Letters to the editor

Fairgrounds official's action assailed

Regarding “Fair site executive says no to furlough” (Our Region, Feb. 13):

Del Mar Fairgrounds chief executive Tim Fennell should be terminated for insubordination due to his disregarding the governor's order for workers to participate in a state furlough program. Any differences should have been resolved earlier. In the private sector, this would never be tolerated. If this action is allowed to continue, the government would soon lose its power to govern and anarchy would follow.

San Diego

Toxic assets should be banks' problem

Regarding “Emerging from the banking crisis” (Opinion, Feb. 13):

For a change, I'm in agreement with columnist Nicholas D. Kristof. If the banks want taxpayer dollars, I'd rather see the government trade the bailout money for stocks in the banks instead of buying assets of dubious value currently held by the banks. The banks bought into these shaky investment schemes, let them figure out what to do with them. By issuing more stock, the cost of the bailout would fall largely on current stockholders. Stockholders elected the CEOs who followed the policies that resulted in their demise; they should be the ones to take the financial hit that resulted.

San Diego

Mixing politics with entertainment

Regarding “Theater company leaves in protest” (Our Region, Feb. 10):

I wonder if the Ion Theatre in Grantville considered the potential loss of more than 50 percent of its patrons who voted in favor of Proposition 8 last November when it decided to withhold business from its landlord because he donated to the Proposition 8 campaign. Does the Ion Theatre plan to turn away patrons who voted in favor of Proposition 8 as well? The public has the right to support causes without fearing retribution. Let's stop mixing politics and entertainment.

Carmel Valley

Seeing an obstacle to 'Buying American'

Regarding “Should We 'Buy American'?” (Opinion, Feb. 13):

I own a 2005 Toyota Prius that gets 45 miles per gallon, offers a smooth, comfortable ride and has a quick pickup. As soon as American automakers can duplicate such a vehicle, I will be more than happy to “Buy American.”

San Diego

Senator's withdrawal draws criticism

Regarding “Second nominee to run Commerce withdraws name” (A1, Feb. 13):

New Hampshire Sen. Judd Gregg and his Republican cohorts have been in charge of this economy for eight years. In that time, they took the largest budget surplus and managed to double the nation debt. So now he claims he asked to have his nomination as Commerce secretary withdrawn because he is a fiscal conservative? I believe he wanted to be considered for for the position so he could withdraw and embarrass the president.


Aiding homeowners 'a slippery slope'

Regarding “Plans to help homeowners in trouble are being drawn” (A1, Feb. 13):

President Obama now wants to spend taxpayer money to cut monthly payments for homeowners on the verge of foreclosure? Is he in favor of cutting the monthly payment on my new car if I am on the verge of having it repossessed? How about cutting my payments on my student loans or helping me cut the payments on my credit cards that I have maxed out?

Cutting mortgage payments for people is a slippery slope. When will we reach the end of that slope? My guess, when everybody and anybody can get whatever they want without the worry of having to take responsibility for their actions.

El Cajon

DMV is not like any other business

Some readers seem to believe the Department of Motor Vehicles is like other businesses in that it can't make money if it's not open. Not true. The “customers” of the DMV are not like customers of other businesses who have a choice where to spend their dollars. If you must renew your license or registration, it doesn't matter if the DMV is open five days a week or one. You still must pay the money. You may wait much longer for the “privilege” but it will still get your money. It loses nothing.

Harbison Canyon