MAILBAG:Democrats work to improve health care, watch corporations

It is interesting to know the Daily Pilot is now in the business of publishing the semi-coherent ramblings of conservative ideologues.

Jim Righeimer’s column (“Let’s look at the Peters and Pauls,” June 23) repeats a host of hackneyed right-wing talking points that have no basis in fact.

Righeimer argues that the candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for the presidency of the United States are “out of touch with reality.”

Why are they out of touch? In short, it is because Democrats are focused on finding ways for the government to improve the lives of middle-class Americans. Democrats are interested in issues like health care, good governance and stopping corporate malfeasance.

For Righeimer, these matters are unimportant and “annoying,” merely a way to take money from the “Peters” (the hardworking, intelligent, wealthy few) and dole it out to the “Pauls” (the lazy, ignorant and poor masses).

But for the vast majority of Americans, these issues are centrally important to the continued strength of our nation.

Americans’ concern with an unstable economy, flaws in our health-care system, and increasing amounts of corruption in the public and private spheres reflects the day-to-day realities that many of us increasingly face.

Righeimer makes a host of assertions that are based on half-truths. … He argues Democrats have no productive ideas about how to improve our society, the wealthy work longer and harder than the rest, and nonwealthy Americans do not understand the concept of delayed gratification.

As if that were not enough, Righeimer states, “The left wants to make fathers unnecessary and have the government fill that role.” What does this mean exactly? I must have missed that part of the Democratic debate.

The solutions to our current political problems are complex, and individual responsibility is clearly central to the vitality of our republic.

But the continued evisceration of government, divisive rhetoric and conservative dogma that people like Righeimer advocate and practice holds out little hope for the future.

What we need instead is clear, reasoned and honest thinking about the challenges we face as a nation.

If the quality of Righeimer’s column is any indication, it may just be worth our while to listen more attentively to the Democrats.

PATRICK SHARMA

Better planning could save scenic views

I see the new beach cam is in at Little Corona, and while I applaud the efforts to keep late partiers, trash and fires off the beach, I don’t understand the location chosen.

Instead of a beautiful ocean coming into view as one walks down the trail, the eye is drawn immediately to a 12-foot concrete pole.

The same — and in my opinion, even more — camera coverage is available only feet away on the other side at the bottom of the steps. It is still an eyesore but not so aesthetically detracting from the sublime scenery.

The same person I’m sure decided to put a plaque commemorating Newport Harbor directly in front of a bench overlooking the city atop San Joaquin Hills Road, thereby obliterating the view of the very same harbor when seated.

Take a look around before grabbing the shovel and raise your gaze off of the blueprints. It’s easier to use an eraser than a jackhammer.

GREGG PETERSON