Address safety issues of street

Re: the Aug. 13 story, "Bicyclist seriously hurt in Carlsbad crash." Residents of the area have been pleading with city officials for over one year to address the safety issues. There is no posted speed limit, and city officials are knowingly permitting haul routes along the steep grade of El Fuerte. Residents have stated on numerous occasions that it is not a matter of if, it is only a question of how soon someone will be injured. They have also, among themselves, renamed El Fuerte to El Fuerte Speedway. Hopefully now, after a serious injury, the city of Carlsbad will address the safety issues relating to El Fuerte in a more prompt and responsible manner.

We, the residents of El Fuerte, wish Mr. Carlos Arboles a full and speedy recovery.

PATRICIA WALLACE

Carlsbad

Show your support for veterans

We shoot vets (with a camera for the Library of Congress).

AARP Chapters 77, San Diego, and 239, Encinitas, have been recording veteran histories on DVD for the Library of Congress. We are presenting Encinitas' own Rob Cook's story at the monthly AARP Chapter meeting on Sept. 11 at the Encinitas Senior Center at 1 p.m. Rob will be there in person.

A copy of each DVD story is presented to every vet free of charge in the hope that it lets our vets know how much we love and appreciate them.

It would be nice if we could fill the meeting room with supporters.

SHIRLEY BARD

San Diego

Prop. F doomed again

The article on Aug. 10 did not mention anything about funding the fiasco ("Tri-City hospital board OKs new ballot measure").

It almost seems like the hospital board and the North County Times on are on the same team. Until the board finds a way to tax everyone, not just the property owners, Proposition F is doomed, this time by a landslide.

JOHN CORNING

Oceanside

Line in the sand

It is a shame that Jim Trageser and the rest of the local press just don't get it ("Lawsuit over Bilbray win a political stunt," Aug. 10). Lou Dobbs gets it, Roger Hedgecock gets it and Stacy Taylor gets it.

The lack of security in our voting machines is not a Republican, Democrat or Green Party issue. Read the reports: Voting Systems Technology Assessment Advisory Board Report, published Feb. 14 at ss.ca.gov/elections/voting_systems/security_analysis_of_the_diebold_a ccubasic_interpreter.pdf; United States Government Accountability Office report published September 2005 and available at gao.gov/new.items/d05956.pdf; Brennan Center Report: brennancenter.org/programs/downloads/Executive%20; and the Diebold TSX Evaluation: Security Alert, May 11, prepared by Harri Hursti, blackboxvoting.org/BBVtsxstudy.pdf.

These machines are certified by privately owned companies that are paid for by the manufacturer. They are not safe to vote on. Our elections have been privatized and there is not enough government oversight in place to make them secure.

The reason that the Bilbray/Busby election was the one contested is that it was the first federal election this year. It is a line in the sand for many citizen activists who have researched this issue for years. We sure wish that the press would also bother to do a little research.

SHARLENE HAMILTON

Oceanside

Drinking has nothing to do with willpower

This is in response to a letter printed Aug. 12 from Don Snyder in regard to Mel Gibson's problems. I agree with his assessment that Gibson should affirm that he has a problem. But if he is an alcoholic, then his problem is very real and very much a disease. It is true that no one forces you to pick up that first drink, and the first drink does not get you drunk. The difference between an alcoholic and one who is not is that the alcoholic cannot stop once he has started, this having nothing to do with willpower. Call it a character defect, call it genetic, call it what you will, but it is a disease and it is very real. The tragedies that occur, and the complete destruction of people's lives, people who were successful in all facets of their existence, losing families, homes, everything that has ever meant anything to them, just for that next drink, has nothing to do with willpower.

GARY WALLACE WALKER

Carlsbad

The future of freedom

Does the world today realize the threat to humanity that is emerging and its potential effect on the fate of man? In one camp are the nations that cherish freedom: America, Israel, Australia and a handful of European nations. In a second camp are the leftists-socialists-communists. The third camp consists of the Islamic fanatics. The first camp (freedom), by nature, has no desire to rule the world. The other two camps must rule with an iron fist because their worldview requires the suppression of man's natural free state. Lately, the leftists and Islamists have become quite cozy with each other. Iran's relationship with Venezuela and North Korea are examples. If you set aside the religion component, both have much in common, but mainly hatred of freedom. Free nations are a threat and their freedoms must be extinguished. The remaining powers will naturally turn against each other (Islam vs. communism) for the prize of world dominance. The winner gets the right to drive humanity back into the Stone Age and worse, into extinction

MARK CHRISTOPHER

Oceanside

World traveler

When poor and hungry fathers are tired of being poor and hungry and are tired of seeing their families suffer, they will rise up against the rulers who lie and cheat and kill for power and riches. Most terrorism is a product of the oppressed and disenfranchised. Mr. Rich Lowry has opined that the Democrats oppose tough measures. Does he want us to shoot first, then say, "Uh, sorry for blowing up the house with the poor family living in it who had nothing to do with some terrorist criminal act"? I travel the world with my family to show my sons how small the world really is. We live in rented rooms in people's homes, not some resort hotel, so our dollars go into the local economy. This Republican Congress and administration are wrong with their knucklehead, "kill 'em all" mentality. The Iraq invasion was done for profit. And this is treason to me.

Why is there U.S. private security in Iraq? Why isn't there more money to help our young soldiers who need rehab from this stressful "who's the enemy" debacle?

Vote Democrat in November.

TIM JAMES MORRIS

Vista

Green Valley mobile-home park

In response to Michael Knutson's Aug. 11 letter about the water outage at Green Valley Mobile Home Park, we had an outage in July and (some of us) were called by the homeowners association telling us the water would be off for a short period of time; two days. On Aug. 2 we received a printed notice that the water would again be turned off on Friday, the fourth of August, from 1 to 5 p.m. On Saturday the park manager told us we could go to the swimming pool to get buckets of water for flushing our toilets and the water should be turned on by 9:30 or 10 that day. He was kind enough to deliver water from the pool to some residents who could not tote the water for flushing. After inquiring of him during that time, we were told it shouldn't be more than a couple of hours and we would have water. On Sunday afternoon we were blessed with a Public Works water truck for water. I happened to drive by and see the truck, we were not notified. We finally got our water on at 9 p.m. on Sunday. The manager did say he was sorry for the inconvenience. Some of us were very concerned that, God forbid we had a fire in the park, no water from the hydrants would be available. Doing our dishes was a minor issue when compared with other health and welfare issues.

DEANNA LEE BAKER

Vista

Loony liberalism

I am one of those wacky liberals so many of the North County Times letter writers loathe. I am not a Christian, but I love what Jesus had to say. Our president claims he is a Christian. So do many members of the Republican Party. It is becoming increasingly apparent to me that these people are ignoring Jesus' teachings. For example, from the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be sons of God." I do not see any peacemakers in the Bush administration.

And there are a couple of good lines from the Ten Commandments: "Thou shalt not kill" and "Love thy enemy." The Bush team has absolutely no grasp of either of these two concepts. They will simply not engage in talks with anyone they consider an enemy. They would prefer to engage in pre-emptive war.

Then there is other stuff I believe in, like living in harmony with nature.

I believe the panel of scientists from the National Academy of Science that warns us of global warming. And I find it rather curious that Phil Cooney, chief of staff of the Council on Environmental Quality, was a former oil industry lobbyist. But then again, I am just a loony liberal.

MICHELE ARNESEN

Solana Beach

It's all about money and greed

Re: Michael Pinto's letter of Aug. 14, "SDG&E doesn't want competition." Thank you to Mr. Pinto for setting everyone straight about the untruths disseminated by SDG&E regarding homeland security, safety and energy needs. San Diego does not need, nor will it benefit from, the gargantuan power line planned for Anza Borrego State Park and communities in the backcountry. It is all about money and greed. There are proven alternatives.

LAUREL GRANQUIST

Julian

No way to treat disabled fans

In 2000 I became officially disabled, complication from hip replacement surgery. I even qualified for permanent DP plates. That was the first year that I qualified for the disabled tickets that the San Diego Chargers allocated for single games.

The only drawback was that I had to wait in line with all the other fans. I managed with my cane and chair. The following year I was fortunate to have the procedure improved by actually persuading the Chargers ticket office to have a special line and window for disabled persons. Wow, what a difference! This procedure was continued through the 2005 season. However, without any prior announcement, the Chargers ticket office announced that all single-game tickets would be handled the same way for all -- disabled included. And to add insult to injury, the only way to obtain single-game tickets for your game choice is to buy a package of three games. Thanks, San Diego Chargers. Nice way to treat disabled fans. Guess greed wins out after all.

BEN SCOTT

Oceanside

Homosexuality is a choice

First, it must be understood that there is a difference between homosexual and homosexuality. A person is not born homosexual, but neither is it a choice.

Being homosexual is a result of exterior factors that make up a vast, complex sequence of experiences that begin at birth. Being homosexual is characterized by attraction to those of the same sex.

Homosexuality, on the other hand, has to do with sexual behavior. All behavior is a choice. There are no exceptions. Since homosexuality has to do with behavior, and since all behavior is a choice, consequently, homosexuality is a choice. The attraction/desire that characterizes a homosexual does not compel or force his sexual behavior (homosexuality). The word "gay" does away with the differentiation between homosexual and homosexuality. It is now clear why the word "gay" was formulated.

Further, homosexual advocates have classified homosexuality as an alternate lifestyle. Any lifestyle is based on behavior (choice). This alternate lifestyle (homosexuality) is being promoted so as to replace the established lifestyle that the vast majority of people accept, this with respect to family, religion, morality and sexual norms. Your children are being indoctrinated to accept this change.

FRANK LANCELOTTI

Oceanside

Those war-loving Catholics

Watching the news, reading the newspaper, all you see right now is talk about the trouble in the Middle East. Israel is doing what they should be doing, defending themselves.

The media, other countries and world leaders have all expressed their opinions about this latest event, except one.

Pray tell, what does the pope think about all this? He's quick to judge what goes on in America, which he has no business in. He's quick to denounce anything that has to do with Catholics and poor people in other regions.

So why hasn't he sounded off on this? Is it because he wants Israel's demise as bad as Hezbollah does? Is it because the pope wants to set up shop in Jerusalem instead of Vatican City? Does anyone think the pope doesn't want to rule the whole world and, in doing so, the Catholics ruleas well? The Catholics, while claiming to be peace-loving, have caused more wars throughout history than any other religion combined. The Muslims are amateurs compared to them. But they are catching up fast. Could the Catholic Church be backing them up? Hard to fight a war when you don't know who you're fighting.

JEAN SNYDER

Oceanside

Veterans fight for the flag, not God

In his Aug. 12 letter Robert Longton states that a cross marks the grave site of every military veteran buried in our national cemeteries. This is a very biased view because gravestones of non-Christian veterans are marked with symbols appropriate to their religion. But, unlike the situation at Mount Soledad, every national cemetery has flying above the cemetery only the American flag, not a cross or Star of David or any another religious symbol. To every veteran the flag is the appropriate symbol to dominate a veterans national cemetery, or memorial, since that is what we fought for, not a religious symbol as featured at Mount Soledad.

LARRY FALICK

Oceanside

Quarry is not a partisan controversy

In reply to Larry Lepley's "Rock-huggers ignore facts, common sense" letter (Aug. 15):

Boy, those mine supporters are digging to the bottom of the barrel to come up with new names to call the people who do not want a gravel quarry in the Temecula Valley. First it was "nimbys" and "activists," then "extremists" and "environmental crazies." Now it's "rock-huggers"?

It's Granite Construction who "hugs rocks." They want to take out a billion tons of rock from Liberty Quarry, take down a whole mountain and turn it into gravel. They want to do this no matter how adversely it affects the people who live in Temecula, Murrieta, Rainbow and Fallbrook, or how much it harms SDSU's ecological reserve and field station. Who are the "rock-huggers"?

Intelligent residents of these cities oppose a gravel quarry for good common-sense reasons. Diesel emissions from 1,400 truck trips a day at the Rainbow turnoff will affect our air quality and congest our freeways, as we will become a traffic hub. This is very concerning. Scientists from SDSU oppose this project for good, solid, scientific reasons, as their important field station and the ongoing experiments there could be harmed.

Why does Mr. Lepley take (Californian columnist) Paul Jacobs to task? The Liberty Quarry threat is not a partisan issue. Many conservatives in our area are just as upset about this project as are liberals.

Granite's PR juggernaut is scrambling to convince you of how wonderful they are. Are their claims valid? Don't buy it!

CAROL BRADY

Temecula

Resorting to hyperbole a sign of defeat

I have to admit, I found the letter from Larry Lepley (Aug. 15) to be one of the more hilarious I have ever read on these pages. Not in the way he intended, to be sure, but hilarious nonetheless.

Mr. Lepley goes on for paragraphs, labeling anyone against the proposed rock quarry as "Wild eyed, activist rock huggers" and talks about their "liberal platitudes." To bolster his point, he then invents, out of thin air, several quotes from liberals that no one ever said in the first place: "…our children will not be able to play with their X-boxes because the silica dust has coated the screen." "Every Temecula resident over 30 will be wearing a dust mask and breathing from an oxygen bottle…" Who said these things? No one I know … except in Mr. Lepley's mind.

He also added, "I can close my eyes and visualize Al (Hot Spell-Hugger) Gore at his blackboard with a laser pointer." And then at the end of his little diatribe -- with no hint whatsoever that he sees the irony -- he says, "Let's not trash the facts and common sense to pacify the emotional exaggerations of the Hugger Nation."

I wonder sometimes: If those on the left are so horrible, why do those on the right have to rely so heavily on made-up nonsense? You would think the truth would serve.

MARK CLOUD

Murrieta

Minority using scare tactics on quarry

Larry Lepley's letter of Aug. 15, supporting the proposed Liberty Quarry was a breath of fresh air, no pun intended. Larry understands the significance and benefits of the rock quarry and isn't afraid to say so.

Most complainers have tried to alarm us about imaginary health risks caused by dust, a virtual non-issue. You'd think they'd do their homework and prove that people living near quarries have significantly higher rates of disease than those living far away. They haven't done so because such evidence doesn't exist, even if they go back several decades before stringent emissions standards were imposed.

Most Temecula residents I've talked to support the quarry. It seems a vocal minority have banded together to write letters and scare people into opposing it. I think I know what these people are really afraid of: In their humble opinions, the city of Temecula is too hoity-toity to host a rock plant.

They might be surprised to learn that Palos Verdes, no slouch of a city, was home to Chandler's Sand and Gravel for decades, and it did not hurt property values or create health issues.

Other towns of prominence such as Pasadena, Arcadia, Bradbury, Glendora, Claremont, Alta Loma and Upland have had quarries in operation without significant risks to the health of people or the values of the houses they live in. I think it's about time some of these high-falutin' naysayers get off their high horses and start dealing with reality.

RICK KELLOGG

Wildomar

Timing of arrests is suspicious

According to published reports, British authorities wanted to wait until the alleged terrorists had purchased tickets before making arrests but under intense U.S. pressure, took action to apprehend over 20 British suspects with Pakistani connections.

One could view this as prescient, pro-active work on the part of the Bush administration. On the other hand, could the Bushites have gone to the terrorist wolf well once too often? I wonder if Connecticut anti-Iraq war upstart Ned Lamont's stunning victory for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination over pro-war incumbent Joseph Lieberman could have had anything to do with it?

And Vice President Cheney calling Connecticut voters al-Qaida supporters is outrageous. When are we going to say enough is enough and impeach Cheney and Bush?

It looks increasingly like the Republicans are running scared of losing control of Congress in November and are grasping at straws, trying to scare the electorate into continuing this New American Century madness in the Middle East.

Under cloak of civilian leadership, our troops have done themselves proud in yet another police action in violation of the Geneva Conventions, international law and just about everything moral. American troops are no longer part of the solution but have inexorably become part of the problem. They need to be supported by being immediately withdrawn so the Iraqi people can sort out the mess we've made.

LARRY RETZACK

Murrieta

Bush failed to keep us safe

These are the plain facts, whether or not you wish to believe it: Five years after 9/11, the Bush administration has failed to keep us safe.

The war in Iraq has diverted attention from protecting America from terrorism.

This past week, 9/11 commissioners said Iraq is distracting from security at home. The war in Iraq has inflamed the whole Middle East and is helping al-Qaida attract new recruits. Osama Bin Laden is still on the loose.

Hurricane Katrina showed all of us that the Republicans aren't able to protect America at home.

The Republican Congress hasn't followed through on the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.

Republican political attacks during last week's terror threat are outrageous.

Enough incompetence already. Let us get some real leaders and thinkers in office for a change.

LINDA ALVAREZ

Temecula

Web Comments

Escondido to ban renting to illegal immigrants

Readers respond to our Aug. 17 story about a divided City Council voting to begin drafting an ordinance that would ban illegal immigrants from renting property in Escondido.

Goes both ways

Mexicans take advantage of Mexicans: "I think that every city should have a clause or regulation that limits the number of people who live in a single family dueling this is a serious issue in Oceanside, Vista and Escondido. Asking for citizenship is not the solution though. Interesting the very people that take advantage of these illegal aliens are the very Mexicans that rent the apartments from the landlords. They sub-rent to dozens of illegal aliens so that they can make money out of these illegal aliens. They are charged high rents for sleep in a bathtub or the kitchen floor and so forth, it is the new scam."

Levels of mistakes

EscoLocal: "One of my neighbors had to call the City about 19 people being packed into a single house. They were stuffed into bedrooms, the living room, garage, and even on the porch. BUT, there were zero Latinos living there. At best, Waldron's assumption that overcrowding is done by Latinos is a huge mistake, and at worst, it's the 'r' word."

The few, the proud

Jeff: "Thank you to the courageous majority on the Escondido City Council who choose to take action on this critical issue. Stopping the invasion of illegal aliens, like many momentous changes in America, will start with the actions of a steadfast few. I'm proud that Escondido, and three Council members with courage and vision, has chosen to play a leading role."

Take a stand

JD: "Mr. Newman, your motives are clear: 1. Stop the re-election of Ms. Waldron - is Ms. Waldron a potential rival against you when you seek higher office? 2. Your fear of being sued over you courage to do the right thing by taking a stand against lawbreakers. Fear of taking a stand is all to common in this day and age - it's too bad even our elected officials hesitate to take a stand because of threatened lawsuits! Get the message, illegal means illegal. Stand up and do the right thing to enforce and re-enforce the laws."

Accused Marines want to head straight to trial

Readers respond to our Aug. 17 story about how at least three of the eight Camp Pendleton men accused of kidnapping and killing an Iraqi man are asking the Marine Corps to take their cases straight to military trials and skip the pretrial hearings that would determine if courts-martial would be necessary.

Man v. machine

They are done!: "The military calls its jury a panel. There is usually a panel of 6 military members. Do you think they are going to go against the military machine? These poor marines are done for!"

Empty show

mark: "I think that the outcome of the 32 hearing was predetermined long ago. It is probable wise for the defense not to waste limited resources in what will amount to a dog and pony show for the prosecution."

Wise move

This is a smart Marine!: "He understands that the JAG is going not play by anything resembles any real trial. I wish him the best and thank him for his service!"

Few and far between

o2cool1: "Good luck, Marine - give 'em hell. No doubt with the publicity this trial will receive it will be harder for the Marines to find 'a few GOOD men' and rightly so."

San Diego smoking ban rolls out

Readers respond to our Aug. 17 story about a ban on smoking going into effect tomorrow at San Diego parks and beaches.

Clear the air

Ed: "Hopefully, this is another step in the right direction to eventually ban smoking everywhere in this state, except in maybe someone's house. I'd like to see a smoking ban eventually make it to automobiles. Seeing smokers continuously using the street and highway as their personal ashtray come to an end would be significantly helpful to curbing not only roadside litter, but also the threat of brush fires throughout Southern California. Ban smoking NOW!"

Smoke and mirrors

You Reap What You Sow: "All the smokers whining about these bans have no one to blame but themselves. Maybe if you would have had shown some actual courtesy towards the people and environment around you it wouldn't have come to this. Instead you chose to use the street, beaches, etc. as your own personal ashtray. Aside from the nastiness of the litter, can you say fire season? Rather than blaming ban supporters for your diminishing rights to pollute the public try looking in the mirror to know where to point the finger."

Mommy, may I?

to Ed: "Why not just enforce the existing littering laws? It's already illegal to throw cigarettes on the ground. Just admit it, you have a problem with people making a choice you don't like, and want to play mommy to all of them."

Fired up

Incensed: "The level of rudeness, the comfort with their own filth and their disregard for others' property, health and enjoyment is characteristic of enough smokers to make this ban necessary."

Readers responded to a pair of articles Thursday discussing the criminal charges for ethics violations against former Murrieta Mayor Jack van Haaster and conveying public reaction to the allegations.

Time for justice

It's about time: These scumbags are brought to justice!

Strange

Murrieta Man-Loans: Why on earth would van Haaster report a loan as income? I'm not a van Haaster supporter, but something seems strange. I would think he would need to report the loans as loans. As for van Haaster's involvement in the Day Care, now that's a conflict of interest.

Politics leads to ruin

Ron: Print all the good Jack van Haaster did while in office. At least the people of Murrieta will know who made it so they can enjoy a city that gives them the style of living they have today and that goes for all past and present city officials. It takes guts to be a politician. It is an unthankful job and can and will ruin your family and your life.

Lay men

True American: Kenneth Lay had supporters too!

Nearly impossible

Murrieta Man-Concerned: So typical of Rescue Murrieta to gloat. If you really cared about the interests of the whole city, you'd be addressing real issues like economic development, housing-to-job ratio and circulation. I can't wait to see what you bring to the table as a candidate this fall. Let's see: slow growth or no growth, hmm. Here's an idea, why don't you vote to unincorporate? …

Paying the price

Barbara: … Yes, King Jack made Murrieta what Murrieta is now, a beautiful place to live and grow your children and he did it at our expense. You and I are paying for all of his corrupt business.

Honesty needed

Jim: … I don't think anyone is happy to see this, but everyone with a little knowledge of Murrieta politics should have seen it coming. Politics isn't a means to line your pockets. Go into business and make money honestly, like other hard working people do.

An embarrassment

Keep It Up: Once again Murrieta is embarrassed. Embarrassed by the corrupt officials. Embarrassed by the ignorance of ALL its residents who love to bash (this includes BOTH SIDES). …