The very next day, The Star referred to him as “defiant.” The adjective “megalomaniacal” comes to my mind.
President Bush ignored both the legislative and judicial branches of government when ordering the National Security Agency to spy on Americans. When confronted about this possible criminal and impeachable act, with unmitigated gall the president essentially responded (and I’m paraphrasing here), “I did it, and I’m going to keep on doing it. So there.”
I ask, “Is it legal for a democratically elected president to put himself above the law by morphing into a one-man dictatorial monarchy?”
I think not.
When one reviews the history of this Republican administration and its allies in Congress, one sees mendacity driven by hubris and greed supported by corporate lobbyists. There is the highly suspect, if not criminal, behavior of Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist; the indictment of former Speaker of the House, Tom DeLay; the bribery admission of U.S. Rep. Randy Cunningham, R-Escondido; and “Scooter” Libby’s indictment on perjury and obstruction of justice charges.
Meanwhile Libby’s former boss, Vice President Dick Cheney, emerged from his bunker just in time to promote the use of torture, thereby rendering Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Pinocchio- like as she was unequivocally proclaiming to European leaders, “The United States does not condone torture.”
Mendacity.
Finally, there’s Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists Judith Miller, formerly of The New York Times, and Bob Woodward of the Washington Post — two eager veteran journalists willing to shred their integrity, analytical objectivity, and timely reporting to remain close to political power sources.
Consider this: In 25 years, Bob Woodward has transitioned from helping to bring down a president — Republican Richard Nixon — to ostensibly protecting one.
— Ron Neal, Westlake Village
Posted by Andrea Howry at 02:48 PM
Science of the Bible
Re: Steve Greenberg’s Dec. 23 cartoon:
I found Greenberg’s drawing of the Bible under a microscope to be his standard philosophy: Take the facts and distort, sometimes in a funny way. This depiction was, of course, intended to ridicule President Bush and the Bible. Unfortunately for Greenberg, there was a Freudian slip on his part.
The microscope representing science has nothing to view below its magnifying lens. This, of course, correctly represents the Darwinian Theory.
However, the other microscope has a Bible under its lens. If only science would really examine the Bible as a theory like it does the Darwinian Theory. Yes, they are both theories and should both be examined.
As science moves blindly on, only allowing one theory to be presented, the possibilities of finding any real truth are hindered. Science already knows by using mega-computers that the possibility of “random selection” working over billions of years is zero, no matter how long the time scale. DNA alone has shown there had to be a “design” at some point.
When it comes to the origin of life, science is on the side of “intelligent design.” They just need to actually place intelligent design under their microscopes and let the truth speak for its self.
— Ron Patterson, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 02:38 PM
Dangers of suspicion
Re: Steve Farley’s Dec. 26 letter, “Terrorists have rights”:
From the flip and sarcastic tone of Mr. Farley’s letter, I can only assume that he is an extremist himself and that the National Security Agency would do well to keep an eye on him and have some “sniffer dogs” check his garage for dangerous substances. I am sure he would have no objection.
As far as monitoring Muslim places of worship, personally I would welcome the FBI and NSA to install permanent equipment to check radiation levels at all the mosques where I regularly worship. When the United States, that upright Christian nation, used nuclear weapons of mass destruction against helpless civilians in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, I did not notice that the results were in any way selective. I imagine that any Muslims I know would be only too willing to give up a little freedom rather than risk what the Japanese had to suffer, especially at the hands of a few insane and religiously incorrect co-religionists.
However, I would also point out that any terrorist with a modicum of intelligence would not store detectable radiation materials in the first place that anyone would look. They would be far more likely to store such materials in a church or a public storage unit where it would be much less likely to be discovered.
And do not make the mistake that an Arab could not pass as a Christian. A large number of Arabs in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Iraq are Christian.
Dr. George Habash was a Syrian-based leftist Palestinian leader who came to symbolize revolutionary violence at its most uncompromising. Dr. Habash, founder of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which carried out numerous attacks against Israeli targets as well as civil aircraft hijackings, was a secular leftist Christian.
The administration and the security services need to establish a good relationship with the vast majority of Muslims in this country who are as much opposed to terrorism as Mr. Farley says he is.
After all, the people who have suffered most from these acts of terrorism are the Muslims who live here, and the terrorists have achieved their intentions of dividing Americans and creating an atmosphere of fear and suspicion, thanks in large part to Mr. Farley and his ilk.
— Yahya Merchant, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 02:28 PM
‘King George’ rude
Re: John Sherffius’ Dec. 26 cartoon:
Is the purpose of this cartoon to demonstrate that the political left has nothing to offer but name-calling?
— Rodney Sinclair, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 02:03 PM
Constitution inviolate
With respect to the current debate over civil liberties versus security, those of us over 60 should recall the similar debate in the 1950s with the hysteria about Communism, subversion, McCarthyism and blacklists, when people lost their jobs and even their freedom because of their speech or their friends. We remember loyalty oaths then, and the joke that Communists would gladly take the oath.
America survived at that time, somewhat bruised. The wrong has been recognized.
Before that, we had World War II, when Japanese-Americans had their civil liberties revoked also because of hysteria. That wrong has been amply recognized.
Another hysteria is afoot now: terrorism. President Bush, under the veil of national security, claims powers “implied” in the Constitution to the president as commander in chief that do not exist under Article II, or elsewhere, in the Constitution. Although Bush is eager to imply power to the president, he wants Supreme Court justices who will “strictly construe” the Constitution and not “imply” rights to the people. Bush is a hypocrite!
The terrorists today are sophisticated and know that they are being watched, and that their communications are being intercepted, by the security agencies of many countries. They are not illiterate boobs.
If we cannot meet this terrorist threat as they are fighting us — with technology, sophistication and smarts within our traditional constitutional liberties — then the terrorists have won without firing a shot. We cannot destroy our Constitution in order to save it.
— Raymond Greenberg, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:50 PM
What Jesus would say
A friend and I were discussing what Jesus would think of Christmas in this day and age. If he could observe the celebrations which take place in his name, here is some of what he would see:
— Nasty, abusive shoppers in the stores, knocking each other over to buy presents in his name for their loved ones.
— Nastier, more abusive drivers waving their middle finger in the air and cutting each other off in an effort to get a better parking spot to buy presents in his name for their loved ones. Maybe some people wave the finger, swear and cut off other drivers who might make them late for church.
— Nastiest, most abusive customers frustrated at not getting their most coveted gift (X-Box 360, or whatever) to buy in his name for their loved ones, taking it out on hapless sales clerks.
Jesus would probably say we should just skip the whole thing and not do him any favors.
— Kathleen Hildreth, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:40 PM
December 23, 2005
Abalone long gone
Re: your Dec. 21 article, “Red abalone discovery ‘pretty amazing’”:
Sorry, but in 1985, abalone were not “washing up by the score on shore for people to just pick up.” Overfishing had pretty much wiped out the abalone population long before that.
Longtime residents may remember the huge pile of abalone shells beside the freeway in Goleta back in the 1960s.
I reported the depositions of many of the commercial fishermen during the litigation over the 1969 oil spill, and their fish reports were the source of considerable cross-examination. The quantities listed in the fish reports required by the state were staggering. I thought the numbers in the fish reports were a very reliable source of the minimum quantities of abalone harvested.
By the mid 1970s, it took a skillful sport diver with experience to come up with a limit of abalone out at the Channel Islands. If abalone existed along the Southern California coast, it was only in locations that were isolated and hard to reach.
— Charles Voigtsberger, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:33 PM
What’s un-American
Now that the vice president has cast the deciding vote defending the Republican mantra that the “rich get richer while the poor get poorer,” it’s way past time to call a halt to these un-American activities.
Now that a president who, in a campaign speech, claimed that no eavesdropping without warrants occurred, only to recently recant, it’s way past time to call a halt to these un-American activities.
When a Senate majority leader, a doctor, offers a diagnosis on the basis of reviewing a videotape, attempts to interfere with the execution of states’ rights, and gets a president to pause in his vacation to sign unconstitutional legislation, it’s time to call a halt to these un-American activities.
When a senator, John McCain, complains about a broken system that allows a non-defense item to be attached to a defense spending bill, but claims helplessness in stopping it in the name of supporting the troops, it’s time to call a halt to these un-American activities. Fortunately enough Americans in the Senate decided to act as such.
We have a president, not a king. We have laws, not the ability to pick and choose. It’s time we called a halt to these un-American activities.
“We have met the enemy and he is us.”
“Good night, and good luck.”
— Lynn H. Maxson, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:19 PM
Bible requires scrutiny
Re: Steve Greenberg’s Dec. 23 cartoon:
Steve Greenberg finally gets it!
While we can look through microscopes, telescopes and other marvelous technological devices, they can only tell us about the physical world we live in. What they don’t do is give us the perspective to understand how we, as sinful human beings, should live.
As shown in the second frame of his cartoon, it isn’t until we examine the Holy Bible with the same intense scrutiny that we see that God knows who we are and what his plans are for us.
We Christians don’t have to fully understand how God created the world. Even the prophet Daniel didn’t completely comprehend God’s revelations to him.
We do, however, need to keep a biblical perspective when we interpret what we see around us and how God is using it to speak to us, particularly when we live in a secular humanist world prone to dismiss God’s supernatural power, worshiping its own “wisdom” and its material wealth instead of worshiping its creator.
Fortunately, God has poured out his undeserved mercy on us, particularly on Dec. 25 — the holy day when we Christians celebrate our savior’s birth.
— Rodney Sinclair, Ph.D., Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:57 AM
Vote on school issues
I am conducting a poll and would like to know what people want.
Do you want Christmas vacation in 2006 to start Dec. 16, 20 or 23?
Do you want the Conejo Valley Unified School District to borrow money to build the joint-use facility or use Measure R funds?
To cast your vote, send an e-mail to mike4schoolboard@yahoo.com.
For the Christmas vacation question, write 16 or 20 or 23 on the subject line. Please put a “W” next to your choice if you work for the district.
For the joint-use facility question, please type “BORROW” if you want to borrow money. Please type “MEASURE R” if you want to use Measure R funds to pay for construction.
For example, a 16WBORROW in the e-mail subject line means you want the vacation to start Dec. 16. You work for the district. You want to borrow money to build the joint-use facility.
Background: Christmas vacation 2006 is scheduled to start Dec. 23. The teachers union made this decision. After complaints, the school board decided unanimously to resubmit the issue back to the teachers union for renegotiation. The board will reconsider this issue and take a final vote, hopefully in January.
The joint-use facility is designed to replace the Conejo High School on Newbury Road. The original cost to the district was $2 million. The cost is now up to $5 million and rising. The board has already voted 4 to 1 to build the joint-use facility on land adjacent to the district headquarters on Janss Road.
Next, the school board will decide how to finance the facility. We have $21.9 million from the sale of Measure R bonds sitting in the bank unspent and not contracted to any projects yet. But, the voters were promised that the money would be spent on specific projects when they voted on the bond issue.
Here is what I need to know. We have two choices. Do we break our promise, postpone some projects and spend $5 million from Measure R? Or, do we borrow $5 million? Note that borrowing money will probably force the district to seek a property or parcel tax increase to pay for the additional debt.
The poll closes on Jan. 9. Results will be posted on my Web site, http://mike4schoolboard.com. Results will also be forwarded to staff, teachers union leadership and board members.
The board will vote on both issues in January. Your participation in this poll will allow me to make an intelligent decision which represents the will of the people.
— Michael A. “Mike” Dunn, Trustee, Conejo Valley Unified School District, Newbury Park
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:52 AM
Don’t rush the Senate
It is difficult for me to understand how some people only see the sides of the story that they want to see.
The Patriot Act is a highly controversial issue, but there are many misunderstandings.
First, it’s not the Democrats who want to stop it. They were a majority of the dissent, but there were Republicans who were worried also.
Second, what the Senate did not approve was not the Patriot Act, but rather long-term extensions of the bill, some of which would have been permanent.
Finally, there are alternatives to it. I heard numerous Democrats saying they wanted a short-term extension to allow for better debate.
I applaud all those who supported the filibuster. I think the senators need to go home for Christmas and take as long as they need to debate this bill.
— Edward Robles, Santa Paula
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:42 AM
America’s true spirit
Indifference, oppositions and changes in our modern society today undermine the old American tradition and practice almost all of us were born to embrace, love and carry on.
First and foremost is our reverence and trust in God that some people wish to strike from our Pledge of Allegiance, our dollar bills and coins, and deny our schools and public places.
It is so sad and unfortunate because God is all about love, compassion and service that made our nation strong, unique and beautiful. With him in our lives, our country became a vision of one big happy family where freedom is exercised with pride, dignity, sensitivity and respect for each other. Without his presence, our existence centers on our own life alone and what makes us happy, driven by a strong desire to prove and perpetuate our own superiority over others, a lust for power.
This is what is happening now with Christmas under fire. It is so wrong to make it different from what it stands for. It is not just an ordinary holiday for stores to promote their business and people to spend their money. Neither is it about Christians trying to influence or impose their beliefs to unbelievers.
Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ and the goodness that comes along with him. It is sharing the sacrifices, love and joy of giving that his nativity brings. It spreads peace and goodwill to everyone. We all deserve a break from all the ugliness and evils around us.
Merry Christmas, everyone, and may we have many more to come. Let not our choice dampen the spirit of the season. Once and for all, let us all be happy.
— Socorro G. Mercado, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:37 AM
Crips’ victims speak
Re: David Howard’s Dec. 20 commentary, “Posthumously yours, Stanley Williams*”:
After I read this, all the innocent victims of the Crips knocked on my psychic door and asked me to give them a voice to speak to Williams:
“First, we all take issue with the fact that Mr. Howard condemns Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for “murdering” you. Sheesh. We were all murdered, and no one is strumming a peace song on their guitars or using their celebrity to champion our cause.
“You, Williams, were tried and convicted by a jury of your peers. Where was our justice? We were all killed by senseless gang violence by the very gang that you started and which still continues to this very day. We think what the governor did was right and the first step for justice for us.
“Second, we expected you to mention the race card. And behind door No. 3 we have the legacy of beautiful children’s books you reportedly wrote. Of course, that casts a faint shadow in light of the fact the Crips still exist, and if you were so wonderful and good, you would have beseeched all Crips to leave the gang and become productive members of society. Now, that would have been a legacy.
“Fourth, with the governor’s very difficult decision, we believe people do get the government they deserve. You were afforded the rights given to all who are convicted. We weren’t.
“Fifth you refuse to seek revenge on your fellow human beings. Interesting this was revealed after you died. Gee, it would have meant a little more if you did this while you were alive.
“Sixth, it truly is never too late to renounce violence and injustice. Now all you candle burners for peace and “peace activists,” try turning your deeds into something truly meaningful like attending a “Take Back the Night” rally. True, it probably won’t get your name in the paper, but the karma credits are much better.
“May God give you the same mercy you showed us. We are over and out.”
— Linda M. Weber lives in Ventura.
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:26 AM
Mysterious ways
Re: Alicia Reynolds’ Dec. 21 commentary, “Knowing precious little about so much”:
I would like to assure Alicia Reynolds that the mystery of how God planned to redeem the world is a mystery only until one understands it. It will remain a mystery until she tries. Merry Christmas!
— Kay Wilson-Bolton, Santa Paula
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:16 AM
Harbor abuses power
Re: your Dec. 22 article, “Harbor District says land is vital”:
The Oxnard Harbor District met on the eminent domain process that the district intends to exercise against a private property owner.
I consider it the business of the press to expose corruption and abuse of power in government. Instead of focusing on the very abusive, un-American concept of taking private property for questionable public use, The Star’s headline reads, “Harbor District says land is vital” and “Port director promises to look at other sites for car facility.”
I was at this and several other meetings, and I have never heard the board or the director say they would look at other sites.
It was also obvious to me at this meeting that someone, probably the Harbor District commissioners or their representatives, told port workers that they would lose their jobs if this project does not go through. But this is simply not true. They probably will lose their jobs, as one speaker mentioned, if this project does go through because the Harbor District will start transporting incoming cars by train instead of using port labor to drive them.
The fact that there were several other larger, more suitable properties that the district has not considered, which would actually create more jobs, was also glossed over in The Star’s reporting.
This set of Harbor District commissioners has:
1) Paid a lobbyist to lobby for the closing of Naval Base Ventura County during the Base Realignment and Closure process,
2) Purchased railroads in Port Hueneme without the city’s consent and knowledge,
3) Plans to seize private property by eminent domain, a process almost all Americans believe is abusive.
The Harbor District is also now presumably pitting port labor against the surrounding communities based on misinformation.
The Star did not address the real issue: the Harbor District’s abuse of power.
I ask that The Star address the real issues and that headlines accurately reflect the news.
Furthermore, I ask Star readers to vote out all incumbent Harbor District commissioners in the next elections. They are arrogant, dismissive of public opinion, and do not have the interest of this county at heart.
— Katrina Lyon, Port Hueneme
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:10 AM
O’Reilly’s shining Star
I love this!
Bill O’Reilly referenced in his national broadcast on Fox TV that he has searched throughout the entire country for any newspapers which, amidst the controversy, have printed a newspaper opinion supporting “Merry Christmas.” Only three in the country had. Guess who one of those papers was? None other than the barely known Ventura County Star!
Well, little Ventura County made it on the national map because The Star was recognized by O’Reilly for standing up for the traditional reverence for the holiday of Christmas and its appropriate notice in our greetings and gift-giving and commerce.
Merry Christmas, Ventura County Star!
— Denny Weinberg, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:51 AM
Constitutional ignorance
It is ironic that President Bush will be impeached for telling the truth. Not much impeachment rattling was ever made when he lied about the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq or about Saddam Hussein being connected with al-Qaida, for which 160,000 U.S. troops will not be with their families this holiday season.
For once, Bush is accepting a truth: He admitted that four years ago he allowed the National Security Agency, an arm of the Pentagon, to spy on phone conversations and e-mails of U.S. civilians without court-approved warrants. For once, he admitted that he has and is infringing onto the democratic constitutional rights of U.S. citizens.
Myopically, however, he has this warped belief that he is not breaking the law or that his spying is unconstitutional. Somehow, he justifies that his dictatorial move was necessary to protect his subjects from laws that are passé, from a Constitution that is not responsive enough to modern terrorism.
How could the American people have elected and re-elected a president who does not know his own Constitution? How can this president impose a system in Iraq based on a democratic constitution when he does not know the rudiments of a democratic constitution? Clearly, Bush, during these times, will try Americans’ souls.
— Rudy D. Liporada, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:25 AM
December 22, 2005
Competency required
Re: your Dec. 21 article, “Cheney says presidential powers have been eroded”:
Vice President Dick Cheney wants stronger presidential powers. If indeed needed, it would seem reasonable for Congress to grant these powers within the framework of the Constitution when the executive branch demonstrates commensurate competency and responsibility. The current administration is sorely lacking in these attributes. Public opinion polls support this conclusion.
Further, regarding competency, perhaps the time has come to set minimum IQ standards for presidential candidates.
— Jim Moreland, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:02 PM
Misuse of power
When I first heard and then read about our wonderful president’s misuse of power concerning the wiretapping and eavesdropping of American citizens without proper judicial warrants, I was entirely flabbergasted — but not surprised.
Who does this man and administration think they are? They are really trying to justify this gross misuse of power.
We as American citizens are supposed to be guaranteed certain inalienable rights through the Constitution, in particular, the Bill of Rights. This administration seems hellbent on eroding as many of our personal guaranteed freedoms as possible.
As I watched the president over the last several days trying to justify what he has done and does, it became very clear to me that this man thinks he is above the laws of the land — and possibly thinks he is the law of the land.
How ludicrous of him to do what he did when there were very easy avenues available to him to achieve the same end result. He can order these things done immediately and still have 72 hours to obtain the proper warrants through a special court that really is at his beck and call 24 hours a day. These judges are so beside themselves that one has resigned out of total disgust and the other three are severely incensed.
But no, Bush is so power- drunk, possibly incompetent, and mentally bankrupt to be in this very important position that he sees himself as some divine or superior force to be reckoned with. He sees himself as having some sort of special powers due to the war in Iraq that he doesn’t have to protect and guarantee our personal guaranteed freedoms.
If this man is not impeached and found guilty of this highly treasonous act, there really is something very wrong with our government — and all of us as well, as a country. To those who don’t agree, I ask: Why would you want to so readily give up your guaranteed freedoms to a man who stole the presidency to begin with? He has lied and cheated us all through his entire presidency and maybe his life.
The Republican Party roasted President Clinton for sexual indiscretion in the White House and lying about it under oath. Now that something has happened that truly warrants impeachment, we’ll see their true patriotic colors. Remember, they represent you and me and are supposed to protect our rights. That’s why we elected them, right?
If nothing comes of all this — and somehow I don’t think it will — we are all doomed, because the next step for Bush will be to declare himself king or dictator of the United States of America using this same sort of logic and reasoning for his justification for trampling our Bill of Rights — reasoning that we are at war and under siege from enemies of the United States.
God help us, and God bless America. We need God’s help more than ever from the enemy within, whoever or whatever your personal god may be.
— Kenneth D. Hower, Port Hueneme
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:57 PM
Commentary was cruel
Re: David Howard’s Dec. 20 commentary, “Posthumously your, Stanley Williams*”:
This cruel, inept and disgusting article would only have been printed with editorial approval of those with extreme liberal bias, hate for elected officials who are fair and centrist and those who have no true sense of their readers’ intellect.
Mr. Howard says he was “channeled” by the convicted and executed killer. Was this the basis of his credibility in the minds of The Star’s editors, or were they so excited to take a diatribe of anti-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger that facts of judicial process meant nothing?
That’s not to mention the pain Schwarzenegger went through to make the final decision on Williams’ sentence and life.
The Star need to be fair and unbiased. It looks the fool out here.
— Bob Smith, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:46 PM
Union hypocrisy
The hypocrisy of members of the International Longshoremens & Warehousemens Union Local 46 speaking in favor of the Port of Hueneme’s condemnation and exercise of eminent domain to acquire space for more parking of import cars astounded me.
Touting retention and creation of jobs, they tacitly condone the eradication of domestic employment for their auto-building brethren of the United Auto Workers by supporting foreign-built product.
Shame on them!
— David DePaolo, Port Hueneme
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:38 PM
No God in Constitution
Re: Brian J. Mixon’s Dec. 20 letter, “Merry Christmas”:
I would suggest that Mr. Mixon read the Constitution.
The Declaration of Independence states, in part, “they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.” Notice that it refers to “their Creator” not “the Creator” or “God” or “Buddha” or “intelligent designer,” but “their Creator” — the creator of choice for each and every individual.
The First Amendment to the Constitution states that, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion” — which gives us the right to be free from religion — “or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” which allows us freedom of religion, all religions.
The majority of Americans do indeed profess to be Christians. However, this is not a Christian country. It is a country of Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists and, yes, even atheists to mention a few. This nation was not founded under the grace of God. It was founded under the Constitution that specifically omitted any mention of God.
— John R. Mulchay, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:31 PM
Williams had chances
Re: David Howard’s Dec. 20 commentary, “Posthumously yours, Stanley Williams*”
Not once does the teary-eyed Mr. Howard mention the victims who were summarily murdered by a hardcore gang member. He is too busy seeing the world through rose-colored glasses.
The truth is that Williams was never remorseful for his past heinous actions, and writing children’s books that are dedicated to other criminal offenders does not negate the murders he committed.
Mr. Howard had all but nominated Williams for sainthood. Williams had more than two decades of appeals and legal processes that were reviewed by the courts, including the infamous liberal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. All were in agreement that Williams was responsible for his actions.
Mr. Howard has twisted the truth of this case to support his personal agenda. He may disagree with the death penalty, but he should present the case as it is. Williams was given all his due processes — from arrest to execution — and he should have been given his sentence years ago. Next time, light a candle for the murder victims.
— James DeSoto, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:19 PM
Don’t let Grinches win
I wish to add my two cents’ worth to the Christmas/holidays controversy.
As a Jewish woman, I welcome all benign religious expressions. I live in a predominantly Christian society in a nation that has been uniquely tolerant of other religions and belief systems, including atheism. To expect Christians to relinquish the freedoms they have traditionally enjoyed would be unjust and ungrateful.
What is it secularists are so fearful of that they wish to remove any semblance of religion from everyday life as if it were a contagious disease? Is it that religion, despite at times being exploited for self-serving reasons, is the source of moral behavior, and secularists want to remove any restrictions from immoral behavior? If there are no moral restraints, then anything goes.
Our religious-based moral law prohibits abominations, but secularists seem to favor no boundaries.
American laws, our Constitution, were founded on the Judeo/Christian ethic, which certainly beats anywhere else for justice and freedom. Perfect we are not, but people from around the world see us very differently than some of our own home-grown critics dimly view us.
We are not a nation that demands everyone think, believe or act alike. Our earliest pioneers came foremost to worship as they please. Our Bill of Rights guarantees freedom of religion, not freedom from religion, as enemies of religious expression in public areas like to argue. My Jewishness has never felt threatened by hearing others express their own beliefs. To the contrary, it is reinforced by religious consciousness-raising.
So let Christmas carols ring out and “merry Christmas” be heard in the marketplace with messages of peace on earth until the glorious spirit of brotherhood drowns out the ungenerous Grinches who want to put Christmas in a box and slam the lid.
— Miriam Jaffe, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:02 PM
Where’s the outrage?
Over the last month, I have listened to the seemingly endless diatribes from the activists who rave on about how we cannot allow the state to execute vicious murderers because their lives have worth.
I have heard these very same activists and celebrities on other occasions, fighting vehemently to preserve the right of women and doctors to pass on a death sentence to thousands of innocent lives every single day in America via abortion and wonder, “How can this be?”
Then I remember that we live in a state that voted overwhelmingly just last month that it is a good thing to let a doctor operate on our young daughters without our knowledge to spare us all the “humiliation” of an unplanned pregnancy. Imagine that! It is better to kill an innocent baby in the name of convenience than to deal with having to raise that child. Sheer hypocrisy — nay, utter stupidity. It’s not even intelligent enough to be ignorance.
My child can’t even have a cough drop given to her at school, yet a physician can perform a major medical procedure on her without my knowledge — a procedure that not only has serious moral and ethical issues but may have tragic medical ramifications. And everybody is OK with this? Forget what I said about stupidity; this is insanity!
These self-serving “activists” who crusaded on behalf of Stanley Williams (I refuse to use his ill-gotten nickname) claim that it is a racist system that executes people. None of them, however, bothers to mention the fact that Williams referred to three of his victims — Asians — using racist epithets. Babies are guiltless of any crime, let alone barbaric crimes of this caliber.
Do they see the horrendous, psychopathic nature of what this man was convicted of? On the contrary, one member of the NAACP actually likened Williams to Moses, recalling that Moses had also killed yet was later “reformed” Moses? Am I the only one who sees the insanity of this statement? Thankfully, I’m not. The majority of the public see this. Unfortunately, the liberally biased media will have you believe otherwise.
The bottom line is this: Don’t try to figure out why it is that we, as a nation, have a death penalty law if we, as a nation, support the idea of abortion.
Killing innocent people — whether they are in the womb or working behind the counter of a convenience store or motel — is murder.
Trying to convince any ethnic group that they are too ignorant or have been too victimized to obey the law is racist.
— Tony Lemos, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:59 AM
Pet shop disappointing
I was very pleased to see the opening of the new mall in Simi Valley. However, I’m really disappointed to find a store selling puppies. It looks like they have nice merchandise otherwise, but I’ll be boycotting it, and I urge others to do the same.
If you’re looking for a companion animal, the shelter or the local humane society is the place to start.
— Roberta Yates, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:49 AM
Tapo deserves more
Re: your Dec. 16 article, “Cleanup set for burned Tapo park”:
The article about Tapo Canyon Park has alarmed us. This beautiful park has been closed two times for more than two years each time. Why is the Ventura County Parks Department keeping the taxpayers out?
There are no restrooms. Money is being made at this park of more than $1,000 a month by the Conejo Valley Archers, and they use portable toilets.
The park is not In bad shape from the fire, just from the neglect of the Ventura County Parks Department.
What happened to the insurance money?
Now they want to make a trailer park out of it? So much for the unspoiled beauty of this horse park.
— Jennifer Grosskopf, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:46 AM
Glancy good choice
I see that the usual suspects are up in arms over the appointment of Tom Glancy to the Thousand Oaks City Council.
I cannot imagine a better choice from those who applied for the position. Anyone who knows him and has watched him on the Planning Commission realizes that he is a very good choice. He speaks calmly and without animosity against others with whom he works. His decisions are considered and consistent, with no derisive remarks about his fellow commissioners. How refreshing!
And about those 32,000 votes that were cast for Ed Masry as a newcomer: Just prior to Mr. Masry being elected to the Thousand Oaks City Council, he donated $50,000 to Elois Zeanah to fight a recall by the citizens, and that act in itself gave him instant recognition. Shortly thereafter, the movie “Erin Brockovich” came out, in which he was portrayed by Albert Finney. Those facts are the real reason for his election to the council with little or no campaigning. You might call it a little celebrity worship.
That being said, I believe that Mr. Masry was good for our city, and I was sorry to hear of his passing.
I wish Dr. Glancy a very successful term, and I predict we will not be sorry he was selected.
— Frances B. Bierman, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:28 AM
If Orwell only knew
You have to wonder how many times George Orwell would spin in his grave if he knew that his novel, “1984,” which he wrote as a warning, was being used by the Bush administration as a primer: “Now, what did Orwell say we should do next? ‘Endless war’? Got it! Then what? ‘Internal spying’? Check!” And ad infinitum.
— David Rives, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:09 AM
Bush has too much power
President Bush has authorized spying on American citizens without the benefit of a court hearing or warrant. Current law allows for secret courts and spying on Americans under the Foreign Surveillance Intelligence Act. Bush tells us his actions are legal because the plan has been approved by the Justice Department. This department is part of the executive branch of government and offers no oversight. Informing a few senators also is not oversight.
The president also claims his position as commander in chief gives him the right to set up his own system of spying outside the scrutiny of any review process. This is the logic of despots. Dictators use this logic to set up secret police and torture chambers to intimidate those who oppose their terror tactics.
In related issues, the Bush administration has worked to redefine torture so that activities universally accepted as torture could be used by CIA agents. This administration has taken away the basic right of American citizens to a jury trial as evidenced by the case of Jose Padilla, who, after more than two years in custody, is only now being charged with a crime. The current charges against Padilla have nothing to do with the original statements made to keep him in custody without his day in court.
Presidents have never been allowed to make law. This is not their role under the Constitution. This assumed authority by the president is a dangerous threat to the very nature of the democracy that we enjoy in this country. This is not a partisan argument. It should be made against any sitting president taking this legally unfounded position.
Bush should not be allowed to continue expanding the definition of executive power. Our president should never be allowed to assume he has the powers of a dictator.
— Dennis E. Daneau, Ojai
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:05 AM
Dictator Bush
When George Bush came to Washington as the president-elect in December 2000, he said, “If this were a dictatorship, it’d be a heck of a lot easier, just so long as I’m the dictator.” (http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0012/18/nd.01.html).
At the time, it seemed like just a poor joke. Who knew it would become the guiding philosophy of his government?
— David S. Ettinger, Oak Park
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:57 AM
Telling the Christmas story
Tear down the Christmas trees? Throttle the Christmas choir? Demolish the manger scenes? Christmas only leaps higher! No one can forbid Christmas, birth of Jesus Christ on earth! No power can prevent a single soul from receiving his birth, for God’s power is supreme. Let the bells of Christmas ring in all churches everywhere, and let choirs of angels sing!
Christmas is every day when Jesus is born in your heart. When your sins are forgiven, your eternal life will start. Be born again, dear Savior, within our loving hearts and Christmas will never die. Christmas lives as it starts everywhere on this, our earth, to fill the world with glory.
Hearts are filled with God’s love when we tell the Christmas story.
— Barbara Hudson, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:52 AM
Canceling horticulture was wrong
I see that the greenhouses on the campus of Ventura College are coming down and that the Ventura County Community College District no longer offers courses in horticulture.
What was the rationale that led to the district’s decision to cancel these programs? Both farming and urban areas within the county can only be improved with a local horticultural program. It is in the best interest of all to have nursery personnel, landscapers, architects, builders and homeowners trained in the local conditions of soil, plants and water usage. It is also pertinent to the well-being of our community that we are skilled in the care of our natural resources in a way that they will be preserved for generations to come.
Where can we go to get this education? Checking online, I see that Pierce College in the dreaded San Fernando Valley still offers a horticulture program. This, in a place that we have all vowed we will never become, still has concern for the need of a local horticulture program within its boundaries. I am not a real estate expert, but I assume that the value of the land on that prime corner of the San Fernando Valley meets or exceeds the value of our little slice of natural beauty that resides within the campus of Ventura College. This amazing segment of Ventura College is now slowly disappearing before our eyes.
The need is there, the interest is there and financial backing has been offered and refused. What was the college district thinking?
— Dani Brusius, Oak Park
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:48 AM
‘E Pluribus Unum’ forgotten
Re: Jack Killian’s Dec. 21 letter, “America’s motto”:
Mr. Killian’s grip on his religious faith is commendable. Unfortunately, his grip on the facts leaves a lot to be desired.
The motto of the United States of America is not “In God we trust.” It is, in fact, “E Pluribus Unum”: out of many, one.
Where Killian wants the “many” to leave “his” country, the Great Seal of the United States of America — which Killian has no doubt seen just below President Bush’s face at televised appearances — wants the “many” to join together and form “one.”
As President John Adams, a Founding Father, said to unanimous approval by the United States Senate in 1797, “the Government of the United States is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion.”
Guess that covers the question of “original intent.”
— Russell Burgos, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:44 AM
Larsen’s humor appreciated
Re: Richard Larsen’s Dec. 20 essay, “Santa defends espionage”:
Whenever I read a column by Richard Larsen, as a rock-solid Ronald Reagan conservative, I am infuriated. But his column Tuesday about Santa Claus, the North Pole and Christmas was hilarious. I never realized he had such a great sense of humor.
Now I get it. Everything he writes is a joke in the highest form of humor!
— Lou Gates, Westlake Village
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:38 AM
Simi trustees are squabbling
Leave it to the Simi Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees to be leaders and tackle the tough educational issues of the day.
Funding cuts due to No Child Left Behind, deteriorating teacher working conditions, lack of adequate technology and teaching supplies, and a bond program experiencing serious cost overruns are all topics our trustees could be tackling. And yet, when we open The Star, we don’t see those issues being addressed. But we do see a squabble over who will be president of the Board of Education.
The president of the school board is a perfunctory role, and many districts rotate it among members so everyone gets a fair chance. But if you follow the SVUSD in The Star, you get the impression that who gets to be president is actually an issue facing our schools, rather than the ruse that it is to distract the public from what is actually going on.
It’s been almost two years since Simi voters passed Measure C4, a $145 million bond package to improve our schools. Do you know what’s going on with the money? Do you know what’s next on the project list? Are voters aware that by state law, the district needs to post this information on a Web site available to the public, but has yet to do so? Do voters know that the district recently reduced the size of the oversight committee by 43 percent?
Trustees need to stop squabbling over the deck chairs and get the work done they are elected to do.
— Tim Keaney, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:21 AM
December 21, 2005
The dead don’t write
Re: David Howard’s Dec. 20 commentary, “Posthumously yours, Stanley Williams*”:
While it is undeniable that The Star is a mouthpiece for left-wing political beliefs, I never realized that it leaned so far as to purport to seriously print the words of dead people.
Will we be seeing reports from dead people on the front page soon? Will a Star correspondent interview Lee Harvey Oswald for the truth about the John F. Kennedy assassination? Does Napolean Bonaparte have a few things to say?
I cannot believe that The Star, no matter how much it caters to convicted felons, and no matter how much it champions their causes over the issue of the tragedy that those felons inflict upon innocent people, can go so far as to put forth and accept as true the notion that a dead person can send a letter to the editor.
Any self-respecting, legitimate newspaper would have laughed and tossed the dead person’s “letter” into the trash. Only the weakest and most ignorant would print it, presenting it as an actual message from a dead person.
Oh wait, gotta go. I just received a letter from Thomas Jefferson. No, really!
— Jay Schmidt, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:14 AM
Victims respond*
Re: David Howard’s Dec. 20 commentary, “Posthumously yours, Stanley Williams*”:
Dear Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger:
We have been dead for more than 25 years now. Thank you for not forgetting us and moving on to other important matters like balancing the California budget.
We ask you to take a moment from your schedule. We have something important to tell you: Thank you for rendering justice to us.
Here’s why:
First, we don’t forgive Stanley “Tookie” Williams because his murder of us was personal. You didn’t fall for the lie of his redemption.
Second, we thank you for giving us the justice we deserve. You realized that your personal feelings must give way to the requirements of the law and the crime.
Jesus said, “Forgive them; they know not what they do.” Stanley Williams knew exactly what he was doing, and then he laughed and joked about our murders.
Third, you do not need forgiveness because you did nothing wrong. Stanley Williams may get forgiveness at some future time, but upon his arrival here, he was whisked away to the nether lands.
Fourth, we thank you because Stanley Williams never took responsibility for his actions, never apologized, and never redeemed himself.
Fifth, we thank you for giving us the justice we deserve.
Sixth, we thank you because we never gave up hope. We pray that you continue to do the right thing.
Finally, we thank you for the compassion you showed to us and for seeing though the lies. We know that deep down inside Stanley Williams, there is a guilt that festers because he killed us. We do not know how Stanley Williams became the uncaring, unfeeling murderer that he was, but we know he was real. May God have mercy on his soul.
(* Tsai-Shai Yang, Yen-I Yang, Yee-Chen Lin, and Albert Lewis Owens were channeled by James Koss of Oxnard.)
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:05 AM
Williams had it coming
Re: David Howard’s Dec. 20 commentary, “Posthumously yours, Stanley Williams*”:
David Howard really believes that Stanley “Tookie” Williams was something special and that he could channel him? This is beyond creepy.
Williams’ legacy is “a series of beautiful children’s books and a peace treaty between violent street gangs”? Give me a break. He was a murderer who had it coming, and what does it say to you when even the bleeding-heart liberals of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals wouldn’t give his case the time of day? Good riddance. Who’s next?
— Nancy Low, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:59 AM
Pearly gates closed
Re: David Howard’s Dec. 20 commentary, “Posthumously yours, Stanley Williams*”:
I thank The Star for printing the letter from Mr. Howard, who was able to channel Stanley “Tookie” Williams and his feelings. I have not had such an explosive belly laugh in years. California will always be the laughingstock of the planet when others read this letter from Mr. Howard.
If there really is a St. Peter, I believe he met “Tookie” at the gate and “flushed” — channeled — him to hell.
— Bob Launius, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:52 AM
Larsen vs. Will
Re: Richard Larsen’s Dec. 20 essay, “Santa defends espionage” and George Will’s Dec. 20 commentary, “President power does have limits”:
Which one uses logic, education and honesty? Which one uses demagoguery, ignorance and a bad metaphor that isn’t even humorous — when he usually makes me laugh?
— Tom Cefalu, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:42 AM
Conservancy worthy
Re: your Dec. 16 article, “Ventura Hillsides Conservancy gets a $10,000 stock donation”:
I’m delighted with the generous contribution to the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy from Tom and Kerry Weisel.
Theirs and the additional gifts from others will build the conservancy’s fund and invigorate the effort to buy the approximately 50,000 acres of hilly open space behind Ventura. Protecting this land and obtaining it for the common good is the principle but not the sole mission of the Hillside Conservancy.
Venturans as a community, however modest our individual resources, need to adopt procurement of this property as our common goal and support a broad, sustained effort to accomplish it — a common effort for the common good. It’s a great and inspiring cause and attainable with sufficient will and unity.
Some, maybe much, of the tens of millions needed to buy this land might be obtained from sources outside our own community (foundation grants, wealthy individuals, government), but we must, in any case, demonstrate to ourselves and to others the desire, determination and confidence that we will eventually prevail.
The opportunity now before us will not await our convenience. Restrictions preventing development now might eventually be circumvented or removed.
The Weisels’ contribution to the Hillside Conservancy is especially timely in that it informs some of us and reminds others of this extraordinary worthy cause when many of us consider the extent of our annual contributions to causes that benefit the common good. We’re concerned not only to whom to contribute and the amount but also in what form to obtain maximum benefit at minimum cost.
Regarding contributions to The Hillside Conservancy, phone 643-8044 or e-mail donate@venturahillsides.org.
— Anne Rubin, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:29 AM
Blue over greenhouses
The destruction of the greenhouses marked the end of an era for many graduates and those of us who will never get to graduate from Ventura College’s horticulture department.
The current Board of Trustees and administration of Ventura College do not believe that horticulture has any significance in Ventura County — at least not enough that it is worthwhile to consider training students who want to spend their life growing, planting or selling plants for environmental benefit and aesthetic beauty.
It doesn’t matter that it’s the second largest industry in the county.
It doesn’t matter that letter upon letter has been received from industry personnel saying, “Please reconsider. This is important here.”
Most of all, it does not appear to matter that there are students who are counting on them.
The sum of $200,000 was extravagant for a report that says “eliminating programs eliminates students.” Let’s hope that the next year sees some common sense logic — it’s usually free.
I also earnestly hope that people who have an interest in horticulture in Ventura County will band together and get this program back!
We’ve lost the greenhouses, but we haven’t lost the spirit.
— Janet Miller Wall, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:18 AM
Terrorists have rights
Americans should be outraged at President Bush’s affront on our civil liberties by ordering the National Security Agency to spy on fellow Americans. Why would any American want the president of the United States and the NSA to protect its citizens from depraved terrorists?
I can’t think of a greater threat to our civil liberties then the NSA spying on potentially dangerous American citizens — well, except the ongoing threat of being blown to bits by some miscreant vying for his afterlife virgin pod. It’s a tossup.
It is meaningless that President Bush has the constitutional right and the backing of the attorney general in ordering the NSA to spy on suspected terrorists, because even the most dangerous American terrorist has a right to privacy.
The Bush administration should take the high road on this liberty issue and allow our fellow terrorist populace to operate unfettered. Perhaps if the federal government allows naturalized terrorists to converse more freely, they will have a change of heart and will embrace our country, culture and values.
Furthermore, if Americans continue to alert our enemies of our secret programs, as the patriots at The New York Times did, perhaps the terrorists in our midst will someday accept us.
In the war against terror, it is crucial that we allow every American citizen, even if they are terrorists, the communication they need to accomplish their aspirations, because these liberties are what make America so great.
— Steven Farley, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:08 AM
‘Christmas’ is part of U.S. law
For some reason, there seems to be an extraordinary effort to disassociate the word “Christmas” with December 25 this year. The term “politically correct” is often used in the arguments, and some retailers say they don’t want to offend anyone by using the word “Christmas.” I did some research on the matter of political correctness on the Internet, and I came up with the following information.
In 1870, the U.S. government passed an act authorizing “the twenty-fifth day of December, called Christmas Day” as a holiday within the District of Columbia. An 1885 joint resolution of Congress further authorized employees of various government departments to take the 25th of December as a holiday.
Beginning in 1894, Congress enumerated all the public holidays, including Christmas, with the passage of 28 Stat 96, now codified as 5 USC 6103.
Therefore, it’s just as politically correct to call December 25 “Christmas,” as it is to call January 16, 2006, “Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.” I’m sure a certain number of people may have concerns as to what we call certain holidays in the United States, but they were established by our government, and the people who don’t honor them don’t have to celebrate them. That’s the gift of freedom which we enjoy in this country.
— Al F. Knuth, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 09:57 AM
December 20, 2005
Proud of The Star
We are proud to have a county newspaper that distinguished itself on the Bill O’Reilly Show on the Fox News Channel. Mr. O’Reilly cited The Star as the only large newspaper smart enough to reflect the huge majority of the country’s attitudes towards the Christmas holidays and refuse the media elite stance, which is, by the way, offensive to most readers and viewers!
We applaud The Star for not bowing to the 3 percent anti-Christmas crowd and instead listening to the 97 percent pro-Christmas people of faith and tradition.
Merry Christmas!
— Ed and Debi Bascom, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:27 PM
Homeless need help
Re: Gary L. Parker’s Dec. 19 commentary, “Not homeless, but still very angry”:
I read with great interest Gary Parker’s article regarding the homeless people in Ventura. He is just mad, mad, mad! Well, too bad!
Does he think this is the life these people want to live? I think not. These are people who have fallen on hard times and had no help. Many of them could have been helped at Camarillo State Hospital, had it not closed. They stay drunk just to make it through the day.
How can you care for yourself if you are living on the street? If these people were cleaned up and given a home, they would be able to take their medication and eat regular meals and turn their lives around. This is something that is very hard to do when you eat at shelters and sleep on a cot, then are put out the door at 7 a.m. — to go where? What can you do with yourself all day?
Oh, yes, we can fight a war to help other nations. But what about our own citizens who need help? We put them on the streets and let the shelters do the best they can.
Shame on the United States. We can do better than this — and we should.
— Sheila Carlton, Ojai
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:21 PM
Torture loophole
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice clearly stated that Americans are prohibited from torturing prisoners both here and abroad. However, she failed to say anything about the torturing of prisoners by foreign interrogators!
I would also like to know why we ship prisoners to such “special” countries as Syria, Egypt, Russia and Romania. These certainly are not the most democratic, progressive countries, and it is safe to assume that there are foreign interrogators there.
— Marvin Krantz, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:03 PM
Happy Hanukkah
Re: Dorothy Campagna’s Dec. 20 letter, “Meaning of Christmas” and Jean Leighton’s Dec. 20 letter, “So what?”:
Without Hanukkah, there would be no Christmas.
When the Greek-Syrians conquered Judea (Israel), they expected that the Jews would simply assimilate into the Greek culture, as did every other people conquered. And some Jews did. They dressed as the Greeks did, spoke Greek, and even bowed down to Greek idols. Most Jews, however, refused to give up their religion.
Encouraged by the “reasonable” Jews and angered by Jews who insisted on remaining Jewish, King Antiochus IV outlawed Judaism. Those who were caught practicing Judaism were killed.
Soldiers would go from town to town forcing Jews to slaughter and eat pigs — an animal that God forbids Jews to eat — and to bow down to Greek gods. Those who didn’t were killed.
Things looked bad for Judaism. But a group of Jews, under the leadership of Judah the Maccabee, fought back. This was the first fight ever for religious freedom! And even though the Jews, who were farmers and not soldiers, were greatly outnumbered by the trained Greek army, they won the right to religious freedom.
Had the Jews lost this war, they would have died out, either killed by the Syrian-Greeks or assimilated into the Greek culture. No Jews, no Jesus, no Christmas. And no Islam.
Nor would there be America as we know it because the Pilgrims would not have come here for religious freedom. If not for Hanukkah, the world would be a totally different place than it is today.
So Dorothy, Jean and everyone else: Happy Hanukkah!
— Tobi Ruth Love, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:58 PM
Geriatric unit needed
It is with great sadness that I read of the coming closure of the geriatric unit at St. John’s Hospital on Dec. 31.
This unit has played an important role in our community, one that no other Ventura County facility can match.
It is able to evaluate the special mental health needs of adults over 60, providing a complete work-up by sorting through the complex medical and psychiatric symptoms of older adults.
In addition, it admits a person who may be a danger to his or her self or others, something only the County Medical Center psychiatric unit can do. However, the county’s unit is not equipped to give specialized care needed by older adults.
As a result, we will be taking our older adult parents or loved ones with mental health symptoms we cannot understand or control to the already strained local emergency rooms. Since there is no facility in the county, they will be referred to an out-of- county facility — if there is a bed — which will make it difficult to visit and communicate with the staff. In addition to causing further pain for our seniors, this will add to the suffering and heartache of family members.
We understand that this is about funding, that the federal Medicare and Medi-Cal dollars are not enough for profitability. We know that the new State Mental Health Services Act monies cannot be used for inpatient care. But we are hopeful that our leaders in county government and healthcare can find a way to keep an inpatient geriatric unit in our county, serving the mental health needs of our older adults.
— Paula Osterbrink, LCSW Chair, Older Adult Committee,
Ventura County Mental Health Board, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:45 PM
Living abroad pays off
Re: your Nov. 28 editorial, “Outsourcing boomers”:
This editorial was quite intriguing. While the knee-jerk response may be, “Are you out of your mind?” the article makes a lot of common sense.
Both Social Security and Medicare are in financial trouble. The outsourcing of boomers can provide relief to this problem by lowering these costs, providing this “remedy” to our citizens is purely “optional.” We don’t want to force Americans to leave, just show them they can get more bang for the buck elsewhere.
The beauty of Social Security is that you can take your money anywhere. Obviously, $1,000 goes a lot further, say, in Panama, than it does here.
Medicare seems a bit more problematic. At the present time, we don’t seem to have agreements with any other countries to accept Medicare as payment. I have to believe that a U.S. financial assignment of the effective cost of funding this benefit to the host resident country would have to be a profit center for them, while simultaneously reducing costs for the U.S. taxpayer.
A couple of months ago, “60 Minutes” did an expose on Americans seeking healthcare in Thailand and India. Suffice it to say, both individuals received excellent quality care at a fraction of the U.S. price. In fact, several of the treating doctors were American-trained.
Let us face it: Americans can get more bang for the buck living abroad, while simultaneously reducing the financial burden on U.S. taxpayers. We need to do something to lower these costs. Let’s give this some serious consideration.
— Steven L. Miller, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:30 PM
Troubled by death penalty
Re: Joe Howry’s Dec. 11 essay, “Death penalty questions”:
Mr. Howry’s very thoughtful piece on the death penalty raised a number of very important questions concerning this pillar of our justice system. Some important ones:
— Is the death penalty, as it is administered in the United States, fair and equitable?
— Given the number of errors that occur in our judicial system, can we be sure that everyone put to death deserves to die?
However, Robert J. Meadows, in his Dec. 18 commentary, strangely ignores such questions in attempting to convince us, in his pro-death-penalty piece, that the primary objective of punishment is retribution. I find this quite astonishing, even shocking, coming from the chairman of the Criminal Justice Department at California Lutheran University.
Is Meadows not at all troubled by the fact that more than 100 death-row inmates have been cleared by DNA tests and other technological advances in recent years? Is he unaware that a June 2000 study by Columbia law professor James S. Liebman found that state and federal courts were overturning death sentences in 68 percent of all capital cases, that only 18 percent of those retried got the death penalty, and 9 percent of those retried were found innocent?
Liebman further found that, “In 63 of the 99 exonerations the mistake was discovered only after the highest state court had upheld the capital verdict at least once.”
Surely such facts must raise questions about our justice system to any thinking person. I am wondering why they were considered to be of such little importance as to be left out of Meadows’ argument.
Another interesting observation: Amnesty International reported in 2001 that four countries were responsible for 90 percent of executions that year: China, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Food for thought?
— Ron Bottorff, Newbury Park
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:18 PM
Tainted spending bill
I am disappointed that politicians have jeopardized the $453 billion military spending bill by tacking on the issue of Arctic oil drilling.
They show that their support of our soldiers is negotiable. They are willing to gamble with troop funding in order to pass a bill that was vetoed when it was part of the budget.
Shamefully, supporters of Arctic oil drilling will be the first to accuse anyone who holds up the military appropriations bill as “un-American” and “not supporting our troops.”
I support California Sen. Dianne Feinstein in her opposition to the tainted defense spending bill. I suggest supporters of Arctic oil drilling show their support for our troops by removing the Arctic oil provisions to guarantee passage of the Department of Defense budget.
Our troops deserve better.
— Kathy Matthews, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:17 PM
America’s motto
When are we going to stop letting others take away our civil rights? In a democracy, does the majority rule or not?
Do most people in America believe in God or not? I believe they do. We may not all believe the same things about him, but we do believe he does exist.
The motto of our country is “In God We Trust.” It is printed on all our money, both in currency and coin. The graves of our fallen servicemen and women are marked with a cross, and some of our cities have a cross on their logos and flags.
The American Civil Liberties Union says that is a no-no. It does not even want public parks to have a cross or any reference to religion. It claims that the government should not be connected with religion at all.
If that is true, then we will have to get rid of most congressmen, senators and the president. Most of them believe in God.
How long will we, the majority, put up with all this? There’s no prayer in school or before a sports games. If there are nonbelievers present, they should excuse themselves and remove themselves from the vicinity. If there are nonbelievers in the parks, they don’t have to look at the crosses either. Why should their rights override others’ rights? If they don’t like our motto, let them go live somewhere that has a motto they like. It’s still America, isn’t it?
It’s true, that the government should not be run by a church or any other religious body. That way we can all believe what we believe to be correct and act accordingly.
May God be praised for our freedom. If you don’t like it here, then leave. We won’t miss you.
— Jack Killian, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:15 PM
Pounding the pavement
Re: your Dec. 20 news brief, “Outlook bleak for city transit strike accord”:
I wonder how many pounds were lost in the city of New York just this first morning by so many people walking to work instead of riding. A long walk sounds like a good thing for many of us in my opinion. It would be an interesting study to have done if we had thought ahead.
— Clarence H. Fredrickson, Newbury Park
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:14 PM
Only terrorists win
Until it is proven that the president is doing something illegal, people should keep their opinions that he is guilty to themselves, especially in time of war.
The problem is that no one, especially the Democrats, wants to give the president the benefit of the doubt.
Further, why should law-abiding citizens be concerned about their phone conversations being overheard and used against them? Do people not believe that if any American had their “privacy and civil liberties” violated by this eavesdropping that lawyers would be like hungry sharks coming in for the kill?
Not to worry, terrorists. When the sun sets on the Patriot Act, it will make it easier for you to purchase cell phones to make those clandestine phone calls anywhere in the world.
We are in a war. The enemy does not respect any laws, they do not respect human rights, they do not respect the lives of innocent women and children, and they do not respect the Geneva Conventions. They will do anything they can to kill Americans. It is the duty of the president to do anything he can to protect Americans and the sovereignty of the United States.
Tying the hands of the National Security Administration and the CIA is not going to help win the war on terror. An impotent CIA is probably the main reason Sept. 11 happened in the first place.
Since the Patriot Act has been implemented, how many cases of abuse have been documented?
The short title of the Patriot Act is: Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act of 2001. It seems we are not doing that. It seems that too many Americans have forgotten Sept. 11.
Now we must give up any form of coercion, eavesdropping, plucking terrorists out of nowhere and sending them to “secret” prisons — and the Patriot Act.
All of this is good news for the terrorists and only serves to help them promote their “religious duty to acquire weapons o