A Bruce for Boxer

IN HOLLYWOOD there are actors and stars, but in politics there are leaders and politicians. Henry Kissinger said, "A leader does not deserve the name unless he is willing occasionally to stand alone." I have found Barbara Boxer to be a leader, and that scares the people who want politicians. Karl Rove wrote an article in the Wall Street Journal predicting that national Republicans would pick up at least four and as many as six Senate seats in 2010. He also said that Carly Fiorina "could be a strong candidate," meaning he will pull her strings like he did in the Bush administration, and that was the quandary of the last eight years—too many politicians just looking to see which way the wind blows, and no leaders. Fiorina couldn't even lead HP, although she has her rationale. We need Barbara Boxer's leadership now more than ever.

Bruce Gabriel,

Santa Cruz

Beyond The Dinner Train

SOME OF US would like to have a commuter train service between Davenport and Watsonville, initially, with the possibility of extending a train service to Monterey, San Juan Bautista, Salinas, Carmel and Pebble Beach. Of course, all of these communities would have to vote to approve such a train, as it would mean great changes to our present economy: new jobs, new construction, new services for passengers and new freight hauling services. Farmers would benefit, all commercial enterprises would benefit, and people could leave their cars at home. I cannot think of anything better. Don't limit a train service to tourism. We already have enough of that. Install a service everyone can use. Give Highway 1 a bit of a rest.

Anne Haley,

Davenport

Pass Pot Prop

NOV. 2, 2010, we go to the polls to vote on a number of issues. Among them is Proposition 19, which will legalize marijuana, its recreational use and its production. The good aspect of this legislation means that incarceration for three-time offenders is no longer legal. The bad news is that the sale of marijuana is still illegal under federal law.

The argument for the passage of Proposition 19 is very compelling. The amount of money saved feeding, clothing and indicting three-time offenders would make a difference in the local and state budgets. Passing the resolution does not imply that nonusers will rush to become users. It probably will lower crime rates in states bordering Mexico and lower the need for additional officers to search areas for marijuana plants. It probably will do less harm to the general public than drunken drivers that partake of legal alcohol drinking. I urge a Yes vote on Proposition 19. 

Ruth Hunter,

Santa Cruz

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