Where was Cox when Newport needed him?...

Where was Cox when Newport needed him?

While I enjoyed reading the article outlining Rep. Chris Cox’s

efforts to help the Islamic Institute of Orange County in its time of

need, I must admit I couldn’t help but feel like a witness to the

theater of the absurd (“Muslims call on Cox for detention aid,” Dec.

28).

The institute is in Anaheim, and while I can acknowledge that the

congressman’s offer of help is an offshoot of his status as chairman

of the Homeland Security Committee, I couldn’t help but wonder what

Cox might have accomplished had he worked in the best interests of

his constituents in Newport Beach (remember us?) and flexed his

political muscle to land El Toro as an airport and alleviate the

transportation and air-traffic problems for the whole county.

Not only did he not help his own constituents, but he hindered the

process at every turn of the road. His strong-arm tactics and

machinations opposing any discussion of El Toro as an international

airport are legion. Just ask Dana Rohrabacher.

Add to that his inability to land funding for dredging of the

Upper Back Bay, and you have to kind of wonder who he’s really

representing?

Well, I’m being trite of course. The answer is as obvious as the

9-million passengers flying over Newport Beach every year. You see,

it’s all a matter of expediency for our politically correct

congressman.

Cox didn’t want to offend the small minority of voters in South

County, who vehemently opposed El Toro, because he knew he might need

their support for his future endeavors. And he didn’t have the

political moxie to deliver funds for dredging of the Back Bay, lest

he alienate his political chums. But help out the Islamic institute

in Anaheim? Can do! Atta boy Chris.

RICK TAYLOR

Newport Beach

* EDITOR’S NOTE: Rick Taylor is vice president of the Airport

Working Group.

The band needs

no divine help

Thanks to Editor Tony Dodero for commenting on the “prayer

controversy” overshadowing the Newport Harbor High championship

football game. Nothing should be allowed to take away from Newport

Harbor’s performance. It was amazing the way they kicked Orange

Lutheran’s behind. I am, of course, referring to Newport’s marching

band. It has been said that one school should probably be moved to a

higher division next season. If you compare the two schools’ bands,

that would mean Newport would be included in CIF Division I-A next

season. Go Sailors. Your halftime show rocked!

MIKE STEINER

Costa Mesa