Fence ordinance plan shows lack of direction...

Fence ordinance plan shows lack of direction

Regarding the proposed fence ordinance (“Fence changes on hold,”

Aug. 20-21), in terms of amnesty, are we talking about a pardon for

current inconsistencies or for future ones based on this idiotic plan

cooked up by some officials whose competencies and, worse yet,

degrees of integrity are questionable?

What a flimsy excuse for government and the allocation of our

hard-earned dollars. How could they think that the people would fall

for their ill-devised plan at standardization based on what

nonexistent statistics and/or misinterpreted guidelines furnished by

law enforcement and fire authorities? How ridiculous this all is and

what nerve they have! Do they not have any common sense or sense of

aesthetics? And what about explaining the part about grandfathering

versus the three-year compliance mandate! God help Burbank!

ANN KOEFFLER

Burbank

A fence law will prompt unnecessary problems

Regarding “Fence changes on hold,” Aug. 20-21, well, aside from

losing respect for the City Council and faith in future decision

making, the fence ordinance (if passed) will probably create

unnecessary tension and harden the rhythm of the uncommon

friendliness of our community.

I don’t want my representatives voting on this silly ordinance

because it is such a waste of time, money and grief. We say, “leave

well enough alone.”

We relish going out at dusk on our bikes to admire landscaping

that the residents put so much time and effort into -- making their

homes beautiful and unique.

The one-size-fits-all thing just isn’t working for us. We are 100%

against the proposal, we don’t want to become staunch, bitter,

uncooperative homeowners, but they’re pushing too many of my

neighbors in that direction, and us.

We say “forget it,” “move on,” and “never mind.” “Just let go and

say no!”

JODIE AND STEPHEN MASTOPIETRO

Burbank

Let’s not forget

In response to The Leader’s headline news -- “Honoring a Mother’s

Son,” Aug. 20-21 issue, I would like to add more to your article that

was not included, but is pertinent.

President Bush did meet with Cindy Sheehan, and other military

families, after her son Casey was killed in 2004. At that time, Cindy

praised the president for his compassion.

There are no words that can be expressed to comfort one who has

lost a loved one. We understand Cindy’s pain. Casey deserves much

praise, too. He bravely reenlisted knowing he could possibly be sent

to Iraq. He paid the ultimate price, as have others throughout our

history, sacrificing their lives to defend our freedom.

Cindy Sheehan has been protesting for more than two weeks and

exercising her freedom of speech and no one has stopped her, or even

tried. There are many families across the United States who have lost

their loved ones in Iraq, but continue to support the war. They are

not engaged in protesting or name calling.

Regarding the comment, in the article, “What we didn’t have before

are insurgents.” Do you remember the Marines who were killed in

Lebanon; those killed in the World Trade Center tower bombing in New

York in 1993; those killed on the USS Cole? The list goes on and on,

worldwide.

Moveon.org and Michael Moore and others, are the “hate America

crowd.” Have you read some of the hateful remarks he voices abroad

about the U.S.A.? I would not want him representing me. Let us not

take our democracy for granted, or someday it will be lost. To

paraphrase Osama bin Laden: The American people are weak and if the

war stretches out and the casualties mount, then people will quit.

I hope we can prove him wrong.

STELLA KLINGER

Burbank

Gathering for Cindy was a show of unity

Regarding “Honoring a mother’s son,” Aug. 20-21, Bill Moyers said

on June 4, 2003: “Allow yourself that conceit -- to believe that the

flame of democracy will never go out as long as there’s one candle in

your hand.”

I stood with friends and held a candle Aug. 17 to show that the

flame of democracy will never go out in America. As people drove by

and responded with cheers, waves and horns, I felt exhilarated

finally that I am not alone. Thank you, Cindy, for bringing us

together by bringing us out.

Real grass-roots democracy is the noblest cause of all.

BILL TRZECIAK

Burbank