City shouldn’t make political statements I have...

City shouldn’t make political statements

I have no problem with the city’s resolution allowing citizens to

tie yellow ribbons around trees. However, there are a few things that

I believe needs to be addressed.

First of all, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t support the troops.

The anti-war movement disagrees with war and our government’s foreign

policy, but loves and supports our troops.

Second, citizens should honestly think about the implications of

such a city resolution. If our troops are not here to see the

ribbons, aren’t the ribbons just for ourselves? And if such a

political statement can be made to represent the city’s citizens,

what measures prevent other not-so-favorable political statements

from being made on our behalf?

I honestly believe we can do a better job of supporting our troops

by pressuring the government for a national health care system, as

well as providing more jobs for your military’s youths. And then when

our troops come home, they know we truly did what was in their

interest.

JASON COWEN

Huntington Beach

Good for Cook. I agree with her

Three cheers for Councilwoman Debbie Cook. How refreshing to hear

a politician ask probing questions on matters before him/her. I

certainly agree with her, that there are other ways we can show our

support for the troops in the field.

KARL H. POETES

Huntington Beach

I fully support Councilwoman Cook’s position on the yellow

ribbons.

As our elected official, she has a duty to question this knee-jerk

campaign to string ribbons all over our city. What I question are the

people who sent her the nasty e-mails. What is their agenda,

especially since they reside outside our city?

It is becoming more and more alarming that if any of us questions

symbolic acts (like the yellow ribbons) or the recent invasion of

Iraq, we are branded as anti-American. According to the very tenets

of our democracy, it is actually VERY much American to speak freely

and to protest, when necessary.

I also agree with Ron Davis that many in our country are coming

dangerously close to McCarthyism by questioning the patriotism of

anyone who dares to disagree with them. I would like to suggest that

those who are objecting the loudest about Councilwoman Cook’s

position take a look at the Constitution of the U.S. I’m proud to be

an American, and I’m proud knowing that Cook represents me. I don’t

need yellow ribbons to prove my beliefs.

MARILYN MEDLER

Huntington Beach

I totally agree with the editor’s analysis of the whirlwind around

the past mayor’s yellow ribbon vote. It is indeed a shame with people

use patriotism to further their own cause and attack Councilwoman

Cook for having a varying opinion. The right to speak freely is the

most important American right and “is what America is founded on.”

FLOSSIE HORGAN

Huntington Beach

Thank you for that report! (“Cook comes under attack” May 1) I was

beginning to think that everyone in Huntington Beach was a

hypocritical fascist, but your article brilliantly suggests how it

was these people pressured the cowardly council to vote for the

resolution.

Brad White, one of the Young Americans for Freedom’s leaders who

personally volunteered to replace all ribbons, better save up that

piggy bank -- the troops are likely to be there for quite a while.

CINDI JACKSON

Huntington Beach

Cook’s reasoning as false as her campaign

Debbie Cook’s diversionary reasoning of the yellow ribbons is

completely contradictory.

She more than anyone should acknowledge that her campaign posters

litter our streets for weeks before and after the election, even

though they are given a deadline to clean up their mess. I would

rather see a patriotic gesture than her garbage.

Besides, her campaign promises are completely fiction. It is more

than obvious that once elected, she and her cronies have no

inclination to represent the people who put her in office. The have

demonstrated time and time again that once in office, their only

concern is personal agendas, i.e.. prayer, fireworks, biased

environmental positioning and banners flying above the beach.

It is also humorous that Ron Davis equated the backlash of the

people to McCarthyism. Do we not have the right to our opinion, along

with right to voice that opinion. Read the Constitution. Also, think

about what you say before you say it.

TY MORRIS

Huntington Beach

Much like her idol, Hilary Clinton, Councilwoman Debbie Cook

probably doesn’t even know a serviceman. Cook cares not about troops,

but about her own political agenda. If six council members wish to

wage the flag, why fight it. Couldn’t Cook just keep her lawyer mouth

shut just once and, instead, dream of the day when she’ll be in San

Francisco with her hyper-liberal, tree-hugging. draft-dodging peers.

I’ll gladly pay her moving expenses right now.

CON BLISS

Huntington Beach

Ribbon issue is about freedom of speech

The tone of your question demonstrates the media’s penchant for

ignoring the substance of any matter in favor of that which will

create sensational conflict.

Whether the public does or does not support Debbie Cook’s position

on the yellow ribbon campaign is not the issue. The issue is whether

our elected officials have the right, or even the obligation, to

question city actions if their questioning is not politically

correct.

From my observation of Cook, she is a person who will not back

down from an issue just because it offends the sensibilities of some

special interest group or the general public. Questioning the wisdom

of council actions in the face of public opinion is what makes her a

special and invaluable politician. Questioning the accepted norm is

what made this country and I applaud those who have the courage to

express doubts about any issue, no matter how sacred it may seem.

I say hurrah for Debbie Cook just because she spoke out, now I

might consider whether I agree with her, and yes, I think I do agree

that we could find better ways to show support for the troops.

DON THOMAS

Huntington Beach

Noisy Jet Blue planes are the worst

Having read Jenny Marder’s recent article (“Airport gives info,

not help”), I am moved to write this e-mail as my home is one of

those affected by the increase in flights into Long Beach Airport.

The flights that are most annoying are those of Jet Blue since

they use the Airbus planes that seem to have a high-pitched whine on

slowing down for landing at Long Beach.

Interestingly enough, the other types of planes do not emit this

type of sound. I just read that Jet Blue is purchasing more planes

from Airbus to the tune of some billions of dollars -- hopefully with

a different type of engine.

I’m all for seeing Long Beach keep their airline service, since I

use it occasionally myself, but Jet Blue is not one of the good

neighbors by not controlling the offensive noise of their planes.

WALTER JANSSEN

Huntington Beach

Poseidon plant good, plane monitor useless

I think [the desalination plant] is an excellent idea and long

overdue.

Also monitoring flight altitude not much help in my opinion. Long

Beach Airport has been there a long time. Live with it or go

elsewhere.

BEN LELAND

Huntington Beach