The Saints’ Super Bowl victory; hefty traffic fines; a White House response to a Times editorial

More than super

Re “ ‘Who dat’ rejoicing? Saints fans,” Feb. 8

Yes, the Colts galloped through the first three quarters. But then the Saints came marching in, in the glorious last quarter -- and down tumbled the walls of Jericho! They really earned their wings.

Now if the team can just use its newfound power (and cash) to help the poor city’s infrastructure, housing and quality-of-life needs -- that would indeed be heavenly.

Bonnie Compton Hanson
Santa Ana

Not fine with fines

Re “Traffic fines as cash cow,” Editorial, Feb. 6

In a just society, no family should have to choose between food or medical care and paying $500 for a traffic ticket.

Here’s an alternative idea: Offer the option of performing community service in lieu of fines. Politicians trying to balance the budget on the backs of working people may not like it, but it is a fair solution that offers an alternative to people who can’t afford these rising and grossly unfair fines.

Richard Kraft
West Hollywood

I completely agree with your analysis of the effect of the huge increases in motor vehicle fines. I would go one step further, however.

Intense ticketing by the California Highway Patrol and local police has already brought about an increased sense of cynicism. A healthy society needs respect between the people and those paid to serve them.

How much will it ultimately cost, in tangible and intangible ways? A cynical population will not be as quick to help law enforcement. How many millions will it take from government funds to renew the relationship?

Many question the validity of the war on drugs. Will this end up being the war on drivers?

Charles H. Stacy
Solvang, Calif.

The Times suggests planners should think carefully before imposing outrageous fines for relatively minor traffic violations -- in particular, red-light violations. I would suggest The Times contact victims and families of traffic accidents caused by red-light runners. The pain, suffering and death caused by this often-purposeful illegal act should not be considered minor.

Often I see drivers make a conscious effort to run a red light. As I slow for a yellow light, it is not uncommon to hear an engine race to propel 4,000 pounds of metal through an intersection.

Heavy fines for red-light runners are necessary to stop this intentional act. If, as The Times suggests, less-fortunate people are unable to pay the fine associated with attempted murder, let those folks take mass transit. For the more fortunate, a fine related to income would be appropriate. This might prove to be a lifesaver in many ways.

Peter Stern
Culver City

The way to rescue a truce

Re “The truce in need of a rescue,” Opinion, Feb. 5

Henri J. Barkey and Thomas de Waal are correct to highlight the potential of the South Caucasus and the importance of having a future-oriented vision for the region. However, the current troubles between Armenia and Turkey are a direct result of focusing on symbolism rather than the real challenge in the region: resolving the prolonged Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict.

The best way to “rescue the truce” between Armenia and Turkey -- and the best way to ensure a secure future for the entire region -- is to concentrate on ending the Armenian occupation of the Azerbaijani territories and bringing about a sustainable settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict.

Elin Suleymanov
Los Angeles
The writer is consul general of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles.

White House on climate change

Re “Backing off on climate change,” Editorial, Feb. 5

As The Times pointed out, climate change and its effects are real -- and the longer we wait to act, the greater the costs will become. The most significant risk lies in maintaining business as usual.

Your assertion that President Obama has backed off on his call for comprehensive energy and climate legislation is false. The president supports legislation that would put a price on carbon pollution and incentivize clean energy. He made this clear in the State of the Union address, and backed it with strong funding in his budget. These actions are designed not only to tackle climate change but to encourage businesses to unleash the American competitive spirit to lead the global economy and create millions of jobs.

President Obama is encouraged by progress in Congress and is committed to getting a bill as soon as possible to protect our environment, our economy and our security.

Heather Zichal
Washington
The writer is deputy assistant to the president for energy and climate change.

Bad proposition

Re “Ballot push would halt climate law,” Feb. 6

The right-wing mob has once again displayed its flagrant disregard and ignorance of both science and the ongoing creation of jobs as a result of AB 32. The so-called California Jobs Initiative is an effort to rouse its base for the next election at any cost.

If these people succeed, let them answer to their grandchildren, who will have to live with the consequences of halting the reduction of 500 million tons of greenhouse gases Californians dump annually into our fragile air.

David Perlman
Laguna Beach

Talking about civility

Re “Emanuel gaffe points to larger issues,” Feb. 5

On a single day, The Times described the president’s call for civility in Washington and reported that White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel used the term “retarded” when referring to some members of Congress. (In fact, it was reported elsewhere that the chief of staff also applied an expletive beginning with the letter “f.”)

That would appear to be uncivil, as is the president’s propensity to blame his predecessor for all the problems we have.

The leftists talk a good line but fail in the implementation.

Richard Greenblatt
Los Angeles

Why in the world did Emanuel apologize? The entire House and Senate majority behaved like a pen full of turkeys while they frittered away a golden opportunity to pass urgently needed legislation.

“Retarded” is too kind.

Kevin Moser
Costa Mesa

Valley view

Re “Lancaster says ‘ni hao’ to Chinese investors,” Feb. 5

As a longtime reader of The Times and resident of the Antelope Valley, I’ve come to expect the area to be ignored or sometimes even slighted by the rest of Los Angeles County. But here it is 2010, and we’re still considered a “frontier desert town”? Please. The greater Antelope Valley has a population of more than half a million. Like many of his colleagues, Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris’ effort to seek investors from China reflects the large population and economic potential of the area. These efforts are to be commended.

Derek Carver
Palmdale

Jackson’s doctor

Re “Dr. Conrad Murray deep in debt, records show,” Feb. 8

Rather than attempt to portray Michael Jackson’s physician, Conrad Murray, as a good guy who somehow got in over his head financially -- throwing him in with a lot of hardworking people who are underwater on their mortgages -- it seems more fitting to lead with a headline that indicates that a morally challenged character finally had it all catch up with him.

“At least four children with three other women” outside his marriage? This guy should be in the NBA. Five million bucks for 10 months’ work? That’s AIG territory.

You make it seem as if Murray had a relatable reason for his behavior. Instead, it appears he was a decadent reprobate who lucked into a situation destined for disaster, not the least because of his lack of principles.

Mitch Paradise
Los Angeles