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February 27, 2006
Time to read with a child
On March 2, the education support professionals of the Ventura Classified Employees Association want to get the word out about the importance of children’s literacy.
The National Education Association’s Read Across America is a year-round literacy project that encourages readers, both young and old, to celebrate reading.
This year, NEA’s Read Across America is a multicultural, multi-hatted affair. And in celebration of the growing diversity of America’s public schools, we will continue with “Lea con La NEA” (“Read with NEA”), the Spanish bilingual program designed to reach out to the Hispanic community.
Right here in Ventura, we’re getting into the reading excitement, too. VCEA members — which consist of custodians, office managers, bus drivers, employees in child nutrition services, technology workers, para-educators and grounds and maintenance employees, just to name a few — will be reading at one of our elementary schools here in the Ventura Unified School District. VCEA will also donate a book to each elementary school in Ventura Unified.
On NEA’s Read Across America Day, join in on the fun because you’re never too old, too wacky or too wild to pick up a book and read with a child!
— Lupe Gallegos, President,
Ventura Classified Employees Association, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:04 PM
If it’s unsafe here, it’s unsafe there
Re: Deidre Frank’s Feb. 24 letter, “Area will have enough LNG”:
This letter regarding liquefied natural gas was an eye-opener. What of the argument the anti-LNGers were using about how the proposed pipeline was going to cut through the low-income area of Oxnard, that they were the poor, unwilling pawns of the evil, greedy corporations who could care less about them? What about the “nuclear blast” that could occur if this LNG terminal went up? I suppose it is OK for the people of Ensenada to worry about these problems, as long as Ms. Frank is able to get her natural gas without having to worry about it.
What a sad and arrogant position. If all the arguments the anti-LNGers are using are true, then why is it OK to build these plants anywhere?
I really feel all this is, and will continue to be, not about safety, but more about “not in my back yard. Just keep the gas flowing, and keep it cheap. Who cares where it comes from, as long as I have it and the problem is someone else’s.”
Sad.
— James Foster, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:57 AM
Black and white history
Re: Boyce Clark’s Feb. 19 article, “We are still learning history lessons”:
In his article, Mr. Clark mentioned an “Andrew Dunford of Louisiana with 75 slaves.”
Andrew (1800-1859) was the eldest son of Thomas Durnford, an English white, and Rosealina Mercier, a New Orleans free black.
Thomas, at the age of 15 in 1775, came to West Florida with his cousin, Elias Durnford, the newly appointed lieutenant governor of Florida’s British Colony. He worked as a clerk in Elias' office.
After the investment of Fort Charlotte and the occupation of West Florida by the Spanish in 1880, most of the British — including Elias, his family and staff — were returned to England, except Thomas, who stayed on as Elias’ land agent and settled in New Orleans.
Son Andrew became a leading black planter and at his death had owned the 1,285-acre St. Rosaline Plantation, about 33 miles south of New Orleans, and 77 slaves.
Some 85 years later, during World War II, in an Army hospital somewhere in England, a young white Durnford, to his surprise, met a young black Durnford. Both had been badly wounded, and both were in the same hospital.
— Ynez D. Haase, Fillmore
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:44 AM
Speed up executions
I never understood why it takes California so long to get its condemned executed. I think we should be using Texas’ system, which appears to shave 15 or 20 years of appeals off the time needed to go from court to death chamber.
Now California is adding a new delaying tactic, one that I understand even less than the time delay. Heaven forbid that the condemned feel any pain at their execution!
There is no doubt that Michael Morales committed the crime. Did he have any regard for the pain inflicted on his victim as he hit her more than 20 times with a hammer after a failed strangling attempt but before he raped and stabbed her?
If Mr. Morales thinks the mode of execution in California is unfair, I suggest that he be given the choice of our tried-and-true injection method or being put to death in the manner in which he killed his victim. Which do you think he would find more humane?
— Sharyn Robinette, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:27 AM
Put promises in writing
In April, we will be asked to annex thousands of acres in Adams Canyon in favor of a developer who is seeking to donate 40 acres for a school site. In exchange, the developer and owners will develop at least 495 luxury homes and a few other amenities. The language being used in the proposal does not guarantee that the number would never go higher, as it did when we voted for Fagan Canyon in 2000.
Residents were seriously misled when we approved the Fagan development after a promise that only 400 homes would ever be built. The City Council members sold our vote in favor of five times as many new homes, increasing the traffic impact by 500 percent.
How do we know for sure that the developer in Adams Canyon is not trying to lie to us for our vote in the same manner? How do we know that the developer is not only trying to get the land annexed to the city, but then will turn around and say they will build 3,000 homes instead? Who knows if the City Council won’t sell our city to the developers once again and betray the city residents once again?
How do we know that the developer will keep its promise, even when it is not in writing?
I am also concerned that Limoneira is trying to build another 1,700-plus homes on the east end, in exchange for another 40-acre school site. Is only one new school enough to cover new kids from kindergarten to high school from those extra 1,700-plus homes? Or will they overcrowd our burdened school district?
I’m sorry, but my vote requires more than 40 acres for one school. The developers must insure that they put everything they promise in writing. They must do more than give some empty land and ask the city residents to pay for a school they will need the most.
Help me defeat this promise that is not in writing. Vote no on Measure Y until they put it in legal writing.
— Gabriel Guillen, Santa Paula
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:06 AM
McClintock is going places
Re: your Feb. 26 article, “McClintock assumes mantle of statesman as keynote speaker at Republican convention”:
We have known Tom McClintock since he was a teenager, decades ago, and even then he was an exceptionally able and dedicated young man. His hard-hitting, insightful political columns were widely printed and discussed in this part of the world, and few who admired those columns realized the author was still in school.
In the years since then, in elected office, Tom has served his constituents well. Like Abraham Lincoln and others before him, Tom has experienced both success and loss, but his reputation as a straightforward man of the people has seen him through to the point that today, the name “McClintock” is synonymous with clear, analytical thinking and intrepid forthrightness.
Even people who don’t share his fiscally conservative views concede that Tom McClintock is an honest man. His wide base of grassroots support has always included numerous small, individual donors, and these days even the deep-pockets folks recognize Tom’s steadfast courage and impressive leadership potential.
We have been privileged to know Tom’s family of origin for decades, all exceptionally talented individuals with high standards of personal integrity. Tom’s own beautiful family is a great asset to him as well.
At long last, Tom is getting the statewide recognition he deserves. The headline on the front page of our county newspaper proclaiming that “Tom McClintock has assumed the mantle of statesman” is an accurate reflection of today’s truth. Tom is now being appreciated for what he is: a man of integrity with a detailed vision of what is needed to save the state, as well as the guts and determination to see it through. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is wise to befriend this steadfast man whose stellar qualities are of the lasting variety. He’s going someplace.
One of these fine days, mark our words, Tom McClintock will make it all the way to governor, and, we’re convinced, ultimately beyond. We’re just standing by the door waiting for the day the invitation to Tom’s inaugural ball finally gets here. Our ballgown and tux are now swaying in the closets, the dancing shoes have started tapping themselves, and we’re hoping this letter will cinch our chances of waltzing the night away in glittering finery when that great day finally arrives.
— Don and Maryanne (“Mia”) Leonard, Westlake Village
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:57 AM
“Why We Fight’ explains much
Given the importance of the media in our system of government and The Star’s participation in it, I believe The Star should vigorously encourage everyone of voting age to see the movie, “Why We Fight.”
Few people who face reality still think that the United States did and is doing the right thing in Iraq, or that the situation is under control.
This documentary examines the domestic and foreign policies that led us to our present position, beginning with President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who warned against the “military/industrial complex” becoming too strong. His vision was right on target, and we now are on a permanent war footing, to the detriment of the needs of our citizens.
The film uses actual footage of top officials making assertions that led us into war and later denying them. It presents both sides of the major issues and lets the viewer decide. It traces the development of the American superpower over several decades with emphasis on the last six years. There are also personal stories.
It is definitely not boring. It is a “must see!”
— Robert H. Byrnes, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:44 AM
Credit cards carry benefits
Most of the people I’ve talked to don’t realize the additional benefits afforded them by their credit cards.
During the holidays, I rented a vehicle and placed the charge on my Visa card. I did not pay the additional amount for insurance coverage offered by the car rental company because I have my own insurance, but with a $1,000 deductible.
The vehicle was vandalized and the bill came to $1,150. Instead of me paying my $1,000 deductible, my Visa card paid the entire amount because I used their card when renting the vehicle.
The Buyers Security Program also covers most items purchased with the card against theft, fire, or accidental breakage, in excess of other applicable insurance, for a period of 90 days.
Likewise $3,000 common carrier lost luggage is included, as well as additional extended warranty on products purchased and automatic travel accident life insurance in the amount of $1 million.
I urge everyone to check their own credit card and become familiar with the benefits they are entitled to if they use the card when purchasing items.
— Mike Bigley, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:40 AM
Women need information
Re: Kathryn Jean Lopez's Feb. 20 commentary, “There’s something really criminal about prime time ‘legal’”:
I applaud “Boston Legal” for its compassion and knowledge.
Ms. Lopez condemns the show for making Valentine's Day a political lecture. What better day than Valentine's to support the right of women to receive knowledge of all their options and, yes, make an informed decision about their reproductive rights?
I am one of those “reproductive rights” supporters that Lopez referred to, and as an activist for women, I am educated about Plan B/the morning after pill/emergency contraceptive, which is all the same drug. Based on the comments of Lopez, she is obviously not educated about it.
Per Susan Wood, previously the director of women’s health at the Food and Drug Administration, “Plan B consists of two high-dose birth control pills that prevent ovulation and reduce the chance of an egg being fertilized.” It is not an abortifacient.
If Plan B is used within 24 hours of unprotected sex, it is 95 percent effective in preventing an unintended pregnancy. If used within 72 hours, it is 75 percent effective.
James Trussell of the FDA advisory panel stated, “Plan B could reduce by half the 3 million unintended pregnancies in the U.S. every year, and further reduce by half the 1.3 million abortions performed annually.”
It is about time that efforts are made to educate women about their options, in spite of the efforts made by the “anti-choice supporters” that would rather keep them ignorant and pregnant.
— Jodell Haws, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:33 AM
Unwarranted disrespect
Re: your Feb. 24 article, “Wipeout”:
I was disappointed to see this headline and the accompanying photo of U.S. Olympic figure skater Sasha Cohen as she fell in her final program. Is this how The Star treats those who have achieved greatness? With all the unpleasant things happening in the world, can we not enjoy the positive without twisting it into a negative? As our Olympic Silver Medalist, she deserved The Star’s praise after such an impressive award was earned.
— Julie Tan, Newbury Park
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:25 AM
February 22, 2006
Just enforce the law
When is this going to end about the death penalty executions? Just enforce the law! The same goes for border patrol laws. Just enforce the law!
— Don Schweltzer, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:46 AM
Why is Morales worried?
I believe that if Michael Morales is truly remorseful for his crime, then he should have no problem meeting with the Lord. He’ll be sent to a much better place in the hereafter, which would be much nicer than death row, where he is now. My question is: What does he have to worry about?
— Alfredo Alvarado, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:44 AM
Shorten time on death row
California should not allow death row appeals to go on forever. Why should convicted felons be permitted to live for many years past a reasonable time after being sentenced? A limited time for appeals is needed.
Michael Morales has been on death row for 23 years, six years longer than Terri Winchell lived. Why must we, taxpayers, support him and others while they live long lives. If California does not put to death these offenders, then they should be sentenced to life without parole. It is cheaper to house felons in “regular” cell blocks than on death row.
As to the criminals who have had a change of heart and are now remorseful or made a difference somehow in the public eye, we all change as we get older and review our past. It’s something their victims didn’t get a chance to do.
I feel that if California has a death penalty, it should be used. Appeals should be limited to three years. If anyone says the death penalty is inhumane, what about how their victims were treated?
— Judy Miller, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:43 AM
Some killers should die
I am a left-wing, semi-socialist, tree-hugging liberal, following the “humanist” dogma of anti-capital punishment for years. Recently I have changed my mind. Let me list some reasons:
— There are indeed evil people in this world, people who do unthinkably cruel deeds like Michael Morales. Given a fair trial and plenty of time for appeals, he’s guilty, guilty, guilty.
— One of the arguments I have heard is that we can “study” the mind of a murderer and help prevent future murderers from committing their acts. I’d like to see one study of Charles Manson or Richard Ramirez that has prevented someone else from killing.
— I resent paying tax monies for keeping someone like Charles Manson alive, healthy and well for the past 40-plus years at, let’s say, $35,000 per year while cutting back on education I’d rather see a couple of “Charles Manson scholarships” awarded to deserving college students.
— I understand that correctional institutions are a growing industry in this state, and with people demanding more severe punishments and prisons, I don’t see an end.
— Regarding the problem of executing a person who is innocent, let’s take care of those few cases by trying to eliminate cases where there is no forensic or eyewitness evidence, until such evidence can be provided. There is still room for life-sentence convictions, in my opinion. Mr. Morales’ case is not such an example.
The question of “humane” execution has been around for a long time. The French tried to settle it with the guillotine. It’s not going to end, no matter how we do it. Why not give the condemned a lethal shot of heroin and let him leave this earth on a great high? Why not have someone walk up behind him and put a 50-cent bullet in the back of his head when he least expects it?
We can’t afford health care for decent, taxpaying citizens in the state. Why can we afford good health and dental care, plus food and housing for those who have committed the worst possible crimes? Does it make sense to continue “mercy” for those who have done horrible crimes while denying decent lives to those who are at the least innocent?
— Mike McDermit, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:42 AM
Softer pillows, please
I could not help but notice that the gurney Michael Morales would would lie upon during his execution is not made of Memory Foam. Is this not cruel and unusual punishment for someone whose only crime was to strangle a person and then beat them on the head with a hammer 23 times and stab them four times in the chest? What is this world coming to?
— Michael J. E. Burge, San Buenaventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:41 AM
Physician-assisted death
Re: Dr. Robert Dodge’s Feb. 19 commentary, “Real doctors don’t monitor state executions”:
The anesthesiologists who will make Michael Morales unconscious are not the ones who are putting him to death. He will not feel any pain, and to me, that is a very humane thing to do. It’s too bad that there wasn’t an anesthesiologist to place Terri Winchell in an unconscious state prior to Mr. Morales torturing, raping and killing her.
I would like to know how Dr. Dodge feels about Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act, in which doctors can give prescriptions to assist in the death of humans. More than 208 people have died due to physician-assisted suicides since 1998. What does Dr. Dodge say about that?
— Bill Vaughn, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:40 AM
Growth not always bad
I moved to Moorpark in early 1979. The population was barely 5,000. Schools were adequate, but hardly award-winning. Shopping consisted of Spencer’s and Central markets and Whitaker Hardware. The only park was about an acre by the college.
My husband and I came primarily because it was the only place in Southern California we could afford, but also because of its beautiful surroundings. It wasn’t unusual to run across rabbits. We occasionally had to wait while sheep crossed Tierra Rejada Road. Crows, ravens and occasional hawks and turkey vultures were the only birds.
Enter the mass influx of people in the 1980s and early ’90s. There were protests that Mountain Meadows, the majority of Peach Hill and most of the homes around the college shouldn’t be built. As a result of the newcomers, our schools became stellar, we gained jobs, shopping, wonderful parks and a host of other amenities.
True, we lost the sheep. I rarely see rabbits anymore. However, my backyard is filled with all types of birds never seen in Moorpark before because new homeowners planted vegetation that supplied food and shelter for finches, mockingbirds, robins, etc.
Now comes North Park. With its lake, proposed fire station and road improvements, it will make our little city even better. We’re putting about half the homes of Mountain Meadows on four times the land.
I don’t want Ventura County to turn into Orange County. I’m not worried that if this project fails, the county will do something drastic. I’ve witnessed the advantages that can come with new development. I favor North Park because it’s a good plan and will help Moorpark continue to thrive.
Of course, the development will be built by a company from elsewhere; there are no developers in Moorpark. Every Moorpark neighborhood was built by out-of-towners.
— Debra Ryono, Moorpark
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:38 AM
New fire station can wait
Re: Chad Sourbeer’s Feb. 21 letter, “Fire station big benefit”:
Mr. Sourbeer states that he was “attacked” by local firefighters for not working locally and voicing his opinion on the North Park development as a firefighter.
He was not “attacked.” The method in which the developer portrayed Sourbeer was questioned. The developer and Councilman Clint Harper implied firefighters were in favor of the North Park development.
I am the person Sourbeer refers to in his letter, and I have indeed been a local firefighter, serving the city and citizens of Moorpark for more than 13 years. I have lived in Moorpark since 1987, and I, too, am raising a family in our wonderful city.
I and other county firefighters called into question implications that certain groups favor North Park when Sourbeer’s name and photo were used to sell the fact that Moorpark firefighters were for this project.
This is not true. I polled 24 Ventura County firefighters who live here. Of the 24 polled, 18 stated no and five were undecided — a stark contrast to statements made by the developer and Harper.
Without North Park, a fire station is not necessary at this time. We have two fire stations in Moorpark. Hopefully, the developer will stop referring to the “one” station it thinks we have.
Firefighters would love to have another fire station so they can work close to home. But they still say no to the project because it is not worth giving up the lifestyle they currently have. At the right time, new fire stations will be placed.
North Park is a phenomenal master disaster for Moorpark. We need to take care of our city’s core issues and manage the effects of the growth we are currently experiencing. We are adequately protected.
It is our town. Get out and vote.
— Ron Sandor, Moorpark
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:36 AM
February 20, 2006
No choices for victim
It simply amazes me that there are lawyers out there, Ken Starr included, who feel very badly about the execution of Michael Morales, still living 20 years after the murder of 17-year-old Terri Winchell.
The claim of inhuman punishment by a lethal injection that may cause excessive pain is very interesting!
Suppose he were given the choice of dying by the same method that he chose for his victim, a half hour of beating and stabbing, or a two-minute twinge of a needle? What do you think this coward would choose? What do you think he should get after living the last 20 years since snuffing out the life of a 17-year-old girl?
- Don Mueller, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:16 PM
Clemency isn’t deserved
Are we causing pain with the lethal injection? Are we causing death “from whose bourne no traveler returns?”
First of all, how do we know we are causing pain?
Second, did the victim suffer pain while she was being strangled with a belt, then hit with a hammer, then stabbed with a knife?
Should we allow clemency to this criminal because he said he was sorry and because he promises to be good for the rest of his life in prison?
And — let’s get real here — will we pay our good money to feed, clothe and comfort him in a clean bed, as we have been doing for the past quarter of a century, until he eventually dies, and, until then, furnish him clean water, fresh air and allow him to keep his body fit, exercising in the prison yard? This will take the just out of justice.
Clemency is like putting a bandage over an infected, oozing sore. It can only go on to infect the rest of the body, and here the concern is the body politic.
The criminals say, “Let’s do our thing in America. If we’re caught, they’ll go easy on us, even if it’s some merciless, heinous killing. We’ll just say we’re sorry!”
Refusing the clemency plea is the realistic, brave thing to do.
— Jimm Giles, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:15 PM
Jesus popular on death row
As the old saying goes, “There are no atheists in foxholes.”
Many death row inmates and life sentence prisoners have “found Jesus.” This includes former Manson Family member Susan Atkins, who has been denied parole 11 times.
— Kerrie L. Cortez, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:15 PM
What’s cruel? What’s unusual?
Do I have this right? Michael Morales and his attorneys think a lethal injection is a “cruel and unusual” punishment. OK, why not execute him in the same manner he killed Terri Winchell? Start by choking him with a belt. When the belt breaks, hammer his head repeatedly until he begins ripping out his own hair by the roots. Oh, then have him raped and stabbed until he’s no longer breathing.
Is everyone as sickened as I am to read about what he did and the claim that a lethal injection is “cruel and unusual?”
I can only wonder what Terri Winchell would have done with 25 more years of life — maybe college, maybe a career, maybe marriage, maybe raise a family, maybe even have grandchildren.
We know what Morales has done with 25 more years of his life. Oh, yes, he’s “accepted responsibility for his crime.” I don’t think so, because when one accepts responsibility for one’s actions, one also accepts the consequences, which he has fought for 25 years.
Morales’ claim of being a changed man is not a legal issue. It’s between him and his god. He’ll find out very soon if his god accepts his claim.
— Judith A. Beay, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:14 PM
Anger is no solution
Re: Richard Larsen’s Feb. 14 essay, “Go ahead, get a bit angry”:
Once a week, I can entertain myself beyond the cartoon section by reading the adventures of Richard Larsen.
Larsen must be a most informed individual, privy to what is said at Cabinet meetings, GOP board meetings, and gatherings of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He knows what has been said and also their attitudes and ambitions. He writes on the editorial page, which gives him the freedom to speculate without stating that what he writes is his opinion and utilizes the forum to make statements implying his writing is fact.
In his recent article, he advocates “anger” as a solution to America’s problems — which seems more madness than anger.
Larsen also appears to be a spokesman for the Democratic Party and defends the oratory skills of politicians such as Sen. Hillary Clinton and former Vice President Al Gore as something more refined than anger and rant. Compare the shouting of Hillary Clinton to the refined and educated reasoning of Sen. Dianne Feinstein or the blathering of Al Gore to the responsible rationale of Sen. Joe Lieberman.
Yes, Mr. Larsen, promote anger. What a solution to our country’s problems!
— Bob Harmuth, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:55 AM
Democrats seek out women
With the continued right-wing majority in government and the two recent disastrous Supreme Court appointees, women's rights are seriously threatened.
Our hard-won civil liberties, a gift from the fearless women who came before us, are in danger. To do our part to help protect these rights, it's important that we, as women, increase our involvement in the local political process. Even within our own political party, we cannot be complacent.
I'd like to personally encourage each woman to consider running for a Democratic Central Committee seat in your supervisorial district. You can file to run at no cost. You simply need to go to the Elections Division at the Government Center in Ventura to pick up a petition. It must be turned in by March 10 and have 20 verifiable signatures of registered voters from your district.
More women on the Democratic Central Committee means that we will maintain a strong voice for our issues at the local and state party levels. And we need women with diverse backgrounds - young or old, rich or poor, white, black, Latina or Asian, straight or lesbian, mothers, daughters, grandmothers - the party needs you!
- Laura Winchester,
Ventura County Democratic Central Committee, District 2, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:42 AM
History shows anger lacking
Re: Richard Larsen’s Feb. 14 essay, “Go ahead, get a bit angry”:
Mr. Larsen is in good company. It was in the 5th century that St. Augustine had this to say: “Hope has two lovely daughters: anger and courage. Anger at what is wrong; courage to set it right.”
Looking back to a closer time in history, Nazi Germany in the 1930s, one wonders at what point the German people could and should have shown the anger and courage to stop the Adolf Hitler juggernaut. When Hitler in effect declared himself to be above the law? When he began shrinking civil liberties? When he started spying on his own people? When he condoned torture? When he took the German nation to war based on lies?
In years hence, I wonder if historians will look back on the first decade of the 21st century and ask the same questions — if by then they are free to do so — about the American people and the Bush administration.
— Michael Briley, Ojai
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:36 AM
Different sort of anger
Re: Richard Larsen’s Feb. 14 essay, “Go ahead, get a bit angry”:
I thank The Star for the nice valentine in the form of another missive by its pathological “whiner-in-chief,” Richard Larsen.
In a recent rant, Larsen bemoaned the idea that America was in danger of sinking like Atlantis. If only his dream for America would go that way!
Now, he complains that Republicans are trying to make the Democrats look “angry.” I think that the party of renowned vein-poppers Howard “The Scream” Dean, Al Gore and Ted Kennedy — whose rage makes me think his head is going to start spinning around a la Linda Blair and who has no business questioning the integrity of someone like Justice Samuel Alito or Howard Stern, for that matter — needs no help in that regard from the Republicans. “Angry Republican” is almost as much of an oxymoron as “liberal think tank.”
Larsen makes our case so well himself when he states that Republicans “want to make Democrats appear as angry people, as curmudgeons who can’t find anything good and who, in failing to have ideas of their own, can only denigrate everything they see.” And his point is?
Larsen points out the “little hanky panky” in the Oval Office by former President Clinton is perceived by Republicans to be worse than the “unnecessary” war in Iraq. Can Larsen say “perjury”?
Larsen also asks if the mounting deaths of Americans in Iraq makes our blood boil. Republicans grieve at the loss of every one of our fallen heroes. Every one of them was a terrible loss suffered by their families and friends. Keep in mind that the worst month for loss of American lives in Iraq is about 44, while the worst month in Vietnam — July 1968, I believe — was more than 2,400.
And, oh yes, let’s not forget the 44 million American lives ended by defenseless unborn babies since Roe v. Wade. No tears from Larsen for them!
Am I angry? You bet I am!
— Gerald Harman, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:34 AM
Find alternatives to abortion
Re: Clara Allen’s Feb. 6 letter, “Planned Parenthood welcome”:
Ms. Allen states that the Thousand Oaks Planned Parenthood office does not do abortions, but if you call them, you will get an abortion option. So if the Thousand Oaks office does not actually perform abortions as yet, they are a conduit to abortions. In fact they are the nation’s largest abortion providers, making millions of dollars in doing so and receiving taxpayers’ money as well. They have an agenda!
Ms. Allen lists other services that are provided at the Thousand Oaks clinic, and if they would eliminate any connection with abortion services and provide only positive solutions that are actually beneficial to women, such as — dare I say the word? — adoption, which is available just next door on Hillcrest Road at Holy Family Services, there would be no problem. Women’s Resource Center and Life Centers of Ventura County also provide positive, free solutions.
Abortion is enormously destructive to women in every aspect of their being. It also promotes the attitude of male entitlement to sex on demand no matter the consequences to the women and children involved.
Abortion is definitely not pro-woman.
For more details on the Planned Parenthood we know, go to the Right to Life League of Southern California site at www.rtllsc.org. Parents might also want to check out the Planned Parenthood’s teen site to get an idea of what they’re really pedaling here in our “safe city.”
— Dorothy Hage, Newbury Park
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:32 AM
Radio host will be missed
I just wanted to take a moment to say that I am very proud of the fact that I had the chance to work with Dave Ciniero for more than 15 years at KVEN, from a time before the “Dave and Bob Show” started, until they left for KVTA in 1999.
Dave was a very special man and a hard one to get to know on a personal level. He was as shy and reserved at times off the air as he was so outgoing and funny on the air. That changed over the years, though, and when I worked part-time at KVTA in 2002-2003, it seemed to me that Dave was much happier and more at ease. His family was always of primary importance to him, so it was no surprise when I learned that he had moved back to Rhode Island and continued the show through “the magic of radio.”
Suffice it to say what so many others have: The man was brilliant and very talented. In sports it is said that the true mark of a star is that he makes everyone else on his team better. Without doubt, I now realize that Dave Ciniero did that for us at KVEN.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Rich Gualano, Tom Spence, everyone at Gold Coast Broadcasting, and KVTA’s many listeners. I know that Dave is now in a very special place, right alongside at least a couple of other greats we’ve lost from KVEN’s Golden Years — Frank Haines and Doug Drigot.
— Barry Turnbull, La Conchita
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:31 AM
Keep the country feel
We’re seeing a David vs. Goliath battle in Moorpark.
The Chicago-based public relations firm for North Park’s developers has already reported spending nearly half a million dollars to persuade us to say yes to their huge project. The local No On North Park campaign has spent $11,000 out of $20,000 collected.
The promoters of North Park have slick ad campaigns showing happy people walking along a lovely lake behind Moorpark College. But what I’m already seeing is miles of stop-and-go traffic along Highway 118 most afternoons. More people means more cars. That’s a fact. How can adding thousands of new houses to Moorpark possibly improve our quality of life and lead to happy walks along a lake?
While the David side of this equation ponies up dollar bills, the Goliath side is giving fat contributions to local youth organizations in their effort to butter up us naive Moorpark bumpkins. Don’t get me wrong. We can use those contributions, but do any of us really believe North Park developers care about our children and their sports? Could it be just a calculated part of their campaign to buy us with their Goliath-sized bankroll?
I grew up in Orange County and watched acre after acre of orange groves and strawberry fields disappear under cement, asphalt, houses and apartments. I much prefer mountains and oak trees. And I like raccoons and possums, owls and egrets and even coyotes better than more traffic lights and more cars.
Let’s keep Moorpark as livable as possible and not turn it into another San Fernando Valley. Please visit www.NoNorthPark.org and find answers to your questions. Take a look at the aerial map of this Goliath-sized proposal. I always like it when the little guy wins. I’m rooting for David in this battle.
— Diane Crittenden, Moorpark
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:04 AM
Fire station is a big benefit
I want to reiterate my support for Measure A6 and respond to a rather sophomoric mailer distributed recently by opponents.
North Park Village is an outstanding land-use proposal. The applicant is very engaged with the community and offers much to meet the community needs.
A major North Park benefit is providing land and funding for a new fire station near Moorpark College, plus a fire helipad in the hills to the north. Without North Park, it will take many years, if ever, to get a fire station in that area where it is unmistakably needed.
There is talk of a new fire station for an area near the Simi Valley Town Center, but why should Moorpark residents depend on Simi-based firefighters to respond here when we can have a much closer station?
In addition, the helipad will be big enough for three helicopters to land simultaneously to pull water and quench wildfires — a gigantic amenity. Don’t forget that the last huge wildfire in that area occurred just two years ago.
On the recent mailer, I was attacked by local firefighters for merely being a Moorpark resident who happens to be a firefighter with a department other than Ventura County. Regardless, I am a firefighter who understands the importance of getting more fire protection services in town, who also lives and raises a family in Moorpark, so I do indeed understand why A6 is vitally needed.
The firefighter who signed the mailer is stationed in east Simi Valley, so he also is not a “local Moorpark firefighter,” according to their strange parameters.
North Park is a phenomenal master plan for Moorpark. I will vote yes on A6, and I urge all other Moorpark voters to do the same.
— Chad Sourbeer, Moorpark
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:02 AM
North Park is too much
In all wisdom, the people of Moorpark defeated the Messenger Hidden Creek Ranch project 2-to-1 in 1999.
Well, the builders are back once again, this time as North Park Village, L.P. Their proposed massive, mostly gated housing project of 1,680 houses on 3,586 acres of land behind a 14,000-student college would introduce negative quality-of-life issues for Moorpark for generations.
Should we put a project of this size in an area where hillsides must be leveled, endangering the health of residents and destroying wildlife habitat?
Should we put it in a place where cars will be squeezed into a stranded hillside area with only two roads leading to the already overcrowded freeway? Whether or not an additional ramp will be built to the freeway is debatable, as the land for it has not been bought yet.
Should we put a lake in that will need expensive upkeep and will use valuable water in a time when California is headed for water shortages?
The promised parks sound great, but the Parks Department will need to plan and upkeep these, and they are not even in the process yet.
Don’t be intimidated by scares about how the land will be used if the project is defeated. We have Save Our Agricultural Resources — S.O.A.R. — and other protections for the land.
Before you vote, look beyond those endless expensive ads for this project. Go to www.nonorthpark.org and get the facts about North Park.
You will see why Moorpark Mayor Patrick Hunter and scores of others agree that a no vote is still the best course for our community.
— Joyce Hutchison, Moorpark
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:00 AM
February 17, 2006
Article disrespectful
Re: your Jan. 16 article, “Ventura resident fatally stabbed”:
The story about the death of John “Kunda” Orrantia was against Mexican-Americans and disrespectful to the man and his children. You should be ashamed of yourselves.
— Lupe Trevino, Las Cruces, N.M.
Posted by Andrea Howry at 05:15 PM
Contacts, colds not linked
Re: your Feb. 13 article, “Cold comfort”:
In this article, various methods of dealing with the common cold were discussed, and Dr. Woodson Merrell of Columbia University, who has worked diligently to integrate alternative methods into mainstream medical treatment, made the suggestion that “contact lens wearers might want to switch to glasses during cold and flu season” as they may transmit viruses to their eyes and thus infect themselves when handling their lenses.
If the goal of healthy contact lens wearers is to avoid contamination of lenses by viruses and bacteria in the environment, the best method is for them to wash their hands, clean their lenses with the recommended solutions and, very importantly, clean the contact lens case. Many studies have show that the storage case is the leading source of contact lens contamination.
Even with proper instruction, many patients who would never dream of eating off a dirty plate that has been sitting in the bathroom all week will remove their lenses from a case with visible dirt and place the lenses on their eyes.
Even with millions of contact lens wearers, I know of no studies that show they contract cold or flu viruses at a higher rate than non-wearers, even though that may be the case. Contact lens wear is not without risk, but proper care reduces that risk to a very acceptable level. Just as we accept the risk of driving by wearing seat belts, contact lens wearers can accept the risks by washing their hands, cleaning their lenses and washing their storage cases. There is no reason for a normal, healthy individual to stop wearing their lenses.
— Richard L. Anderson, O.D. Camarillo Optometry, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 05:11 PM
Is truth a storm casualty?
You don’t have to be Jesse Jackson to recognize when one pot calls the other black, the poison being cooked is laced with racism.
As if clinging to a rooftop in hurricane-force winds wasn’t enough hot air blowing at ‘em, now the Katrina evacuees are being accused of theft. The Government Accountability Office (oxymoron, anyone?) has determined after months of sleuthing that up to 900,000 of the 2.5 million aid applicants had duplicate or invalid Social Security numbers.
So am I to believe that a group of harried government clerks working only with pencil, paper and no computer access processed almost a million fraudulent claims? About 40 percent of the $2,000 debit cards dispensed were done erroneously? I can buy 10 or 20 percent because of circumstances and the simple fact that looters are always drawn to tragedy and laggards to government money, but really, these numbers make me question whether this is an inside job.
Imagine that, a government employee abusing the system with lavish gifts and pricey hotels. Or is just easier to implicate a populace that is primarily poor and black?
Considering the enormity of the consequences in this blame game, a $400 massage kneads some nervous, achy shoulders — the kind who wears expensive suits and believes responsible behavior is being able to float any excuse. That’s the real rub.
Wherever the current investigation leads, the embodiment of truth should not be another casualty of Hurricane Katrina.
— Mary Alice Altorfer, New Braunfels, Texas
(The writer recently moved to Texas from Carpinteria.)
Posted by Andrea Howry at 04:58 PM
No. 1 cheerleader
One thing that President Bush is good at is that he knows how to cheerlead.
When former CIA Director George Tenet failed to act on known al-Qaida operatives in the United States, the president adorned him with the Medal of Freedom. When former commanding general Tommy Franks failed to capture Osama bin Laden in the critical battle of Tora Bora, the president adorned him with the Medal of Freedom. When the incompetence of Michael Brown, former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, made a worse situation for the people of the South Coast devastated by Hurricane Katrina, Bush was there to praise him with, “Brownie, you’re doing a heck of a job.”
When the war in Iraq is bringing home more dead Americans, wounding thousands and bankrupting the nation with billions of dollars of debt, our president is there to say, “We are winning.”
No matter how bad the score is on the field, there is always the cheerleader to yell a cheer like “Bring ‘em on!” His Yale experience has taught him well to be the great cheerleader of our time.
— Jess Villagomez, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 04:47 PM
Financial runaround
Re: your Feb. 15 article, “Madrona students raise $30,000 at jog-a-thon”:
It was nice to hear that the supporters of Madrona Elementary School in Thousand Oaks cared enough about the school to donate $30,000. However, the school — and countless others like it — missed an opportunity to show their children that fund-raising activities can and should be linked to constructive activities, like cleaning up several miles of local roads or beaches, or logging a certain number of hours reading to senior citizens, or helping at animal shelters, etc. Sadly, the jog-a-thon activity has come to symbolize the real mentality of public school leadership: run around in circles, go nowhere and ask the public to pay you for doing it.
— Paul D. White, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 04:35 PM
No container ships at port
Re: Ann Gist Levin’s Feb. 12 letter, “Cartoon shows scary future”:
It was discouraging to read Ms. Levin of Ventura describe seeing out her kitchen window “huge container ships plowing westward from the Port of Hueneme.” As one of the country’s quintessential niche (breakbulk) ports, it is important to know that container ships do not call at the Port of Hueneme. Most school kids, having toured the port, know this.
With a simple phone call, anybody in the area can make arrangements to tour the port, view operations and see for themselves just what does go on around here rather than rely on faulty information from uninformed but seemingly well- intentioned third parties. I’d like to extend an open invitation for Ms. Levin and anybody else to give us a call, schedule a tour, and learn more about Ventura County’s gateway to world trade.
— Will Berg,
Director of Marketing & Trade Zone Services,
Port of Hueneme / Oxnard Harbor District,
Port Hueneme
Posted by Andrea Howry at 04:24 PM
They’re ‘potatoe’ tots
I am tired of hearing about Dan Quayle and the brunt of jokes he has had to take. Let me enlighten you youngsters.
When I was in sixth grade in 1932-33, our English teacher brought up the spelling of “potato” or “potatoe.” She said the spelling either way was acceptable. She stated the older generation generally spelled it with an “e” on the end. She said she preferred the new spelling without the “e.” However, if we spelled it with an “e,” she would not grade off.
I figured the person who wrote that spelling for Mr. Quayle was a student of the old school. So let’s stop the jokes about Mr. Quayle’s spelling.
— Donald E. Dickson,
Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 04:18 PM
No conscience
In his role as the ventriloquist with the dummy in the White House, Vice President Cheney shares responsibility for much more than the shooting of a Texas lawyer. The thousands of deaths and injuries resulting from President Bush’s needless attack on Iraq are also Cheney’s fault. He doesn’t seem to have any pangs of conscience about any of it.
— Will Thompson, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 04:10 PM
Rudeness at funeral
I thought, after the funeral of Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn., the Democrats would have realized that funerals are not the preferred venue for political tirades. I was wrong!
After watching the coverage of Coretta Scott King’s funeral, I was appalled at the total lack of courtesy and complete disrespect they showed for President Bush. After the president sat politely, listening to the political jabs and loud standing ovations for the unseemly remarks, I wish with all my heart he would have gone to the microphone — after former President Carter was through babbling — and said “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I really don’t feel I should force you to endure my presence any longer,” taken Laura Bush by the hand and walked out!
Perhaps that would have caused a rude awakening of the rude, disgusting people, and they would have seen themselves as they really are: totally bankrupt of any class, dignity, courtesy, manners and decency.
As to Carter’s remarks about wiretapping the Kings and trying to imply it was “Republicans doing it then and Republicans doing it now” — both of which are lies — it was Attorney General Robert Kennedy who authorized it at the request of President John F. Kennedy.
Sick is the only word to describe all this, and, quite frankly, I’m sick of it!
— Pat Bernstein, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 04:04 PM
Katrina mess isn’t over
The dust has finally settled. Not only has all the information been turned in and examined, but the recent House report explains where failures occurred in the current administration’s and Homeland Security’s response to Hurricane Katrina.
We now know that 1,300 people died in this disaster and that thousands have been displaced from homes which, in many cases, now don’t exist. In response to the House report on the catastrophe, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says that he “has spent a lot of time thinking about things that might have been done differently.”
I don’t know why Americans aren’t protesting in the streets, demanding the resignations of Mr. Chertoff and his superior, President Bush, for complete incompetence and dereliction of duty. Mr. Chertoff has no experience pertinent to emergency management. Experts in the emergency management field disdain the current Federal Emergency Management Agency because there is no one with the appropriate pertinent background in the agency.
Mr. Bush said a lot of very nice things about rebuilding New Orleans, and he promises to create processes so this type of disaster never happens again. He has not implemented them. As a matter of fact, he has pushed and received, via party lines, a cut in funds to FEMA. So nothing has changed. There still is not a dedicated communication system for emergency crews and agencies to use during an emergency. Our National Guard is still overseas in numbers that make it impossible to mobilize them for a domestic emergency. Processes for management of funds and help in the case of emergencies have not been established.
I could go on. But all we really need is to get efficient, effective leadership so this does not happen again. And it starts at the top.
I call for the removal of Michael Chertoff and President Bush from office.
— Joanne Fields, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 03:56 PM
Cost of Wal-Mart too high
Re: Jerry H. Dohn’s Feb. 6 letter, “Let Wal-Mart come in”:
Mr. Dohn stated that we who live and pay taxes in Ventura should kiss the hands and wash the feet of Wal-Mart for wanting to put their store in Ventura.
The tax revenue does not outweigh the cost the taxpayers will incur from the burden of Wal-Mart’s employees who are forced to depend on public funds because Wal-Mart doesn’t pay its employees a decent wage or offer affordable medical insurance. Wal-Mart actually tells them how to apply for public assistance.
Whenever a Wal-Mart comes into an area, it actually lowers the value of property surrounding it because the small stores surrounding Wal-Mart go out of business.
Yes, the Kmart is an ugly store, but have you seen the Oxnard Wal-Mart and parking lot?
The residents of Ventura are not ignorant, misguided, left-wing liberals, nor are we no-growthers. We are concerned taxpayers who want the same as Camarillo residents: a city we can be proud of. We don’t need row after row of big box stores that are not only ugly, but that force out the small businesses here in Ventura, like Green Thumb and Trader Joe’s.
I’d like to urge Mr. Dohn to do his research on Wal-Mart, and if he is still so crazy about it, why does he not invite Wal-Mart to Camarillo? They have plenty of open space over there. I’m sure the taxpayers in Camarillo will share his enthusiasm of having a Wal-Mart in their neighborhood.
— Betty Trist, Ventura
(The writer is with the Stop Ventura Wal-Mart Coalition.)
Posted by Andrea Howry at 03:45 PM
February 15, 2006
Nothing 'unsound' about SAGE
The School of Arts and Global Education charter is an “unsound education program?” The SAGE charter is the Open Classroom’s attempt to become independent. If it is “unsound,” then why has the Open Classroom prospered for the past 30 years, educating well over a thousand Ventura children, including the children of Open Classroom alumni? It offers a true alternative to test-driven curriculum found in the traditional classrooms. It includes thematic, integrated curriculum, utilizes authentic assessment and is based upon highly regarded and well-researched Constructivist Learning Theory. I fail to see just what is “unsound” about it.
I watch my third-grade daughter blossoming as a result of Open Classroom. Her basic skills are sound. Her education has been enriched in myriad ways that other programs just can’t duplicate due to the family-school community that is a cornerstone of the program.
The fact that the Ventura Unified School District superintendent and board find this to be “unsound” emphasizes just why it is so essential that this outstanding educational program become a charter school. It is clearly the only way for it to continue to flourish and offer the children of Ventura a truly enriched public education.
— Kerry Johnson, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:08 AM
Too much concern for Morales
How interesting it is that there is so much controversy regarding the method of execution for Michael Morales. I don’t recall hearing so much hoopla about the sordid details regarding poor Terri Winchell’s murder. Michael Morales is a monster!
— Darr T. Rodriguez, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:03 AM
Media coverage hilarious
The network coverage of the shooting accident is hilarious. The anguish on the faces of the press corps because the White House didn't run to their phones to notify them of the incident is heartwarming. Their hatred for the president and his administration has never been disguised, and I have a feeling that the vice president purposely notified the local newspaper so that it could “scoop” his “friends” in the press.
It is also sad watching their reactions because they don't understand Americans. Dick Cheney is living the American dream. Americans can hunt and fish and own property. We don't have to be Europeans. In America, I can enjoy my freedoms right next to “royalty."
Their arrogance is entertainment for us conservatives. Members of the mainstream press have notified us daily that these freedoms are not acceptable to them. How dare the vice president continue to hunt without their approval. My only advice to Mr. Cheney is to get the proper license and stamp needed for accidentally shooting your buddy in Texas.
- Chris Hare, Moorpark
Posted by Andrea Howry at 09:59 AM
Oh, so California!
Re: your Feb. 11 article, “Dealership has new grand plan”:
Only in Southern California — aka La La Land, Fantasyland, Tinseltown — could an auto dealer’s parts department be described as a “parts boutique.”
There’s that word again: upscale. Whatever happened to being concerned about the middle-class Joe Blows or the working-class Johnny Lunchbuckets of this area? I consider myself in the former category and know about Neiman Marcus only from having lived in Houston and seen their Christmas catalogs featuring gifts such as his and her expensive cars, airplanes and the like. In the free-enterprise system, a business can choose to cater to whomever it pleases, and obviously there is a strong customer base in this area for anything that is boutique and up… (I can’t finish that word!).
I wonder what Henry Ford and other early carmakers would think walking into a parts department as described in your article to find they were being helped by — let me venture a guess — “tuxedo-outfitted staff!”
I’d also like to know: What’s wrong with keychains? Answer: They’re not up-----!"
— Bob Fitch, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 09:54 AM
February 14, 2006
Forest sell-off bad idea
President Bush's latest devastating environmental proposal is the “last straw” for me. He proposes to sell 85,000 acres of national forests in California, including 430 acres in the Los Padres National Forest. This funding will go to pay for rural schools and roads.
The funding for rural schools and roads should come out of the general fund, not public land sales. The administration can fund Bush's war in Iraq, lower the taxes of millionaires and subsidize energy companies, so why must it buy up public land to fund this program?
This program is so wrong, as are most of his proposals. The Medicare prescription drug act is undoable. His budgets are astronomical. His idea that healthcare can be paid for by each citizen's private health account is unsound. His continued tax cuts to the rich will result in the middle class ceasing to exist. When there are no consumers, businesses will be forced into bankruptcy. He refuses to face up to and take positive steps to stem global warming.
And let's not put aside the Iraq war. All our billions of dollars in taxes and lives lost have made Iraq a haven for terrorists and have left its people in dire straits. Bush's proposals are not thoughtfully conceived, nor are expectations considered thoroughly.
I am very worried about America's future with this man as president.
- Marjorie E. Grate, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:32 PM
Data mining out of control
The taking of our personal private information has gotten out of hand.
To focus on just one critical area of concern, the tri-counties now boast a number of grassroots-based organizations which are trying to alert students, parents and high school administrators on the subject matter of military recruitment in the high schools. Code Pink chapters, the Coalition Against Militarism in Our Schools and the diverse Veterans for Peace chapters are three such assisting organizations. Each are supplying the educational, freedom of speech and alternative career-based informational materials necessary to counter the insidious default release of high school student directory information to the Armed Forces, an organization which incessantly contracts with outside subcontractors, accreting data upon data on our minor-aged youth. They already possess the names, addresses and telephone numbers of our youth.
More needs to be done to safeguard our homes from this insidious unsolicited default release to the Pentagon — or elsewhere — of private personal information. Recall that high school student data happens to be the same data as our households.
I encourage everyone everywhere to help keep back the present surge of data mining going on today, beginning especially with the data mining of our minor-aged youth in the public high school system. Please, learn to identify those areas where your private data is being mined, those agencies whom you haven’t asked to have your personal information.
— Michael Cervantes, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:19 PM
Thrill of the hunt
Would Vice President Cheney file hunter Harry Whittington’s shooting under “collateral damage”? Had someone, reportedly the owner of the Armstrong Ranch, not notified a local newspaper, this, too, would probably be hidden from the public, as is the vice president’s style.
It would appear that Cheney finds killing members of any species a nice way to relax and enjoy time away from Washington. A few years ago, he slaughtered about 70 pheasant at a canned hunt in Louisiana. It is a small man or woman who participates in this activity. What sort of thrill does one get in taking the life of another creature, and how much killing will satisfy their “blood lust?”
I guess we shouldn’t be surprised by this behavior from one partly responsible for the near 100,000 Iraqi deaths, as well as the mounting U.S. casualties in the Mideast.
— Marge Hackett, Ojai
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:09 PM
Disrespect breeds violence
Indoctrination into any supernatural belief can and will create irrational responses to any rational challenge to that belief’s claims and/or demands, and sometimes violently. Historically, it doesn’t matter whether it is Muslim, Christian, Jew, or followers of most any other religion past or present, their dogma cannot be reconciled with rational inquiry or thought. It then becomes a threat to the religious tribe.
The God of the Bible is the dominant superstitious belief in our country, and we don’t like our “God head” being disrespected either. Why? Perhaps it’s too painful to accept the fact that our superstition cannot confidently be defended with reason. So why try? Why not yield to that reasonable mind that has cried out from the first time religious dogma insulted it? We can.
The Goddess Malea, creator of the universe, has given us, through the evolutionary process, the gift of reason. We can overcome religious tribalism, or not. The Goddess Malea will not interfere, reward or punish us.
And that gift of reason? We can use it or lose it — all.
— James B. Rostborne, Fillmore
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:58 PM
SAGE plan was sound
Re: your Feb. 11 article, “Trustees reject charter school plan”:
This article regarding denial of the charter school petition by the Ventura Unified School District board is disconcerting, to say the least.
The trustees who sit on the Ventura Unified school board are elected by the community to fairly represent the needs and interests of the citizens by whom they are elected. However, a final and unanimous decision was made based upon a document drafted by Anthony Ramos, the district’s general counsel, at the direction of Trudy Arriaga, district superintendent, and presented to the trustees just as the meeting began. With no opportunity to review the report, just 10 minutes of discussion and no dialogue with the charter school petitioners, the trustees issued their final decision. Are the trustees truly the representatives of the community or are they simply the pawns of a very political administration? In fact, have the trustees ever questioned or voted against a recommendation made by Arriaga?
The School of Arts and Global Education charter school petition is sound. It is based upon the existing platform of the Open Classroom, which has been a successful alternative for families within Ventura Unified for 30 years. In fact, Arriaga herself has sent personal letters to each Open Classroom family, praising the program and pledging her support. SAGE would provide an enhanced version of the Open Classroom platform; nothing would be taken away, and much would be added to further meet the diverse needs of students.
The budget is also sound and was developed with the guidance of a consultant who has prepared budgets for many of the successful charter schools within the state.
The bottom line is, in fact, the bottom line. A loss of at least 190 students and over $1 million would be a blow to the district. Could it be that the district’s concern is actually that SAGE would not be the failure they portray, but might be hugely successful?
Families within the community with questions about SAGE are invited to contact the petitioners at SageCharter@msn.com.
— Lonna Radford, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:50 PM
Charter efforts frustrating
On Friday at a special meeting, the Board of Trustees of the Ventura Unified School District voted in favor of a resolution denying the charter petition of the School of Arts and Global Education.
As one of the founding parents, this process has been an eye-opening experience for me, and I’d like to share some of my frustrations with the public.
First of all, I am disappointed that the district presented the board with a resolution filled with misinformation, including a statement that the closure protocol “consists of a scant three lines,” when, in actuality, the closure protocol is 36 lines long and specifically details closing procedures.
I am furious that the resolution questions the qualifications and experience of the charter petitioners based on typographical errors and word choice when the resolution itself contains typographical errors.
I am disappointed in district staff for not providing the board with copies of the amended petition and attachments in advance and that the district asked the board to vote on a resolution based on documents they had not seen or read for themselves. I am saddened that the board proceeded with an uniformed vote.
I am disappointed in the district for not appointing a charter liaison to work collaboratively with representatives from the School of Arts and Global Education throughout the process.
I am disappointed that the district waited two months before giving the charter petitioners any requests for additional information or clarification.
Despite this series of disappointments with Ventura Unified, I am thrilled that trustee Mary Haffner publicly voiced her opposition to specific wording in resolution. I know that Ms. Haffner will be a voice for change in the school district, and I thank the residents of Ventura for electing her to office. We will not be disappointed in Mary Haffner.
This all being said, the charter petition has been submitted to the County Board of Education, and I look forward to a collaborative and cooperative relationship.
— Sarah Dinkler, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:41 PM
Festival left out key ingredient
The widely advertised Ventura County Chocolate Festival was a sad joke.
Chocolate? There was none or very little. As I walked up to the entrance, I saw dozens of people leaving at 11.30 a.m. I looked at the brochure and saw only a few chocolate vendors. I went in anyway, trusting the festival officers.
What a waste of $12 and 45 minutes of traffic! Of the 90 or so vendors, I counted four with any chocolates at all. What have corn dogs and fries, T-Mobile, Coastal Softub, etc., got to do with chocolate?
This is false advertising. There is a disclaimer on the back of the brochure that states: “Due to miscommunications, late entries and last minute withdrawals, we are not liable for incorrect data printed in this program.” How interesting! Isn't this the festival officers' job description, to coordinate events? The executive officer, secretary, event coordinator and assistants should resign.
- Godfrey Smith, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:33 PM
Chocolate Festival meltdown
I wanted to comment regarding last weekend’s Ventura County Chocolate Festival.
They should have called it the “Prepare To Be Disappointed Because There Isn’t Much Chocolate Festival.”
Ninety percent of the fair consisted of booths that were non-chocolate related or had a secondary chocolate theme defined by a bowl of Hershey’s Kisses or whatever wrapped candy could be thrown in a bowl.
The one exciting concept of getting a strawberry, banana or Rice Krispie dipped in chocolate required a one hour-plus wait in line.
For me, the best part of the festival was when I first entered and received a free Hershey bar. That’s about all the chocolate I ate. But in the end, that Hershey bar ended up costing me $5, the entrance fee to the festival. I could have just gone to Vons and bought it for a dollar and saved myself a few bucks and the disappointment.
The good news is that it was only $5 to get in, so you didn’t lose much. The bad news is it wasn’t even worth the $5.
It was a great concept, but the festival definitely had a misleading title. I have a feeling I am not the only one who felt that way. I don’t plan to attend again.
— Lisa Giasi,
Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:26 PM
Gangs went where support was
Re: your Feb. 9 article, “Gang signs alarm Ojai residents”:
I don’t understand what all the fuss is about. Several months ago, Oxnard implemented a gang injunction. While the people of Oxnard were happy with this arrangement, it seems to have upset the liberal citizens of Ojai, who made it their business to come rushing to the aid of the derelicts. As I recall, it was the people of Ojai and the American Civil Liberties Union who led a march to protest the perceived threats to the gang members’ civil rights.
It is no great surprise that gangs have moved to an area where the locals seem to have such concern for their well being. So why are the residents of Ojai now suddenly alarmed that they live in their town? It didn’t bother them to want to give gangs free movement in Oxnard.
There is a tough lesson for Ojai to learn about this: You have made your bed, I hope you enjoy laying in it.
— Brian McElhiney, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:17 PM
Protesters need to grow up
I’m a little sickened by the violence that is erupting from allegedly devoted Muslims. This violence, they say, is justified because someone drew and then published a cartoon with a caricature of Prophet Muhammad — a prophet by the way, not their god — wearing a bomb instead of a turban.
I don’t have any sympathy for a religious group that claims it has been wronged and then sets out to do as much damage as possible to anything or anyone in its religious zealot path to protest that perceived wrong. All I hear are a bunch of grown children whining about how they don’t get any respect.
Is it any wonder? These people are the first to break, burn or pillage property and injure or kill people, all in the name of their religious beliefs. How can they possibly believe that they deserve any respect while they continue to behave like spoiled children?
— Loki Browne, Moorpark
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:10 PM
Piecing together the truth
Re: Tom Lazarich’s Feb. 13 letter, “Stick with The Star,” and Carolyn Crandall’s Feb. 13 letter, “Conservatives aren’t funny,” both of which were in response to Gary Marshall’s Feb. 5 letter, “Cartoons show liberal bias”:
Mr. Marshall complained about his perception of a liberal bias in the cartoons shown on The Star’s editorial page. In response, Mr. Lazarich defended The Star and accused Mr. Marshall of relying on information from “unobjective” and “obviously biased” sources such as Fox News and Rush Limbaugh. Ms. Crandall angrily replied that all the conservatives she knows don’t have a sense of humor and are a bunch of “mean-spirited bullies who spend most of their time fighting against civil rights for women, gays, minorities, fair wages, health insurance and properly funded education.”
Based on their obviously skewed perspective of conservatives, I have to wonder whether Mr. Lazarich and Ms. Crandall are getting their “objective” information from Michael Moore, Air America and moveon.org.
Why it is that so many who preach tolerance and acceptance of others are quick to smear and stereotype anyone with whom they disagree? In our community, there are many caring, intelligent and well-informed people from all backgrounds, including both liberals and conservatives. Conversely, ignorance and bigotry are certainly not limited to any particular group or political party.
Incidentally, there is no such thing as completely objective and unbiased reporting. All news is from the perspective of the person writing the story. So let’s not pretend that information from one source is good but from another source is bad. Usually the truth is none of the above.
— Tony Sereno, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:48 AM
‘Clean money’ opens political doors
Re: David Sveiven’s Feb. 13 letter, “Public funding wrong plan”:
Mr. Sveiven apparently hasn’t read the actual proposals to bring clean money to California politics.
His first objection is that people can’t give money to the candidate of their choice. Participation in a clean money campaign is entirely voluntary. If you think the only way you can get elected is to buy your way into office, you have the option to do just that.
I’m also not sure which problems Mr. Sveiven expects the courts to clean up. Is it the one of elected officials spending 80 percent of their campaign time seeking contributions, which most campaign professionals suggest, rather than talking to voters? Is it the business as usual of individuals and corporations who have business before elected bodies being their biggest campaign contributors?
Finally, Mr. Sveiven raises the bureaucrat as bogeyman argument. The California Clean Money bill working its way through the Legislature has only one job for bureaucrats, and that’s counting signatures and five-dollar bills. If a candidate can convince the minimum number of his or her fellow citizens — currently proposed to be 500 for an Assembly district, for example — to support them with a signature and a five-dollar donation, then they’re on the ballot. You still have to meet the usual requirements of age, residency, etc., but the County Clerk’s Office will decide who qualifies for the ballot, just as it does now.
The system that, according to Mr. Sveiven, “has worked so well for this country” leaves most of its citizens without the opportunity to serve and hold elective office. People who care deeply about their communities and have great ideas and admirable values but have to work for a living don’t run for office in our current system. With rare exception, that’s left to a financial elite while the rest of us are left on the sidelines wondering if our interests are truly being represented.
Making California a clean money state will give thousands more Californians the chance to find out.
— Tom Mullens, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:38 AM
Find alternative to anger
I’m often asked how I, as both a veteran of the Iraq War and an American-Muslim, feel about the Danish cartoon controversy and whether such controversy proves Muslims are trying to force their world view on others to the detriment of values like freedom of speech.
I am reminded of recent efforts to ban the burning of the flag here in the United States by many patriotic, mostly conservative Americans, who feel such a violation of this nation’s symbol is so offensive that it should not be considered a protected form of speech.
To many Muslims, the very lack of an image of prophets — including Mohammed, Moses and Jesus — is considered a source of pride, a symbol of sort, conveying pride in their ability to resist the urge to worship false idols as was common in pre-Islamic times, such as the struggle of Moses to keep his flock from worshipping a golden calf.
History is replete with examples of humiliated peoples who lack pride that have succumbed to anger and dangerous extremism. We’ve seen it in the mostly educated and affluent young Saudis who became the Sept. 11 hijackers, the refugee children of the Afghan-Soviet war who became the Taliban, or the humiliated Germans of the Weimar Republic who became the Nazis of World War II.
We cannot ask peoples of faith to not be offended by what they deem offensive, but we can condemn violence. When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. When the disaffected European Muslims are left without any political or social tools, they reach to anger, first and foremost. The solution lies in working to strengthen the moderates who make up the “silent majority” in the Muslim world. It’s a goal that means making responsible choices by politicians, religious leaders, newspapers and humanity at large.
“Somewhere between wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” — Jelauddin Rumi
— Omar Masry, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:30 AM
The belltower enigma
Many folks might think that President Bush bumbled again with his bombing speech concerning the very tall U.S. Bank Tower in Los Angeles. However, our president should certainly not be berated for renaming it the Liberty Tower.
I have inside information that the FBI just arrested a potential terrorist from Kuala Lumpur who was wandering around a beach town in Delaware near Jack Abramoff’s summer house trying to rent a small plane to fly to Philadelphia, which is only 35 miles away.
He was in disguise, wearing a dark fedora so that he would look like he belonged in the neighborhood.
What quickly aroused the FBI’s suspicions was that he was asking a lot of questions about the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia and was carrying two 100-pound bags of fertilizer under each arm. He was apparently also specially chosen as a weightlifter.
One can only surmise that al-Qaida, slightly confused by the president’s speech, must have been targeting the Liberty Tower, but, like Bush, is not too good on conceptual thinking nor pronunciation of the English language.
— Frank Redlich, Westlake Village
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:20 AM
Insurance crisis hits home
Re: your Feb. 12 article, “Health insurance condition critical”:
Congratulations to The Star for focusing on the growing health insurance crisis.
The crisis has definitely reached a “tipping point” for us. We’re retired with no pension health plan benefits. We’re short of the qualifying age for Medicare. We’re among those who have to choose between costly private insurance or no coverage at all, and that choice is becoming harder as skyrocketing premiums and out-of-pocket costs take a greater share of our household budget.
Incentives for health savings accounts, tax credits and tax deductions seem a better solution to us than government-mandated coverage or creation of another bureaucracy. Whatever form reform takes, it’s time for our state and federal representatives to act.
— Burton and Joanie Swope, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:14 AM
Gas pipelines nothing new
When I read the articles and letters to the editor against an offshore liquefied natural gas terminal, one of the points they always raise is the “danger” of the pipeline that would carry the natural gas from an offshore regasification plant to an onshore distribution facility. I wonder if the people who write these articles know where the natural gas they use in their home comes from and how it gets to California.
In 1965, the Southern California Gas Company dug up the street in front of my parents’ upscale Orange County home to put in a 36-inch gas pipeline to bring natural gas from El Paso, Texas, to a distribution facility in Long Beach. The last time I checked, El Paso was a lot farther away — 750 miles — than any of the proposed offshore regasification plants would be.
In the 40 years since this gas line was put in, there have been three major earthquakes in the area, and I don’t seem to have read anything about a major gas explosion anywhere along this 750-mile pipeline.
Also, if the proposed 25-mile pipeline were to be a major terrorist target, wouldn’t an existing pipeline running through four states also be a major terrorist target? Yet, I don’t hear people screaming for this pipeline to be shut down.
I don’t disagree with everything in these articles, and if we could simply eliminate the not-in-my-back-yard attitude, we could have a much more open and honest debate on the real merits and on any potential dangers of these proposed facilities.
— Dennis Lane, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:09 AM
February 13, 2006
Happy shoppers
Re: your Feb. 7 article, “Town Center changes its policy on smoking”:
I applaud Simi Valley Town Center General Manager Greg Lenners and the mall’s parent company, Forest City, for listening to the voice of our community with their decision to change the Town Center’s policy on smoking. It will make the Town Center a much more enjoyable and healthier place to visit. Thank you!
— Julie Honda, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:34 PM
Too much posturing
I am confused by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
First, he made it quite clear publicly that his office was not contacted by President Bush with the announcement concerning the U.S. Bank Tower of Downtown Los Angeles. The next day, it seems his office was contacted about the news conference, but not him personally. Was this an imminent threat to Los Angeles? No, but an announcement about a foiled plot two years prior. Was this more about the fight against terrorists or somebody’s self-inflated ego? He looks like he needs the constant attention of a news camera in front of him.
California’s Homeland Security chief, Matt Bettenhausen, could not have said it more clearly: “The terrorist information was handled appropriately.” Why, then, did the mayor have such a problem? Could it be that even when there’s good news, he would like to deflect it from the administration and make issues when there are no issues?
Let’s do two things: keep up the pressure on the terrorists, and keep the spotlight to a minimum on posturing politicians such as Mr. Villaraigosa.
— William F. Klepper, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:27 PM
Port has tangled history
Re: Beverly Kelley’s Feb. 6 commentary, “Time for Hueneme to take over port district?”:
Ms. Kelley's recent column suggesting that, perhaps, it is time for the City of Port Hueneme to take over the harbor and abolish the Oxnard Harbor District raises an interesting legal question regarding prior ownership.
In September 1935, the Hueneme Dock Corp., a privately owned entity headed by Richard Bard, in an effort to obtain public funds to construct a harbor at Hueneme (then an unincorporated community), deeded 247 acres of land owned by the Berylwood Investment Co. (the Bard family trust), plus 13.5 acres, formerly part of the Lighthouse Reservation, and all of the necessary rights-of-way and franchises to the City of Oxnard if it would apply for a grant from the Public Works Administration. To formalize this arrangement, it was necessary for the City of Oxnard to annex a four-mile section of land, 60 feet wide, connecting the city to the harbor location, which was legally accomplished at an election in May 1936. Of course, this was not a new concept and was earlier exercised by the City of Los Angeles, with the annexation of a much larger strip reaching all the way to Wilmington.
Later that year, however, a new enactment was instituted by the Public Works Administration requiring that a harbor district under formation apply for a federal grant.
Therefore, on April 27, 1937, an election was held forming the Oxnard Harbor District. The boundaries conformed to those of the Oxnard Union High School District, used by necessity as a legal voting entity, which, at that time, included Oxnard, Hueneme, Camarillo, Somis, Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks.
Following this action, Richard Bard proposed to the city of Oxnard that the harbor property it had previously annexed be released to the Harbor District and that it should never be part of any incorporated city. With this assurance, the citizens of Oxnard went to the polls and voted to release the property from their city limits. This transaction, unfortunately, would one day be revived to fuel a legacy of distrust and suspicion. The city of Oxnard then ceded the harbor property back to the Hueneme Dock Corp., which, in turn, deeded it to the new Oxnard Harbor District.
During the period the voters of the Harbor District were waiting to hear from the Public Works Administration, they again went to the polls and voted a bond issue in the amount of $1,750,000. However, after all of these formalities were accomplished, the federal government determined that a harbor at Hueneme was not economically feasible and denied them a grant.
At this point, all the people of the Harbor District agreed that the harbor should be built without one cent of federal money, and on Jan. 4, 1939, all of the harbor bonds were subscribed at the full amount of $1,750,000. The harbor was completed on July 4, 1949, just months before Dec. 7, 1941. Ironically, the harbor was then, unceremoniously, taken over by the federal government, which had so recently denied it funds.
- Powell Greenland, Port Hueneme
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:19 PM
Migrants aren’t slaves
Re: Bud Hall’s Feb. 5 letter, “Are illegal immigrants slaves?”
No one with knowledge of American history would compare illegal immigrants to African American slaves.
Africans were taken from their homes and transported to this country against their will, with more than half of them dying in transit. Once here, slaves were treated to conditions less than that of livestock, with families being divided for profit and control. Education of slaves was illegal. Public mutilation and murder was both accepted and legal. Rape and child molestation was tolerated. Freedom of movement was absolutely prohibited. Food and living conditions were typically of the lowest quality. Medical attention was at the owner’s discretion, typically a property investment decision.
In contrast, illegal immigrants come to this country of their own free will, usually paying for their transit. Within one year, most immigrants own cars. Illegal immigrants have free medical services and free education, all paid for with tax dollars. They have the freedom to move about and, most of all, the freedom to go back to their country if conditions are not to their liking.
American slavery compares with the genocides of Turkey and Nazi Germany, not the illegal migration of poor Mexican workers to this country.
— Craig Fisher, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:07 PM
No blarney: Ireland is booming
We just returned from a two-week vacation to the auld sod. I have to tell you that the Celtic tiger is for real. The population of Ireland has grown by a million over the past five years — that’s 25 percent! Half of that growth is from immigration. We met people in Dublin from Estonia, Poland, Italy and Africa.
The minimum wage in Ireland is 7.50 euros per hour. That’s about $9 an hour — more than Eastern Europeans can earn in a day. They hope to attract another half million immigrants in the next five years to keep the economy exploding.
And I really mean exploding. When last in Ireland five years ago, the only things cheap were spuds and Guinness. Potatoes are still cheap, but now a pint of Guinness goes for 4 euros, about $5. They are awash with money. Ads in the papers there are quoting oceanview ”apartments” for sale in Portugal, Turkey and Dubai for less than a half million euros, and the Irish are snapping them up.
So there you go. There’s no national debt to speak of, and the building crane is the new national bird of Ireland. Not just in Dublin, but all over the country, construction is booming. O’Connell Street is being rebuilt, as is the General Post Office. Even in the west of Ireland, in Doolin, Galway and Castlebar, housing developments are being built. They talk of a housing shortage as we did at the end of World War II, and they seek immigrants, as we did in the ‘20s and ‘30s, to fill jobs.
What hasn’t changed are the Irish themselves. They are still the same as always. When they heard our accents and figured out we were Yanks, they fell all over themselves to help us. This time, as five years ago, we managed to get lost, and, as last time, someone jumped into their car and led us to where we wanting to go, five miles or more from where we were.
Although my name is O’Malley and my parents both came from Ireland, over there I’m considered a Yank. I’d love to life there — if only I could afford it.
— Patrick S. O’Malley, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:00 PM
U.S. needs petroleum
Re: Ann Levin’s Feb. 12 letter, “Cartoon shows scary future,” referring to a Feb. 5 Steve Greenberg cartoon:
The cartoon showed completely blank land adjacent to the oil rigs. A balanced picture would have shown the thousands of automobiles, homes and industries on the land. This is where the oil is used.
Fuels made from petroleum provide power for automobiles, airplanes, factories, farm equipment, trucks, trains and ships. Petroleum fuels also generate heat and electricity for many houses and business places. Altogether, petroleum provides nearly half the energy used in the world.
In addition to fuels, thousands of other products are made from petroleum. These products range from paving materials to drip-dry fabrics and from engine grease to cosmetics. Petroleum is used to make such items in the home as aspirin, carpets, curtains, detergents, phonograph records, plastic toys and toothpaste.
I would like to suggest that Ms. Levin and others who dislike oil drilling give up using all of the products provided by petroleum production. Are they willing?
— Edele Johnstone, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:15 PM
Re-examine AIDS funding
Re: your Jan. 30 article, “Religious groups get 25% of AIDS grants”:
I am appalled at the ignorance, greed and political maneuvering of a government that hands out money — my money — to religious groups and others that have no background in treatment of AIDS or in the cultural structure of the nations that currently need the most help with this serious problem.
One cultural aspect is the lack of choices women in most Third World countries have. Men working away from home — and some who stay at home — have unprotected sex with multiple partners. They then come home to their wives who have no choice but to submit to sex. Refusing could result in physical abuse, loss of status in the community or even death.
These are powerful motivators. The Christian myth of male superiority contributes to the problem.
To suggest that fewer dollars be given to groups that distribute condoms and work with prostitutes is somewhat like withholding vaccine from a community where smallpox is rampant, immunizing only those who practice specific religious beliefs. The remainder get prayers and lectures in morality.
Wake up, world. HIV is a communicable disease. Nothing is said in the article about requirements for distribution and management of medication for those already affected by the disease.
Homegrown and inexperienced groups who are competing for funds may only add to this tragic situation.
— Kathrine Gooding, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:43 AM
February 10, 2006
Balance of power needed
Was anyone else as amazed as I was by the level of stonewalling offered by Attorney General Alberto Gonzales during the recent hearings on the president’s warrantless spying program?
By refusing to work with Congress to develop an electronic surveillance program that contains oversight to prevent abuses, President Bush does harm and disservice to America. This arrogant approach both threatens our constitutionally protected freedoms and robs the surveillance efforts of much legitimacy — with the potential consequence of limiting their future development as tools to combat terrorism.
Civilian judicial oversight is part of the balance of power in our country, and such oversight is needed in the surveillance program to prevent abuse — even if it is applied as an after-the-fact review. Of course we all want to be protected from terrorist threats, but we want that security without granting the president the authority to override all civilian law. To allow unchecked presidential authority is to take a long step towards living under a military dictatorship.
— Paul McDaniel, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:06 AM
Bush, King on different wavelengths
Re: Ellie Peck’s Feb. 9 letter, “It’s a funeral, not a rally”:
Does Ms. Peck have a clue as to what Dr. and Mrs. Martin Luther King stood for, non-violently fought for and died for? They wanted peace, freedom and equality. They used the “political” process to try and bring these lofty goals to fruition.
The majority of speakers at Coretta King’s funeral who brought up the subjects Ms. Peck rails about were fellow religious and civil rights leaders, contemporaries, and/or friends of the Kings. Their remarks were applauded by the mourners in attendance.
President Bush represents everything the King family has fought against — warmongering, intolerance, inequality and neglect of those citizens most in need. It was a mockery that he was even present at the ceremony.
— Joy Putinta, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:00 AM
Uphill battle for graduates
I find it almost hilarious that President Bush’s new budget calls for a cut in student loans.
As a graduating senior at California Lutheran University, I am one of many students who will graduate asking one simple question: “Where is a job that pays enough for me to live and still pay off my student loans?”
Here is a little newsflash to President Bush: Students in college are not taking out loans for fun. No one enjoys going to the financial aid office and listening to someone explain over and over how you have to pay this money back. No one enjoys the government using my parents’ income as a basis for whether I received a loan with or without interest while I am in school; obviously, if my parents had all the money to send me to school, I would not be taking out a loan. Over the past four years of my college experience, I have watched my loan debt grow and grow to reach an amount that I explain with, “I will pay off eventually.”
I suppose I should consider myself lucky. My loan interest rate has only been around 4 percent for the years I have been in college. But what should I say to the person sitting next to me in my classes, whose interest rate will automatically jump to 6.5 percent as of July 1?
I have heard some members of Congress say, “This bill will only help students by creating more competition.” Have any of these members gone down to the local bank as a 20-year-old student, without a stable income, owning nothing of value, and asked to borrow $20,000? Or even $10,000? Let me tell you what the banks say: “Do you have a co-signer?” Wonderful! Put my parents, grandparents, neighbors or friends further into debt to fund my education — the education that I funded myself last year.
After I graduate in May, I will have six months to find a job and begin to pay off my student loan debt for the next 10 to 15 years. During that time, I will also be paying rent, buying groceries, paying for transportation cost, covering healthcare costs, and, of course, saving for retirement. I’ll do all of that on a typical entry-level salary. Anyone know where a money tree is?
I know a college education is still worth something. But I have to wonder how many people are going to see their new loan rate, request for a co-signer, or the overwhelming cost of a college education as just another roadblock.
— Amanda Walker, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:50 AM
Will Gretzky face penalty box?
Deny, deny, deny, and when the wiretaps show evidence to the contrary, hide.
Some wives like to shop for a new pair of shoes they really don't need, some like to drop $75,000 on the Super Bowl. Some wives like to spend a year getting in shape or redoing the kitchen, some like to throw $500,000 at various games throughout the year.
Through the authorized wiretaps (by President Bush?), it appears Wayne Gretzky was lying through his dentures when he said he didn’t know anything about it. As owner and coach of a professional sports franchise, good luck explaining that, Great One.
— Jeffrey Bellamar, Ojai
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:42 AM
Public funding wrong plan
Re: Timm Herdt’s Feb. 8 essay, “Private money, public duty”:
Mr. Herdt asserts that if elections were funded by tax dollars, then the politicians would be beholden only to the public.
While Mr. Herdt’s goal is admirable, the end result of this policy would be much worse than the system we enjoy currently. The U.S. Constitution guarantees free speech to all Americans. If individuals are unable to give contributions to candidates of their choice, then their ability to speak has been limited. We already have laws on the books to deal with the problems Mr. Herdt mentions in his article. Let the courts clean things up.
Another problem with Mr. Herdt’s proposal is that public funding of elections would force candidates to meet the criteria set forth by some bureaucrat who decides if a person is a legitimate candidate. Politicians who are to far left or right of “center” would be dismissed. Therefore, a person seeking public funding for a campaign would be “beholden” to the bureaucrats, not the people. If the public is unhappy with a person who holds office, they can vote them out of office the next time around.
Rather than move to a socialistic form of government, where power is brokered by a few, let’s keep what has worked so well for this country the past 200 years.
— David Sveiven, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:34 AM
Abortions being performed
Re: Clara Allen’s Feb. 7 letter, “Welcome organization”:
With all due respect to Ms. Allen, whose letter claimed that Planned Parenthood is not doing abortions, the opposite is, in fact, true, as my Feb. 3 letter stated. Planned Parenthood is doing abortions, both medically and surgically. How do I know? I simply called the clinic.
I stand by my first letter, in that Thousand Oaks cannot be considered one of America’s safest cities as long as abortions are being done in this town.
— Noel D’Angelo, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:14 AM
Naysayers should reconsider
Re: David Jensen’s Feb. 10 letter, “Opposing viewpoints silenced”:
Mr. Jensen’s rant about Cindy Sheehan being the sole person ejected from the State of the Union address was inaccurate. Jensen implied that anybody wearing a shirt that supported the troops would not have been thrown out.
Another woman was ejected from the gallery. She just happened to be Beverly Young, wife of Republican Rep. Bill Young of Florida, for wearing a shirt that read: “Support the troops defending our freedom.”
In the end, Mr. Jensen’s letter was just another opportunity to bash the current administration for doing exactly what it set out to do a little over four years ago: Take the war to the terrorists. We could be fighting them here, and thank God we’re not.
I sometimes wonder what the Bush naysayers would do if we were attacked again with the same ferocity as on Sept. 11, 2001. Would they wave the flag again for a few weeks and then tire of it, as most people tire of fads? Or will they join together with the rest of us to show the world the measure of our resolve: “Terrorism will not stand!”
Stay tuned, America.
— Tony Lemos, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:00 AM
February 09, 2006
Stick with The Star
Re: Gary Marshall’s Feb. 5 letter, “Cartoons show liberal bias”:
Mr. Marshall is writing to the wrong paper. Whatever his source of “unbiased” news is — and I think I know — he trusts them way too much. In fact, there is no evidence whatsoever of any Democratic involvement in the Jack Abramoff scandal.
If Mr. Marshall truly wants to have only objective and unbiased sources, he can get much closer to that by reading only The Star and by not listening to Rush Limbaugh, Fox News and whatever his other sources are of obviously biased and unobjective news.
— Tom Lazarich, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:02 PM
Conservatives aren’t funny
Re: Gary Marshall’s Feb. 5 letter, “Cartoons show liberal bias”:
I would like Mr. Marshall to name one Democrat who has been indicted in the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal. Scandals have always been great material for cartoonists. Does he not remember the cartoons about Bill Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky scandal? But then, he more than likely enjoyed those cartoons.
Next question: How many conservative cartoonists exist? The conservatives I know don’t have a lot of humor. I find them to be mean-spirited bullies who spend most of their time fighting against civil rights for women, gays, minorities, fair wages, health insurance and properly funded education. There’s just not much humor with an agenda like that.
If Mr. Marshall is starving for cartoons that provide him with news on the current issues of the day that show the conservatives in a more complimentary way, he can draw one and submit it.
— Carolyn Crandall, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:50 PM
Holding psychiatry accountable
Shouldn’t a psychiatric hospital or psychiatrist be culpable for incorrectly evaluating, diagnosing and treating a patient?
If I take my car in to be fixed and it later explodes, I would say the car was not fixed. If a person enters into psychiatric treatment and subsequently explodes, I would say that person was not fixed.
If the exploding car killed others as a result of poor workmanship, the lawsuits would be flying. If a person killed others as a result of poor workmanship, all we hear about are the pawn shops that sold the guns.
— Tammy Synovec, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at