More Movie Fallout
This letter is in response to the letter to the editor of Feb. 2 written by Mr. Al C. Restivo, as chairman of the La Cañada Flintridge Republican Club. As president of the La Cañada Flintridge Democratic Club, I am compelled to address misinformation that is being disseminated about our club.

Taxpayers are not paying for our meeting places as Mr. Restivo leads one to believe. We paid the standard rental fee for the use of a space at a local public school for one of our events that was very well attended. We obtained an insurance certificate for the three hours we were there so there was no liability to the school district. Our regular meetings are held in private homes.

“Bush’s Brain” is not a documentary about President Bush’s intelligence. It is about the negative campaigning tactics used by Karl Rove. It educates its viewers on how negative and misleading information is manipulated to misinform the public. This documentary was not made by the “left wing Hollywood set” Mr. Restivo describes, but a longtime resident of La Canada who is a concerned citizen.

One of the objectives of our club is to promote voter education. We organized a speaker series to educate voters on ballot initiatives. We have had leaders in their respective fields such as Robert Stern, president of the Center for Governmental Studies, and Rick Jacobs, chair of the Campaign for California’s Future, speak at our meetings. On the 26th of this month, we will be holding a candidates’ forum for the Democratic 44th Assembly District candidates.

I believe our efforts to provide opportunities for political discussion and civic participation do not “tear down our country and its institutions,” but to the contrary, can only make our country and its Democratic institutions stronger.

Celina Lew, President
LCF Democratic Club

Congressman Issues Statement
President Bush laid out a strong vision during the State of the Union for a more prosperous, more productive America.

We have had tremendous economic success over the past five years, and we have a great foundation on which to build. As the president said, we need to make the tax relief fueling our economic growth permanent. He is absolutely right to call for a smarter, cleaner energy strategy.

I also applaud the President’s acknowledgment of the need for stronger immigration enforcement and border protection, while ensuring the needs of our strong economy are met. The Congress must work with him to achieve this balance.

His focus on reducing the costs of health care through expanded choices is also welcome.

The President's remarks on the war on terror and Iraq and Afghanistan were resolute and necessary as our country continues this critical fight. Our troops and the Iraqi and Afghan people have made incredible progress over the past four years. We need to stay focused. We need to see this through. We have a plan for victory ¡ª strong and stable governments and the security forces necessary to defend them ¡ª that it is being achieved, slowly but surely. The fight against terrorism must be won, and is being won, thanks to the leadership of this president.

Congressman David Dreier
(R-San Dimas)

. Republican Budget?
Whatever happened to the "Contract with America," with its commitment to end the budget deficit, so nobly proposed by Newt Gingrich and the gang back in 1994?

If you didn't notice, a budget was passed by Congress last week (approved by all California Republicans, including our Congressman Dave Dreier) with too many bridges to nowhere and too little fiscal responsibility.

The size of government and our national debt has grown exponentially since the Bush Administration took office. This has not led to improved education, health care or way of life (except for the wealthy) but rather to cronyism and incompetence.

We are told that we are at war but we are not asked to share in the sacrifice.

What a mockery the Reagan revolution has become when the very wealthiest among us continue to benefit with tax cuts. The poor, the elderly and children who go hungry, don't receive quality education or health care and have no voice are asked to bear the burden by having their benefits cut even further. The State of California stands to lose up to $2.4 billion in federal aid under the budget approved by the Republicans last week (not a single Democrat voted in favor). So much for compassionate conservatism.

Meanwhile, George Bush has asked for approval of another $70 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. If we are truly at war, we must all pitch in together and share in the sacrifice needed. It is not only unfair - but undemocratic - to continue to give a greater voice to those who can afford to sacrifice and to put the onus on those who can least afford to lose benefits. We must return competence to government so that we never again have a Third World response to a disaster like Hurricane Katrina. It¡¯s time to make our elected representatives do their jobs to rebuild our infrastructure and make our government work for the people.

Rosalyn Jones
La Cañada Flintridge

Theatre Performance
Don't miss "My Fair Lady." Marlys Marsteller of Foothill Musical Theatre has outdone herself. The cast is superb. Costumes and scenery are outstanding. Though we all know the story, the play keeps the audience spellbound. We enjoyed it immensely and you will too.

Performances are this weekend at Lanterman Auditorium in La Ca.ada Flintridge. Come support our local theater.

Bea and Jim Reynolds
La Cañada Flintridge