The legislators gridlock has created a complete mess. Hospitals, nursing homes, and community health clinics are no long being paid. Schools are trying to plan a new school year without knowing how many staff they will be able to keep. This is irresponsible. It has to stop. State workers making $6.55 an hour are not […]
Letters To The Editor
Enough with change!
Some politicians are now calling for change—this might even sound good to young people who have no memory of the past. I remember when gas was 25 cents a gallon. My first house cost $29,000, and a loaf of bread was 20 cents. I remember when jobs were easy to get because things were still […]
Obama is practical; Republicans are out of touch
There was a time when the Republican Party believed in realistic goals and personal responsibility. Under the failed policies of the Bush Administration, this is no longer the case. They embrace the word “conservative” while ignoring the root of that word: “conserve.” The last eight years have been all about excess: excess military spending, excess […]
Here’s my political tally sheet
As an Independent trying to stay on top of the platforms of politics, I am dismayed by the lack of knowledge of the Democratic opinions. I don’t care for Bush, but understand his problems. Obama, like the Clintons, will promise you anything that will win your vote, even though he has no experience in anything. […]
Get the word out: Iran is dangerous
Please make it known that Iran is an imminent threat to the whole world. Iran is defiant and will not stop its nuclear ambitions. It is important for the American and world public to understand the issues and the threat that Iran poses to the world’s peace and stability.
Smoking doesn’t belong near children
I applaud the Parks and Recreation Commission considering banning tobacco products in our parks. Parks are frequented by families, especially those with small children. Children are influenced in various ways by secondhand smoke. Not only is the smoke an issue, there are cigarette butts which are also a nuisance. Most of our parks are also […]
Civilize society: Overhaul taxes
John McCain, in one of his recent campaign speeches, claimed that, by the end of his presidency, he will have won the war in Iraq, balanced the budget, and brought Osama bin Laden to justice. All this will have been accomplished without raising taxes. First, what we’ve had in Iraq for the last five years […]
Thanks from the Indians
As the Santa Maria Indians’ 65th season draws to a close, we would like to thank all of the Tribes’ supporters from around the county for your continued support. The Indians, as many know, are the longest-running semi-pro baseball team in California, and one of only two teams from the Golden State to win the […]
Legalize – and tax – marijuana
The so-called “War on Drugs” in regards to marijuana has failed. We spend a fortune on trying to control it, while at the same time filling our overcrowded prisons with inmates. The only thing that has resulted from all this attempt at control has made growing it very lucrative—one plant is worth $4,000. Marijuana has […]
Extend compassion to more than dogs and cats
As a veterinarian, I consider my role to be that of an advocate for all animals. As such, I was very disappointed by the article “Opposition groups say Proposition 2 is something to cluck about” (July 31). Proposition 2 is a very modest initiative to improve the welfare of those animals most of us would […]
We could get a two-for-one change
When Barack Obama becomes president, wouldn’t it be great if he declares he is becoming a Muslim, thereby breaking two stupid prejudice barriers?
Make Santa Maria’s arts community more visible
I am a freelance writer who contributes to the Sun, but as a visual artist I want to say that I appreciated Shelly Cone’s piece (“Where is the art?”) in the July 17 issue. I particularly want to applaud Craig Shafer’s comment: “I don’t care if you’re blue collar, white collar, or blue blood, it’s […]

