MAILBAG:

EDITOR’S NOTE: The editorial will return next week.

I am a grandmother who was driving with my two granddaughters and their Maltese puppy in Huntington Beach on Pacific Coast Highway on Aug. 5. At 18th Street my car stopped and refused to restart. I had just dropped my daughter off in Long Beach, and she accidentally kept the car keys to the keyless entry car. I guess its range was exactly where it decided to stop.

Within seconds several young men helped me out of the car, along with the kids and the dog. Others apparently called the police for help and along came Officer D. Young who stopped behind my car, with the lights flashing so no one would hit it and get hurt. A young lady appeared out of nowhere and stayed the whole time while my son-in-law brought the car keys to me. “Janie” cared for my granddaughters so I could explain the situation to Officer Young, who was very patient, considering what was happening with the traffic.

Huntington Beach glowed with help and thoughtfulness of others who were in a difficult situation. I can’t thank these people who sprang into action enough! You did your city proud.

Jeanne Corrigan

Newport Coast

Campaigners poke fun at practicality by Obama

Sen. Barack Obama just did something we don’t often see from politicians: He used common sense. The senator recently recommended we all inflate our car tires to the proper pressure to reduce our energy consumption.

Rather than join the call for this sensible step, the Republicans decided to launch a campaign to mock an idea that has support from everyone from AAA and NASCAR to President Bush’s own Department of Energy.

Now, Obama has responded to this attack and called out the right wing for their “pride in being ignorant.” Republicans may be trying to score political points off this issue, but the truth is, if everyone inflated their tires to the right pressure we’d save 3% to 4% of our oil consumption — right now. You can lead an elephant to water, but you can’t make him drink.

The Republicans have cornered the market on stupidity. We are all so proud!

Dean Livingston