Problems With Smog Check II

* Your Sept. 29 editorial (“Smog Check II: Necessary, but in Need of a Tuneup”) didn’t explain even half the problem! I just spent $400 on new plugs, points, a tuneup, new muffler and exhaust, carburetor overhaul and valve adjustment on my ’69 Volkswagen van, and it still does not pass Smog Check II. It runs marvelous, but the government said it’s junk. What am I supposed to do now?

I use my van in my work and now Al Gore and his tree hugging environmentalists are forcing California to make me scrap my car. I’m not going to do it. I’ll drive it to Mexico or Canada and give it away before the government gets it. Any way, I lose.

Most people don’t realize that beginning Oct. 1 this new law is in full effect and there is no way out. I sure would like to know the dummies in the California Legislature who did this to us!

RAY HOLM

Woodland Hills

* Once again The Times is portraying stupidity, laziness and irresponsibility as virtues. Your editorial states “the Legislature must adequately address in upcoming hearings the concerns of Californians who do not have the means to fix their cars and yet cannot get to work without them.”

Cars need to be maintained. Just like our ridiculous welfare system sends the message to those too lazy to live responsibly that they’ll not suffer any consequences, your editorial advocates a literal “free ride” for those who fail to take care of their cars. What’s wrong with public transportation for those who don’t maintain their personal vehicles?

BILL SERANTONI

Thousand Oaks