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March 31, 2008
What stimulus?
Re: your March 29 editorial, "Come on, let’s hit the stores":
This headline wasn't specific enough. It should have said, "Let’s hit the stores that sell American-made products."
As Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said on TV, the stimulus package will only be effective if we buy American-made products. Huh? What? That shows how much shopping he does. Where are the stores that sell American-made products? Answer: There are none. Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Kohl’s — all sell foreign-made products.
A Los Angeles channel did a survey of people on the street and looked at the tags on the clothes that people were wearing. None of the people surveyed had on a piece of clothing made in America. Go into Best Buy and try to find an electronic product that was made in America.
Conclusion? Hitting the stores will just send our dollars to another country. Those people who don’t hit the stores will just use their rebate to pay off existing debt and household bills. End result? The stimulus package will not stimulate the American economy.
We have dreamers running the government who are out of touch with reality.
— William Wolny, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 1:50 PM
Perfectly squelched
Re: Grant Marcus’ March 13 commentary, “Is U.S. headed down the path Germany took?” and Carla Bonney’s March 28 commentary, “Muslims get help from Christians”:
The Saturday Evening Post used to have a regular feature called "The Perfect Squelch," which neatly skewered some previously published literary rudeness or ignoramus opinion with particularly noteworthy finesse.
Perfectly squelched, in my opinion, was Marcus’ commentary by Bonney’s reply. One could almost wish for the publication of even more such misinformed opinions of Marcus' ilk to open the door to more Bonney-type perfect squelches.
Marcus is dedicated to and trained as a male nurse in the healing arts. Any wounded person would certainly benefit from his professional attentions. But the wounds he is inflicting on his own country by such ignoramus renderings of false history and distortions of fact are not so easily healed.
American soldiers are performing exemplary work. Ask Muslims on the street in Iraq. They will plead that we stay until the entire nation and the region is secure from the threat of the kind of anti-western hatred Marcus has confused with Muslim "patriotism."
— John Gentry, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 1:44 PM
A tip of the hat
Re: Charles E. Voigtsberger’s March 28 letter, “No way to flip a thank you":
I believe there are several universally recognizable hand-signals to do just that. One is an open-handed, palm facing inward touch to the forehead and then extending outward towards the recipient.
Others may be discovered by becoming familiar with those who are conversant in American Sign Language for the hearing-impaired. Many of those signs are also universally recognizable.
— Mark Voland, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 1:33 PM
Kiss and make up
They should all kiss and make up.
My girlfriend, the Republican, when asked the other day who she thought McCain should choose for a running mate, replied without hesitation, "Mitt Romney."
Now, I know there is no love lost between those two. Hard feelings go all the way back to the Olympics in Salt Lake City. But the more I thought about it, the more sense it made.
After all, McCain is a moderate Republican — even though I know a lot of my Democratic friends think that's an oxymoron. He needs help with the right-wing Republican and far-right neocon party base. Those segments of the party have, despite his record, taken Romney as one of their own. He could also probably deliver the states of Michigan and Massachusetts for the ticket. So I agree with my girlfriend, they should, for the good of the party, kiss and make up.
That got me thinking about the Democratic side. We all have our personal favorite in this contest, but I think it doesn't matter who wins the nomination: We all will happily support the winner. But it really makes sense to have both on the ticket.
Just think of it. Obama will deliver the black vote and the youth vote. The Hispanic vote will turn out en masse for both. Hillary will deliver the female vote. Maybe even some moderate Republican females will vote gender over party. Moderate and liberal Democrats will fall all over themselves getting to the polls for this dream ticket. Sure, there will be those that just can't bring themselves to vote for either a woman or a black man, and they will either stay home or vote for McCain.
But you couldn't find a stronger ticket for the Democrats. It would deliver all the big states like California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois and the heavily Hispanic states like New Mexico and maybe even Arizona and Texas.
So these two should also kiss and make up for the good of the party.
— Patrick S. O'Malley, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 1:23 PM
Don’t build; who’ll buy?
I recently read that Oxnard is in discussion with real estate developer Casden Properties, LLC, to build 201 single-family homes on the vacant land at the corner of Ventura Road and Vineyard Avenue with an additional 125 townhomes on an adjacent site.
Apparently the Oxnard Planning Commission has not looked at the condition of real estate in Oxnard if they are entertaining discussion for more real estate development.
On my street alone, there are seven houses for sale. A recent review of a public Internet site, www.realtytrac.com, reveals that there are 1,879 houses available for sale within the city limits of Oxnard. Of the 1,879, 822 are in pre-foreclosure; 250 are available for auction; 764 are in foreclosure; 27 are for resale; and 16 are for sale by owner. Some of the homes listed on this site are located in the same neighborhood as the proposed build site.
With this situation, who does the Planning Commission expect will have the resources to purchase these homes, when families throughout the city do not have the resources to keep the homes they currently have?
RiverPark community has scaled back its building frenzy. It is also offering massive price reductions to potential new homebuyers in order to sell houses. That alone indicates that people aren’t buying homes, and good financial planning dictates that building more homes is not a financially sound move. The majority of people do not have the resources to buy new homes.
I think the Planning Commission needs a reality check.
— Sharon Schumann, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 1:15 PM
Illegal status makes a difference
Re: Justin Akers Chacon’s March 27 commentary, “What’s fueling increase in violence against Latinos?”:
This commentary irked me because it mirrors a similar article in The Star from a week or two ago on essentially the same subject. The thing that irritates me is that both articles posited — somewhat subtly, but not too subtly — that, as Chacon wrote, "immigrant scapegoating … [has fueled} the rise of hate groups setting their sights on Latinos, regardless of citizenship status."
Chacon then goes on to lump together "illegal" immigrants" with immigrants lawfully in the country and defend that lumped group as a whole. That is what is so irritating to me and, I suggest, to others of my bent.
Everyone in this country — even "native Americans," if one goes far enough back in time — is an immigrant. Why is it that advocates for "immigrants" can't seem to grasp the distinction between the immigrants who have arrived at this country legally and those that haven't? Those that have arrived legally have passed health and criminal background checks. They were required to be well enough educated or trained to support themselves in the economy. Those who have arrived through illegal means have not.
Even more irritating to me is the attempt by these two articles to segue smoothly — almost unnoticed — into a discussion relating the spoken or written objection to illegal immigration as a "hate crime." Oh my! We must avoid stating views that disagree with their basic premises.
Chacon and others of his persuasion should look around, read the papers, listen to the alarms being sounded about the economy and realize that the infrastructure of California, and to a lesser extent in other states, has been overwhelmed by illegal immigration.
— Richard Hawley, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 1:04 PM
Guilt by association
Can someone explain to me why Sen. John McCain has renounced his "agents of intolerance" label of Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson and not received criticism, while Sen. Barack Obama has denounced the words of his pastor and is still being attacked?
Falwell and Robertson blamed the terrorist acts of 9/11, in part, on the ACLU, feminists, gays and lesbians, while the Rev. Jeremiah Wright blamed the attacks on U.S. foreign policy. McCain has embraced Falwell, given the commencement address at Falwell's Liberty University and flip-flopped from his "agent of intolerance" label. Falwell and Robertson essentially said that God was damning America for the decisions of the U.S. justice system.
While some of Wright’s words do run contrary to Obama’s message of unity, it seems hardly fair to label Wright a “radical extremist” for his 5-year-old speech that blamed U.S. foreign policy — a policy that included the arming of Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein. And it is a great injustice to call Obama “anti-American” for his association with Wright. One might as well conclude that McCain, by his association with Falwell, blames gays and lesbians for 9/11!
I am truly sick of all the "spin" that is going on to help explain support for or against a candidate. I am sick of all the attempts at pigeonholing everyone according to their race, age or gender. I hope voters will stop paying attention to all of the "noise" and start paying attention to the policies of each candidate and what each candidate says or has said — what they say, not what others say. Don't listen to the "pundits" and the old party classifications. Who has supported a war and do you? Who has spent us into a recession and do you support it?
— David McNamara, Moorpark
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:57 PM
Traffic needs fixing
I suppose it's just typical of the roadwork in Ventura County, but I'm quite sure my 7-year-old grandson could have done a much better job of designing the intersection on the south side of the freeway at Wendy Drive. What was a reasonably good intersection is now a mess!
Speaking of traffic, I hope everyone is paying attention to the fact that the city of Thousand Oaks only speaks of the money it will not get if the traffic initiative is passed. No one from the city ever mentions "quality of life," which is the reason this initiative is on the ballot in the first place.
— John Hantke, Newbury Park
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:51 PM
Move forward on energy
Re: Lloyd Levine’s March 26 commentary, “Nuclear power, LNG have no future in California":
The article by Levine, chairman of the state Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee, was politically correct in condemning nuclear power and liquefied natural gas. From a scientific and practical standpoint, it would be a disaster for energy-hungry California if we followed his recommendations and leave California with no future.
Electricity for the statewide grid is generated mostly by natural gas in California and some nuclear and hydroelectric power, with coal and oil as other options, and buying electricity from other states.
France, saving billions of barrels of oil in the process, has proven that large-scale nuclear power can be safe, as has the U.S. Navy since the 1950s, with submarines and, later, aircraft carriers that have operated with nary a minor incident. Discussing Chernobyl, with its poorly trained and sleep-deprived second-shift operators, is like railing against U.S. commercial airlines because Soviet airlines have a poor safety record: It’s irrelevant.
New reactors have 80 percent fewer parts than older ones, rely on passive safety systems instead of rusting valves and are being standardized to provide ease of training, maintenance and operation.
As for mining uranium, check the polluting process it takes to make the nickel batteries for hybrid vehicles. Or check what it takes to make, deliver and install solar, geothermal or wind systems. No energy-generating process comes free, but nuclear is by far the most efficient and clean, followed likely by natural gas, however it is delivered. Yes, dealing with nuclear waste is a problem — it currently exists, so it has to be solved anyway — created mostly by environmentalists who also impede the solution.
Of course, every source of alternative energy should be explored to supplement the nuclear and LNG sources that will drive the California power grid for years to come.
It’s too bad Mr. Levine is a drag on energy progress instead of being a leader. Ordinary citizens like myself need to get more involved before our affordable energy sources are given a political death.
— Tom Reilly, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:44 PM
Hate speech inexcusable
Re: John M. Crisp’s March 28 commentary, “Wright continues an outrageous biblical tradition”:
Crisp thinks that the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's comments are just black church business as usual and that Wright is a prophet. I say baloney. Let’s call a duck a duck. Wright's speech is hate speech.
I think a lot of Americans are sick and tired of the excuses being made for Jeremiah Wright and of people like Crisp who attempt to justify such comments. Wright's hate speech is inexcusable, and he makes no attempt to hide his loathing of the United States. But Crisp says Wright is just a little over the top.
Sen. Barack Obama makes excuses for Wright, as well. Wright's association with Louis Farrakhan and his visits to countries hostile to the United States only confirm his obvious anti-American convictions.
I'd like to ask Obama which is worse: making hate speech or excusing it?
— David Ray, Agoura Hills
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:29 PM
118 needs more work
Re: your March 28 article, “Accidents reduced on part of Highway 118, report says”:
Did it really take a couple of years for a task force to determine that truckers avoiding the scales on Highway 101 are a major cause of accidents on Highway 118? And they've reduced the number of accidents to 60 along a 4.7-mile stretch? Can they apply this genius to one spot on Highway 118 where accidents can be eliminated completely?
Put this task force in a car and have them drive west between Rocky Peak and Kuehner Drive. If they can't find the spot I'm referring to, at the merge, have them follow the many skid marks that lead right into the wall. The engineers who designed and approved this mess need to be dealt with before the new onramp opens at Rocky Peak. I can't imagine the fun they have waiting for us. And by fun, I mean carnage.
— Scott Brossard, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:24 PM
Avoid Heathrow
Re: your March 29 Business article, “Airport terminal's debut is a snafu":
I traveled through Heathrow International Airport in June and July 2007. I missed a connecting flight once and would have missed another had I not begged, pleaded and bargained. Additionally, I was subjected to seven levels of security checks, and my luggage missed two flights.
The experience was a nightmare, and I wrote the British Airport Authority to complain, yet all they said was that “the security was necessary."
Even though I made suggestions to improve the flow of transient air passengers that did not compromise airport security, the British Airport Authority assured me that Heathrow International Airport's Terminal Five would be the solution to the problem of missed flights and delays. Well, we can see that this is not the case!
If Americans are traveling to Europe this summer and planning to go through Heathrow International Airport, I would suggest they find another airport to fly through. The British Airport Authority has too many problems to fix, and with the cost of air travel being so expensive, flying somewhere else in Europe would be less stressful.
— John Haran, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:15 PM
CLU makes a good choice
Re: your March 29 article, “CLU prepares leader”:
Many thanks to The Star for the splendid article featuring Chris Kimball's appointment as the next president of California Lutheran University. I rejoice for the institution and for the community in his selection. Chris is a competent, thoughtful, imaginative and cheerful leader, a true asset for CLU. The university will be in good hands.
Thanks, too, for the very effective leadership of Howie Wennes as the interim president during the past eight months.
— Jerry H. Miller, Thousand Oaks
(The writer is president emeritus of CLU. — Editor)
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:08 PM
March 27, 2008
Teaching kids about war
One of the most rewarding opportunities I have as a contact for the Vietnam Veterans Against the War is to be able to help students with class assignments. It seems around this time of the year, I receive several requests from high school students to be interviewed about my experiences and thoughts about war. This year, there seemed to be more students requesting interviews than usual. Maybe it’s five long years of war in Iraq that has spurred their interest. This is a war that has now lasted longer than any one of them has attended high school.
In the past, they, especially the boys, wanted to know if I had ever killed anyone, and if I did, what did it feel like? This year, they didn’t ask any of those questions. Instead, their questions were more thoughtful and more mature. They asked me about my happiest moments. They wanted to know what I treasured the most and if I was ever afraid. There were some questions that caused me to relive unpleasant experiences, but it is a feeling I am willing to endure if I can teach only one child about the tragedies of war.
I know these children will have to endure the economic consequences of this war, but I sincerely hope none of them will have to endure the physical and mental tragedies of this or any other war. As elders, it is our responsibility to teach our children well. The following are lyrics by Graham Nash of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young:
Can you hear and do you care
And can you see we must be free
To teach the children to believe
And make a world that we can believe in.
— Steve Crandall, Camarillo
(The writer is president of the California Central Coast Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans Against War. — Editor)
Posted by Andrea Howry at 9:53 AM
‘Safe city’ label misleading
Most households in the city of Thousand Oaks have received the “On the City Scene” brochure recently mailed out by the city boasting: “In 2007, Thousand Oaks was rated as the safest city in California with a population of 100, 000; 2nd safest city in the nation in that category; and 7th safest overall in the United States.”
This “safest city” claim is founded on a comparison of only a few types of crime reported annually by cities to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting office. The residents of a city having a low crime rate deserve most credit for that low crime rate, not just the Police Department.
The FBI publishes the annual UCR crime data in alphabetical order of cities, purposefully not in any ranked order to be misused for comparative analysis, and it strongly discourages major cities from inferring that a high level of public safety exists in their city based solely on a ranking of a partial set of crime factors.
The source of the “safest city” myth is a contrived ranking done by the Morgan Quitno Press. In an annual report sold to cities, Morgan Quitno Press first converts the annual FBI UCR crime database into a crimei (rate of crime per capita), and then ranks the cities in numerical order of that crime index. In doing so, Morgan Quitno Press flagrantly contradicts the intent of the FBI UCR Annual Crime Report, which is aimed at giving each city only a trending indicator of how effective their Police Department has been in controlling certain types of crime within the jurisdictional boundaries of that city.
Keep up the excellent work, Police Department, but shame on the City Council and city manager for claiming a false level of total public safety in this city.
— Herbert A. Hutchinson, Thousand Oaks
(The writer is a retired system safety engineer. — Editor)
Posted by Andrea Howry at 9:49 AM
Kids could run T.O. better
In order to be elected, Thousand Oaks City Council members Andy Fox, Dennis Gillette, Claudia de la-Peña, Jacqui Irwin and Tom Glancy ran with a "slow growth” or “no growth" agenda. Of course, once in office, they all have betrayed the public trust by allowing this proposed "big box" retailer on Hampshire Boulevard. Instead of wasting time and money on an environmental impact survey, paid by the retailer, why not hire local elementary school students and ask them the following questions:
— If you add hundreds, maybe thousands, of cars a day to an already stressed-out freeway intersection, will that have a negative impact on the immediate and surrounding area?
— Since the city of Thousand Oaks already has a Home Depot, do you believe there is a shortage of Home Depots in Thousand Oaks?
— If you already have all kinds of competing and smaller loyal Thousand Oaks stores on a nearby commercial street, what will happen to them once this "big box" opens up?
— Are the above questions difficult to answer?
Of course, the above 10-minute environmental survey successively completed by our local children is extremely sophisticated and complex, and we, as citizens, could not even dream that our elected officials could understand their conclusions.
— Pete Silbering, Westlake Village
Posted by Andrea Howry at 9:41 AM
March 26, 2008
Recycling project costly
The Star gives Oxnard City Council a “thumbs up” for recycling. Well, I don’t.
When Oxnard went to the split trash can for recycling, they were urged by residents to have separate trash cans for recycle material. They spent taxpayers’ money to buy split cans.
Then the City Council spent taxpayer money to buy new trash trucks that couldn’t handle the split cans, so all the recycling done by residents gets contaminated. Now, once again, they are spending taxpayer money to buy separate trash cans.
Neither item in The Star on this subject mentions the fact that the contamination of the recycled material was caused by a decision made by the City Council but suggests through omission of the facts that the residents are to blame. The only possible reason to give the Oxnard City Council a “thumbs up” may be for getting it right at the third attempt, but look at the cost to the taxpayer for the failed attempts.
The final bonus to the residents included in this decision is to reduce trash collection by picking up recycles and garden waste only on alternate weeks.
This is the service we get for all the money we spent. And The Star thinks this is a good decision!
— George Shaw, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:21 PM
Wagon Wheel not dead yet
Re: your March 20 Time Out article, “Uncommon vision”:
I enjoyed the article about photographer Brian Stethem’s exhibit. As a member of the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board, it’s heartening to hear how the built environment inspires artists in our community.
I would like to make one correction, however, regarding the status of the Wagon Wheel Restaurant and Motel complex. In both the Stethem article and a story a few weeks back, The Star stated as fact that the Wagon Wheel complex is “soon to be demolished.” Although the developer has expressed an interest in demolition, this is by no means a certainty.
There is strong sentiment in the community, and with local preservation organizations, that the site should be preserved. The Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board, which also serves as the City of Oxnard Cultural Heritage Board, is exploring adaptive reuse of some portion(s) of this potential historic site. We are awaiting a final environmental impact review and the Oxnard City Council's decision on the VCCHB’s proposal for landmark status for this site.
While the tone of The Star’s story was sympathetic, to report that the Wagon Wheel "is soon to be demolished" is not accurate and could contribute to public complacency regarding this mid-century historic resource. As a roadside icon on Highway 101 for more than 50 years — and the earliest remaining real estate development of Bud Smith, Oxnard’s most influential 20th century developer — the complex has strong potential for landmark designation.
Until the matter is settled, I hope The Star will be less authoritative in reporting the destruction of this Ventura County icon as a “done deal.”
— Gary Blum, Oxnard
(The writer is chairman of the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board. — Editor)
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:04 PM
O’Leary brings new vision
I support Denis O’Leary for county supervisor because he has worked with our community and has worked to improve the education of our students.
The fifth district has been on the short end of 4-1 votes for several years now, and little has come from it. We have seen the deadline for El Rio to connect to the sewer system come and go. Residences are looking at $20,000 hookup fees because our current supervisor couldn’t get two votes on the Board of Supervisors to follow the state mandate.
In the other direction, the Channel Islands Harbor is being designed by the remaining four county supervisors while John Flynn tells us that we should be satisfied with his opposition. Some are so dissatisfied with county services that they are proposing the new city of Channel Islands Beach, which would also take a large portion of Oxnard with it.
We need a new vision in the fifth district, and O’Leary can bring the changes we have been waiting for.
— Irene Jefferson, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:57 AM
Fluoride’s dangers
Now that we have had water fluoridation literally rammed down our throats for several months, it might be important to make note of the frequent number of accidents happening during the handling of the hazardous waste material fluorosilicic acid. A list of some of the fluoridation accidents that have resulted in human poisoning, including death, can be found on the Internet at http://www.fluoridealert.org/health/accidents/fluoridation.html.
Another and more complete list of fluoridation chemical spills and leaks can be found at http://www.actionpa.org/fluoride/chemicals/accidents-us.html.
This certainly underlines the need to end this reckless and authoritarian practice of water fluoridation. Not only is our health placed in jeopardy, but the environment upon which we depend for our sustenance is also being jeopardized. One accident involved dumping nearly 500,000 gallons of a 23 percent solution of hexafluorosilicic acid — the more precise chemical name for fluorosilicic acid — into the Mississippi River at Braithwaite, La., 23 miles from New Orleans.
Studies have shown that there is about as much fluoride in a glass of water as there is in the fluoride toothpaste from one brushing that toothpaste manufacturers warn us against swallowing. One wonders not only how fluoridated water is affecting our bodies, but how the many small creatures that are forced to drink water containing fluorosilicic acid, along with the rest of us, are faring, especially when they have to endure a fluorosilicic acid accident!
In light of what is now known about the effects of fluoride on our bodies, it makes no sense to put chlorine in a community’s water supply in an attempt to kill various germs harmful to us, and then pour fluorosilicic acid into that same water system.
— Ellyn Sutton, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:53 AM
Wrong spot for Home Depot
I would like to express my opposition to the proposed plans to locate another Home Depot on Hampshire Boulevard in Westlake Village, the old Kmart site.
I have been living in Westlake Village since 1969 and have always appreciated and enjoyed our beautiful community. I do not want to experience the traffic and change that a big complex like Home Depot will bring to our neighborhood. I express the opinion of all the neighbors and friends that I have spoken to, but I can only talk for myself at this point. The existing Home Depot in Newbury Park is more than sufficient and in the right location for a store of that size.
We live in a neighborhood community in Westlake Village and do not want to add to the traffic and problems that it will cause for us in that area on Hampshire.
— Jim Shatz, Westlake Village
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:44 AM
It would ‘be nice to get clean’
Re: Richard Larsen’s March 25 essay, “Not just black and white”:
Bravo to Larsen for aptly dissecting the message behind the speech Sen. Barack Obama gave in response to his former pastor's obvious frustration on the topic of race.
As noted in Larsen’s essay, there appear to be two camps with polarized reactions: one in support of him for addressing the issue without attempting to cause further divisiveness, and one clearly outraged at his audacity for bringing to light an issue we are apparently supposed to pretend no longer exists.
But it does.
If there is any doubt that racism and these reactions exist, just read The Star. I was growing dismayed each time I opened The Star's Opinion section. For each letter praising Obama, one could read four letters condemning him for his candor. The outrage and insult people expressed confirmed that his speech was all too poignant and, as it seems, hit a nerve.
Yes, people are outraged and angry on both sides of the racial divide. I am reminded of Denzel Washington’s words in the movie “Glory”: “Yeah, it stinks bad. And we all covered up in it too. Ain't nobody clean. Be nice to get clean, though.”
What Obama attempted to accomplish with his speech is not do as most politicians would and sweep it under the rug. He addressed it with poise, eloquence and, most importantly, with both pride and humility. He called for all of us to take the conversations we hold in private and talk. He’s encouraging people to recognize that we all breathe the same air, and the same colored blood flows through our veins.
Obama wasn’t asking us to continue admonishing one another but simply admit we’re all covered up in the stink and to get clean.
— Sarah-Elizabeth Ratliff, Fillmore
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:39 AM
Put the past behind
It is with both trepidation and regret that I write about Sen. Barack Obama. What I refer to as his obsessive hatred is his willingness to expose his two lovely, underage daughters to the pervasive lies and hatred espoused by his clergyman.
That Obama had neither the courage nor the wits to walk out of hateful sermons speaks volumes about his feelings for his children, his "white" grandmother and, mostly, his fellow Americans.
I don't believe either Obama or the Rev. Jeremiah Wright has bothered to learn anything from history. BBC did an excellent expose series on African slavery. Though a worldwide problem, it clearly benefited black leaders and tribal elders who first developed a slave trade within Africa hundreds of years ago. Later, the Europeans and others stepped into the fray, competing for slaves to send to their own "new world colonies.” This is neither new nor shocking: Slavery exists today in many parts of the world.
More to the point is the virulent hatred directed toward America by Wright for freeing the oppressed and enslaved in Auschwitz, Bergen-Belsen, Bataan and other death camps and marches. I lived in occupied Norway during the war. I saw, heard and observed the joy and happiness shown by Norwegians after the American liberation. I also had an uncle in Bergen-Belsen.
Is it really that hard to put the past behind, resolve to get along for the sake of our children and a better world and move to better ourselves, not denigrate anyone and certainly not set our children on the same, worn, useless path of hate?
— Robert Knutzen, Newbury Park
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:32 AM
Hybrids don’t deserve perks
I think this global warming thing has gotten way out of hand.
I just came from a shopping center with designated parking spaces, right next to the handicapped spaces, that are reserved for hybrid cars only. These are not spaces with electrical outlets where electric cars can plug in for recharging, just special privileges for the anointed. So if you happen to be too poor to trade in your Chevy for a Prius, or, like me, you think that 95 percent of the global warming hysteria is nonsense, you are to be punished by having to walk farther to get to the store. Only the disabled and the enlightened get to park near the building. Why not special spaces for motorcycles? They use far less fuel than hybrids.
Al Gore recently said the debate on global warming is over. I have a news
flash: It’s only over in his mind. Reputable climatologists and other scientists by
the hundreds disagree with most of Gore’s conjecture. Type “global warming
disagreement” into Google and see what comes up. About the only thing they agree on is that the earth is one degree warmer than it was a hundred years ago. There is no proof that the change is man-made, that it’s not part of the normal 1,500-year cycle of the earth’s natural temperature swing or that man can do anything to change it. And they certainly don’t agree on what is the ideal temperature of the earth.
I’d like to thank the demagogic elitists who decided to create these hybrid parking
spaces, because I park in them every chance I get. The police department informs me that there is no code under which they can cite someone who parks a nonhybrid car in one of these spaces. Besides, I consider my Jaguar to be a hybrid car. Ford owns Jaguar, which makes it a British-American hybrid, right?
— Greg Moses, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:03 AM
Victoria Care staff excels
Re: Colleen Cason’s March 2 column, “Deathbed wish can’t be granted”:
As a four-year resident at Victoria Care Center, I was disturbed by the news broadcast on Channels 2 and 9 regarding Ben Schwartz’s allegation that this facility is responsible for the mysterious disappearance of his late father’s wedding band. I was further nauseated by Cason’s inflammatory column that enhances these allegations, but adds nothing to support them. Cason’s syrupy tone begs for sympathy but substantiates neither these allegations nor the absurd “ring-theft ring” notion.
Cason has previously named Victoria Care Center as a facility that provides substandard nursing care. If she had been present one afternoon during our last serious rainstorm, she would have formed a different opinion. The rain caused flooding over the floor of several rooms and the hallway in one of our wings. As a result, 32 of us residents had to be relocated to other rooms to avoid being evacuated to other facilities. In accomplishing this task, the entire staff acted swiftly, effectively and with teamwork comparable to any emergency medical unit. Within a few hours, we were relocated and our personal items arrived to our new location intact. I was impressed with the way things were handled and informed my loved ones that they never need to be concerned for my safety and well-being while I am a resident here.
When it really counts, the staff at this facility will rise to the occasion and exceed all expectations.
— Lou Perez, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:58 AM
March 25, 2008
‘A dreadful mistake’
Please do not let Brandon McInerney be tried as an adult. I have firsthand experience with the system and know that it would just be wrong to put this boy through this. He is a child, and there is physical evidence to substantiate that a child's brain is not even finished developing before the age of 18 or 20.
Why do we consider a child an adult at 18 when we, as parents, need the system's help and they refuse to help us? Who gets to decide at what age a boy becomes an "adult?" Consider his past behavior. Consider that his father went to the school and tried to get help. Don't just throw him to the wolves at his young age just to satisfy some political whim.
What if your son had made such a mistake? Have some compassion. He is a good boy. He made a dreadful mistake. Do not compound his mistake by not giving him a fair chance for the rest of his life.
— Lorelei K. Arnold, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 1:11 PM
Pope’s poor judgment
Re: your March 23 article, “Pope baptizes Muslim writer”:
The Star published the Associated Press story and photos of the pope’s baptism of Italy’s most prominent Muslim writer, Magdi Allam. He was not quietly baptized in his own neighborhood church, as is the Catholic custom, but rather at the internationally publicized Vatican Easter service. Indeed, he was in the front row at St. Peter’s.
While it’s true that Allam was not a practicing Muslim — although he did make the required pilgrimage to Mecca in 1991 — and that the Muslim response so far has been relatively mild, encouraging Allam’s personal decision to become an international event was not the wisest thing to do given the current state of friction in the world.
To make it worse, this took place just days after Wednesday’s message from Osama bin Laden accusing the pope of playing a “large and lengthy role” in a “new crusade” against Islam that included the publication of drawings of the Prophet Muhammad that many Muslims found insulting. While Benedict XVI certainly is not doing that — he has repeatedly criticized those cartoons — his judgment on this public Easter baptism of a famous Muslim was not good.
— Gerald McGuire, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:57 PM
KKK not a Christian group
Re: John L. Thawley’s March 24 letter, “Is America better off?”:
A phrase at the end of the first paragraph caught my attention because it was contrary to what I had learned from history. The phrase was, "the Ku Klux Klan, a so-called Christian organization."
I researched the Internet on the history of the Ku Klux Klan, and the most complete article I found was in Wikipedia.com. It states, in part:
"Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is the name of several past and present organizations in the United States that advocated white supremacy, anti-Semitism, anti-Catholicism, racism, homophobia, anti-Communism and nativism. These organizations used terrorism, violence, lynching and cross burning to oppress African Americans and other religious, social or ethnic groups."
Cross burning is considered sacrilegious by Christian organizations.
The article continues:
"The first Klan was founded in 1866 by veterans of the Confederate Army. Its purpose was to restore white supremacy in the aftermath of the Civil War."
"The second Klan was a formal fraternal organization, with a national and state structure."
"The modern KKK has been repudiated by all mainstream media, political and religious leaders.”
While the rest of Thawley’s letter is merely the opinion of the author, it is obvious from the facts listed above that the statement that the KKK is a Christian organization is a gross misrepresentation of the facts.
— Al Knuth, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:50 PM
Don’t dump on S. Paula
Re: Ron Bottorff and Mary Ann Krause’s March 23 commentary, “Think regionally”:
I have no quarrel with the thesis that each city should do its part toward meeting the housing needs of all, including low-income persons. I support a cooperative, coordinated approach by all cities in the county.
However, it is also essential to permit each city to protect the vital interests of its citizens. The authors overlook this crucial need.
It was largely because my wife and I recognized a need for regional planning that we supported Krause when she was elected to the Santa Paula City Council. However, her efforts here resulted in our city becoming the dumping ground for low-end projects that most cities do all in their power to avoid. It was because of this and her efforts to force the excessive Centex development upon us that Krause was rejected by voters.
Each city needs to meet its responsibility regarding housing for all. Santa Paula has already done this. We have the highest percentage of low-end housing of any city in the county and now need a moratorium on such development until our inventory is brought into balance with the other cities.
People here are willing to do our share, but we will insist upon quality, common sense and a reasonable degree of balance with other cities. What is wrong with insisting upon equal treatment for Santa Paula among the cities of the county?
— Delton Lee Johnson, Santa Paula
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:41 PM
Huge headline deserved
“4,000 dead!!!”
Why was this not the top headline in The Star on March 24 in bold letters so thick they would span the page? Instead, the top headline was about the stinking economy. Even a mundane article about students and SAT scores got bigger coverage than the black milestone in this criminal war.
Yes, it is a war devised and designed by criminals, who displayed, and still display, no interest in what Americans want. Recently, the president’s vice henchman, Cheney the Thug, when asked about the sinking approval rating of the war and of the direction the administration has been taking, replied, ”So?” The interviewer then asked, “So, you don’t care what the American people think?” His reply was that the powers that be cannot allow the wavering opinions of people to hinder government policy and actions.
Heaven forbid that would happen. Perhaps if it did, there would not be 4,000 dead sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers; tens of thousands of wounded and maimed soldiers; and families whose lives are forever altered and futures rewritten.
Given much less reporting is the number of Iraqi dead and injured, which seems to be unclear but is surmised to be several hundreds of thousands.
When are the American people going to wake up? Why do they get more upset about a former president who couldn’t keep his zipper up than they do about a madman (or madmen) who thinks nothing of throwing the precious lives of American youth on the bloody sacrificial altar of war?
The Star did no honor to those dead Americans — and, by association, all who have served so valiantly — by not displaying in the thickest, boldest letters, “4,000 dead!!!” to display utter and total dismay at the loss of all these irreplaceable family members.
— Monty Murray, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:31 PM
Reaction to speech disappointing
I missed Barack Obama's speech the first time through. Not until noon the next day did my wife alert me to "some speech that's being talked about on the radio." I went to YouTube knowing Obama was a good orator but not anticipating anything special. I was awestruck.
So many aspects were exemplary: his honesty, the positive message, the apolitical nature of it, the eloquence and most of all the hope he gave me that maybe this great nation could overcome the divisiveness perpetuated by the fear- and hate-mongers crowding the airwaves and infiltrating this very paper. I was truly inspired.
Alas, my swelling hope has been deflated on a daily basis by reading letters to The Star. The negativity reflected by its readers is astonishing. Blindly adhering to party lines, the letters have revealed just how entrenched in party politics people are. That negative responses outnumbered positive by at least two to one (my estimate) is thoroughly demoralizing.
I fully expect plenty of people to disagree with some or all of Obama's policy positions, but to disagree with the sentiment in this speech seems to disagree with the very fabric of our country — or at least what I'd hope makes up the fabric of our country. Unfortunately for us, the letters make it clear that too many people are far too mired in the politics of hate to recognize a good thing.
If you haven't actually listened to the “More Perfect Nation” speech in its entirety, I ask that you please do, and with an open mind.
Obama has won my vote. I don't expect him to win everyone over, but I did expect more from my fellow Americans than what I've seen.
— Jon Rust, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:24 PM
Step in the right direction
Re: Joe Howry’s March 23 essay, “Misstep on Obama speech”:
I was shocked — shocked! — when I read Howry’s essay in my very liberal local rag. It seems that Editor Howry was apologizing — yes, apologizing! — for an article extolling Barack Obama’s speech on the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, a speech that the candidate tried to make into a white liberal guilt speech to change the subject.
Well, the liberal left wing initially swooned over it, but now they're having acute buyer's remorse, realizing that Slick Barack has hornswoggled them once again.
The second headline of his essay read, "Efforts to provide balanced coverage fall short." Howry acknowledged that he used The New York Times News Service (read: extreme left-wing biased) "analysis" and now admits that it "barely tried to conceal the author's opinion." So, what else is new about The New York Times? Howry manfully accepted full responsibility and resolved not to let it happen again.
While I think it is pathetic that it's taken The Star so long to come around, it's a very good sign. When Howry first took the job, he evidently realized that The Star's ad revenue and circulation were slipping badly and that it wasn't just because the populace was going illiterate and/or fleeing to the Internet, but that The Star's coverage was deficient. Thank you, Mr. Howry, for the biggest pollution cleanup of the year. It gives me more reasons to read The Star besides the obituaries, "local color" and ads. I realize that a small newspaper must be somewhat dependent upon the news services, which are mediocre and biased, at best.
Now, if only he could do something about the McFeatters family's yucky commentaries.
— George Miller, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:15 PM
Preconceptions cloud war
Here we are five years later. Iraq is going well or it's going terribly — depends who you talk to. It depends on your source of news. It depends on your preconceptions.
No one is really happy with the war. The supporters are weary. Few imagined that five years later there would be no end in sight.
Some opposing the war refuse to acknowledge any potential benefit of a democratic Iraq or any justification for the initial action. It's all about "lies,” "weapons of mass destruction,” oil and defense contracts. Have we reached an impasse? It seems we no longer debate facts or theories. Rather, we smear the other side and ask how could anyone be so stupid to believe as they do.
Meanwhile, the strategies that failed, those that succeeded and the best course of action for future success are insufficiently debated. It's just a blame game by one side and rosy portrayals by the other. The president in 2009, whoever he or she is, will not leave Iraq a failure. The war will not end until Iraq can sustain its own security. It is the best way to minimize the damage we've done or maximize the benefit or our investment — depending on who you talk to.
— Bill Thompson, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:05 PM
March 24, 2008
Who reaps war’s riches?
One of the most hideous realities of the futility of war in Iraq, besides the human casualties, both American and Iraqi, is the lack of benefit to us Americans as illustrated by our near $4-a-gallon gasoline despite the vast, almost endless quantity of oil in that country. We've achieved no advantage from the war, no reward.
One would think oil magnates such as President Bush and Vice President Cheney would have found a way to provide us Iraqi oil at reasonable prices, but they haven't. The true beneficiaries are the oil industry, Cheney's Halliburton and civilian contractors who outnumber our military in numbers and salaries that make our soldiers look like welfare recipients.
This trap of the Bush administration will take many years to overcome. American presence in Iraq will not end for decades, if ever. Halliburton will continue to bask in the golden glare of the gulf, and Bush and Cheney, if not tried for being the war criminals they are, will retire comfortably.
— Miguel Espinosa Jr., Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:59 AM
Not what he fought for
As Americans, we sit by and give approval to our school boards to lay off our teachers and close our schools because we are in denial that the lack of money is not due to a
depression. Yet we are spending $8 billion — yes, $8 billion — per month on the political whim of our leaders to fight committed fanaticals, whether they be religious, drug cartels or tenacious gangs in their neighborhoods who see us as invaders.
As a World War II combat medic and a small part of the Greatest Generation, I now wonder how we arrived at the conclusion that it’s quite patriotic to support a war with no end while we agree to and approve of the termination of our teachers and the closing of the educational doors to our American children.
Is this what I fought for? I think not.
— Jess Victoria, Santa Paula
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:51 AM
Breath of fresh air
Re: Jerry Turner’s March 20 letter, “Don’t be fooled by Obama”:
Turner claims a Barack Obama presidency would put the U.S. economy in the throes of inflation not seen since the Carter administration. What do you suppose we have now? We have the worst inflation since the administration of Herbert Hoover, President Bush’s idol.
Turner states the people of Iraq will be abandoned, but no president will just pull all of the troops out. He also alludes to Iraq’s oil reserves. I guess he admits that’s what this phony war is all about — oil reserves.
Haven’t we had enough misery for almost eight years now? The country needs a breath of fresh air like Obama, not 100 years of war, not the fear tactics that we have been subjected to whenever things get too close to the truth, not the coverups, deceit, lies and misstatements. Wake up, America.
— Ken Green, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:47 AM
Media bias shows
Re: Deroy Murdock’s March 21 commentary, “New study justifies ousting Saddam’s terror state”:
I have believed from the start that President Bush was justified in going into Iraq and ousting Saddam Hussein. The national security of America was and is at stake. It is true that mistakes were made in this war. However, what war hasn’t had its share of mistakes?
The recent report by the Institute for Defense Analyses explains “captured Iraqi documents uncovered strong evidence that links the regime of Saddam Hussein to regional and global terrorism.” Several examples were given.
Unfortunately, our biased, anti-Bush media dismissed all these facts and quoted only one statement: The study found “no smoking gun (direct connection) between Saddam’s Iraq and al-Qaida.”
I wonder how history will depict the incompetence, the biased reporting and the stupidity of our media?
If America is to survive in the future, we need a media that will present the true facts about what is happening in the war against Islamic terrorism. We need a media that does not act like or promote the views of one political party.
— Diana Thorn, Carpinteria
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:39 AM
Will council heed motto?
Port Hueneme can indeed be "A Friendly City by the Sea," but that friendliness often does not extend to citizens who remind the “powers that be” of their shortcomings. My attempt to share evidence of the city's ongoing neglect and abuse of Bubbling Springs Creek at a recent council meeting certainly did not get a friendly reception. I am anxious to see if the adoption of a new motto might be accompanied by the adoption of a new attitude.
— Ted Waddell,
Port Hueneme
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:29 AM
Google slighted Easter
I have used Google as my primary search engine for years and have particularly gotten a kick out of the logo art customized for special days and seasons.
Until today.
When holidays like Alexander Graham Bell’s birthday receive notice and the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ does not, I can only take the glaring absence as a deliberate slap in the face to millions of Christians, myself included. Although Google clearly has no Christian leanings, one-third of the world’s population does, and even a nod to the secular Easter bunny would have been better than nothing.
Switching my search engine of choice will not hurt Google. But I felt compelled to at least draw to The Star’s attention the hurt that Google has caused me, personally, by completely dissing my Savior, not that Google isn’t in good company.
Google is far too professional of an organization for an oversight this profound to be an accident. Is it a reluctance to show religious preference? That’s a lame excuse. If there is a reasonable explanation, I’d love to hear it. Far more appropriate would be a sincere and public apology.
If a cross is too difficult to draw, maybe Google’s artists could at least turn the “o’s” into decorated eggs next year.
— Leslie McLeod, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:27 AM
Cabrillo’s chokehold
Re: your March 18 article, “Affordable housing focus of two debates”:
I attended an earlier community workshop this month related to Santa Paula’s housing element update. I was compelled to speak against any further development by Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. in Santa Paula. On the other hand, high-end to moderate-income housing should be promoted.
Although I was given five minutes in which to make my point, I don’t believe the majority of Santa Paula had the benefit of sharing my comments. I would like to re-emphasize my thoughts.
Cabrillo has put a chokehold on Santa Paula and monopolized the development of low-income housing for the best interest of Cabrillo and its so-called nonprofit organization. The right type of development will continue to be left out of the equation of a balanced community.
Cabrillo is a nonprofit organization but reaps the best of two worlds. It has advanced its agenda with taxpayer money, i.e., a $400,000 gift by the previous City Council with no stings attached. It continues to reap sizable rents, and the organization grows like a well-nourished anaconda.
Cabrillo is pressing Santa Paula with a lawsuit due to the denial of Plaza Amistad, the proposed Cabrillo development. Legal fees are no object, especially with a $400,000 grant by the previous council.
I commented to the audience the drawbacks with adding further low-income housing. The article quoted Mayor Bob Gonzales as having said “enough already,” which is my exact sentiment. We should add pricier to moderate homes before any further low-income housing is contemplated.
One factor that should not be left out is the amount of housing that is displaced due to the accommodations afforded to the unspoken — the illegal immigrants and their families. Rodney Fernandez’s philanthropies may appear noble, but I see it as a magnet for further illegal immigration.
— Andrew F. Castaneda, Santa Paula
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:22 AM
No way to flip a thank you
In recent weeks, as I ride around town on a bicycle, I have noticed an increasing number of motorists waiting behind me to make right turns until I have cleared the driveway or street where they want to turn right. In the past, the majority of drivers made their right turn without regard to whether I was cut off or not. I didn't know of a universally accepted hand gesture that says, "Thank you."
I researched hand gestures on the Web. While there are numerous gestures to convey insults, there are no hand signs that I could find that said either "Thank you" or "I'm sorry." I wave whenever the motorist waits, but a wave is very ambiguous and can be interpreted in many ways.
I have conducted research among other bike riders and friends. No one can come up with some signal that says unambiguously, "Thank you." One can buy electric signs to put in an automobile that can electronically flash "Thank you." I have read suggestions that one carry preprinted signs in one's automobile that carry the messages "Thank you" and "Sorry." None of those suggestions is appropriate for either the bicyclist or the pedestrian. If one is facing the recipient, a smile and a wave are unambiguous, but if the driver is behind you, a smile is lost.
It is amazing to me that with so many gestures of insult, we don't have a one-handed gesture to say "Thank you or "Sorry." The Star could provide a forum to initiate the formation of such gestures. Perhaps Ventura could become the nucleus of such gestures. Some criteria would be that it would have to be one-handed, not easily confused with some insulting gesture and able to be recognized either from the front or the rear.
— Charles E. Voigtsberger, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:14 AM
Council representation lacking
Re: your March 6 article, “Pierpont residents criticize sand plan”:
The presentation of the Sand Management Plan by representatives of the city, state and the Coastal Commission on March 4 is another example of how our musical chairs mayoral form of government does not serve the best interests of the residents of Ventura.
Instead of involving those most effected by the beach issues from the very beginning, a plan is created and has the appearance, on the city Web site, as a fait accompli. No one from the Pierpont Community Council was asked to participate in any aspect of this plan. And yet, beachfront homeowners, and no one else, are expected to foot the bill. One need not be an attorney to realize there are serious liability issues in asking private citizens to install fencing and irrigation on public property.
Why does City Council have to amend its decisions so often? They unanimously passed a development on Seaward Boulevard in the Pierpont neighborhood without consulting residents. Three-bedroom timeshare units were allotted insufficient parking in an area already short of parking. They were forced to revisit that issue when it was disclosed in the newspaper.
If the first responsibility of government is not to provide emergency services with tax money already collected, then very serious budgeting issues need to be questioned. Council made a decision regarding 911 calls and then changed its decision after the uproar.
If City Council members were elected by and represented a specific area of the city, the process would be more democratic. If voters elected a mayor, that would be more democratic. Our leaders should be full-time employees and receive a salary commensurate with their duties and responsibilities. Our leaders should live in our neighborhoods and understand the unique needs of our neighborhoods.
— Carmel Whitman, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:07 AM
School board contentious
Due to the school closure issue in Thousand Oaks, I have recently been attending Conejo Valley Unified School Board meetings. I think it is not too early for voters in Thousand Oaks to give serious thought about our November election.
Should University Elementary be closed, our family will be affected. Both my husband and myself have written e-mails to all the school board members. The only school board member who responded was Michael Dunn.
I must admit that in the past, I was a little skeptical of his views. Regardless of anyone’s personal opinion about the school closures, attending the recent meetings has been a real eye-opener. Dunn was courteous throughout the proceedings and actually listened and appeared to take notes as concerned individuals spoke.
At the beginning of the meeting, Dorothy Beaubien clearly stated that she expected the audience to behave in a manner that we expect our children to behave. She needs to practice what she preaches! I have witnessed on more than one occasion her being obviously unhappy with Dunn and being very discourteous.
I am still in total disbelief that these educated people could not come up with a better solution than to close two neighborhood schools! I am of the belief that all the schools should remain open. Shame on the board!
— Diane Hunn, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:04 AM
Church of caring, love
Imagine a church, right here in Thousand Oaks, that teaches peace.
Imagine that this church teaches respect for all human beings and encourages people to walk their talk.
Now imagine that you open your Ventura County Star to a story about a day of peace demonstrations and there you recognize two participants standing on "Peace Corner" sharing a hug of support. Now a married couple is quoted as they remark about the difference in the loving way this peace demonstration is received today, as compared to similar peace demonstrations held over five bloody years ago in this same place.
And finally, the fellow who organized this "Stand For Peace" rally comments as well.
Our current economic situation has changed the tide of public opinion.
Local schools close while yacht owners get special tax breaks, and every day the death toll rises in Iraq.
Imagine that all the men and women cited above attend the same service on Sunday mornings, as indeed they do.
If you're saying to yourself right about now, "Gee, this must be a special place, a loving environment, a concerned and welcoming congregation," you'd be right.
I know, because we, too, are a part of this extended family of caring people.
— Marjorie Loring Gauley & Sherman Gauley, Newbury Park
(The writers are with Conejo Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. — Editor)
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:47 AM
It sounded different
Re: your March 21 editorial, "Reply comes five years late":
The Star’s editorial about the exchange between ABC News reporter Martha Raddatz and Vice President Cheney is completely inaccurate and misleading. In print, the conversation reads just the way you want it to read. I saw and heard that interview, and that is not how it sounded.
When Raddatz said, "Two-thirds of Americans say it's not worth fighting, and they're looking at the value gain versus the cost in American lives and Iraqi lives,” that was a statement and not a question. Cheney’s response was, "So?" meaning, “What is your point or question?”
Raddatz pushed on with, "So, you don't care what the American people think?" Cheney replied, in part, "No, I think you….” meaning, “No, that is not true.”
Listening to a conversation and putting that conversation in print gives the writer vast control over what was really meant. The Star took that control and abused it. So much for honest reporting.
— Rob Garofalo, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:33 AM
‘Change’ defined
Re: Ryta Fofanoff’s March 21 letter, “What would Obama do?”:
Fofanoff states, "But he never defines change." Let me be the one who educates all those people who do not want "change" in the way business is done in Washington, D.C.
Here are the dictionary’s definitions of "change": “To exchange, substitute, or replace something." "To pass or make something pass from one state or stage to another." "A different, clean or fresh set of something."
The bottom line is that the majority of people in this country want a "change" in this administration's "in your face," "my way or the highway" style of doing business.
— Thomas Pypeman, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:27 AM
Remember Glenn Garvin
I am a weekend cyclist in the Conejo Valley and get a sense of peace whenever I ride. Of the many routes I take, I am affected whenever I go up from Thousand Oaks Boulevard to Kanan Road on North Westlake Boulevard. Although I never met Dr. Glenn Garvin, I remember passing the memorial placed on that route shortly after he was killed.
Every time I go up that hill, I still picture the memorial in my mind, and I think of the article about how he worked on bike safety for cyclists in the community. As a husband and father myself, I think of his family, whom I have never known, and how my family would be if it had happened to me. I have friends who were friends with him, and I saw how they were affected.
I propose that this path be named the Glenn Garvin Bike Path in memory of his efforts to make cycling safer for our community.
— Kenneth Baum, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:17 AM
Parents uninformed
Re: John B. Hollister’s March 23 commentary, “CVUSD blows it”:
Hollister states that Meadows Elementary School was presented an "absolutely unworkable proposition by the board." This is untrue and built on fallacies.
I believe his "unworkable proposition" is that Meadows would feed into Park Oaks, Glenwood or Conejo schools. I believe the plan to make this transition a bit easier on all concerned is that Meadows’ teachers would move with their students when possible. With those teachers come the programs. There are fine teachers and fine programs at all the above-mentioned schools, also identified as “distinguished.” The teachers will soon begin dialogues to see that this transition is smooth, with the end goal to create schools that represent the 21st century.
I have heard all of the arguments and am not convinced that Meadows parents are aware of the good teaching and enriching programs offered at all the schools. The API scores at Meadows are in the same league with the API scores of the English-only learners at Glenwood. Let's be real: API scores have a direct correlation to socialeconomic status and the number of English-language learners. English-only students do not sit waiting as others catch up. With a differentiated curriculum, teachers work extremely hard to see that a student works to reach his/her educational potential.
It's time for parents to begin a dialogue with one another and teach those real-life lessons they want their children to learn. To cut and run is not a great life lesson.
— Rose McManama, Thousand Oaks
(The writer is a teacher at Glenwood Elementary School. — Editor)
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:11 AM
Take back our country
What arrogance coming from Vice President Cheney when told of Americans’ thoughts of the war in Iraq! But it comes as no surprise with the Bush administration in charge.
If the American people do not wake up and see what direction our country is going in, we shall only continue to deteriorate from what was once a great nation. Bush, Cheney and the rest of his cronies have made such a mess of our country with their bumbling errors and mismanagement of a war that has no end in sight, not to mention the recession that Bush refuses to acknowledge and the runaway costs of what it takes to fill up our tanks every day.
We Americans must take our country back from these idiots and make a change for the better, for ourselves, for the working class!
If you really believe that America is in better shape than before Bush stumbled in, then please continue to vote these idiots into office. You will reap what you sow.
If you think our country needs to go in a different direction, then please make a difference with your vote. Vote with your eyes wide open. Think for yourself. Do not follow blindly like sheep!
— Manny Godinez, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:02 AM
Editorial too flip
Re: your March 21 editorial, "Reply comes five years late":
Although I’m not a fan of the situation Vice President Cheney or President Bush created in Iraq, The Star’s editorial and punch line at the end, "Mr. Lincoln won his," is a gratuitous statement and reflective of a smart aleck. The Star can and should do better and not allow an "attitude" to take center stage.
The whole point of Cheney's remarks was that if Lincoln had listened to the overwhelming public disillusionment with the civil war, he would never have "stayed the course" and won the war.
There is no significant difference between Lincoln's war and Bush's war and the public’s dissatisfaction as to the time frame. Lincoln's war was far from won, and, in fact, many thousands of soldiers died from the time of the public dissatisfaction with the civil war and the conclusion.
— Cliff Hodge, Westlake Village
Posted by Andrea Howry at 9:58 AM
McCain a steady hand
Critics claim Sen. John McCain’s election would be “more of the same.” That's curious, since both political parties have put this country through a wringer of “the same” that started in 1992 and continues today.
It is not by accident McCain quickly secured the nomination. While others trumpet “change,” he quietly moved away from traditional Republican Party lines to appeal to all voters. When it comes to personal and professional experience, McCain is unquestionably the real thing. He knows firsthand about phony war fiascos from serving in Vietnam. He does not shout about it or hold himself out to be exceptional. And, although he acknowledged the President Bush’s irrelevant endorsement, he is not a Bush apologist. McCain can justifiably ignore party affiliation to seek an experienced running mate to skillfully negotiate bipartisan solutions.
Recently, he stated pointedly that we must protect our treasure — this country’s young women and men, in and out of the military. Those are not the words of a saber-rattler or warmonger. Our treasure is indeed the generation we’ve put in harm’s way, the same generation we are not properly educating or training to lead. The self-absorbed “change” candidates apparently don’t think of young Americans as future leaders or a treasure to protect. The current administration certainly never has.
Americans are tough, but we are tired of the wringer and tired of the baggage-draggers who offer little but meaningless and dated rhetoric about race, religion and age. It is time for a president who commands respect at home and abroad, who keeps to a steady and prudent course of national renewal, economic security and military discretion, but above all understands that one does not lead in a vacuum. That would be real change.
Sen. John McCain is the best choice to get it done.
— Sarrah Terry, Moorpark
Posted by Andrea Howry at 9:49 AM
Race always an issue
It is not surprising but rather disturbing how those who responded so negatively to Sen. Barack Obama's speech seemed to want to place the entire responsibility of that discussion of race solely on his shoulders.
Since we all have an opinion, we can agree to disagree. But there should be a certain amount of fairness even in disagreement.
Those who found Obama's speech lacking conveniently failed to at least acknowledge that other candidates — or their confidants or surrogates — interjected race into this campaign, specifically, former President Clinton and Geraldine Ferraro.
It seemed like the readership that criticized Obama wasn’t concerned about the fact that the issue of race was the centerpiece of what these two had to say. We also shouldn't forget the relationship between Sen. John McCain and the Rev. John Hagee.
True, Ferraro was removed from the campaign and Clinton somewhat muffled, but their words simply cannot be erased. It was very clever to trot out the memory of men like Martin Luther King Jr. to emphasize how race should no longer be part of the political discussion.
Whether one approved or disapproved of his speech, Obama spoke to what makes all of us cringe. He spoke to the deep-seated, blood-soaked and destructive word we like to shy away from — racism. And let's not be naive. No matter our wants or desires, it will continue to be an issue, subtly or otherwise. And I guarantee that if he happens to win the nomination, it will only get worse, because no matter how great this country is — and it is — we just can't seem to wrap ourselves around this problem and solve it.
In the case of race and racism in America, the still waters run way to deep.
— Rodney K. Boswell, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 9:39 AM
March 20, 2008
Learning to not swear
Re: your Feb. 25 articles, “College applicants turn to Net for help” and “Underage cursing is increasingly common”:
I read the first article with interest. It said students are trying to set themselves apart by submitting additional information with their applications to colleges about why they are unique. Also stated was that colleges are looking past applications to places like Facebook and MySpace for additional information on prospective students.
According to the second article, adolescents are swearing more than ever. An average adolescent uses roughly 80 to 90 swear words a day, according to a leading scholar.
I would propose that one way for teens to set themselves apart would be for them to learn to use articulate language without swearing. This alone would put them far and above their “average” classmate!
— Allison Demeter Johnson, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 2:02 PM
Stoplight needed
The Highway 101 overpass at Ash and Front streets is a convenient walkway for pedestrians spending time at the Ventura Pier and beachfront. Many walkers, including the Wednesday night Sierra Club urban hikers, regularly use the cross bridge to access the waterfront.
Unfortunately, the intersection at Thompson Boulevard and Ash Street is dangerous and has no crosswalk, light or stop sign. Living in the neighborhood and observing pedestrians waiting for a break in the traffic flow, I have often thought of that corner as an accident waiting to happen.
On March 4, the accident happened. Late in the afternoon, a woman was struck and killed crossing the street at that corner.
Before another tragic accident occurs, will the city consider providing some sort of protection for Ash Street pedestrians crossing Thompson on their way to and from the beach?
I realize that there is a crossing signal one block east, at Thompson and Kalorama Street. However, most pedestrians at Ash won't walk the two extra blocks that signal adds to their crossing. They prefer to wait, dodge traffic and hope for the best.
Downtown, Main Street has signal lights at every corner. Putting a light at Ash and Thompson is not establishing a precedent.
— Deborah Schreiber, Ventura
(The writer is with the Kalorama Coalition and Neighborhood Watch. — Editor)
Posted by Andrea Howry at 1:56 PM
Remembering the steelhead
Re: Sue Paroski’s March 5 letter, “Much ado about steelhead”:
I'll tell you a story about when I was a kid living in the San Fernando Valley in the 1950s and 1960s before I took off to college, never to return. A couple of times in 1960 and 1961, my friends and I would pack up the car and head for Fillmore to do a little backpacking and fishing. Back then, you drove up the west side of the creek out of Fillmore, paid a homeowner a buck to park and off you'd go.
It was three miles up to Tar Creek and then another two to the West Fork, where there was a wilderness campsite. The trail was pretty good and, from Tar Creek, it was mostly old oil road. We'd bring fishing rods and spinning reels with a few super dupers and Little Cleo's to toss to the trout. We'd catch plenty of the local 8- to 12-inch rainbow trout, which we would release after keeping a couple for dinner. But, we would also occasionally hook into a 5-pound, 25-inch steelhead that was so acrobatic and strong that to watch it was a joy.
We didn't get a lot of them in the early ’60s, but I can tell you that if you haven't hooked or seen one, it is fabulously different from a rainbow trout. Is it a rainbow trout? I don't know, but it sure looks different, is far, far larger and is a joy to behold.
So, Paroski can settle for her stocked trout in Santa Paula Creek. Let the rest of us dream about the once-mighty steelhead.
Of course, way back in the really old days, they didn't stock these creeks, so the steelhead must have come from somewhere.
— Ed Wehan, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 1:45 PM
Don’t regulate video games
Re: Chuck Thomas’ March 1 column, “Does Oscar help to glorify violence?”
I may not have seen “There May Be Blood,” but those who paid attention to the previews may have noticed the disclaimer that noted the movie was based on Upton Sinclair’s book “Oil.” Of course, this book probably pales in comparison to Upton’s most gruesome gore-filled work known as “The Jungle.”
So it’s no surprise to me that book organizations like the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, Association of American Publishers and Freedom to Read Foundation are fighting a video game law by State Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco. They know it will eventually affect them as well.
Imagine not being able to read or teach “Hamlet,” “Lord of the Rings,” “Call of the Wild,” “Moby Dick” and many other pieces of famous literature because government deemed it too violent for kids and adults.
The majority of games are not even adult-oriented, and so people like Lt. Col. Dave Grossman want to blame the few on the many as a whole. They don’t even play the games themselves, and they act like the majority doesn’t even exist.
Wow, “Okami” is going to turn me into a violent killer just by playing it rather than make me interested in learning Japanese Sumi painting.
Sigh. When will people take responsibility for their own actions and poor decisions rather than blame it on something nearby or that’s easy to blame?
— Amanda Johnson, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 1:40 PM
Organ donors are heroes
On March 3, I had the privilege of celebrating the 20th year of my very successful liver transplant.
Organ transplantation works, saves lives and affords recipients the ability to be productive, contributing members of society.
The true heroes of experiences like mine are the individuals and their families who gave the gift of life. Most donations are made after some tragic circumstance, when, through some miracle, the individual had given prior consent for organ donation, or their family experienced a moment of clarity to give the most unselfish of gifts. Many organ donations, such as kidneys, are also given by live donors. These heroic individuals donated organs, so another, or several others, could continue living. What better way could there be to honor a person in death than by extending lives of others.
More than 98,000 people are on the waiting list for transplants. Please become a registered organ donor by signing up online at donatelifecalifornia.org or through the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
— Debra Reeves Oak View
Posted by Andrea Howry at 1:26 PM
He’s opting out
Re: your March 7 article, “Process starts to avoid monthly 911 fee”:
Where's the outrage? Listen folks, before the phone fee goes up — and it will go up in the near future — one council member should ask to rescind this. I'm opting out.
— Jim Gray, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 1:18 PM
Phone alerts face hurdles
Re: your March 9 editorial, “Phone alert needed”:
Phone alerts are an excellent idea, but it will require a good system. The RoboCall robot must start talking immediately. I know I hang up immediately if I get silence when I answer the phone.
There must also be assurance that emergency calls will be for emergencies. Just some "criminal activity in [the] neighborhood" isn't enough; it's got to be an immediate threat of violent crime.
Misuse of the system must be very strictly forbidden, and impersonating it must be criminalized. It must not be used to announce events, and there must be serious penalties for advertisers using the word "emergency" near the start of their spiels. There should be a formula, such as the one used for the emergency broadcast tests.
— Richard D. Erlich, Port Hueneme
Posted by Andrea Howry at 1:01 PM
Still a chance to heal
Re: Tony Throop’s March 9 commentary, “Discarded souls”:
I thank The Star for publishing the letter from Throop. His tragic story highlights the importance of allowing juveniles a second chance and investing in them so that they may become upstanding citizens in our community.
Throop’s story is as heartbreaking as the current one, only in Throop’s case there has been no opportunity for healing.
It is not too late for our community to allow Brandon McInerney a chance and a challenge to change. I desperately urge the district attorney to rethink trying McInerney as an adult.
— Sarah Rutherford, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:50 PM
Go after real fraud
Re: your March 9 article, “Clampdown on unlicensed labor”:
Howard Cummings, a laid-off construction worker, was wrongfully prosecuted because the Statewide Investigative Fraud Team was doing licensed contractors’ work rather than the people’s work, which would be tracking down cases of real fraud.
What makes it especially disgraceful is that they are doing it in a year that California is running a huge deficit. If SWIFT can't find real fraud cases to pursue, the unit's budget should be reduce to zero. Or maybe they should be made to focus on legislators who are benefiting from campaign donations that cause the legislator to do the donor's work instead of the people’s work.
There are organizations that "follow the money," and I hope that they can discover any possible tracks connecting licensed contractors who don't like honest competition to any legislators who are willing to ignore the people’s work.
— Bob Holtz, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:38 PM
In praise of veterans
Re: Norman E. Bauer’s March 13 letter, “Outrageous venture”:
Bauer's letter is an affront to all veterans. To characterize returning soldiers as mindless killers willing to do anything they are told is what is outrageous.
My father and several uncles served in the second world war and were all good, honest and, yes, gentle men.
The suggestion that our veterans need to be "reprogrammed" is offensive.
I am reminded of the time when I was flying standby, returning from leave during the Vietnam War. Several of us were referred to as "trained killers" by some self-righteous anti-war activist. One of us was a Navy Corpsman, a medic. Another was a pay clerk. One of my duties was maintaining and updating a U.S. Navy locator of ships with doctors on board to be able render medical assistance to civilian ships with medical emergencies, no matter what their nationality. Hardly the mindless trained killers Bauer envisions. Today's servicemen are no different.
Hmmm. I wonder why they're called "servicemen?"
— Arthur L. Merrill, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:31 PM
Free speech still exists
Re: Grant Marcus’ March 13 commentary, “Is U.S. headed down the path Germany took?”:
I know a way to prove whether or not this country is becoming like Nazi Germany, and it has to do with what happens to people like Marcus when they speak out against their government. If Marcus is not arrested for what he wrote and/or nothing bad happens to him because of it, then maybe, just maybe, this country is not becoming like Nazi Germany, but instead is a halfway decent country where people can express their opinions freely without fear.
I wonder if Marcus knows what I’m getting at, or if he thinks getting criticized by other people in the opinion section of a newspaper is a violation of human rights and something only a person like Adolf Hitler would have done. I don't think that's the case, but does Marcus?
— Robert Franz, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:25 PM
Americans losing their way
While watching recent protests by people illegally inhabiting and sucking the life from this nation, I thought of the U.S. border control agent who was run down and murdered by a group from Mexico driving an expensive Hummer. I guess they prefer to ride in luxury while they're murdering Americans and have no trouble affording the gas, unlike the rest of us.
In remembering this person, I searched the Internet but could not even find the agent’s name. It struck me how the story vanished from the news after only a day or so with no memorial or even a picture or a name.
So people march and picket outside the home where an immigrant housekeeper was underpaid and then fired, but the lives of our own people are apparently not worth the trouble. With this attitude, it's no wonder that we sit idly by while foreigners either plunder or destroy everything that our forefathers struggled and died to build for us.
What has become of the guts, the determination and the moral fiber that once defined us as Americans? Enjoy your recliners and cable television everyone, while you still can. It was sure nice while it lasted.
— Anthony Harper, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 12:18 PM
Price of prostitution
Re: Tom Teepen’s March 13 commentary, “Prosecutors' cheap thrill should not be federal case”:
Teepen may have a change of mind if his daughter, mother or wife were involved in prostitution or if he found out he was conceived through such an act. His opinion of “willing buyer, willing seller” is part of the acceptable liberal outlook. On its face, it is simple enough, but the facts are what they are.
Prostitution is illegal in this country. The diseases and heartbreaks heaped upon family members cause lifelong scars. Teepen’s casual dismissal of such an act by a state governor is a thin veil for his defense of a Democrat.
Teepen leads one to believe that the FBI should have put the matter on a back shelf since, in his opinion, it was such a slight misstep. Unfortunately, the silence from the Democratic Party officials is deafening.
— Mark Savalla, Port Hueneme
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:56 AM
‘College is overrated’
School, school, school. That’s all my life has been since I was born. Elementary school was fun, junior high was fun, but, man, high school has become a bore! Since day one of high school, all I have been hearing is college, college, college. Do this so you can go to college. Take this class, it looks good for colleges. Every class I have taken so far in my school career is so I can get into a good college so I can become successful and contribute to my country. Well, you know what? College is overrated.
Every year, starting day one of senior year, students start freaking out about what school they want to go to. They start filling out applications, and basically they become robots for about three months straight, focusing completely on filling out college applications. I filled out applications, I went into robot mode. I freaked out over this little thing that will cause me to be in debt the rest of my life, or at least the next 20 or so years of my life. So far, I’ve got one rejection e-mail, and that has pretty much lowered my hopes for college.
Students and teachers put way to much emphasis on going to college. But then, when students don’t get into a good school, they pretty much want their life to be over. But there are other alternatives that people don’t realize. Community colleges are always good, and trade schools are always good as well.
In general, people need to stop putting as much emphasis on colleges and schools and worry about other problems our world faces today.
— Michael Andrew Bush, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:46 AM
Lying is the real issue
Re: Theodore L. Gatchel’s March 14 commentary, “Balancing cost of protection with accomplishing job”:
Gatchel exposes the closed mind of some in the military. He claims that Noam Chomsky didn't care about the American lives saved by the B-52 bombers at Khe Sahn. Chomsky's comments on the costs of the war did not in any way mean he was opposed to taking actions to save American lives in battle. His point was that if we were not lied into wars, our soldiers’ lives would not be in danger. If we were not lied into wars, we would not be spending so much on the military.
Perhaps if our draft-dodging president and vice president had served in Vietnam, they would have understood the futility of most wars and the immorality of lying our way into one.
— Alex Magdaleno, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:38 AM
Stop Kristen wannabes
I wonder about the effect of the media, television networks, radio and newspapers emphasizing the former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer sex scandal and its influence on teenage girls. Let's face it: Kids these days regard sex to be as common as Big Macs.
The coverage of Kristen, who prostituted for the New York governor at a rate of several thousands of dollars per hour, and the resulting promotions, publicity and commitments that are already worth more than a million dollars leave the indelible impression that the story is no different than that of the Paris Hiltons and the Lindsay Lohans.
Given the vast media coverage of the incident and the fact that kids make icons of the Hiltons, Lohans and Kristens, isn't it conceivable that young, teenage girls could be lured by the sensationalism and enticed into high-class prostitution the way they are to the lifestyles and the escapades of Hollywood icons? Is it too horrible to consider, or is it a fact that should be dealt with in the homes by parents and classrooms by teachers and school administrators? Society, after all, is notorious for its reticence to take on potentially dangerous new posers. That is no excuse, however, to counter the influence of the media with downright counterpropaganda where it counts: in those atmospheres closest to teen girls, their homes and their schools.
We waited too long to rig our defenses against the Internet. Let's not make the same mistake with respect to this scandal and its potential effects on the minds and lives of young girls.
— Miguel Espinosa Jr., Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:31 AM
Coach made an impact
Re: your March 18 article, “Lobo leaves legacy behind after 17 seasons at Oxnard”:
I have had the privilege of knowing Coach Henry Lobo for more than 20 years and playing for him for three years at Oxnard High School. He positively impacted me during my teenage years and helped build me into the man I am today.
At a time when the headlines often read of the negatives surrounding public education, he stands out as an example of what is positive and good. He dedicated himself to improving young men's basketball skills and simultaneously equipped us with skills to help us succeed in life: work ethic, integrity and character, just to name a few. Now he leaves for the right reasons and goes out "at the top" of his game — very befitting for a man of his caliber.
Thanks, coach. We will never forget the impact you had on those of us who had the opportunity to play for you.
— David Dickey, Oxnard
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:22 AM
Schools need the money
Please join me in urging the California Legislature to reject Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposed $4.8 billion cut to education funding.
As an assistant principal of a middle school in the Ventura Unified School District and mother of two young children, I believe the governor’s proposal passes the state’s budget problems onto local students and schools and holds them accountable for a problem they did not create. I believe our students deserve better.
The future of our state depends on the investments we make now in education. The resources being provided our schools do not match the expectations we set for them.
According to Education Week, in the last two years, California has dropped from 43rd to 46th in per-pupil spending, nearly $1,900 below the national average. “Getting Down to Facts,” a March 2007 independent study, reports Texas spends 12 percent more per-pupil than California, Florida 18 percent and New York 75 percent.
Despite the lack of funds, our students and schools have made significant progress. Over the past five years at De Anza Middle School, language arts scores are up 12 percent and math scores have increased 28 percent with a 100-point gain in the Academic Performance Index.
We cannot expect this progress to continue while we cut billions from our schools. We need to protect educational programs and encourage student achievement by investing in our schools.
A state budget proposal that cuts school funding is not a real solution. It does not address California’s underlying problem of inadequate and unstable revenue sources. Proposition 98 was intended to protect our students from instability so they can have the reliable resources they need to learn and succeed.
Legislators should pass a balanced budget that makes education funding and investing in California’s future a priority. Anything less is unacceptable.
— Gina Wolowicz, Ventura
(The writer is an assistant principal at De Anza Middle School. — Editor)
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:15 AM
Court, guns have long history
Re: your March 19 article, "High court takes on gun law":
I disagree with the article's opening paragraph that states this is the first time in the country's history that the Supreme Court may interpret the Second Amendment as an individual right. I would suggest, as a start, reading a brief review of 19th century Supreme Court cases involving the Second Amendment that appears in this month's issue of "America's 1st Freedom," by Dave Kopel. Yes, this is a National Rifle Association publication (and, yes, I'm a member). However, I've found previous articles on this subject to be concise and informed.
The interpretation of the Second Amendment as a "collective" right is a recent one and has not been applied in any Supreme Court decisions. Its implementation by anti-gun politicians has proved ineffective, especially in Washington, D.C.
— Scott Eyler, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:09 AM
Schools a bottomless pit
Re: Barbara A. Warkentien's March 19 letter, “Put kids first”:
School districts get so much money per child, plus some from the lottery, plus some from school bonds. What I cannot understand is why schools and the teachers union are always crying poor.
They are a bottomless pit. Parents are furnishing the school supplies that should come out of the money schools get for each child. Where is the money going?
Schools are never held accountable for the money they spend. Gov Arnold Schwarzenegger is fully aware of that.
Why should we be taxed anymore? California residents are the highest taxed people in the U.S. The teachers union has tried for many years to get rid of Proposition 13, but, without it, we would be taxed out of our homes. I find the school system and its administrators to be greedy zealots. Why don't they take some of that $300,000-plus they make and contribute to the school kids themselves? They are not in it to educate your child; they are in it for the money, and they can't get enough.
Why can't they negotiate federal mandates to get some of the expense down? We have to do something. I myself would like an itemized expense report of where every penny goes.
Californians are like a bunch of sheep. Every time someone says it’s for the children, they just empty their pockets with no questions asked.
Another thing that needs to be addressed is illegal aliens. Is the federal government paying their fair share for education, or is it all on the shoulders of taxpayers? Warkentien's parents may have taught her to sacrifice anything for children, but what is happening in California is going above and beyond — and that goes for the public employees.
— Judith Patton, Moorpark
Posted by Andrea Howry at 11:02 AM
Board ignored constituency
Thousand Oaks schools may teach democracy, but the Conejo Valley Unified School District board does not practice it. Like Soviet-era commissars, the school board ran star-chamber proceedings, ignored the public and swiftly pushed its preplanned decision to close two of the best schools in the district.
Because the board wanted to go home by 10 p.m., 140 parents and local citizens were not allowed to speak. The board cut off comments, violating the Brown Act, closed the schools and went home. At a previous meeting, 170 people weren’t allowed to speak.
The board was disrespectful to the parents they did listen to. They gave them two minutes each, cut the microphone off midword and told them what to say. It didn’t want to hear parents say why their school is great and the board shouldn’t close it.
Will somebody explain free speech to these people?
Only board members Tim Stephens and Mike Dunn held the minority position and fought bravely for due process and reason.
When the school district needed the money to upgrade school facilities, technology and air conditioners, parents voted a huge bond issue. Now, after a few years of mismanagement, two expensively upgraded schools are to be scrapped before the bonds we voted for are paid off. The school board and superintendent’s office made implied promises to us when we invested tax dollars into Meadows and University that these refurbished schools would stay open.
Mismanagement at the district level and a lack of diverse art and science programs have pushed local parents into private schools. Our public schools are emptying.
Like every failed commercial chief executive officer, the school board’s and superintendent’s solution for their failures is to close two schools and fire good teachers who never failed in their planning for the future.
— Harry Mathias, Thousand Oaks
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:56 AM
Good time for salvation
Re: your March 19 articles, "Car burglary suspects arrested" and "Instruments stolen from T.O. church":
What are two grown men thinking when they break into cars at 4 a.m.? What can they gain? What can they lose?
What are others thinking when they enter a Christian church — or any church — and steal property used to worship God? Are a few musical instruments and computers worth the risk of jail time?
The gains will be forgotten in short time, but the losses could be permanent; "Thou shalt not steal." (Exodus 20:15)
Somehow, our society seems to have come to accept thievery, slander, adultery and all sorts of illegal and immoral acts as events to be expected and even accepted as normal, no matter how nauseous. Is this the brave new world? The politically correct environment?
Somewhere along the path of "progress," we have failed to recognize and teach our children that the way to freedom and prosperity is the path of God's love. This week, Holy Week, offers infinite opportunities to all to turn toward permanent salvation for free — no burglary required. Let's all go to a house of God this week.
— Roger Muir, Ventura
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:52 AM
Let IRS deal with reverend
First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
I believe in the Constitution. The first 10 amendments make up the Bill of Rights, not the Bill of Privileges. For those who are unsure of the difference, voting is a right afforded all citizens of the U.S. Driving is a privilege afforded by your parents. You can lose a right and petition the government to have it restored. You beg your parents.
With all the media hype of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright’s hateful speech, we forget that it is not prohibited. We don't have to like it and, thankfully, until this flap, we didn't need to listen to it. As a matter of fact, the only thing he's guilty of is violating his church’s nonprofit status.
The Star chose to publish the worst cartoon available March 20. Since Easter is close, couldn’t it find one with Christians being fed to lions? Then perhaps a panel with a Crucifixion? Then maybe one showing government employees toppling a cross over onto the ground? With Jewish holidays also approaching, we can start with the Egyptians enslaving the Jews, move to 40 years in the desert, then Russian Pogroms, German Nazi death camps, etc.
This is not to trivialize tragedy. Every people, every religion throughout history has had its good and bad times. Let's adhere to the separation of church and state. Let's once again elect someone who — Democrat, Republican, independent — will never be able to satisfy all of us. Leave the reverend and his statements to the Internal Revenue Service.
— Stuart Tapper, Simi Valley
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:42 AM
Toward another war
Sen. John McCain has claimed, on multiple occasions now, that Shiite Iran is training Sunni al-Qaida. These are not gaffes or misspeaking or misstating or whatever term his campaign is using. This is exactly how we got into Iraq, by conflating 9/11 with Saddam Hussein. This is as clear and transparent as it can be.
It doesn’t matter that it isn’t true or that the Iranian Shiites hate the Sunnis. McCain and his crowd are counting on the American people to be as uninformed and dumb as they were in 2002 so that they can attack Iran before the November elections and make it impossible for a Democrat to get elected. Both Democratic candidates are promoting an end to this war, and the Republicans will have none of that.
I can only hope that the American people will come out of their self-induced coma and start critically thinking and asking questions of a candidate who is promoting more war — and for what real reason this time. McCain has made no secret of his intentions and hopes and dreams to have us engaged in war for the next 100 years. That is the rest of our lives for everyone who is reading this, plus our children, our grandchildren and our great-grandchildren. Don’t we have an obligation to them to stop this madness?
— Carolyn Crandall, Camarillo
Posted by Andrea Howry at 10:34 AM
March 19, 2008
Home-schooling works
I home-schooled my children starting in 1991, as a private school and at a charter school independent study program. My own children and many of their home-schooled friends never took a standardized test and used no standard curriculum, yet they have excelled in college and at other adult pursuits. They learned from people of all ages and walks of life in their community, as well as from their families, and they participated in volunteer work, scouts, clubs and community classes.
I've also had the privilege of knowing many home-schoolers all over California. These children are now young adults in college or jobs, traveling or doing internships, and are responsible citizens and lovely human beings.
There is clear evidence that home-schoolers are succeeding without the kind of extra oversight that 2nd District Court of Appeal Judge H. Walter Croskey and others are suggesting, such as testing, controlled curriculum and reporting requirements. Oversight of home-schoolers is not needed and can be detrimental to the student educational experience.
Regulating home-schooling is not necessary to protect children from family abuse, for which there are other laws and enforcement systems. The family involved in this California case, “In re Rachel L,” was already in the juvenile court system because the system worked to alert authorities about possible problems, not because they were home-schooled. Unfortunately, there are abused and neglected children in public, private and home schools.
No single educational approach works for all children, and parents who think they can do a good job teaching their own children should continue to be