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 […]
Letters To The Editor
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 […]
The world needs a well-though-out energy plan
T. Boone Pickens’ investments to solve the oil crisis will do nothing to provide more, cheaper gasoline for the 200 million cars in the United States. Only more oil development will solve that problem. All power sources pollute in some way. Which pollutes the least and is the easiest to manage is the question and […]
Sun freelancer was a delight on the diamond
My name is Jim “Woody” Roland, who John so kindly mentioned in his Fantasy Camp story (“It’s never too late to play ball,” July 24). Just wanted to say that John was a delight to spend time with over the weekend. His enthusiasm in participating and covering the game as a writer for the Sun […]
Some burial etiquette
Thank you for allowing me this space to thank morticians who honor our former military at their burial. I do especially appreciate those of you who make the time to have the casket covered with the stars of the flag over the head of the veteran and those of you who put the folded flag […]
Here’s a standing ovation for PCPA
Bravo to PCPA! The current offering from PCPA deserves accolades. The staging, costuming, choreography, direction (musical and acting), and finally, the performers were absolutely outstanding. I truly believe a New York Broadway company could not have presented a better production. How lucky we are to have this kind of theater in our community. I support […]
Thanks for the artsy memories
Sincere accolades to Shelly Cone for her recent article “Where is the art?” (July 17). Santa Maria and surrounding environs have numerous national and internationally known artists. Frank Gray has a stunning piece in the White House; Sandra Kay Johnson and Gerry Stinn, to name only two, are in the Smithsonian; and Bill Shinn is […]
Fix these root causes
Correcting three root cause problems will go a long way toward making America self dependent and move us toward regaining the honor and respect we no longer enjoy on the world stage. Root Cause 1: The oil standard. Our next president should immediately initiate a “Manhattan Project” on energy, using our best and brightest to […]

