Letters to the Editor
Editor:
The Impaired Vision and Hearing Club had its annual picnic on June 25. The Hui O Hula group put on quite a show for our club, and a good time was had by all. The club would like to thank Domino’s Pizza for providing the main food for our luncheon. The owner of Domino’s, Dave, assisted our planning committee and actually took the time to sit down with us to give us the best price.
Dave was very generous with his time and expertise in figuring out how to make the pizza affordable for the club. The pizza arrived nice and hot.
Everyone loved the pizza, and we may make it part of our annual event. Thank you, Dave, for helping out with our event. Domino’s is at Clubhouse 6 every Thursday. Please consider supporting them, as they help to support us.
Linda Johnson Mutual 15 Impaired Vision and Hearing Club Editor:
A recent article in the LA Times notes that 96 studies over the last 20 years found no negative effects from gay marriages.
What they found supported family science theory, that extending rights to a stigmatized group was beneficial to LGBTQ families.
The studies found that gay relationships improved in stability and commitment, did better financially, and in health matters, with better access to medical insurance.
One surprising finding was an increase in marriage rates of all kinds, an increase driven in part by gay marriages, but also by an increase in male-female marriages.
The GOP’s Project 2025 and its favorite SCOTUS judge are proposing to end this LGBTQ right in another attempt to impose their religious bias on all. Your vote in November ought to move us forward, not back to legalized discrimination. As the adage goes, if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.
Pat Kruger Mutual 9 Editor:
With heartbroken gratitude on behalf of many of us, thank you, Joe Biden. This was a generous, far-sighted, principled decision made by a real statesman. Your presidency has been a gift to our country. Now we need to stop fighting amongst ourselves and get behind Kamala.
Jana Rogers Mutual 7 Editor:
Many years ago (perhaps 19-20), a reporter for the LW News interviewed a resident on the occasion of his 90th birthday. “Mr. X, do you remember we previously interviewed you on the occasion of your 80th birthday.”
“Yes,” he replied, “I felt well then and still feel pretty good.” “To what do you credit your continued good health,” was the follow-up question. His response: “I watch my diet and I try not to get too much exercise.”
We are each subject to varied aging conditions. Nonetheless, it is wise to remain open to learn of the successful experiences of others. Time for a nap.
Stan Verdi Mutual 2 Editor:
I’d like to give kudos for the GRF’s handling of dead animal disposal. Sometimes knowing what to do is valuable information. My neighbor found a dead crowinherplanter. Whattodo?
Simple, call or email the Recreation Department at 562431-6586, ext. 2398.
Be prepared to describe exactly where the carcass is. I’ve found that taking a general picture of the area is helpful for emailing. An hour later the crow was gone. Kudos to GRF Recreation Coordinator Melissa Gomez for making this happen.
John Hlavac Mutual 12 Editor:
I’m no longer astonished by Earick Ward’s diatribes (July 18). He appoints himself spokesperson for the American people and lists their top concerns. He lists nine issues, which are worthy of concern, but if these are all at the top, what comprises the bottom of his list? I guess the fossil fuel-charged impact on the world’s climate is pretty low, on, or absent from, his list.
Two of his top concerns—Social Security and Medicare, and abortion—are concerns of the majority of people he claims to speak for. By using the standard Republican technique of transference, he would like readers to conclude his party defends those programs and women’s rights against left-wing Democrats. The exact opposite is the actual situation.
Quotes from its Project 2025 manifesto are explicit in stating not only is Social Security in their gun sights but virtually every government agency involved in public health and safety will be on the chopping block.
The letter labeled Democrats “radical” three times. The most radical performance of an American political party since the Civil War was the armed assault on Congress in an attempt to overthrow the government. It was initiated by the Republican Party leader who allowed it to continue until he saw it was not going to succeed.
The letter’s final exhortation to “Make America Great Again” is a paraphrase of Hitler’s message to his fanatical masses. I believe this can be an answer to the speculation as to how J.D. Vance, who once called Trump “America’s Hitler,” was chosen for vice president. I don’t think Trump considers it an insult.
Lee Hoyt Mutual 11 Editor:
After attending the town hall meeting chaired by GRF Director Nick Massetti of Mutual 17, I believe Circuit (shuttle service), the committee and GRF Transportation Fleet Manager Grant Winford offered viable alternative solutions to the Minibus service utilized in Leisure World to minimize costs.
With the inclusion of electric vans with railings, adequate seating and room for walkers and bags to accommodate the mobility-challenged, air conditioning and equal pay rates for drivers, it would seem that Circuit is now appropriate for our demographic at dramatic savings to our assessments.
I commend the committee for considering input from the passengers and drivers, rather than just voting ad hoc without research and investigation merely to satisfy budget demands.
Mitzi Winks Mutual 5 Editor:
It is wonderful that so many in Leisure World are engaged with the political environment of the current times.
My concern is that there is so much misinformation and disinformation.
The Smith Mundt Act of 1948 Section 208 states that “Dissemination of information is not allowed on the American people.”
In 2012, the Smith Mundt Act was amended under the Obama administration. Why?
Now regarding misinformation, I find it interesting that people blame Trump for this Project 2025.It is nothing but a propaganda wishlist by the Heritage Foundation founded in 1973 (a conservative think tank) prior to the Trump administration and not endorsed by President Trump. Please get your facts straight.
In addition, President Trump believes in immigration the legal way (by vetting the immigrants) as to protect the citizens of our beloved country.
Trump wants to stop the illegal immigrants who are bringing in the drugs, and raping and killing girls and women. This is not written as a personal Trump endorsement but please quit listening to the propaganda (mostly on television) and research the facts before posting on public forums. If you have proof that your information is accurate, then please share your sources. I would be very interested.
La Brenda Carson Mutual 12 Editor:
I was not surprised, of course, that two letters (July 25) supporting the current government approach to border crossing, took the same as the “mainstream” news outlets. However, intentially or not, the writers and many of the news outlets seem to ignore the parts of the story which don’t fit their agenda.
The term “closed borders” never meant no immigrants. It has always meant that immigrants applied, and then—after favorable screening for such things as health, employability, language skills and the absence of criminal background—they would be admitted to the country as legal residents, after which they could apply for citizenship. My parents went through that process, like so many others.
What didn’t happen was potential immigrants crossed the border, answered some questions and were turned loose in the country.
Only after the potential immigrant had been properly vetted, were they allowed to make the U.S. their home.
That is not what is happening today—and those of us calling for a “closed” border are asking for controlled, rather than uncontrolled immigration, not unlike we the way we think of the front door of our own homes.
To represent our position otherwise is either an ignorant or purposeful distortion of the facts.
Dan Wilderman Mutual 14 Editor:
I appreciate Mike Dunn’s letter (July 25). There haven’t been enough letters about our “aging population.”
Some of our population struggle to keep up with the fast moving electronic age. Some have the horrible struggle of mobility every day.
How do residents get by when their only income is Social Security? It seems to me that this is the forgotten group in Leisure World. For those of us whose monthly statements have not reached $800, it’s not that far away.
Some of our population cannot afford smart TVs, computers and service providers. Also, please think about those whose income is not keeping up with overall inflation.
To the decision makers: please think about the issues mentioned here when that next appealing proposal crosses your desk for approval.
Our low income, electronically challenged and handicapped seniors need a voice.
Julia Manzano Mutual 9
