Latino candidates did quite well

This is in response to the Nov. 11 article on Escondido Latino candidates. Olga Diaz and Carmen Miranda, the two Latino candidates for City Council, actually did quite well considering they were political neophytes.

Getting elected to any office requires name recognition and considerable resources. Mr. Abed erroneously states that future Latino candidates need to be more moderate with a conservative agenda. Does opposition to the rental ban ordinance make one a radical?

I disagree. What future Latino candidates need is name recognition, and these candidates certainly took a step in the right direction.

I am surprised Mr. Abed did not mention this. Just look at all the publicity he and other Escondido elected officials have received as anti-immigrant champions in Escondido. Of course, we all know they are hoping this anti-immigrant stand will help them get elected to higher office.

Joseph Cordero

Oceanside

Illegal immigration bashing

Although I agree in principle to the problem of illegal immigration, I also question the intelligence of the Hispanic bashers who, in their zeal to get rid of these people, seem to forget that Hispanics come to our country to work and help our economy by taking jobs that we, Americans, will not accept or perform, thus, failing to focus on the real, life-threatening issues of people coming from countries that advocate the killing of our citizens, and eventually the overthrow of our own government by means of violence.

These people are afforded visas in large numbers, many or most under the disguise of political asylum. Once admitted into the U.S., many take advantage of our constitutional rights and start focusing on a long-term agenda of terrorism and mayhem, with the ultimate goal of overthrowing our government.

Have we become so gullible that perhaps we are focusing our energies on the wrong areas in a time of war on terrorism?

Mario Escobar

Poway

An accurate report of housing market

We'd like to thank the North County Times for more accurately reporting the current real estate market in North San Diego County ("Area bucks county housing trend," Nov. 10).

Monthly the HomeDex reports are made available to all media in San Diego, and recently the only news reported anywhere in the media has been snippets from the report, accenting and featuring only statistics suggesting inaccurately that real home values in North San Diego County were going down.

Or that they were certainly going to go down, even that they would be going down for the next year. Thank you for pointing out what median price means. Thank you for not buying readership with our equity. We appreciate your reporting the news as opposed to making it.

Terri and Paul Guess

Bonsall

America should tend to its own garden

In response to "Not America's fault" on Nov. 10: Yes, we can blame our commander in chief because he stupidly thought he could sell our brand of democracy to Iraq without ever doing his homework on what makes these people tick. The culture differences are vastly different to ours, as well as the religious way of thinking.

When will America stop trying to dictate to the world and just let these people be?

Look back to Vietnam. It fell to the communists and the world did not come to an end. In fact, when I was there last year they were doing just fine. America should stop tending other countries' gardens and just concentrate on its own. Heaven knows we have enough weeds to pull.

Shannon Blok

Escondido

Rental ban legal fees

Number of illegal immigrants in Escondido? Unknown. Financial impact on Escondido schools? Unknown.

Financial impact on Escondido infrastructures? Unknown. Enforceability of rental ban law? Impossible. Billable hours by attorney, legal research clerks and assistants? Millions. Illegal immigrants (wrong) plus illegal rental ban (wrong) equals wrong. (Two wrongs don't make a right.)

Instead of (the city) fighting the federal government and punishing property owners who have followed federal rental laws, why not use the millions that would go to the attorneys to establish a program to make these people legal? Or is that just too simple?

Marilyn Mueller

Escondido

Rash of crime in San Elijo

As a resident of the Springfield community in San Elijo Hills, I am concerned with security and safety issues that have been compromised lately. Is anyone at this newspaper aware of or interested in covering this problem? It seems the radio advertising of free beer and hot dogs at San Elijo is bringing all kinds of traffic and undesirable types (check the arrests at the last beer fest). There were few if any local residents in attendance because of people from all over San Diego. It has gotten scary and out of hand.

We had an armed robbery in this gated complex on my street, and the local schools were on lockdown last Friday. I do not see anything about it in the news. The Fountain, the local throw-away paper, will not print it. Maybe the Realtors have a problem with it.

Perhaps our North County paper can do something to bring out this rash of crimes in San Elijo.

Vonnie Gross

San Marcos

Krugman wrong again

As usual, Paul Krugman gets it exactly wrong, assuring us that the midterm election was the end of conservatism ("At last, the great revulsion," Nov. 11). The precise opposite occurred. Try to find a liberal position taken by any winner. Take your time; Google them all.

Virtually every single winning congressional Democrat campaigned on one or more fundamentally conservative principles. Mr. Krugman is either not paying attention or, more likely, is hoping we aren't.

Dale Delmege

Escondido

Coastal Commission and Guerin

Some people leave council meetings after they have made their remarks because many find Christy Guerin to be extremely rude. When certain people stay, she often treats them rudely and does not answer or address questions. We don't think she represents what the people of Encinitas want. In fact, she has become a control freak, in our opinion.

Encinitas Mayor Guerin should step down, now. She is acting as a lame duck, and her disregard of the Coastal Commission is not in the best interests of this community or our quality of life. Council member Maggie Houlihan, who was considered as an appointee to the Coastal Commission, should not have endorsed the short-term rental ban, either.

Lynn Braun

Encinitas

Prop. T failure rests on fairness

I offer my opinion on why this bond did not pass. As a homeowner I do not want my property tax increased in order to pay for the bond. Sales tax seems to me to be the only fair way to spread the expense of payment.

Why should I pay for the hundreds of renters? I repeat, sales tax applies to all who shop. Another thought: I think it would have been better if the board's salaries were cut and that money and the money spent on the losing campaign were applied to the hospital's needs.

Barbara Jarvis

Vista

November election commentary

The impact of 9/11 on America and the world is immeasurable. In the wake of the change of leadership in the U.S. Congress, it is time to recalibrate our compass (values) to make sure the country is on a path of self-preservation and not self-destruction.

In case we find ourselves believing all the anti-American sentiment and negativity, we should remember England's Prime Minister Tony Blair's words during a recent interview. When asked by one of his Parliament opponents why he believes so much in America, he said: "A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many people want in (immigration) and how many want out."

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: Jesus Christ and the American G.I. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. God bless America.

Henry Sanford

San Marcos

Life continues after the election

As I write this it is two days before the election. By the time this letter is printed, we'll know the results. The signs planted earlier asking us to vote for this or that person will have wilted and died, as will some political careers. It will be easier to sort through the mail.

There will be no more letters from the Bilbray family. I returned mine with a note saying, "Voting for Busby. Suggest you do the same." Hopefully, they did. I need to thank Brian for the phone calls. The calls said, "Hi, this is Brian Bilbray. I'm sorry you're not home. I was calling to invite you to a town hall meeting."

One time, I was home and answered. The recording played anyway. I would have attended, had he mentioned a time and place. There were questions I wanted to ask. Where do you live? If you are representing the 50th District, why do you list your occupation as immigration reform consultant?

Regardless of the results, Brian will go home to Virginia. Perhaps he will run for office there. If the elections go as predicted (Democrats regain the House, and maybe the Senate), let's make sure they do the job properly.

Thomas Cowan Jr.

Escondido

Big lie about developer impact fees

In his latest column Michael Pattinson stated, "First-time home buyers are often stunned to learn that $100,000 and more of the price of their house comes from local, state and federal government fees, regulations and delays."

Pattinson never gives up, he just keeps repeating this big lie that developer impact fees add to the price of housing. It is a deliberate lie. Pattinson knows all too well that the price of housing is determined only by the price people are willing to pay for that housing.

Pattinson argues there is too much government. The reason we have so much government is that we have too many people ññ the larger the population to be governed, the greater the percentage of that population needed to govern.

The very nature of larger populations makes more rules necessary, and more people to enforce those rules. Pattinson and his colleagues encourage more people ññ more industry, more housing, more roads, more schools and, most importantly (as far as Pattinson et al. are concerned), more money for the growth industry.

If Pattinson wants smaller government his best bet would be to campaign for a building moratorium throughout Southern California.

Margaret McCown Liles

Escondido

Why just rent?

The recent passing of an ordinance in Escondido to prevent renting housing to illegal aliens brings up the question of why we allow illegal aliens to buy groceries or gasoline.

If we would just enforce the one law we already have on the books ññ that it is illegal to employ an illegal alien ññ we wouldn't have to worry about creating other laws that won't or can't be enforced.

Gene Saunders

Temecula

Democrats: Don't celebrate too soon

My advice to Paul Krugman about his Nov. 11 column ("At last, the great revulsion") is not to celebrate too much. The ultra-right has been wounded but is far from dead. I heard the same baloney when Goldwater lost big, but they, in fact, not only survived, but put Nixon in office four years later in 1968.

The next 18 to 24 months are crucial. Yes, they are back in control of Congress, but for how long? I feel that this was more of a Republican defeat than a Democratic victory.

If the Democrats do a credible job this time around, they'll have a good chance at the White House in 2008.

My advice is the following: 1. Increase the minimum wage immediately. 2. Develop a plan to wind down our presence in Iraq with the goal of being totally out in 18 months. 3. Work on our energy problems. Announce a goal to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels by 25 percent in 10 years. Build tax incentives to help companies that help us in these efforts.

Peter Dooley

Escondido

I prefer newspapers, but …

Newspaper readership has declined and the Internet and cable television are to blame, suggested a 2005 Washington Post report. More recently, the Newspaper Association of America found daily newspaper circulation fell 2.8 percent.

First, I don't understand how perched on a chair, staring at a stale screen replaces snuggling on a sofa and reading a fresh paper. Second, there is honor and history in the flow of reporters, editors, printing presses and newspaper delivery.

Still, reasons for readers retreating exist. Case in point: When a wanted suspect harms somebody, please print the race. Don't play politics. A generic person on the loose doesn't educate readers.

Next, when a person enters the U.S.A. illegally, don't call them an immigrant. And, if you report "Smoking linked to heart disease," why not report on homosexual behavior linked to acquiring AIDS?

Lastly, do readers need another study on lycopene? Or to hear quotes from experts who "aren't sure," "don't know," "are confused," "frustrated" and "stumped"?

Kim Oakley

Valley Center

Principle will deliver American interests

The greatness of our nation has always been protected by great power. The essence of this power, however, was never vested in force of arms but rather in the integrity of conscience. This virtue is decidedly at risk and, as such, so is the greatness of our nation.

Untold numbers lie fallen under the unnecessary and ill-conceived actions in Iraq. Equally prostrate are precious principles that were shamelessly prostituted as the very reasons so many nobly gave their last full measure of devotion. These honored dead have not betrayed our faith, but the same cannot be said of us.

We ignobly accepted their greatest of sacrifices as something more significant than our ignorance in the belief that American interests could be rendered by the sword rather than under the greater force of principle. In the end, it is principle alone that may deliver that which all the legions in the world cannot.

Our power will grow yet greater when we understand the limitations and consequences to deploying its more destructive options. It is time to rekindle the flame of reason and return to the fundamental tenets of this nation. It is a nation of conscience, or nothing at all.

Thomas Godwin

Oceanside

Counting on Democrats

Beth Beringer (Letters, Nov. 9) notes that Busby 2006 signs in her Leucadia neighborhood were stolen. Here in Escondido, the three signs that I placed at local intersections were removed ññ two in the first day! The message seems to be that anti-Busbyites are unwilling to even allow opposing viewpoints.

Although I take heart that at least Democrats won across the country, I am watchful for the already occurring Republican behavior that will tie up progress in American politics. Not just the Busby signs ññ I'm thinking of the booing Pelosi received from Republicans after the Democratic win, the Bush rush to force through two bills that are not supported by Democrats and the general inability of our politicians to serve the country rather than their emotions.

Even though we can't count on Bush's campaign promise ("I'm a uniter, not a divider"), I'm hoping the Democrats will take the initiative and bring this country back.

Nik Grant

Escondido

VUSD winners congratulated

Congratulations to Jim Gibson and Carol Herrera on their re-election to the Vista Unified School District Board of Trustees. I wish them the best of luck in their new terms.

A special thank-you goes out to all my friends and supporters. I am very proud of the way you conducted yourselves during our campaign. Everyone worked so hard, but you kept it clean and honest. It is an honor to have had the support of such a dedicated group of people. What an amazing experience!

Although we didn't win, I will continue to follow what goes on in VUSD, and to keep you informed. Together we can make sure that our schools continue to improve and our children receive the quality education they deserve.

Elizabeth Jaka

VUSD candidate

Oceanside

Election workers deserve a rose

It really would have been nice to read the Nov. 8 newspapers and find a thank you for all the election workers ññ many who started their day around 5 a.m. and did not get home until after 9 p.m.

Many of these people have given of their time for many years and, yet, what we get to read are the whiny, whiny people who like to get their name in the newspaper complaining.

Jo Moran

Encinitas

A look at what we have 'won'

Yes, the real winners of the election are the American people. Let's take a look at what we "won": higher taxes for all of us, more dependence on foreign energy, an economy that will go from being robust to in the tank, more and more illegal immigration, and let's not forget amnesty for all, no matter what.

Isn't it strange though, when the liberals lose they always scream that the election was stolen, but when they win it is just their birthright to power that has been recognized, the people have spoken, etc. Where are all the teams of lawyers to contest this vote count? Well, I suppose the people have spoken and now when our economy goes down in flames and taxes soar on all of us we have gotten the government we deserved.

James Nelson

Lake Elsinore

A religious unit in the military?

On Veterans Day, at 7 a.m. my eyes went to the middle of the front page to a photo of Bill Rider and Dave Pelkey, both Vietnam veterans ("Coping with wounds unseen," Nov. 11). The third row of text beneath the photo proclaims proudly that Mr. Pelkey served with the "Army's 9th Calvary Regiment."

Remember the separation of government and church? I doubt very much that there was a religious outfit in the U.S. military.

This kind of wrongly used spelling and totally warped grammar on an almost daily basis in your newspaper makes one wonder about the educational background of the people responsible for such things. It is the one and only reason why I would never donate this paper to a school.

What happened to proofreading?

Friederike A. Millard

Sun City

Will money be used on car?

Gene O'Neal writes on Nov. 9 that his wife was in the car that ended up under the Escalade which a man tried to commit suicide in with his children on Nov. 2.

It sounds charitable to try and help the family of the man who did this. But I have two questions: Which auto salesman actually sold or leased this monstrosity of a car to this needy family? Also, how much of funds raised will go to paying off their lease or loan on that Cadillac? Even if insured I don't know how much will be covered, especially since the Escalade owner allegedly did this on purpose.

Anita Williams

Wildomar

Democrats now need to deliver

Let's not fool ourselves. Repudiating President Bush's policies does not mean a mandate for the Democrats. Voters were voting against the war in Iraq, not getting excited about any Democratic platform. The Democrats are not on the spot. They have to prove that their taking control of Congress is going to bring about substantive and positive change or there will simply be another "mandate" in 2008.

Randall T. Freeman

Menifee

Thanks to campaign volunteers

Please accept my gratitude for all of the hard work and long hours put in by the many volunteers, families and friends of the candidates.

So many people work on behalf of the candidates and groups like PTSA and DFA, etc., on behalf of the community in general.

As in any contest there are winners and losers. But, as someone who ran and did not make it, sometimes we must console ourselves by knowing that we did try to make a difference and that the effort in and of itself is better than not trying at all.

Congratulations to the victors in this valley. A big thanks to all who took the time to practice our democratic privilege to vote.

William Sanz

Temecula

Kerry's 'offhand' comment typical

Re: David Thompson's letter of Nov. 7, wherein he comments on John Kerry's "offhand" comment regarding the military. Mr. Kerry's past and ongoing behavior is reflective of his own disgraced military background. As a former Air Force type and grandfather of an Army sergeant granddaughter just back from Iraq, I can attest that most of us would agree with Mr. Thompson's views regarding our dear ones volunteering to join the armed forces. I can also be assured that when, perhaps, some of his own loved ones volunteer to serve their country, I doubt he will take such a simplistic approach.

John Houston

Temecula

'Trustee sales' spike intriguing

I read this newspaper cover to cover every day. I even pay some attention to the Public Notices in the back of the classifieds. Until recently, this small section has only taken up perhaps two or three columns. It has grown to almost a full page on some days.

Out of curiosity, I browsed this section and found out that mostly a spike in the number of "trustee sales" was making this section grow. In a recent count of five business days, I encountered 38 of these trustee sales for a total default of $14,383,000, yes, that's fourteen million, three hundred eighty-three thousand dollars, and change.

I would love to read fellow readers' comments on this and perhaps a lender or real estate broker could step up and give us some insight on this situation.

Tom Beckmier

Murrieta

Web Comments

Escondido responds to rental ban block efforts

Readers respond to our Nov. 14 story about Escondido's legal defense team asking a federal judge to dismiss civil rights groups' request to prevent a housing ordinance barring landlords from renting to illegal immigrants from taking effect later this week.

Pay up

Concerned legal citizen: "So does this mean that ACLU is harboring illegal citizens? If the ACLU is so concerned why don't they put their money where their mouths are and support these people instead of pushing them off on us and using our tax dollars to fight against these frivolous lawsuits."

Feeling used

Hispanic Female: "So here we go. Illegals already receive free medical, free educational and financial assistance thanks to us tax-paying citizens. Now they are receiving free legal counsel in the form of the ACLU representing them in regards to the Escondido rental ban. And all they had to do was complain. I know it's a long shot, but I hope that the ACLU realizes that they, too, are being used by illegals."

Love thy neighbor

probably Christians: "An amazing amount of hate against Mexicans spewing out from all these comments. What is really amazing is that most of these hateful people probably think of themselves as God-loving Christians. Ha!"

Twisted system here

blame Bush: "Escondido wouldn't have to pass such an ordinance if the Federal gov't. would simply do their job. Does anyone find it ironic that there are enough resources to keep us from taking a tube of toothpaste on a flight to Tacoma, but not enough border patrol agents to keep illegal immigrants from simply walking here?"

Third-party candidates won't quit

Readers respond to our Nov. 14 story about how third-party candidates such as Carlsbad resident and Libertarian Paul King never seem to give up, running for office again and again.

A new hope

The only hope: "Third parties are the only hope for America. The last good presidential election was with Petro. At least he made Americans realize the primary concerns like debt, term limits, and U.S. competitiveness worldwide. He had 20% of the vote and if he had won America would be much better off today."

Time to break out

Non-Partisan: "I vote for whomever I feel is the best candidate regardless of party affiliation. Whenever I vote for a 'third party' candidate, I know I'm not throwing my vote away. Instead, I'm paving the way for all of the people who are unhappy with the two party system but too brainwashed to do anything about it. Obviously, it won't happen overnight, but the two party system will eventually broaden (it has to because it's failing some of us). The numbers are only growing. :)"

Good for GOP

Libertarian Republican: "The Libertarian Party plays a useful role in keeping the GOP committed to capitalism and individual liberty. Without the Libertarian Party, the GOP wouldn't be concerned about appealing to its anti-tax, small government, free market wing. Instead, the GOP would be about gays, God, prayer in schools, and marriage 24/7. So, while I don't vote Libertarian, I do appreciate the pressure that the Libertarian Party applies to my political party."

Race disparities persist and grow

Readers respond to a Nov. 14 story about how decades after the civil rights movement, racial disparities in income, education and home ownership persist and, by some measurements, are growing.

Lost in the middle

RWC: "It anything is true, it is reverse discrimination. We are white, German and Scottish heritage. My son tries to get a scholarship to college. It is denied because he is not a minority and we are not poor enough. What ever happen to equality?"

Know the language

Asians have a cultural: " … respect for education. Why don't we just send the illegal immigrants back to their country of origin? NO one should be allowed to become a US citizen without speaking, reading and writing ENGLISH."

Don't pigeonhole

Concerned: "Welfare is a joke. Politically correctness has run amuck. This country was made by hard working people from all races and classes fighting it out. Subsidizing people because of the color of their skin does not create a better life for them, nor anyone around them. Placing people in college when they don't have college level skills adds to the mediocrity. Stop the racism! Let people be people. Good, bad, or indifferent. The best blacks, browns and whites will rise to meet the challenge."

290-acre fire near Lake Elsinore contained

Readers had this to say in response to an article Tuesday indicating that firefighters were close to putting out a brush fire that had threatened homes in Lakeland Village near Lake Elsinore on Sunday:

Map would help

How about a Map?: How about showing some sort of map of where the fire has actually burned? What's more important about a wildfire story than where the fire is? And there is almost never one published with the articles. Seems a picture would paint a thousand words on this one, and another picture of a bunch of burning trees may look spectacular, (but) it doesn't provide any actual information. Just a suggestion.

Good job, firefighters

How about a thank you? A map? How about a thank you and a job well done to the firemen that risked their lives battling the fire. It's just ridiculous the idea the citizens come up with nowadays. Good job, firemen, and God bless!

Firefighters found it

morty: What good is a map? The people know where their house is at. The firemen found it and if you don't know Elsinore. … Just pray all is a good finish. I thank all that did a good job, and God.

Amazed

Bridgette: I'm so amazed no houses burned. Excellent work by CDF firefighters!

Impact minimized

Awesome job firemen: Thank you to the firefighters for a good job. You guys really pulled together and contained that fire! I also want to thank you for minimizing the impact to those of us who take the Ortega via Lakeland Village. …

Thanks

hazzi00: Thanks for the hard work from the firemen and the citizens! Elsinore is my hometown and even though I have since moved on, I still have family and friends residing there. Thanks again and God bless.