Letters to the Editor for March 16, 2009

More candles

To the editor:

Our new president is going to escalate the war in Afghanistan. Where are all the people in the courthouse holding candles? Any protest at Cal Berkeley? The answer is no.

Having “been there and done that” in war, be more consistent. The new soldiers and civilians are just as dead. Come on, buck up and light more candles. There will be more people hurt and killed. Sir Winston Churchill has some interesting books on conflicts in that region.

Marc Cruz
Sonora

God save us

To the editor:  

In light of my friend Mr. Wetzel’s joyful but erroneous celebration of the end of capitalism (letter, Feb. 26), it should be pointed out the system he wishes to replace with socialism created the wealthiest, most influential and powerful civilization the world has ever known.

Perhaps the “likely need” to nationalize some banks may be traced to the misguided policies of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, as directed by Rep. Barney Frank, D-Massachusetts, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee. He, as ranking Democrat, opposed the Bush’s administration 2003 proposal to transfer oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from Congress. Then there’s Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd, D-Connecticut, who has refinanced the mortgages on his homes in Washington, D.C., and Connecticut through Countrywide Financial with very favorable terms.

“Replace your Republican obstructionists” indeed.

If bankrupt California’s experiment with liberal “socially responsive democracy” is any indicator, may God save us from what I fear Mr. Wetzel and President Obama hope to bring this country to.

Mike Schmitz
Mountain Ranch

Lower speed limit
 
To the editor:

I’m writing this letter is because of another fatal accident on Highway 108 between Twain Harte and Soulsbyville. I would like to urge the Board of Supervisors and residents of Tuolumne County to contact Caltrans and request that it lower the speed limit in that location.

Just beyond a sign stating there is a 6 percent grade, there is a 65 mph speed limit sign. This speed is for a freeway, not a two-lane mountain highway on a downgrade.

There have been other accidents in the same location. A couple years ago a car went over the embankment there and caused a fire.

Furthermore, a warning sign should be set out when there are icy conditions there.

Also needed is a stoplight at Highway 108, Twain Harte Drive and Tuolumne Road North. This would slow traffic down and make for safe turns and crossing. There have been several accidents at this location as well.

Let’s help make this scenic area a safer place for tourists and residents.

Mary Jean Vicars
Sonora