MAILBAG - July 15, 2005

This change wouldn’t cost a thing

Our suggestion is that they try to get a Costco in Triangle

Square. People drive for many miles to go to a Costco, and there

isn’t one really close to that area, and the population density in

the area would probably support a Costco very nicely.

It might take some changes to the configuration of Triangle

Square, but we think it would be great.

RICH HOLMEN

Corona del Mar

An elephant-sized problem at the fair

When I stopped by the Orange County Fair this weekend, I was

appalled to see an exhibit offering elephant rides. I was appalled by

the condition of the animals and shocked that this exhibit was

allowed to exist.

Zoos across the United States are doing away with elephant

exhibits because the limited size of their facilities denigrates the

health of these animals. Elephants are highly intelligent animals who

are self-aware, gather to greet their young and mourn their dead.

They have a complex social structure and belong in an environment

where they are free to roam with their own kind.

There is no educational benefit to treating elephants like

Shetland Ponies. Despite the claims to the contrary, this exhibit

does not educate the public or help protect an endangered species.

Instead, this exhibit encourages children and adults to believe that

cruelty to animals is acceptable if it is profitable.

As a resident of Orange County, I’m ashamed that my county fair

would allow this exhibit. Santa Ana and Huntington Beach both have

ordinances that prohibit using wild and exotic animals for

entertainment. It is time for Costa Mesa and the rest of Orange

County to decide to end animal cruelty and enact similar ordinances.

The citizens of this community need to speak out and demand the

closure of this fair exhibit.

JIM ERWIN

Huntington Beach

Rohrabacher knows all politics is local

I’d like to comment on the article regarding Rep. Dana Rohrabacher

and the Ethiopians. I think that former Speaker of the House Tip

O’Neil said it best when he said that all politics is local.

Rohrabacher is doing exactly what he should be doing, helping a

resident who has been cheated by a bunch of people who are glad to

get the handout but are not glad to meet their responsibilities for

when they take over somebody’s business.

I think Rohrabacher should be congratulated for doing what he is

supposed to do.

GORDON PATE

Costa Mesa