January 2010

Dear Jim,
        First, thank you for publishing a picture of the Orange Crushers in your paper. My daughter was on the team and she got a big kick out of seeing herself in your paper as did the other girls I am sure. Thank you.
        I must say, however, that I am stunned by your editorial contained in the January edition. 
    There are millions of people throughout this country who rightly believe that many of the so-called right wing TV "pundits" you vilify (along with the emergence of AM Radio) are the best things that have happened to the state of journalism in this country in the past 30 years. 
        You can’t possibly watch or listen to these programs and seriously claim they are peddling "bigotry" and "hatred." And its also clear you have not read the two "nothing-to-do-with-improving health care" bills.
        The House version contains a public option the sole purpose of which is to gradually force people into a single payer system over the next 10 years. 
        The Senate version requires the creation of state regulatory agencies the purpose of which is to (i) control underwriting decisions and (ii) impose price controls. 
        What is not socialistic about either of these proposals? Further, it is an economic certainty that price controls breed scarcity. These bills have nothing to do with reducing the cost of health care or expanding coverage and if they did, why will these bills not take effect until after the next Presidential election? 
        The fact of the matter is, if the vast middle class can afford flat screen TVs and large SUVs, they should be re-prioritizing their expenses and buying health insurance coverage if they don’t otherwise get it from their employer. 
        This country is not in good hands with Obama. I am far more worried about a jihad nuclear attack in the next ten years than socializing medicine and bowing to the false god of "global warming." 
        John A. Ramirez
        Ladera Ranch


Dear Jim,
        As a bona-fide card carrying member of the Democratic Party of more than 50 years, an African living in America, who still cannot call herself an African-American until she finds her ancestors, a single parent of one 39-year old beautiful Black son, and a radical feminist of the fourth wave (sexism knows no party), I am diaphanous with glee for the trouncing my party received by the people of the great state of Massachusetts, by the less-than-perfect, even delightfully flawed Republican candidate, and newest Senator, Scott C. Brown.
        The wonderfully elegant President Obama, and his team got their collective behinds kicked – and they couldn’t have deserved it more.
        As you pointed out, we are not a collective of colored states, Blue, Red, Purple or any other color. And we are not a collective of diverse ethnicities all voting his or her narrow agendas. 
        We are the people of the United States of America, some 305 million and counting, all of whom are suffering, together, from an economy gone rogue (dear God, did I just channel Sarah Palin), a congress that just doesn’t get it, a Republican party that needs therapy, and an administration that is governing by consensus. 
        The people of Massachusetts sent a strong and unambiguous message: "The seat left vacant by the sad demise of the wonderful former Senator Ted Kennedy, did not belong to Ted Kennedy, President Obama or the Democratic Party; the seat belongs to the people of Massachusetts." Amen! 
        Checks and balances allow for a system that delimits the power of one party or another, and assists us in protecting our diverse points of view. 
        We need a healthy minority party. We need to listen to the "other side." We need to turn the talking heads off, turn our own heads on, and start hearing one another.
        I believe in Universal Health Care. I believe we need that system. I pray for that reform. But I want the people, all of the people to be heard. 
        I’m not certain why the Republican Party is unable to articulate a reasonable and opposing point of view, but I keep hoping it can regroup and rediscover its voice. 
        If we are making a mistake, we need to know it. And I applaud the people of Massachusetts for sounding the clarion call. 
        Thelma "June" Rodgers
        Ladera Ranch

Dear Editor,
        I lost my dad to brain cancer 3-1/2 years ago. Without my father, my business partner and my mentor, I feel lost, but I do what I can to bring awareness and hope to the cause for a cure. I recently learned of a family here in Ladera suffering from the unthinkable.
        Andrea (Mischel), a wife, a mother and friend, lost her life to cancer a few years ago and now her husband Rob has brain cancer.
        They have two young boys and I feel like I owe it to my myself, my dad and this family to raise awareness and do what I can for them. 
        I, along with a group of amazing resident will be putting together a fundraiser for the family (see story). In the meantime I would like to also offer the following:
        Reflect Sports will offer a 20% donation on all products purchased from Ladera Residents to benefit Rob and his kids.
        Any orders placed on line (www.reflectsports.com) with a Ladera address will qualify for the donation as well as customer pick ups.
        Please pass this on to any of your friends who need swim hair care or hoo ha ride glide, so we can make a donation for a great cause. 
        Jena Schuster
        Ladera Ranch