MAILBAG:

In response to Marie Kolasinski’s diatribe about how America got so disgusting (“How did America get so disgusting?” Dec. 24), I am flabbergasted you would print such a rambling piece that appears to be written by a religious nut.

Apparently Kolasinski became unhinged by locals upset with the Piecemakers’ flying the American flag upside down. Further, she doesn’t understand why people should be upset by this and not all of the other problems in the country. I am afraid she is having trouble separating out all these issues and linking truth and justice with God, corruption, President Bush and every congressman and business as well.

Please, do not lump me into your disturbing opinion that “typical” Americans look for scapegoats for our so-called paranoia on issues ranging from government corruption, bailouts and my favorite — linking the president to Hitler’s intentions.

I believe you, Kolasinski, should take your own advice and move your sad and misguided self to somewhere so you can burn the American flag. In fact, I believe I could get a lot of donations to help you move away to the country of your choice. I am sick to death from individuals like you who always blame America first. This country is not perfect and we have our share of problems, but I believe we are also a noble country that tries to do the right thing.

Terry Johnston

Newport Beach

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Don’t equate GOP with all things bad

I read the letter by Lenard Davis about the accomplishments of liberals with astonishment and disgust (“’Liberal’ is source of change for America,” Mailbag, Dec. 11). We all know that the term “liberal” is synonymous with the party of the Democrats. And conversely, the term “conservative” is synonymous with the Republican party. So, to make the claims he made, about liberals (Democrats) and their historic accomplishments is intellectually dishonest.

A brief history lesson is in order. To begin with, the southern Democrats fought to keep their slaves. It was the Republican party that freed the slaves, and Republicans gave black Americans the right to become citizens and the right to vote.

Republicans brought legislation to D.C. to give women the right to vote. Democrats fought that legislation for years, and it was passed only when the Republicans gained control of Congress.

It was also the Republicans who pushed through the Civil Rights Act of 1964, fighting against Al Gore Sr. and Robert Byrd, who were determined to defeat it. I believe both of these men are considered “liberals” by their party.

Lastly, please, please educate yourself on the Cold War era. That “witch-hunt” mythology was proved wrong by a mountain of evidence that is available to anyone who will take the time to do a little reading. You will discover that the federal government was so completely embedded with Soviet spies that Moscow had more representation at our State Department than the U.S. did.

Now, if Davis had made a point of stating it has been the Republicans who have historically been the progressives and had attributed their accomplishments to them and not to his “liberals,” then I wouldn’t be writing to make the necessary corrections.

Diane Ewertz