Mailbag: It’s up to the media to tell the truth

In the quest to appear fair, journalists in both print and on TV have betrayed simple honesty. Washington has ceased to govern and is actively sabotaging the economy, and the main creators of obstacles are the Congressional Republicans.

And no one in the mainstream media is pointing this out. No one.

Almost a month ago, President Obama laid out his plan to create jobs and invest in our infrastructure. The bottom line: More people working and better roads, bridges, and schools. Congress refuses to vote on it, because they know their constituents will punish them if they vote no when they next go to the polls.

All of the goals set forth in this bill have been approved before by both Republicans and Democrats. There is no excuse for not doing what is needed to repair our crumbling schools, roads and bridges; there is no excuse for not supporting now what was supported before. All these things need to be done for public safety, and they need to get started right away. Blocking this bill is morally, ethically and economically wrong for the vast majority of Americans.

But that is exactly what is happening. And no one in the mainstream media is telling the truth about it!

As the president asked last week in his speech at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, since when are Republicans against building roads? And I’d add, since when are they against creating jobs?

Sadly, I think the answer has do with when political posturing became more important than actually getting things done. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and the House Republicans have made their priorities clear.

It is absolutely immoral for a teacher or a student or a working mom to pay higher income taxes than the wealthiest 1% of Americans. The rich need to share the pain. Let’s keep the pressure on them to not let the same thing happen this time around.

The American people rely on the media to tell the truth. Please begin. The Republican blockade is killing America.

Wendy Ballard

Laguna Beach

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‘Shirley Valentine’ delights at Playhouse

“Shirley Valentine� at Laguna Playhouse is the best show! I didn’t want it to end. I want to know what happens to these people. “Shirley Valentine II�?

Actress Dee Dee Rescher, director Andy Barnicle and writer Willy Russell are a stellar combo. You still have time to see and laugh and cry and thoroughly enjoy this gem of a play. The show goes till Sunday.

Bobbi Cox

Laguna Beach

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Pay attention to property tax bill

You or your landlord have just received a property tax bill.

Every city is different, but you will probably see that most services and things that were long ago included in your basic property tax are now also listed as fees (just an added tax) on separate line items. In some cases these fees can add up to almost as much as the basic tax.

This is the trick the politicians pull on us to circumvent the protection you had in Proposition 13 and rip you off to get more of your money to pay for all those outrageous salaries, perks, and retirements for themselves and government employees.

Dave Connell

Laguna Beach

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In memory of NFL legend Al Davis

The dragon has been slain. Let the knights lay down their weapons as they have purpose no more. Let the kings fall as the eyes of the masses are diverted no more. Let friend and foe stop in awe and feel their own mortality as that which could not be stopped, was and is no more.

Let the vanity of man take note of all the dragon gave, only now can we recognize the dragon’s heart as we feel the absence of its beat. And let the land grow colder as the warmth of the dragon’s fire will grace our skies never more. Let the Arctic winds roll through as the corporations shall rule the land.

Let the stories begin and the legends be told, of the colorblind dragon that bled only silver and black, who fought armies of kings and gave all he had to defend those who would be forgotten and the honor of sport. The dragon, he has been slain.

And only now do we see the dragon for what he truly was, and to this note, I’m left with only these words: Goodnight, sweet prince. You will be missed.

Jim Stanaland

Aliso Viejo