Dear Editor,

First let me clearly state that the opinions in this letter are solely my own, and do not represent the opinions of any organizations where I choose to give my volunteer time.

“In 1970 San Diego Mayor Frank Curran and seven current or former council members … were indicted. Most were charged with conspiracy to pervert and obstruct justice and to violate election laws. Most also were charged with taking bribes in exchange for supporting a rate increase for Yellow Cab…. Councilman Allen Hitch pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of conspiracy. The other cases ended in acquittal or were dismissed.”

– SignOn San Diego web page

Does this scenario sound familiar?

Your editorial of September 11, “Stand by Your Man. For How Long?” decrying the alleged behavior of City Councilmembers Inzunza, Lewis, and Zucchet seems to ignore your own statement that, “Yes, they’re innocent until proven guilty,” as you attack them in a manner worthy of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

These are indeed difficult times for those of us who have supported these councilmembers. However, as the above quote demonstrates, all is not always what it seems. I remember well the furor over the “Yellow Cab Scandal.” Calls for resignation and attacks on the officeholders came from all quarters. But, as the information unfolded and people went to court, no one was found guilty of the charges.

It is far too early in the process to be wringing our collective hands and condemning these councilmembers. We live (it says in fine print) within a system of justice and due process. Is it too much to ask that we give our friends an opportunity to defend themselves before we jump on the bandwagon of character assassination?

And while I’m at it, I also take issue with your blanket statement that “American politics is, by its very nature, a dirty game.” Gross generalizations such as this make people shy away from voting and often keep good candidates from running. I will wager that if one were to analyze every elected office, high and low, in America and catalog the instances of wrongdoing, the percentile of those who have taken unfair advantage of their office is small. When you make blanket statements such as this, you are also including people like Senator Dede Alpert, Councilmember Toni Atkins, Assemblymember Christine Kehoe, and the hundreds of office holders who have served their constituents well. These everyday examples of service never make the headlines and are never the subject of editorials.

Jeri Dilno

San Diego

Dear Editor,

I am not too surprised at the political attacks against Arnold Schwarzenegger. Do we really want to hold him accountable for the sins of his father? Is the Left so lame now that it has to resort to this type of mud slinging?

Democratic candidate Cruz Bustamante has yet to remove himself from his alleged ties to some questionable organizations. MEChA, which is an organization that preaches “For those of the race, everything. For those NOT of the race, nothing,” and an endorsement from the former ‘Grand Wizard’ of the Klu Klux Klan (sic). He is also the candidate of choice by the Democratic club. How is it this is the better choice? Do we really need a ‘separatist’ as our next Governor? Bustamante’s arrogance as displayed in the media is something to back away from. He’s been flip-flopping like a fish out-of-water on many issues, and promises even higher taxes.

On the other side we have a staunch conservative, Tom McClintock. I have no doubts about his ability to pull this state out of its economic woes; however, ‘extremists’ makes (sic) me nervous. I don’t often find liberals with enough credibility these days, nor do I find many political conservatives compassionate enough to care about us. But, this is not about gay rights; it’s more about accountability of our tax dollars.

Mr. Davis has compromised his position and this state by not disclosing the financial position as it really was to ‘we the people’ until after he was re-elected. Now, the people demand a recall and all of a sudden he is signing new laws into effect, no doubt for votes. In the case of ‘Drivers Licenses for illegal aliens’ I guess it doesn’t matter if the vote is coming from questionable sources. Why is this law so important now when he refused to endorse it before?

Arnold totes (sic) himself as a conservative on the fiscal issues but he is not so conservative on other issues. To not listen to what he has to say because of party affiliation is to not be open to new ideas.

This is not a ‘gay’ issue. The world does not revolve around gay politics, as some would have you believe. These issues affect everyone in California. Just think of what your vehicle registration is going to cost you, and if you can even afford to stay in California before you cast your vote. Remove yourself from this ‘sheep’ mentality where you just follow the leaders and vote the way they tell you to vote. Get informed, and make your own decisions.

Bill Lullo

Mission Hills

Dear Editor,

I read with interest “New SD police chief should end double standard” by Robert DeKoven (GLT issue 822, Sept. 18, 2003).

I absolutely agree that there should not be double standards in regards to lewd conduct laws. I also agree that hand holding etc. is not lewd conduct no matter who does it. I dislike the attitude that male-female couples can hold hands, kiss, or walk arm in arm without notice, yet same-sex couples may draw stares, comments, or worse. It’s an unfair attitude that may or may not change. Positive images of gay people in the print and television media may help in that regard, but in the end you can’t change everyone’s mind. Nor perhaps should we. What really matters is not so much other people’s prejudices, to which they’re entitled, but rather protection of everyone’s life, liberty and pursuit of happiness equally under the law.

I think that anyone — regardless of gender — should be entitled to show public affection. However, there is a big difference between holding hands, walking arm in arm, a butt caress or even making out in a car, and having sex in public places. I don’t think it’s discriminatory or even prejudiced to deter people from having sex in public bathrooms and parks.

It’s no one’s business what goes on in bedrooms, cars, bathhouses, or motels, but it becomes other people’s business when it’s a public area. I have absolutely nothing against either gay sex or gay couples showing public affection, but I’d have a big problem with my stepchild walking into a public bathroom and seeing two people — of whatever gender — having sex.

I have heard the argument from gay men that “they” (meaning heterosexual families) should stay off our turf if they don’t want to see us in our cruising spots. My answer is: how, pray tell, should they know that it’s “your turf”? IT’S A PUBLIC PARK, NOT A GAY BAR!!

No, “cruising while gay” should not be illegal. Everyone has the right to flirt, date, chase, and have consenting adult sex. But when it goes from the flirting stage to the fucking stage I don’t think it’s too much to ask for people — gay or not — to take it private. And frankly, heterosexuals and lesbians seem to understand this a lot better than gay men, so it’s not surprising that gay men are more likely to be prosecuted for lewd conduct. If said “lewd conduct” means an ass-slap, I say it’s wrong. If it means oral and/or genital sex in a bathroom, I’d say it’s an appropriate term and is worth appropriate action. That action being a citation, however, not a beating by a cop.

It’s a shame that in our collective zeal for our well-deserved equal rights GLB’s often pick battles that make us look like idiots to the greater community of fellow citizens.

John Ross

San Diego