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The thin green dollar

Fines and harassment ruin wilderness recreation

Your cover story about game wardens (“For the love of nature,” Sept. 10) states there are too few of them, they are deputized federal agents, they start at $41,000 per year, they have trouble recruiting due to collegiate requirements, and they depend upon fine money to finance this incredibly important job that they do.   […]

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If you were a beer, what would you be?

Jason Torrez sales “Bud Light. I’m simple, and I’m light. I’m also cheap, but still satisfying—and always refreshing and the crowd pleaser.” Arlind Bettencourt retired engineer and physicist “O’Doul’s. I don’t drink alcohol, but I love beer, and O’Doul’s tastes good.” Katey Eckenrode Gymnastics Gym owner (left) “I’d probably be a Diet Dr. Pepper. I […]

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Ten bold endeavors worked well

Santa Maria

Government-bashers who challenge supporters of a health-care reform public option to name just one successful government program should read Bold Endeavors by Felix Rohatyn. He cites 10 large and transformative events in American history to explain how our government built America.   The author, who managed the negotiations that enabled New York City to resolve […]

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Andy: It’s not bias, it’s debate

Arroyo Grande

I’m beginning to tire of Andy Caldwell’s campaign to unseat Sarah Christie, Planning Commission chair. Mr. Caldwell, executive director of COLAB and pro-business, anti-regulations columnist and radio commentator, accuses Ms. Christie of “bias” every chance he gets wherever anyone will give him time or space. However, I’ve been to enough Planning Commission and Board of […]

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A quick fix to the economy won’t happen

Santa Maria

The level of criticism aimed at President Obama and his administration regarding their actions toward our limping economy is unrelenting. Some skepticism is fine, but a hefty dose of reality is better. The critics thus far have offered nothing better—if anything—than what our government is trying to accomplish.   Our economy at present needs support. […]

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Here’s the Social Security solution

Santa Maria

When Social Security was originated back during the Great Depression of the ’30s, its purpose was to provide survivor income to those who had little or none. Through the years, the program has been expanded, so that now even the very wealthy get a monthly check.   With the country spending hundreds of billions we […]

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Now you see the real Obama

Orcutt

Fortunately, the reality of who Obama is and what he represents is finally sinking in. More Americans are beginning to understand that instead of transparency and unity, all Obama has brought to the table is splurge spending, political chaos, and a national disunity unparalleled since the Civil War.   We know government-run health care is […]

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What’s your favorite war film?

Aaron Wexler retire “Sink the Bismarck or The Longest Day. They’re both highly dramatic, but in war that’s how it is: life or death. It’s the most exciting drama around.” Alicia Ramirez dental assistant “I don’t really watch war movies, but someone had told me about Life is Beautiful. I really liked it because it […]

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