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August 31, 2006
Deeds louder than words
Re: Tahir I. Siddiqui's Aug. 30 letter, “Thoughtful words,” a response to Yahya Merchant’s Aug. 28 letter, “Really, it’s not about religion”:
I found Mr. Siddiqui's words less than thoughtful. Basically, he is saying that Mr. Merchant's continual diatribes about the poor, maligned Muslims is right on, and the rest of us who cannot understand Mr. Merchant and the nuances of Islam should go ask our favorite imam to enlighten us.
Poppycock!
I do not care what religion you are. When the leaders and members of that religion condone violence as a means to an end, you are wrong! Dead wrong.
Mr. Merchant and Mr. Siddiqui would counter that Islam means submission and is a peaceful religion.
Poppycock!
There are Muslim leaders throughout the world calling for violence against Jews and Americans. Yet Islam is a peaceful religion. When Muslim leaders worldwide stop encouraging conflict and death by suicide bombers, then we can start to solve the problems instead of adding to them.
Talk is cheap, and though I am not from Missouri, show me!
Show me how peaceful Islam is. Show me how tolerant Islam is. Show me how non-violence breeds respect.
Right now, Islam is intolerant, and no amount of thoughtful words will change that. You change it with thoughtful deeds.
— Tim Robbins, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:44 PM
Abortion must be a choice
Re: Dean Sylvies’ Aug. 31 letter, “No equality for the unborn”:
Mr. Sylvies asks, "Why don't the pro-choice people have the guts to call themselves what they really are: pro-abortionists."
Let me give you an example of why I'm pro-choice. In 1956, when abortions were not legal and certainly not openly discussed, my 16-year-old sister was taken to have an abortion. She was a victim of incest, and the man responsible decided she had to abort the baby. It took her three weeks to die from the infection and internal bleeding caused by an unlicensed, backroom quack. She died on December 21 and was buried on Christmas Eve.
Pregnancy happens. How it happens is not for anyone to discuss other than the parties involved. Pregnancy happens, and abortions happen. Whether or not they can be done in a hospital setting by a responsible, licensed physician comes by having a choice. Mr. Sylvies’ fanatic and narrow approach, if successful, will drive the abortions underground again, and more women will die unnecessarily.
— Joan Norstedt, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:36 PM
Legal residents in need, too
Re: your Aug. 30 article, “Aid for illegal students backed”:
One of our country’s current major problems is the lack of controlling the entry of illegals into this country.
I checked the dictionary, and its definition of illegals is, “forbidden by law or statute.” If it’s illegal, then it obviously must be against the law.
Doesn’t our law currently state that illegals should be returned to the country of their origin? Therefore, when I saw The Star’s headline and I realized that our Legislature in Sacramento had passed the bill, I became incensed. Isn’t this like pouring salt on an open wound? They shouldn’t even be permitted to remain in this country. If people are illegal, they should be deported and most certainly shouldn’t be subsidized. There are too many legal residents who need help. Why aren’t we helping them instead?
— Jack D. Prosen, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:26 PM
S.O.A.R. should fly away
The sky is falling, the sky is falling.
Ventura County Supervisor Steve Bennett has finally resorted to the tactic used by the Bush administration when trying to sway the public to their side. That tactic is fear.
Bennett is now "warning" us that if we vote for Proposition 90, S.O.A.R. will be irrevocably canceled and the county of Ventura will have to file bankruptcy.
He says that because Proposition 90 would limit the circumstances under which the county could walk in and take your property for what they would call "public benefit," and require them to justly compensate any property owner that suffered substantial economic losses due to the action of the county, it is a "bad proposition." He would rather let the county, or any government agency for that matter, have unfettered control over the private property of all citizens — shades of Bush’s stand on unfettered control over all communications by private citizens.
Bennett also has it in his mind that S.O.A.R. and other such growth control laws are what he calls "quality of life" laws. As we all know, soon after S.O.A.R was passed, the price of houses and property in this county skyrocketed out of control. At the present time, less than 25 percent of the citizens of this county can even afford to purchase a home here, and they have the chance of the county taking it for "public benefit." Now I ask you: Does that sound like their "quality of life" has turned for the better?
The best thing for this county is for Proposition 90 to be passed and for S.O.A.R. to go the way of the dodo birds.
— Rellis Smith, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:18 PM
We’re betraying our soldiers
Re: your Aug. 30 article, “Money to treat brain injuries may be slashed”:
Regarding this administration’s and president’s plan to cut funding for those soldiers who have been brain damaged from this useless war in Iraq: How can the Republican Congress accuse the Democrats of "cut and run" when it is cutting and running from our soldiers in Iraq?
When are the people going to wake up to this administration’s follies?
Our relations with our allies are at an all-time low, and morale in this country has never been poorer. If this administration is so concerned about being patriotic, cutting funds for our brave men and women is unbelievable.
What’s worse, setting a timetable for our troops to come home or cutting funds for brain-damaged soldiers?
I hope rational people will take to the polls come November and vote the real traitors out of office.
— Ken Green, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:52 AM
No more easy way out
Re: Jill Martinez’s Aug. 27 commentary, “Time for a plan to bring troops home from Iraq”:
I say good for Martinez, Democratic candidate for the 24th Congressional District. Here’s a candidate with a plan who’s not afraid to speak out. Her plan is an end to our involvement in Iraq that will bring our troops home with honor and stop out-of-control spending that has brought this country to the brink; to begin now to mend our relationships with countries where we once had respect and, yes, even envy; to turn our efforts and money into securing this nation by securing our ports (which was voted down because it cost too much); and to return our Congress to representatives who can debate and vote their minds. What an idea!
Real solutions are what we need, not waiting another two years to let another administration handle it. I remember times like that.
I'm afraid her opponent has been in Washington too long, taking the easy way out, giving us only the talking points and voting with the George Bush team. Well, that's just no longer acceptable.
— Jody Avery-Smith, Newbury Park
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:49 AM
Time to change direction
Re: Jill Martinez’s Aug. 27 commentary, “Time for a plan to bring troops home from Iraq”:
I agree completely with Martinez. We need a plan for getting our troops home from Iraq, but any kind of intelligent plan of action is not forthcoming from President Bush and his rubber-stamp Republican Congress. That is why this upcoming election is so important. We need a change of direction and a change of leadership. Bush says he wants to stay the course, but in reality, we're going nowhere and have achieved little to make us safer from terrorism.
I have nothing against Rep. Elton Gallegly. He's probably a loyal American and a good person. Unfortunately, he is also a good Republican and an administration loyalist. This is a problem, because Bush has led us into a quagmire in Iraq that, under the present terms, is unwinnable. Because of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's bad planning for the war, more than 2,600 young people have died and almost 20,000 have been wounded. It's time for the American people to say, "Enough."
The Republicans have had their chance at leadership, and they have failed. It's time for new leadership. It's time for fresh ideas. It's time to elect Martinez to Congress.
— Suzanne Gunther, Newbury Park
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:44 AM
What is the meaning?
Re: Yahya Merchant’s Aug. 28 letter, “Really, it’s not about religion”:
It is not about religion or politics. It is about knowing where I stand with my brothers and sisters. These are easy yes-or-no questions. Only the Muslim religious leaders can answer this, and I wish they would.
Question 1: In the original Quran (as opposed to the watered-down American version) does it not say to kill the infidel not under subjugation? If it has a different meaning in content, please explain. The words Merchant took out of content from the Bible have a totally different meaning in content.
Question 2: Is this the book all Muslims are supposed to model their life after?
My religion is a belief in an all-powerful, all-merciful God.
My politics is a belief in survival. I know if I stand behind a jet engine, I will get burned.
— Jim Barros, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:40 AM
Development a concern
I read there will soon be a Planning Commission meeting on the impact of additional development at Ventu Park and the Newbury Road/ Ramona area in Newbury Park. As I understand the issue, Centex Homes of Texas desires to pay a fee to the city of Thousand Oaks in lieu of constructing a few "affordable housing units."
Is this an exchange or a pay-to-play proposition? Do I understand this correctly?
You may recall that Centex Homes is the developer that earlier bulldozed 28 acres of wetlands in Newbury Park near Highway 101 and Borchard Road and Michael Drive. In addition, Centex Homes is building the new development on Reino Road near Albertsons market. Though I am somewhat adverse to the new homes, I am more concerned about the increased traffic and safety.
I regret that I must find this information in the back classified legal notice area in small print rather than in our real news areas.
— Richard Riggs, Newbury Park
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:28 AM
Concert great, ticket wasn’t
The people of Thousand Oaks have a great friend in Ed and Lynn Hogan.
Sunday evening, many of us attended the last musical performance at the 4.5-acre Gardens of the World. We had a wonderful time listening to some great New Orleans jazz, picnicking and soaking up the flora beauty of this amazing little spot in the world.
After the performance, some attendees were even surprised with a ticket on their windshield. Would you believe that while we were enjoying the Sunday evening out, the Thousand Oaks police were out giving parking tickets as though they wanted to contribute to the wonderful time everyone was having.
May I suggest the city of Thousand Oaks re-evaluate the “No Parking” on Thousand Oaks Boulevard in front of the Gardens of the World on Sunday evenings. First, the signs are confusing. Second, there are too many “don’t park here,” or “park here but only up to here.” Furthermore, why can't you park in front of the Gardens of the World, anyway? The public owns the property, so why not allow free parking, especially Sunday nights when the Hogans and other local sponsors put on a gratis evening of fun and joy?
Mayor Dennis C. Gillette ought to look into this before next year’s summer shows begin. Otherwise, he could be discouraged from attending these great performances.
— Ray Holm, Westlake Village
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:22 AM
Big money always wins
Re: Dawn Williams’ Aug. 30 letter, “Out with the incumbents”:
Williams will be very disappointed. The City Council election has already been decided. Big money has always ruled in Thousand Oaks and always will. The method of election gives its candidates an overwhelming advantage. Big money doesn't need a majority to win, only an at-large plurality, so it has three candidates for three seats. Ironically, the more the incumbents are disliked, the more likely is their re-election because more opposition candidates file to run. More candidates just dilute the votes of the anti-incumbents. All the incumbents need are their core of supporters and a few voters who pick at random. I've seen enough of the voting farce in Thousand Oaks to believe that big money encourages more opposition candidates to run.
The only way the people of Thousand Oaks can be fairly represented on the City Council is to create districts in the city and have district elections that require a majority to win. The reason big money can't stand a special election to fill a vacancy is because that would be a majority-wins election. The election would point out the true will of the people.
— Douglas C. Kubler, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:21 AM
August 30, 2006
Where does tax money go?
Why, with all of the taxes being generated with the influx of housing and shopping centers, is there not enough money to staff our Ventura police and firefighters with the manpower and whatever else needed to protect our city? Where is the money going? Out of this city to another one in elsewhere the county? Hopefully, we will see the question regarding the tax raise on the ballot in November, with an explanation of why the additional sales tax is needed to increase our protection forces because of the increased population.
Why, with the amount of taxes paid by the houses on the side streets off Pierpont Boulevard, is the city unable to rake the beaches of the debris left from the winter storms? It is not possible to enter the beaches without trying to dodge rocks, tar and what looks like pieces of wood. My little grandson cut his feet two times, and his little sister must wear her sneakers. From San Diego to Santa Barbara, the beaches are clean and habitable with the no smoking ban enforced.
The new sign at the entrance to Marina Park is very beautiful. Was this a donation? Just how short of employees is the Parks Department? And exactly how many beaches actually have lifeguards on duty?
I love living here, even with the new increase in traffic. It now can take up to 17 minutes to get from Telegraph Road to the freeway during certain times of the day, and I’m wondering how much more traffic will be generated when Wal-Mart arrives. It will definitely generate more traffic than Kmart.
— Carolyn Reidy, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:14 PM
Independence, O’Reilly style
Re: Bill O’Reilly’s Aug. 26 commentary, “A final Iraq solution requires some course-altering”:
Bill O’Reilly has established a new low for himself in trying to equate the U.S. invasion of Iraq to the American Revolution. Only a truly twisted mind could conclude that the American colonists' decision to free themselves from British rule is the same thing as the United States deciding for the people of Iraq that they should be liberated from Saddam Hussein's rule — and, for many, liberated from their heads and limbs by American bombs.
Based on Mr. O’Reilly’s reasoning, the American Revolution would have been just as noble if it had involved France invading the colonies, killing thousands of Americans and securing access to American resources, all while claiming to be liberating the colonies from the rule of King George. If only the French had done that, perhaps Mr. O'Reilly would think they're noble, too.
— Joe Power, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:59 PM
Corporate Scrooges
Re: your Aug. 24 article, “History is basis for attitudes on charity”:
I really enjoyed the article comparing charitable giving in China and the United States. However, there is a minor mistake in it. The author says that three-quarters of American donations to charity come from individuals and the rest from corporations. While it is true that in 2005, of $260 billion in charitable gifts, 76.5 percent of donations came from individuals, the remainder is a mix of support. Foundations gave 11.5 percent, 6.7 percent came from bequests, and corporations gave 5.3 percent, not 25 percent of total gifts.
Although corporate giving rose to unprecedented levels in 2005 due to response to disasters worldwide, it is still true that in America, more money for charity comes from dead people than from corporations!
— Katherine Wertheim, certified fund raising executive,
Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:32 PM
Plan goes too far
Re: your Aug. 29 article, “Assembly OKs overhaul of insurance”:
Over 47 years ago, I registered to vote and listed myself as a Republican and so far have never missed an election, always voting for the Republican ticket until the last election when I got so tired of the lies our government was feeding us I switched to the Democrats and independents.
Due to The Star’s story about the state taking control of our healthcare, I will never vote for the Democrats again. The state says that 7 million people don’t have health insurance, that’s pretty close to the number of illegal immigrants we already have in this state, and, if you have ever been to an emergency room, you will see that most are there because they are the ones that don’t have insurance.
We give them welfare, food stamps, pay a large share of their utilities and feed their children school lunches, and now the few of us who are dumb enough to get up in the morning to go to work are going to pay their healthcare.
Because of the huge cost of providing healthcare, we probably won’t have a job to go to anymore because California is now one of the most costly states to do business in, and the employers will be forced to leave the state to compete with the rest of the United States. People will order their goods on the Internet because even paying the shipping will be cheaper than paying the cost of healthcare in California, especially since our gas prices are the highest in the country and, ordering out of state, we pay no sales tax.
Sen. Sheila Kuehl, D-Santa Monica, wrote the bill SB840 and says that businesses and individuals who now buy private insurance would have lower costs. If you believe that, I would like to talk to you about buying a bridge out in the desert.
The way to remove this threat is at the polls in November. Vote for independents or anyone but a Democrat. This plan has disaster written all over it.
— John Scholfield, Ojai
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:10 PM
Schools need an ID code
Re: your Aug. 27 article, "ID theft growing concern on campuses":
By using Social Security numbers as identification in colleges, there is more opportunity for identity theft. Even though a Social Security number is required for financial aid, schools should use their own code to identify students. If the Social Security number is confidential, why do all the school’s staff members have to know it? Moreover, schools cannot legally save confidential information.
— Yesenia Gonzalez, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:09 PM
Time to demand quality
Santa Paula is at a junction.
One road appears easy. It is familiar and leads downhill. The other leads upward and appears difficult.
Look at the projects under construction. We are growing, but will growth bring real prosperity and a better community? Or will these crowded units bring blight and demands for service that exceed the promised “benefits?” The history of development throughout our country provides our answer. The word around City Hall is that the asphalt plant is on hold because the political climate isn’t right at the moment. An election is coming. The outcome will determine our future for generations. The road we are now on will bring more low-end housing, more thrift stores, that asphalt plant, additional dirty industry and demand for added public services to control problems of our own creation.
The higher road is challenging but offers promise. It will bring clean industry, quality housing, and new residents who will insist upon excellence in education and community development. Developments now under consideration contain ample space for a great university. Such institutions seek quality communities. Will we have the courage and foresight to insist each developer set aside land or pay into a fund for this purpose? We are in a position to demand quality. Our climate is the finest in the world. Our view is superior to that of Thousand Oaks, Westlake and Moorpark.
Quality communities route traffic around rather than through residential areas, have meaningful sign ordinances, real code enforcement, balanced housing mix, clean air, buildings with interesting designs, architectural review board, grass medians on major streets and an institution of higher education. Please notice where the money goes.
We are now on the easy road. We need a council to take us up the more demanding, higher road. We need to demand quality.
— Delton Lee Johnson, Santa Paula
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:07 PM
No equality for the unborn
Re: Debbi Steele’s Aug. 25 commentary, "Celebrate 'Equality Day'":
Steele takes a landmark event, the 19th Amendment, and distorts it to advance her political agenda. She wanted to celebrate "Equality Day," but her equality extends only to those who share her narrow opinion. She obligingly follows the pro-abortion script and trots out all of the tried-and-true liberal lines about “reproductive health and safety, “reproductive freedom” and “rights to control fertility.”
Next, once again following the script, she labels the nefarious villains who would undermine these high and lofty ideals, the evil “anti-choice extremists.” Steele then goes on to state how reproductive freedom is essential for women to have an equal place in business, education and politics.
Essential? Fortunately, I have my liberal decoder ring, so let’s see what Steele really means. “Reproductive health and safety”: abortion on demand. “Reproductive freedom”: abortion on demand. “Rights to control fertility”: abortion on demand. “Anti-choice extremists”: those who want to protect the rights and freedoms of the unborn.
Why don’t the “pro-choice” people have the guts to call themselves what they really are: pro-abortionists. This is not about choice. I am all for choosing when to have a family, choosing who you do or do not have sex with, choosing to use birth control. I am, however, against tearing an unborn baby out of the womb and discarding it as trash.
Ironically, Steele invites everyone to see a short film titled, “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
Apparently, unborn children need not apply.
— Dean L. Sylvies, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:53 AM
Urgent care centers needed
Re: Megan Hook’s Aug. 29 commentary, “ER no place for an impatient patient”:
Hook gave the solution to the emergency-room dilemma near the end of her essay: "Go to an urgent care facility" that can handle almost anything except for life-threatening illnesses and accidents, i.e. heart attacks, car accidents, gunshot wounds, strokes, etc.
I know people who go to the emergency room for a painful episode of bursitis, a toothache, a cut lip or a cut finger, etc. and then complain about the long wait (because staff is first caring for patients who may die if not attended to immediately, and then go on to complain about the high cost of the emergency room visit.
An emergency room needs costly life-saving equipment, physicians, nurses and other staff to be available at all times, and the cost is spread across all emergency room patients.
I've wondered why all hospitals, which are required to treat all patients who come to the emergency room even if they don't have insurance and can't pay for their care, don’t provide less costly care for cuts, toothaches, rashes, etc. They could treat them in an "urgent care center in the hospital" by a nurse practitioners or physician’s assistants.
This approach would reduce the debt the hospital incurs for treating the uninsured and reduce the waiting time for all emergency room patients and use the staff and equipment for truly life and death situations.
— Judith A. Beay, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:45 AM
Emergency room a zoo
Re: Megan Hook’s Aug. 29 commentary, “ER no place for an impatient patient”:
Props to Hook for writing about what we've all been talking about continuously for months: the deplorable situation in our local emergency rooms.
In the last few years, it seems to have gone from bad to worse. I personally lost a friend who had to wait too long for treatment, which resulted in a futile emergency procedure to save him, which resulted in his death 19 hospitalized days later. And, by the way, he acquired a staph infection in that hospital that didn't help the situation at all.
And if you happen to accompany the person who needs treatment, you both run the risk of coming out with the illness of someone else you are forced to be seated near for several hours. Wouldn't it be fairly simple to segregate the contagious people?
A friend who recently sat in the emergency room after her son's accident saw a family with a sick child leave after waiting a couple of hours and come back 30 minutes later in an ambulance, hoping to get a better place in the queue. I guess it's desperate measures for desperate people. There's got to be a better way.
— Barbara O'Leary, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:41 AM
It’s Swansea, not Swansee
Re: your Aug. 27 travel article, “Wonderful Wales”:
Thank you for the splendid article on Wales, which is my birthplace.
In the article, the actual town where I was born was mentioned, which is now a cathedral city. May I correct the spelling? "Swansee” is incorrect. The correct spelling then and now is "Swansea.”
Hope you don't mind the correction, Swansea being a most wonderful seaside city.
— Don Berger, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:33 AM
Court of public opinion
Re: Jim Sherman’s Aug. 18 letter, “Hospital stay investigated”:
Relative to Sherman’s assertion: “I regret that Ms. Soyster chose this particular venue to share her perceptions.”
May I remind Mr. Sherman, the president and chief operating officer of Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center, that he chose this particular venue, namely the media, to attempt to portray his hospital and its ethics as “squeaky clean” and for the benefit of the patients (Aug. 15, “Los Robles Hospital CEO: Patient care comes first”). When you place an article in a venue such as the media, you have to expect a certain amount of rebuttal as well as praise.
We all know that any organization that is results-driven for investors is looking out for its best interests, not the customer’s. I am sure that in most cases, Mr. Sherman’s hospital and staff operate to provide the best service they can. However, to attempt to portray anything as “perfect” is just patronizing the public at large.
And perhaps when a customer does not feel they have had their voice heard they certainly, as protected under the First Amendment, have the luxury of voicing their opinion in the court of public opinion.
— George R. Blake, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:32 AM
Is patriotism allowed?
Re: your Aug. 25 letters on the topic, “Islam and its followers”:
The American Heritage Dictionary lists the following definitions:
— “Islam: a religion based upon the teachings of the prophet Muhammad, believing in one God (Allah) and in Paradise and in Hell, and having a body of law put forth in the Quran and the Sunna.”
— “Quran: the sacred text of Islam.”
— “Moslem (also Muslim, Muslem): a believer in or adherent of Islam.”
Of the many thoughts and questions posed regarding what the Quran specifically states, the question simply is, "Can a Muslim who adheres to the Quran be a loyal American?”
— Marty Lachow, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:20 AM
August 28, 2006
Isn’t it ironic?
Re: your Aug. 26 editorial, “SB News-Press mocks ethics” and Bill O’Reilly’s commentary, “A final Iraq solution requires some course-altering”:
Am I the only one who found this just the tiniest bit ironic? Directly beneath The Star’s impassioned editorial on Santa Barbara News-Press Publisher Wendy McCaw and her tactics, Bill O’Reilly’s column appeared with the usual lies.
In the editorial, The Star made it a point — and rightly so — to state “that a newspaper is no mere commodity. Newspapers report facts, seek truth and regularly stand up to the rich and powerful.”
Directly beneath that editorial, O’Reilly opines, “Despite what revisionist historians” — a group he can count himself a member of — “say, the USA did not lose militarily in Vietnam, we simply did not defeat the communist enemy.”
OK, OK, call me a nitpicker if you wish, but isn’t not defeating the enemy in a war the same as losing? How long must we suffer the lies and distortions of the O’Reillys and the Ann Coulters. These columnists and their ilk do not “report facts, seek truth and regularly stand up to the rich and powerful.”
— Jay Aronow, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:42 PM
Voter registration update
Here’s an update on voter registration:
Ventura County citizens can register to vote at a county post office, fire station, city clerk's office, library, chamber of commerce or Ventura County Election Division at the Government Center.
The last day to register to vote in the 2006 fall election is Oct. 23.
If you have moved or changed your name since registering or want to change your political party affiliation, you must re-register.
The Democratic Club of Camarillo has a registration table at the Camarillo Farmers Market every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. We have registration forms for the public’s convenience. We look forward to answering any questions and to helping people register or re-register.
— Marjorie E. Grate, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:29 PM
‘Peaceful religion’ a myth
All you people out there who think Islam is a "peaceful religion" had better get your head out of the sand before it's too late.
The only difference between Islam and Nazism is that Nazism was completely crushed and delegitimized within 12 years of its birth after a hard-fought campaign. In fact, Heinrich Himmler, the chief of the Waffen SS, was quoted as saying one of his most effective divisions was his Muslim division, which were Ottoman Turks.
Islam is a Nazi ideology. Islam has been at war with the rest of the world since its birth, and due to the world's inability or lack of will to expend the sacrifice necessary to crush it, Islam has only gained strength and legitimacy simply because it has been around for hundreds of years. Had Nazism been around for that long, we would all be trying to be politically correct by insisting Nazism is a "peaceful ideology."
— Leonard C. Snebold, Port Hueneme
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:24 PM
Electoral College works
Re: your Aug. 23 article, “State Senate OKs plan to drop out of the Electoral College”:
I was saddened to read that Assemblyman Tom Umberg, D-Anaheim, apparently slept through American history class. There were a few homework assignments he missed too, one of which was reading the Federalist Papers.
When he has a minute, he should read Federalist Paper Number 10 by James Madison. What he fails to realize, and what Sen. Tom McClintock, R-Thousand Oaks, does realize, is that this is a nation of states. The opening sentence of our Constitution spells it out: "in order to form a more perfect Union." It doesn't say " so you can get your way in everything." It realizes that we must stay strong and united as states, and that letting a few large blocs of votes (cities) decide everything from commerce to morals will quickly disenfranchise opposing groups of people (states). Hence our Electoral College and our republic.
Taken to the extreme, imagine what would happen if New York and San Francisco were to decide all matters for the Bible Belt. There wouldn't be much reason for the Bible Belt to stay in the Union. After all, their minority position would mean they would have no chance to influence any outcome. Would they rise up in arms to maintain their values and way of life? Secede from the Union? Does it sound far-fetched? Of course. Nothing like that could ever happen. Look how nicely the Sunni Arabs, Sunni Kurds and Shiite Arabs get along in Iraq. Ask a Sunni Kurd or a Sunni Arab what they think of one person-one vote.
Assemblyman Umberg should realize that the only time a pure democracy appears to work is when you are part of the majority.
Our Constitution and Bill of Rights are not perfect, and sometimes they don't let every individual get their own way, but I'll put it up against anything else out there. The Electoral College works. Leave it alone.
— Mark Banda, Port Hueneme
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:16 PM
Where’s common sense?
Re: Richard Larsen’s Aug. 22 essay, “Islam is not the enemy”:
I am tired and bored with the number of articles, editorials and columns in The Star that profess that the Muslim religion is a religion of peace! It seems that after every incident of terror or major arrest of a possible extremist — who, in most every case, is a Muslim — we have to wade through numerous days of articles in The Star about the much maligned world of Islam. Enough already! I and most everyone don't believe it.
The essay by Richard Larsen accusing anyone who utters a negative comment about the Muslim religion of being unfair and a racist is rubbish. We are told it’s wrong to profile even for the sake of safety, so I guess we are all in this strange Land of Oz about who we should be concerned about.
When did common sense cease to be a process we stopped using? Most of the people trying to kill and terrorize people in this country are Middle Eastern young men, so following the “no common sense approach” we should double-check that 80-year-old Norwegian grandmother in a wheelchair and give a pass to the five 25-year-old Pakistanis. Not if I owned the airline!
It’s time people used the brains they were born with to fight this enemy and not wait for some politically correct approach that will guarantee failure. In the case of the peace-loving Muslim religion, we need some “show me the money” from the so-called leaders. Instead, we get excuses from the far left every few days.
— Robert W. Coshland, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:07 PM
‘Liberté, égalité, surrender, eh?’
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he hopes France will lead the peace-keeping force in Lebanon. How safe Israelis must feel today, knowing they will be protected from the coward's yellow flag of Hezbollah by the white flag of France.
— Robert Ostrove, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:51 PM
Science evolves
Re: Ken Raduechel’s Aug. 25 letter, “Is Bible truth or fiction?”:
He asks, “If science is fact and God is fiction, why does science keep changing and God remain the same?” The brutal truth is that, historically, god myths tend to remain the same because people with contrary ideas don’t like being imprisoned, tortured or killed.
Perpetual change is the very essence of the awe and majesty of science. Perhaps we can never know the deepest truth about anything and can only hope for progressively closer approximations and the progressive elimination of errors. This is precisely why science must “keep changing.” If it does not do so, it degenerates into mere dogma.
Regarding evolution, anyone who has seriously examined the fossil record knows that this is as much a proven fact as that bricks fall downward.
I deeply believe the fossil record to be an excellent starting point in any search for truth, beauty and grace in nature. It is absurd to regard such a magnificent archive as an obstacle to be denied or ignored in such quests.
Raduechel reasons that “if evolution and survival of the fittest were a fact,” abortion, alcoholism and drug use should decline. Passing over the fact that the fittest survive by definition, these problems are most likely a result of social and economic pressures rather than quirks in the DNA code. I’m not an expert here, but is anyone else?
Finally, what atheism is really about is not the “denial of god” per se, but the idea that you do not accept extraordinary things as being true, unless you have some evidence-based data to support them. If solid, properly analyzable evidence ever surfaces to show that the emergence of life involved thought and planning, I think most atheists would find such information stimulating.
— Neville Macaulife, Oak View
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:45 PM
Hospital workload excessive
Re: Jim Sherman’s Aug. 15 commentary, “Los Robles Hospital CEO: Patient care comes first”:
I was very disheartened by Jim Sherman's commentary, although not surprised. With all the negative letters coming from the community, I'm sure he has reason to squirm.
I have been a nurse at Los Robles for 30 years. I have seen huge changes in healthcare and none of them good for patients or staff.
To claim that Los Robles is not understaffed and using California’s “strict” staffing regulations as some sort of proof is absurd. For-profit organizations always seem to find a way to twist things to their advantage, and these regulations are no exception. The regulations were meant to ensure safe staffing. Because of the hospital’s own interpretation, that goal has been thwarted. Ancillary staff has been severely reduced, and the workload is worse than ever. Acuity is also supposed to be considered, but our tool is ineffective because it confirms to the hospital’s desire to staff by numbers.
The staffing law also states that unless all patient needs are met, you are out of compliance. This is clearly the case in the medical-surgical unit at Los Robles.
The law provides that nurses receive three 10-minute rest breaks and one 30-minute meal break, uninterrupted. There is rarely adequate staff to cover them within ratio, as the “strict regulations” mandate. The hospital insists that they be taken anyway, because it is required to pay up to two hours when they are missed. The nurses won’t put their patients at risk, so they forego their breaks. The hospital refuses to pay, claiming it's the nurses’ choice.
I am insulted by Mr. Sherman’s reference to “predictable and negative union rhetoric.” These valid concerns are shared by both union and nonunion supporters. They are not “outrageous assertions,” and shame on Mr. Sherman for referring to them as such!
— Linda Bain, RN, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:38 PM
All holy books have violence
Re: Gerald Christian Nordskog’s Aug. 25 letter, “Threat to humanity”:
What on earth is the Ventura County Christian Leadership Council?
Its chairman, Gerald Christian Nordskog, writes a letter that is characterized by dishonesty, bigotry and ignorance, as well as a profound lack of understanding of the essence of Christianity. When he states "the Quran espouses violence by the sword and war and tyranny and terror," he is apparently oblivious to similar passages in the Bible where true believers rape, pillage and murder innocent men, women and children who differ from them.
The Middle East in the time the Torah, Bible and Quran were written was a violent period of history where atrocities to outsiders were commonplace. All of these holy books are loaded with such passages.
The inspirational pieces in these books are the ones that speak of tolerance and love. They speak of humanity's aspirations for peace, justice and compassion and lives led according to God's plan.
— Bill Robinson, Westlake Village
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:30 PM
Edison rates misleading
With the recent heat wave, many Southern California Edison customers received record-high electric bills in July. After receiving a $700 bill, we implemented some dramatic conservation measures in an attempt to reduce our monthly electrical cost. When we received our July/August electric bill, we had reduced our daily electrical usage 6 percent from the same period last year. However, our bill was still $138 higher.
A comparison analysis between last year and this year’s bill revealed some shocking truths. Despite reducing our usage, our actual charge was 53 percent higher. This reality is contrary to Southern California Edison’s claim that the rate hike for customers was 15 percent, as implemented in February.
Edison has a complicated, if not convoluted formula with many different rates based on “baseline” and “percent over baseline.” It is unbelievable that the Public Utilities Commission allowed Southern California Edison to raise the rates at such an excessive level. The average homeowner in Oak Park and surrounding areas can’t possibly run their residence on the “baseline” allowance. Therefore, we are disproportionately penalized by the egregious rate increases allowed by the PUC.
Adding insult to injury, the electrical system in Oak Park is old and constantly fails. We have experienced frequent and lengthy power outages over the past six months. We have seen little evidence that Edison is committed to improving the local electrical system infrastructure, but it seems content to misrepresent to the public the actual rate increases that all of us must now suffer through.
— Michael Paule, Oak Park
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:21 PM
Alas, poor Pluto
Ah, Pluto, we hardly knew ye.
— Steve Morsa, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:07 PM
Now it’s Iran’s turn
When are the American people going to wake up and see that what is happening in Israel is just around the corner from happening here? The solution to begin with was to remove Saddam Hussein from power. Now America must do the same thing in Iran. If the Muslim world is teaching their kids to hate the way we think and operate, we must remove the people who are teaching them.
— Lenny Shteynberg, West Hills
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:01 PM
August 25, 2006
Golf course view spoiled
I'm a regular player at Buenaventura Golf Course, and I would like to thank Ventura officials for giving us a beautiful place to enjoy the game of golf.
I have been concerned about the quality of the design of the new buildings being placed across the street on Olivas Park Drive. These buildings appear to be very basic concrete structures that are lifted into place by cranes overnight. From the 10th fairway, they look like concrete bunkers. I would rather look at a sand bunker.
What has happened to our city’s Design Review Board? Do we have any architects on it? What has happened to our city manager, who talks about "smart growth?" What has happened to our City Council, which approves our growth? I realize it is zoned as industrial, but why do we have to have ugliness next to a beautiful multimillion-dollar golf course?
I suggest a row of Italian Cypress trees be placed near the street to block the sight of the buildings. I want the Design Review Board to do a better job on future buildings. Let's stop tilt-up buildings.
— Maurice E. Murray, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:18 AM
State bonds need analysis
With the election just a couple of months away, I strongly urge The Star to address one of the major issues on the ballot.
We are going to be asked to approve a number of state bonds totaling billions of dollars, to say nothing of the various local bond measures which will also be presented. Would The Star please do an in-depth investigation and analysis of at least the state bonds?
It seems to me that what we voters need at a minimum is a clear view of the current bond load that the state carries, how much this costs us per month or year and the retirement schedule of these bonds. We also need an overlay of the proposed bonds on these data.
We need to know what percent of California's gross domestic product the cost of both the current and proposed bonds represents. And we need to know how these data compare with California's historical record of state bonds, as well as with other states which have comparable indebtedness.
This same information would be very helpful for the local issues also, but I believe the facts about the state measures are the more critical at this time. The Star would be providing a most important public service to undertake this task, for which we voters would be extremely grateful.
— Allan C. Strayer, Westlake Village
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:05 AM
Make English official language
It’s that time of year again when parents prepare children to start back to school. The store ads advertise back-to-school sales, but there’s not much on the official English language amendment. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a most charismatic politician, opposes the notion of making English the national language because there is no funding for schools to teach English classes to immigrants. “A waste of time” he says.
What happens if and when government ceases providing materials in foreign languages? Why spend money and time printing materials in other languages instead of applying the funds to schools, so they can teach more English classes to immigrants? Chain stores could donate the money spent on their ads printed in two languages to the schools. At this stage, they all cry racism, but it’s the opposite.
Learning English would increase their employability and make them feel more American, no matter where they came from. This country needs more unity; therefore, opposing English to be the national language will only work against what they came to this country to achieve. I came from a foreign country with my father, mother and sister in 1929. I didn’t have a choice of Italian or English. It was all English! I’ve been there, done that.
— Amelia Hadfield, Port Hueneme
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:53 AM
Debate was worthwhile
Re: Terence Geohegan’s Aug. 20 commentary, “Trustees’ giveaway of public funds shouldn’t be tolerated”:
Geohegan, in relation to the Rio School District recall, states that the League of Women Voters sponsored the "nondebate" and was averse to questions of substance. I disagree and have to wonder whether he and I were at the same forum.
The Southbank Neighborhood Council, at a regularly noticed meeting, presented a forum, not a debate, at our meeting Aug. 10. Because our council chairman is a vocal critic of the school district and our vice chairwoman, Cristina Martin, is married to one of the recall candidates, to assure a fair and neutral forum, the League of Women Voters was asked to moderate the forum portion of our general meeting. At the time that I invited the league to moderate the meeting, I was informed that they would not be asking any question deemed by them (and an unbiased member of our neighborhood) to be either irrelevant or "nasty.” They would not participate in a personal attack. Many relevant and substantive questions were asked over a period of approximately 90 minutes. Due to time constraints, all of the submitted questions could not be addressed.
Sue Kelley from the league and moderator David Maron did an exemplary job moderating what could have been a contentious forum. We appreciate their service and recommend them to any organization or civic group planning a forum in the future.
Susan Perello, Secretary, Southbank Neighborhood Council, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:49 AM
August 24, 2006
New gas supplies needed
Re: Les Spiegel’s Aug. 18 letter, “LNG isn’t the answer,” in response to Richard Kibbe’s Aug. 14 letter, “Power spikes show need for LNG”:
As the local natural gas utility, it is our job to safely and reliably supply Ventura County residents and businesses with the natural gas they need, when they need it and at a competitive rate. We support the development and introduction of new supply sources, such as natural gas from the Rocky Mountains and liquefied natural gas, because it will benefit our customers in several ways.
Access to new supply sources creates supply diversity and will increase competition among suppliers, thereby reducing price volatility and creating lower prices for all customers than would otherwise exist. Many studies prepared by the federal and state governments have indicated that traditional sources of natural gas cannot keep pace with rising gas demand and that imports of LNG will be needed to help meet future needs.
The Gas Company continues to purchase on behalf of its residential and small commercial and industrial customers more than 80 percent of its natural gas from out-of-state supply sources, primarily in New Mexico and the southwest region. Since 2001, the amount of pipeline capacity serving California has increased by nearly 20 percent in order to provide consumers with greater ability to import natural gas from Canada, the Rocky Mountains and the southwestern United States. However, because gas supplies from traditional supply basins are forecast to decline, it is essential that our customers have access to new sources of supply.
A number of project developers are seeking to be the next supplier to California. While we can not predict which project or projects will be constructed, having access to new supply sources will provide our customers with greater reliability, greater access to lower cost supplies, reduced price volatility, and needed flexibility to adjust the supply mix as market conditions change.
— Rick Morrow, Vice President, Customer Service - Major Markets,
Southern California Gas Co., Los Angeles
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:13 PM
LNG plans affect fishing
Re: Dale Edwards’ August 16 letter, "Sanctuary plan takes the joy out of fishing":
What is really going to take the "joy out of fishing" is the location of liquefied natural gas facilities off our Ventura County coast.
The BHP Billiton Cabrillo Port will be a floating LNG conversion factory located in the ocean off the south coast of Oxnard. The NorthernStar Clearwater Port will be on an old oil platform in the ocean off the west coast of Oxnard. There will be wide security and safety exclusion zones created by these projects. The exclusion areas will not only surround the LNG terminals, but also the huge LNG supertankers as they continuously travel to and from the terminals. That means these areas will be off limits to sport and commercial fishing as well as restricting recreational boating.
It is time for those who enjoy our ocean and those who make a living from the ocean to speak out. Join the No LNG Community Alliance by calling 805-488-0422. For more information, see: www.edcnet.org and www.coastaladvocates.com.
— Shirley Godwin, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:05 PM
Where are terrorists from?
Why was there no front-page headline — indeed, there was no coverage — of President Bush's statement of August 21 that no one in his administration had said that Iraq had anything to do with Sept. 11? You will notice that the FBI Web site shows the majority of most wanted terrorists are from Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Not one among these most wanted is from Syria, Iran or Iraq.
— Suzanne Gorenfeld, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:49 AM
Humans need paradigm shift
Re: your Aug. 20 article, “Residents in rural Oregon cope with pervasive poverty”:
It surprises me that people who write for newspapers don't attempt to portray people as active creators of their lives. It seems that the negative always gets the emphasis.
For instance, why are these people poor? Because there is no big industry destroying the environment, cutting down trees up there anymore? Nonsense.
When did people become so dependent on industrialists to have a good life? Why aren't they growing their own food instead of going for boxes of donated food? It seems like we won't survive unless we start teaching people to take care of the earth themselves through organic farming and nature preservation and to treat each other kindly. Any education that neglects these most important means to our survival is a sham. If they want some industry, like rich people who make expensive hotels so they can be well-paid servants, well, it is coming.
It bothers me that the news writers see the world from just one depressing angle. When we run out of oil, it will be chaos unless people start growing their own food and using technology that supports the life of this earth and quit looking for an easy buck and not using their own initiative to survive. Our ancestors did not just die when the Ice Age came, though I suppose many humans did.
— Maryanne deGoede, La Conchita
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:45 AM
College is a good thing
I went to class today, and the rooms were full. All my classes were full. I was on a wait list to see if there was enough room for me in two of them, and to my luck, I got in. There were a few students who got turned away.
I am enrolled in Ventura College. I am 47 years old. It is good to see so many in classes — that means a brighter future for our economy, schools and lives of our youth. Competing for a place in class can only mean one thing: the need for more teachers. This doesn't mean that there is a cause to raise tuition, because there are more students to cover the cost.
Community college is a great way to get introduced to higher education. There is a little less pressure on you. I don't know why — maybe because it’s smaller and not so overwhelming.
Whatever the reason you go to school, stay in there and finish, and get a good start on the rest of your life.
— Robert Zingery, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:27 AM
Is Bible truth or fiction?
Re: Charles Albrecht’s Aug. 23 letter, “It’s science, not philosophy”:
Responding to Chris Maguire’s Aug. 18 letter, “Debate requires surmising,” Albrecht states that science goes where the facts lead. He also states the facts for God are nonexistent. If science is fact and God is fiction, why does science keep changing and God remain the same?
The Bible says the universe began in an instant. Science, until 30 years ago or so, theorized the universe and all life forms evolved over time. Now scientists believe the universe began in an instant, a Big Bang, just as the Bible has always proclaimed.
The Bible says life was created by intelligent design. Science states life evolved over time through survival of the fittest. The discovery of DNA and the genetic code, far more complex than any software written by Microsoft, would tend to point toward intelligent design. Also, if evolution and survival of the fittest were fact (not theory), wouldn’t abortion, alcoholism and drug use be on the decline rather than on the rise?
The Bible states that, because of their stubbornness, Israel would be swallowed up and cease to be a nation until the time of the Gentiles was coming to an end. Israel was defeated in war by the Romans in 135 A.D. It ceased to be a nation. It was re-established as a nation by the United Nations on May 14, 1948. Never before has a nation ceased to exist and then been re-established after more than 1,800 years. Perhaps it’s not scientific, but it’s true nonetheless.
So, is the Bible truth or fiction? Each person must make his or her own decision. This is the single most important decision you will ever make. The consequences are eternal. He who has ears, let him hear.
— Ken Raduechel, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:21 AM
‘I want my CSI!’
Recently we received a flier from Time Warner Cable. On Page 2, under "What you need to know," it claims, "Your services will never be interrupted."
On Wednesday, about 10:15 p.m., all stations were lost, and their notice said, “We’ll be back momentarily." I turned off the TV at 11:15 p.m., and there was still no signal. Good thing “CSI New York” was a rerun!
Not off to a good start!
— Rick Esler, Newbury Park
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:13 AM
Toxins no surprise
Re: your Aug. 23 article, "New documents show more toxics at test lab":
It surprises me that the Department of Toxic Substances Control is surprised to learn of Rocketdyne's past hazardous practices at Santa Susana. I thought we all knew about this, but now it seems we have their own documents to further support what others have known for some time.
The Star’s article states that the last time destruction of hazardous material was done at Santa Susana was in 1991. Let's not forget July 26, 1994, when an explosion at the site killed two scientists, one being my husband, Dr. Larry Pugh.
— Toni Pugh, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:07 AM
August 23, 2006
Arabs should try peace
Re: Dan K. Thomasson’s Aug. 2 essay, “Thanks, but no thanks”:
Thomasson wrote, "It may be difficult to ask the Israelis to stand down under the circumstances, but the possibility of further killing of innocent children should force them to do so. Americans expect more of their allies."
I agree that it is a horrible result of war that civilians are killed. However, Mr. Thomasson failed to mention that the Israelis drop pamphlets warning the civilian population of impending bombs, while Hezbollah drops rockets on the civilian population without warning. Hezbollah cares not who they kill — women, children, Arabs, civilians, etc. They shield themselves with civilians (they don't care) and show the results, hoping the world will be sympathetic. They fire hundreds of rockets into Israel daily, and without a target. They feel that if they kill civilians, so what? Israel is the opposite.
Why don't the Muslims try to do something for humanity instead of trying to kill it off? All they know is war. They do not want peace. What have they done for the world except make war?
Differences between Israel and the rest of the Arab world: The cell phone was developed in Israel by Israelis working in a branch of Motorola; the Arabs built rockets. The Pentium MMX chip technology was designed in Israel at Intel; the Arabs built a new gun. The technology for the AOL Instant Messenger ICQ was developed in 1996 by four young Israelis; the Arabs taught their young to commit suicide.
I could go on and on.
There are 500 million Arabs and only 5 million Jews. Maybe if the Arabs would concentrate on world peace instead of world war. it would truly be a wonderful world.
— Harold Goldwasser, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:41 PM
Clean up campaigns
Proposition 89, the California Clean Money and Fair Elections Act, is an initiative that has been placed on the November ballot to reduce political corruption and make election to statewide office possible for those who are not wealthy. Proposition 89 will provide public funding for the election campaigns of those who wish to run for statewide office and who accept no private contributions to their campaign. It will also strictly limit campaign contributions.
Phil Angelides, Democratic candidate for governor of the state of California, has endorsed the California Clean Money and Fair Elections Act, stating, "It is time for the people of California to clean up the influence of money in our government. Our government should answer to the voices of Californians, not corporate special interests."
Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions of Ventura recognizes that peaceful resolutions to the challenges faced by humanity will not likely be achieved as long as money can influence votes as it does today. CPR has therefore officially endorsed Proposition 89.
Are you tired of politicians who vote as the corporations and the wealthy suggest they should? Are you ready for your vote to count? Vote for Proposition 89 in November!
For more information: http://www.89now.org
— Kristofer Young, Ojai
(The writer is a board member of Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions. — Editor)
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:31 PM
Wildlife corridor jeopardized
I'm afraid it's too late for the South Coast Wildlands group to influence the Simi Valley City Council, the Larwin Corporation or Mt. Sinai regarding the Douglas Ranch development on Happy Face Hill, at the northwest corner of Kuehner Drive and the 118 freeway. The pleas of residents and environmentalists didn't stop Councilwoman Michelle Foster from bringing back a housing development for reconsideration after initial denial. This project was finally passed by the council in April of 2005, even though it was being built on an acknowledged wildlife corridor.
This development, which consists of 66 two-story condos resting on more than 20 feet of infill, will admittedly destroy the wildlife corridor but was "mitigated" by the need for affordable housing. Try explaining that to the deer, coyotes and mountain lions who once made their home there!
— Judy McLaughlin, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:26 PM
Meet a potential enemy
“60 Minutes” recently featured a half-hour interview with Iran’s top leader, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He is the most twisted, convoluted, illogical and diabolical person I’ve ever heard. Never giving a straight answer, his “reasoning” has more twists and turns than a roller coaster. He is vain, definitely has his own agenda and defends his actions and those of Hezbollah with convoluted, nonsensical rhetoric. The United States had better beware. There may come a time, soon, when we face him head to head.
— Gary F. Traxler, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:20 PM
Gang injunction needed
The Port Hueneme City Council held a special meeting August 16 to take public testimony regarding implementation of a proposed gang injunction and safety zone in the city of Port Hueneme. A full house attendance included representatives of law enforcement, religious entities, financial institutions, homeowner associations, rehabilitation groups and residents of Port Hueneme.
After careful presentation of materials and information documenting need for the injunction by Port Hueneme City Manager Robert L. Hunt, the public testimony was opened for comment and questions by attendees. Without any discourse, all comments presented were positive for moving forward with the injunction.
After presentation of this united front to the City Council and the district attorney’s representatives, the meeting, before being concluded, saw personal statements being made by council members Murray Rosenbluth and Maricela Morales. Rosenbluth felt the injunction should be deferred for further study, and Morales felt there were enough laws on the books to handle the situation and further education or rehabilitation should be employed to resolve the problem before an injunction took place.
Since gang action from 1997 to the present is extant, deferment does not appear to be an option. Education and rehabilitation are noble concepts but have been tried with little or no effect. This gang injunction is needed for every law-abiding citizen residing in the city of Port Hueneme. Let’s hope that the gang injunction is not derailed by the personal opinions of Rosenbluth and Morales.
— Jack Peterson, Port Hueneme
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:16 PM
Taxing Social Security is wrong
It is wrong to tax my Social Security check. It’s a violation of constitutional law. It’s double-taxing the same money.
The Federal Reserve banking system is a private corporation and is not part of the federal government. This outfit is a very large cartel or trust. There is price fixing on interest. It’s a violation of Sherman and Clayton antitrust laws. General Electric did price fixing and paid large fines. This is a felony. The directors of this bank system should be in jail and the bank doors locked.
After reaching 70-plus years of age, I went back to work full time. The federal government is withholding money to pay for health insurance – Medicare – that I already have. That’s double taxation. This is stealing from me.
— Roger Fischer, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:54 PM
Myth of the liberal media
Re: George Sjostrom’s Aug. 5 article, “Loss of freedom may be the price of peace”:
After reading the tirades about the liberal media by your two “fair and balanced” essayists Bill O’Reilly and George Sjostrom, I would like to point out that the same “liberal media” was able to transform Osama bin Laden into Saddam Hussein and Iraq into a major terrorist threat to the United States.
Unfortunately, our “liberation” of Iraq has created a new brand of Muslim terrorists who kill each other with impunity, and Americans and foreigners are caught in the middle.
The recent resignation of the leading journalists of the Santa Barbara newspaper came about after they were directed to soft-pedal world news and to concentrate on local news.
I will agree that many journalists and reporters are inclined to be liberal in their views; however, they are limited in what they can say by the owners of their organizations.
Self-interest is an important consideration of what reporters and journalists can say. It’s a great job, offering great health and retirement benefits with little danger of job loss unless they refuse to go along with the policy of their company’s owners.
I have noticed that The Star does very little reporting on the state of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, saving it for the back pages if at all. Issues like the national debt, inflation and Social Security are never really discussed in depth.
To those people who believe there is a liberal media, get out your computers and check out the companies that are major media owners and major right-wing contributors.
— David Jensen, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:50 PM
Extremism on the rise
Dennis Prager, author and radio talk show host, recently said that it is irrelevant that there are moderate and peaceful Muslims. I agree.
If there were only a few Muslim terrorist extremists in a small number of countries, then the connection with Islam would be irrelevant.
But that's not the case. The extremists are all over the world in large numbers — and growing.
Wake up, American infidels!
— John Torkelsen, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:39 PM
Crime wave in Mandalay
We live in the Mandalay Bay area of Oxnard. We have been burglarized while home in bed and had two cars stolen in a two-month period. Most of our neighbors have also had burglaries in the past couple of months.
We are not getting support from detectives or the local route commander. Several neighbors have said they are arming themselves since we are not getting any response.
Responses or comments from the Police Department have been, “Well, you live in Oxnard,” “Well, if you had gotten Lojack after the first car was stolen, we could find this one” and that people “invite crime in if they fail to lock their doors.”
Two of three officers who have come to our home informed us they have never actually been in our neighborhood because it's not part of their watch.
Are there no patrols assigned to this area? We asked the route commander to copy us on his e-mails, and we were sent the report for the week our second car was stolen, but it was not reported.
So, we e-mailed the group saying we've lost two cars. He removed us from the list for alarming neighbors.
We were told the crime report is “prioritized,” and that's why our auto theft wasn't in there. Sounds like the so-called crime report that is shared with the neighbors is edited.
Frankly, they should be alarmed! Blaming the victims is not a good answer, it's deplorable. It is not our fault that we were burglarized, lost personal property and two new cars, not to mention personal security or any feeling of safety in our own home. We would like to know what is being done to protect our neighborhood, and what is being done to investigate these crimes.
— Jenni & Jeff Klein, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:36 PM
Evil does exist
Re: Dr. Robert Dodge’s Aug. 6 letter, “Leading by example”:
Dr. Dodge states we need to "change the way we think" and then brings forth that tiresome quote from Albert Einstein, a brilliant scientist but a poor historian. Einstein was also a poor judge of the human character. There are lessons from history that Einstein and Dr. Dodge are unwilling to recognize.
Since the dawn of history, there have been humans who have chosen to be influenced by evil. They choose to embrace evil beliefs and willingly join evil causes. The root source of all this evil is the Satan or devil identified in the Holy Scriptures. One of the triumphs of all this evil is warfare, and some men love it. Evil is not going away; thus, it behooves good men to defend themselves so as to minimize human suffering and misery on a huge scale. Not recognizing this evil as a permanent force on the earth is foolish and warped idealism of the silliest kind.
There is absolutely no need for any American to bear guilt or have any regrets about the use of nuclear weapons in 1945 on Japan. There were no easy and less costly alternatives to that decision. If there had not been a Pearl Harbor, there would have been no Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
— John K. Carter, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:33 PM
August 22, 2006
It’s science, not philosophy
Re: Chris Maguire’s Aug. 18 letter, “Debate requires surmising,” a response to Dan Whelan's Aug. 10 letter, "Evolution is a philosophy":
In his somewhat rambling and half-hearted rebuttal to Dan Whelan's assertion that "evolution is a philosophy," Chris Maguire seems to be repeating the old saw that "evolution is just a theory." He just doesn't get it.
Science is still the best way we have of knowing and evaluating the physical world. Science goes where the facts lead. The evidence for evolution is overwhelming and far from abstract philosophy. The facts for God are nonexistent.
All Maguire needs to do is some research to see for himself how wonderful the fact of evolution is and how it works. Any public library is chock full of books on evolution, and there are many articles online about it. I would dissuade him from trying to find it in the philosophy department, however.
— Charles N. Albrecht, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:32 PM
Lessons from Lamont
Recently, Vice President Cheney commented that Ned Lamont’s victory in the Connecticut primary might encourage “al-Qaida types.” This statement is an affront to anyone who truly appreciates the democratic process.
This win by Lamont was a display of democracy at its finest. Here we had an unknown, representing the frustrations of the majority, against an entrenched leader of the Democratic Party. Even if you don’t like the results of this election, you must agree that it was a marvelous textbook example of how democracy works.
The Bush administration has tried to portray those against their hard-line militaristic policies as crazy or loony, but one only needs to look at the world situation to see how the belligerent, militaristic approach of this administration is fanning the fires of resistance and hatred against the United States around the world. Just recently, 21 former generals and high-ranking security officials have called on the Bush administration to cease the hard-line policies and open a discussion with Iran.
Bush’s reliance on the military as the primary instrument of American foreign policy is undermining U.S. security and making us all less safe. Ned Lamont’s election is a statement that it is time for diplomacy, not war.
— Dennis Daneau, Ojai
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:23 PM
No tolerance here
Re: Frank Moraga’s Aug. 11 essay, “Latest lesson in tolerance”:
How naïve can we be? It’s so clear that Muslims want non-Muslims — and even some of their own kind in different sects — dead! Lying is allowed to further their agenda. This religion cannot be tolerated in a free society. You cannot have freedom from this religion. I won't be politically correct in this matter: Islam should go.
— John W. White, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:18 PM
Who needs C-17s?
Re: your Aug. 19 article, “Boeing needs C-17 orders”:
The C-17 transport has been instrumental in projecting our military power throughout the world. Our occupation of Iraq would have been unlikely, if not impossible, without this formidable tool of war. While this tool has been used for life-serving purposes, such as disaster relief, it was not created for that purpose. Largely it has served destructive purposes.
True, in a very limited sense, it has been good for business. It has played its role in the military-industrial complex and been "good " for the economy. Many families have bought their homes, raised their children, built their churches and communities of the foundation of building war machines.
But then, how many schools could be built for the price of just one of these craft? How many children could be fed? How many teachers, librarians and peace workers could have done their work? How much social infrastructure could have been built and maintained?
Would the “war on terror” been better fought with humanitarian responses, helping impoverished countries meet basic human needs for food, shelter, clothing and schools?
So I ask the question: Who needs C-17s?
— Lynn Weeks, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:10 PM
God vs. conscience
Re: your Aug. 19 article, “Natural born believers”:
This article states: “Our ancestors may have been hard-wired in ways that inclined them to accept the notion of a powerful God (or something) who enforces rules of right and wrong.”
Two famous (or infamous) women have also opined on this subject.
Ernestine Rose, America’s first lobbyist for women’s rights, said in 1861: “All children are Atheists, and were religion not inculcated into their minds they would remain so.”
Hillary Rodham Clinton, in her book “It Takes A Village: And Other Lessons Children Teach Us,’ wrote a chapter titled: “Children Are Born Believers.” The former first lady is convinced that children are born “with a deep intuition into God’s creative, intelligent and unifying force.”
If one believes that children come into this world with a tendency to do the right thing only because some supernatural being is watching over them, what happens when they grow up and realize there is no Santa Claus – or God? Will they still be honest? Will they still treat others with respect?
I believe it is much healthier to teach children morality based on one’s conscience, both personal and social – something that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
— Charlotte Poe, Somis
Posted by Andrea Howry at 01:06 PM
Police underappreciated
I feel the police are getting a bum rap. They try to do their job, but first they have to check all the rules — rules that change each week — to be sure the criminal has all the rights.
Every night and day, they have to face situations that none of us would like to meet. If they touch a no-good crumb that has bit them, spit on them, kicked them or sworn at them, the police must stand and take it. If a gun is pointed at them and they fire theirs, they’re put through days of courts and fines and even litigation. The criminal has all the rights.
Recently, I decided I’d like to show my small thanks to the man or woman on the beat. I went into the police station and said I’d like to put a bill in an envelope and give one to each police officer to show I appreciate them. I was told that if I tried this, I’d be arrested. Besides the abuse officers take, the councilmen and women don’t want to pay them. I suggest the councilmen give every man on the beat a portion of their paycheck. It was suggested to me that I get a basket of fruit and put it in the office. Somewhere along the way, I seem to have not gotten through my best intentions.
— I. Z. Parks, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:58 PM
Negotiations should end
Re: your Aug. 19 article, “Divergent island views”:
With regard to this Santa Rosa Island story, I found it presented a slanted view of what is really happening between the National Park Service and the Vail hunting operation.
Since when are people allowed to continue negotiations once the money has exchanged hands? Did the Vails receive their $30 million from the U.S. government or not? Are they proposing returning the $30 million to the U.S. government if their hunting operation continues beyond 2011? Surely many people would like to know how much money Vail & Vickers charges for allowing people to "destroy a handsome elk or deer.” As was stated in the article, it is up to the Vail family what ultimately will happen with the herd.
I trust the National Park Service to do what is best to preserve our treasured parks. After a trip to one of the Channel Islands, I believe most people would agree.
Hopefully, The Star will continue to share more of the truth with regard to Santa Rosa Island.
— Susan M. Schultz, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:52 PM
Hybrid no ‘wonder car’
Re: Maywa Montenegro’s Aug. 18 commentary, “Electric hybrid cars can cut oil use”:
Electric cars will not reduce pollution or oil consumption. Electricity will still have to be generated at power plants.
Maywa Montenegro speaks of a modernized solar/wind grid to supply this electricity. That and a metro subway for Ventura County will occur at about the same time.
The Prius hybrid is not a wonder car. The good news is superb mileage. The bad news is lack of safety. It's a small car in a sea of larger vehicles.
In the long run, the Prius hybrid doesn't really save money because a small loan is necessary for battery replacement once the warranty runs out.
My own solution to global warming is to restrict all SUVs to the right-hand lanes everywhere. Now that would diminish the gas guzzlers.
— Bob Munson, Newbury Park
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:41 PM
Finding the way
Re: your Aug. 19 articles, “Natural born believers” and “Families may need to shop around for church home”:
I just have a couple of comments.
One, this lifetime goes quickly — for some much quicker than others — so people should decide what they believe and know for sure it is the truth because eternity is forever.
Secondly, with regard to people having an inner feeling to do right, you should go to the Bible, Romans 1:19-20, “For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see His invisible qualities — His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.”
However, in Romans 1 it continues to say that God has given us over to our sinful natures, which we have had since the fall of Adam. In spite of this, God still loved us and so He sent His Son, Jesus, to be our Savior. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
I know there are some who will argue this, but I just encourage everyone to do the search for themselves and they will come up with the right answer.
— Sandra Schmid, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:22 PM
Oops!
Re: John Moore’s Aug. 21 essay, “Copy desk keeps us clean”:
I appreciated your interesting article about the difficult and important role of copy editors. They've saved my bacon in the past. They may even have to fix this letter.
Then, wouldn't you know it, shortly after that article appeared, a misspelling sneaked by them. In the next-to-last paragraph of Beverly Kelley's thought-provoking column about grade inflation, Education Secretary Margaret Spellings’ name was shortened to Spelling.
But that doesn't dispel the value of your copy editors. Besides, maybe they occasionally leave misSpellings in as a test to see if the readers are alert — an excuse some of us have used for our mistakes.
— Richard Londgren, Thousand Oaks
(The writer adds that he is the author of "Communication by Objectives," published by Prentice-Hall, “with a few misspellings.” — Editor)
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:13 PM
Bond program pathetic
I went to my local branch of Washington Mutual Bank to purchase a U.S. savings bond for my son and his fiancé. I was told they do not sell them, but I was directed to Bank of America.
I went to the Bank of America and, after standing in line, I asked the young lady behind the counter if I might purchase a U.S. savings bond. She said they did not sell state bonds. I repeated my statement of “United States savings bond,” and she directed me to a kiosk of disorganized pamphlets, one of which did refer to the bond program.
While I realize I can do this transaction online, I preferred to do this in person. No can do. I needed to mail the pamphlet, the money and the application to Northern California.
I have two questions. How can any federally chartered bank not sell U.S. saving bonds? And why is a patriotic act relegated to a sad little pile of pamphlets, displayed like magazines in a liquor store?
I am contacting U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly to see if legislation can be introduced to require all American lenders to prominently display and participate in the United States savings bond program under penalty of law.
— Kevin O'Leary, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:04 PM
Everyone deserves prayer
If there are any real Christians in this country who believe in one god, they should pray for Osama bin Laden supporters as much as they pray for President Bush. True religion embraces all gods, not the Wal-Mart cut-down version we now pay homage to.
— Noel Pugh, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:50 AM
Committee needed
Re: Jim Sherman’s Aug. 15 commentary, “Los Robles Hospital CEO: Patient care comes first,” Leslie Soyster’s Aug. 17 commentary, “Hospital stay less than pleasant experience” and Sherman’s Aug. 18 response, “Hospital stay investigated”:
I have with a thousand eyes read over and over these commentaries, and hereunder are my observations which are subject to a debate if deemed necessary.
The chief executive officer in his Aug. 18 reply states that Ms. Leslie chose this particular venue to share her perceptions. Having had less than a pleasant experience in her short hospital stay, Ms. Leslie obviously ignored and/or forgot the episode, but when the CEO of the hospital described in categorical terms and firm tone the level of care at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center — up against any community hospital in the whole country — presumably Ms. Leslie got infuriated and came out with her grievance, which, if proved true, is a matter to be considered seriously.
By and large, I have found the friendliness of the nurses and the doctors approachable. Most of the doctors who use Los Robles Hospital are, by any standard, excellent human beings. They are extremely patient, good listeners, talented and dedicated. They go an extra mile as far as patient care is concerned.
The CEO, in his Aug. 18 letter, has encouraged an open-door policy, and he also welcomes the opportunity to meet our community. This gesture is highly appreciable. Therefore, it suggests to me that the CEO, in consultation with HCA authorities, may consider forming a citizens advisory board that should be asked to meet once a month to review problems of the like and forward fruitful recommendations to the concerned authorities. These meetings should be open to the public.
— Tahir I. Siddiqui, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:46 AM
August 17, 2006
Rx: 1 dose skepticism
Re: George Pohoski’s Aug. 13 letter, “Study to learn of evolution”:
Pohoski is mistaken when he writes, “There is enough observable evidence to substantiate that evolution of the universe occurred.”
While it is true that there is a lot of stuff in the universe to see and study, there is no observable evidence to prove conclusively that evolution ever occurred. When a scientist says that millions of years ago such and such happened, the listener should ask several important questions: Were you there? Did you see it? Can you demonstrate that in the laboratory? If the answer to these three questions is no, then you know it is a belief and not an established scientific fact.
Evolution is based upon layer upon layer of belief and speculation. In fact, Pohoski apparently was not aware that the word “speculation” occurred more than a dozen times on the Web site he recommended.
What Pohoski needs more than anything else is a healthy dose of skepticism. He needs to start asking the really tough questions!
— Anthony van Leeuwen, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:23 PM
Debate requires surmising
Re: Dan Whelan’s Aug. 10 letter, “Evolution is a philosophy” and follow-up letters:
I, too, have engaged in this debate on many occasions, so I was not surprised by the responses. What is disheartening is the unwillingness of pro-evolutionists to recognize the true debate. As is typical, their letters attack the messenger and not the message, and for good reason: Evolution is a theory based 98 percent on surmise and 2 percent fact. The empirical evidence offers us fossils of species long extinct. We look at physiological makeup and see similarities between species. However, to make a connection between, we have to make surmises of quantitative proportions.
I challenge any evolutionist to write a list of facts in support of evolution and study them without theorizing the connections. It doesn’t leave much. You see, this debate is really about which set of surmises we want to believe: a set based on species evolving themselves, or a set that says God did it.
The real question, and one I always ask, is: Why don’t you want to believe in God?
And I think Richard Dawkins provides the answer. To paraphrase him: Evolution provides a vehicle by which an educated man doesn’t have to believe in a God.
— Chris Maguire, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:19 PM
Monitoring ‘hate speech’
Here's an interesting exercise for open-minded grownups. But first, some background:
Some months ago, Sens. Dick Durbin and Ted Kennedy compared American troops in Iraq to concentration-camp Nazis in World War II and tried to draw "moral equivalence" between them. The effort was despicable — certainly calling into question their loyalties and motivations — but that is a topic for another discussion.
But it led to this question: Which side generates the most "hate speech"? A simple, nonscientific test is to Google "Hate Bush" or “Hate Republicans.” Try it. You'll find invective that would make an old-time salty-dog blush. My drill instructor back in the 1950s didn't hold a candle to the stuff you'll find.
On the other hand, Google "Hate Democrats.” I don't know what you'll turn up, but I found a lot of jokes. Oh, I know the left tries to hang "hate speech" on Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter, but from what I've heard, they're simply repeating quotes from the left to begin with. But then, come to think of it, maybe that qualifies.
— Mike Savell, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:06 PM
August 16, 2006
The politics of terrorism
The Bush administration uses terrorist alerts as an irresponsible and cynical manipulation of public fear. Their political objective is to inflame the public and redirect media attention.
Both NBC and MSNBC have reported that government officials pressured the British to accelerate their apprehension of the suspects. The "liquid bomb" scheme clearly posed no immediate threat. The British had these plotters under surveillance for more than a year. The situation was under control. No tickets had been purchased. Some suspects didn't even have passports. The British had evidence that a "dry run" was planned. The target date wasn't even set yet.
But President Bush’s handlers clearly saw an opportunity to reframe the political “buzz” surrounding the Connecticut primary election involving Sen. Joe Lieberman.
Since the British resisted a hurried shutdown of the investigation for justifiable law enforcement reasons, the U.S. government merely bypassed them, pressuring the Pakistani intelligence service into rolling up the plotters in Pakistan. That action forced the Brits’ hand. Voila, Bush gets his red alert.
Vice President Cheney knew it was coming. He made himself available from his Wyoming vacation for an extremely rare telephone press conference with reporters a day before the announcement of the plot. He used the platform to deride Lieberman opponent Ned Lamont’s win by suggesting that it would “hearten America’s terrorist enemies.” He knew that the other shoe would drop — political theater of the most manipulative and opportunistic sort.
The administration has a long and documentable pattern of using terror alerts for exactly this type of cynical political objective. Was it a good thing to break up the plot and take suspects into custody? Absolutely, but crass political maneuvering should never trump public safety and law enforcement objectives. With this administration of shameless partisan hacks, a terrorist plot is just another political opportunity.
— Ronald Evans, Oak Park
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:55 AM
Scare tactics
Are you safer now than you were before Sept. 11?
Our invasion and occupation of Iraq, which had no weapons of mass destruction, has made more Islamic people hate us than ever before. The Iraq war also helps al-Qaida enlist new recruits to use against us.
Why should we feel safer now that the Middle East is erupting in war? All the incompetent Republican administration did was attack Democrats instead of actively seeking an end to hostilities.
Now that the Republicans are running scared in the election, they are trying to frighten the citizens as well.
— Julia Gregg, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:43 AM
Hardly nonpartisan
Re: Tom McGee’s Aug. 14 letter, “Analysis on illegal activities”:
In regards to the Web site listed, while claiming to be a "nonpartisan coalition,” its founding members are all Democrats. Looking at the groups affiliated, I found only one conservative or Republican group mentioned. This hardly seems nonpartisan.
Regarding the actual "report" Constitution in Crisis, this too seems only covered by partisan Web sites and groups. Why is that? Even supposing the major news agencies were reluctant to publish articles on it, one would think they would at least mention it in passing. Yet, it's virtually unseen outside of partisan areas.
In short, this isn't a "thoughtful document.” It's only another Democratic party rant.
— Jesse Salinas,Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:39 AM
LNG isn’t the answer
Re: Richard R. Kibbe’s Aug. 14 letter, “Power spikes show need for LNG”:
Kibbe confuses energy with fuel. The shortage of electrical energy is a direct function of the amount of electricity that is being generated (the number of plants on line) versus the amount of electricity being consumed, not how much natural gas is available.
We are very much in need of additional energy. However, according the experts who should know, we have sufficient natural gas to supply us into the next century. The arguments for liquefied natural gas are based on the fictional stories that there is an impending shortage of natural gas. Sempra Energy, the company that owns Southern California Gas Co., is also one of the companies that want to be an LNG importer. To make it appear that we need more gas, the gas company/Sempra have even reduced their share of the natural gas that is piped in from Texas. The Sempra Board of Directors must be drooling at the thought of charging their customers with unnecessarily expensive imported gas while coincidentally providing themselves with gargantuan profits.
We don’t need LNG. We need honest suppliers controlled by honest government agencies.
— Les Spiegel, Port Hueneme
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:36 AM
Spending wisely
Re: Fred Rothenberg’s Aug. 11 commentary, “U.S. must keep giving aid to Israel” and George Sjostrom’s Aug. 5 commentary, “Loss of freedom may be the price of peace”:
Rothenberg makes the point Sjostrom said: Israel receives $2.5 billion from the United States each year. But he failed to note that Egypt also receives $2 billion from the United States each year. This bolsters Sjostrom's point. Egypt would never get that much aid if it did not make peace with Israel.
Egypt has an undemocratic government that tortures its own people. Egypt certainly is not deserving of such a large sum. Egypt gets aid to help Israel's security. So basically, more than half of our foreign aid is for the security of Israel.
It seems absurd that more than half of our aid benefits a nation that has a few million people when there are billions of people in the world who need help. Israel is our friend, and we need to help her survive. But we cannot justify giving Israel such a high percentage of our aid.
Some of our foreign policies make it much easier for evil people to recruit for their causes. Rothenberg points out correctly that the Iraq war has cost about $300 billion already. If we had used the same $300 billion as foreign aid instead, the percentage of Israel's aid would have decreased dramatically. We would not be accused of grossly favoring Israel. Add that to the goodwill throughout the world our aid would have created, and it would make it much harder for terrorists to recruit. Compare that to the perception in the majority of the world that we are waging an unjust war in Iraq. Which way would you rather spend your money?
— Shiu Man Lee, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:15 AM
Thickening plot
U.S. corporate media coverage of the Israeli assault on Lebanon was atrocious. One would think that all history of the conflict began with the Hezbollah incursion, in which nine Israeli soldiers were killed and two were captured. The 1980s Israeli invasion of Lebanon and two-decade occupation that gave rise to the Hezbollah movement — not to mention the cross-border raids by both sides over the past four years — was ignored. The massive bombardment that wreaked havoc on Lebanon's civilian infrastructure, killed hundreds of innocents and threatens environmental disaster was treated as simply "Israel's right to defend itself."
Enter Seymour Hersh, the investigative reporter who exposed the My Lai massacre, torture at Abu Ghraib and Pentagon plans to use nuclear bunker-buster weapons against Iran. According to Hersh's explosive New Yorker piece, long before the Hezbollah raid, a Vice President Cheney-led cabal pressured the Israelis to use a future incursion as an excuse to launch a "shock and awe" campaign in order to demonstrate to those within the Pentagon who contend otherwise that a massive air campaign against Iran would succeed in regime change. Don't hold your breath waiting for the mainstream media to pick up the Hersh story.
— Ernest A. Canning, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at