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closeAfghanistan is key
T he army is investigating why recently 200 insurgents were able to breach the defenses of an outpost in Western Afghanistan with nine U. S. soldiers killed and 15 wounded, forcing the U. S. to withdraw.
According to spokesmen, the insurgents’ tactics were first-rate and among the captured were a number of foreign fighters. The projection of power and control into the far reaches of Afghanistan is an objective that has eluded first the British, then the Soviets and now us.
For a number of years now, not by choice, oil companies have viewed Afghanistan as the pipeline route to bring the oil and gas reserves from Central Asia to market. Construction cannot begin until a government is installed in Afghanistan that would have the confidence of the U. S. government, the consortium of oil companies who will construct the pipeline and their investors.
The favored route is through Iran, but that route is blocked by U. S. policy and sanctions in support of Israel forbidding U. S. companies from investing in Iran. The Iran policy will not change, nor is it likely a suitable government in Afghanistan will emerge anytime soon.
Robert Barnes
Santa Maria
It begins with integrity
In light of the Humane Society of the United States’ report, it is vital the public realize where all this tragedy actually begins—and ends. And that is with each of us.
It must be understood that if each of us acts as a responsible person, these animals would not end up in such a situation to begin with. There are multiple improvements needed in the operations of Animal Services, but it all boils down to us as individuals.
Shelters directly reflect the public. Therefore the problem can’t be solved just through private citizens. It requires county officials to per-form a thorough reanalysis of their long-term budget planning for changes to take place. This budget must include a plan for accessible/ affordable means for spaying/neutering instead of the continual wasting of funds on animal intake, feeding, medicating, euthanizing and cremating.
People want to help, but rising costs of spaying/ neutering prevent this. We need the county’s help in a more effective way. Only then will we see a clear reduction in animals incarcerated in shelters, animals abandoned to the streets and needless suffering. Tax dollars will be better spent. And lives will not be destroyed—both animal and human. It begins with our integrity.
Jamie Hodoian
Morro Bay
Not a real majority
The public acceptance of often trumpeted criticism of this Democratic Congress’ lousy performance is apparently based on the voting public’s poor grasp of politics and the Democratic Party’s inability to get the message out.
However, the Democratic “majority” is 51 (out of 100) and the 51st member of this majority is Joe Lieberman, an “Independent” who caucuses with the Democrats and votes with the Republicans on foreign policy and most domestic issues—hardly the 60+ majority vote needed to shut down the more than 80 Republican Senate filibuster threats this session or the continuous threats of presidential vetoes.
In 2006, the Republican Party declared its intention to block every piece of legislation by the Democrats and then run this November against a “do-nothing” Democratic Congress. It seems the ploy is working although it’s paralyzing this country.
I would urge every citizen to read the First Article of the Constitution, which creates the Congress and describes its powers. And read the Second Article, which creates the presidency and strictly restricts its powers.
A close reading would explain why there is so much concern on the part of Constitutional scholars as to this administration’s aspiration to establish a “unitary presidency” and its ignorance of the Founding Fathers’ real fear of the rise of a new “monarchy” and their attempt to prevent it.
Istar Holliday
Arroyo Grande
No limits on hard work
Recently The Tribune had a news item about a pending lawsuit filed by a former San Luis Obispo County sheriff’s employee against the Sheriff’s Department for discrimination.
The former employee has cerebral palsy but was able to do his job without any accommodations. However, some of the former employee’s co-workers allegedly harassed him and inflicted verbal abuse. I certainly hope that the allegations are false, because no one deserves the treatment this employee allegedly endured.
However, the former employee is disabled, which brings me to the purpose of my letter. I have had the privilege of working with the developmentally disabled for the last four years as a job coach and job developer. The young adults I work with are the hardest working, most respectful and honest people I know.
The developmentally disabled should be given the chance to work, become independent in their lives and make a contribution to their community. In a world that emphasizes tolerance, the developmentally disabled should not be treated in the way the lawsuit alleges, simply because they are not considered like the rest of us.
Mark Sobowits
Paso Robles
STEP survey for Osos
The county recently sent a STEP survey to property owners in the Los Osos prohibition zone. This is a manipulative joke that insults the intelligence of everyone. The county is targeting the uninformed multitudes who will be easily persuaded by the anti-STEP propaganda campaign.
On my aerial photo, the lateral property lines are skewed to the north. So I have decided the best spot to place my STEP tank is on the south side of my neighbor’s front yard.
It also appears there is a 1,000-square-foot area in my front yard which I don’t actually own. It’s my understanding this is an easement. This area could easily accommodate a STEP tank. If this isn’t the purpose of an easement, what is?
The county sends out a biased survey mandating that STEP tanks be placed on your property and in your front yard with an aerial photo showing a property line (excluding the easement) that severs your front yard in half, severely limiting the space to place the STEP tank. Then it asks us what our attitude is toward STEP collection, without providing information on how such systems work or how much less they cost.
I guess this is the county’s first move in its campaign against STEP collection.
Luke Freeman
Los Osos
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