PUBLIC FORUM.

Train bumper?

Re ``Horrific'' (Jan. 27):

Almost since the invention of trains, a device called the cowcatcher has been added to or built on the front of the train to act as a deflector and to push up and out of the way anything that the train might encounter on the track. With the Metrolink's use of ``pusher'' train operation, the front of the pusher train is in fact the rear of a conventional train that has no such deflector device.

In fact, the configuration of the end of the car is such that it tends to pin whatever object is on the track under the car, tending to lift the car off the tracks, as happened Wednesday. Automobiles are not permitted to be operated without front and rear bumpers, and neither should trains be permitted to do so.

- H. Skip Gackstetter

Van Nuys

Don't push, pull

This morning I read all the articles about the train crash and was disappointed that not a single one addressed the issue that the first train involved was being pushed by the locomotive. I'm not suggesting that a train pulled by the locomotive won't derail, but the tragic jackknifing of passenger cars likely could have been avoided.

First, the extra weight of the locomotive helps push obstacles off the track. With the heavy locomotive in the front, even derailed passenger cars are usually dragged in line behind it. Had the first train been pulling cars, the second train might not even have been involved. At a time when ``experts'' are talking about seat belts and $50 million graded crossings, let's just make a change in procedure in which passenger trains are required to be pulled by the locomotives.

- Michael Strawn

Pasadena

Opportunists

Re ``Horrific'' (Jan. 27):

As tragic as the train wreck was, a related tragedy was having to listen to elected officials - from the mayor of Glendale calling for more federal aid, Mayor Hahn of Los Angeles talking about nothing and County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, who doesn't even represent the district, choosing this horrible event to grandstand - for the sole purpose of their re-election.

The list also includes Los Angeles City Council members Eric Garcetti and Tom LaBonge. Elected officials should leave the work to those who are responsible for the investigation, emergency aid and cleanup. These elected officials just want their names and faces in the news. When it comes time to vote, remember their names and faces - and vote no.

- Jason H Wilder

Pasadena

Speeding deadly

I live along the mainline railroad track running through Chatsworth. There are too many trains and not enough track. Metrolink, Amtrak and Union Pacific share the same rails. Many times a train will be stopped at a siding waiting for another train to pass. Several times I have seen a train miss the signal and have to back up.

Sometimes the trains travel so fast I am surprised they don't jump the track. A conductor on Metrolink told me that trains can travel 75 to 80 mph in the Valley, which is too fast for the high density and many crossings. Further, the railroad should spend money to install double gates to prevent vehicles from going around. Slow down the speed. Lives can be saved, even though it takes a few minutes longer to get to your destination.

- Ralph Immenga

Chatsworth

The next question

Re ``Horrific'' (Jan. 27):

In its aftermath, we must ask a simple question: If one deranged, suicidal coward can cause so much carnage, what can be accomplished by one deranged, homicidal terrorist?

In this context, do we need less security or more? Should it be easier or more difficult to cross the border illegally? Easier or more difficult to obtain a driver's license? The answers are obvious to me.

- Dan Mulcahy

Arleta

Wake up Zev

Re ``Jail immigration enforcement OK'd'' (Jan. 26):

Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky says ``I have no sympathy for somebody convicted of a crime who is also here illegally.'' Wake up, Zev! Being here illegally is a crime in itself, and your benign attitude toward it is part of the problem. As an elected government official, itis at least partly your responsibility to see that all crimes are prosecuted appropriately. Get on the ball.

- Steve Tesla

West Hills

City efforts applauded

Re ``Community residents tire of their isolation'' (Jan. 24):

While we appreciate your efforts to publicize our plight, your story neglected to tell of the city's efforts to ensure our safety.

We were given notice of the release of water from the Tujunga Dam. We had an opportunity to leave but chose to stay. The Bureau of Street Maintenance improved a fire road that was previously impassable in any vehicle. In addition, the city provided a fire engine company in case of any emergencies. Although we were inconvenienced for about three days, we were allowed to continue our lives without much hardship. After all, it is our isolation and rural lifestyle that we cherish. The efforts of city government should be applauded.

- Tom Ludovico and Pam Wickersham

- Art Miner

- Roy and Sandy Tietjen

Sunland

Immigrant children

Re ``Immigration boom cooling'' (Jan. 26):

As a veteran teacher, I beg to differ with John Keeley's comments regarding immigrant children's repeating their parents' educational level. Personally, I have observed quite the contrary. Immigrant children usually reach much higher levels of education than their parents did, thus providing empowerment to their families and assuring themselves of success.

- Louisa B. Caucia

Montrose

Working with Arnold

Re ``Nunez blasts Arnold's plan'' (Jan. 21):

What is Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez thinking? We are not a first-class state. Thanks to politicians like him, we are now a state in despair. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger himself stated that his budget proposal was not perfect, but it's time that the people of California demand that we try something new. Assemblyman Nunez, we have already tried your ideas, and they did not work. Now I ask you to do the right thing by working with our governor to try to save our state.

- Sisson Stewart

Lancaster

Just doing her job

Gee, I enjoyed the letters of outrage in the Jan. 20 ``Your Opinions'' section regarding Sen. Barbara Boxer's bashing of Condoleezza Rice. All I saw at the hearing was a duly elected senator asking ``the most qualified and brilliant woman in the country'' questions that she couldn't or wouldn't answer.

What's new? The Bush administration doesn't think it has to answer to anyone. And we are going to have four more years of this nonsense.

- Tarleton Garton

Lancaster

After the election

Soon the Iraqi election will be held and all our troubles will be over - right? That's what our president said when he started all this. Well, I have a few questions. Let's fantasize that the election is a success, that it comes off as hoped, that a healthy percentage of the Iraqi people actually vote, and that they elect someone other than Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. What then?

Iraq has no system of government, no legislature, no constitution. Do we really believe that once a person has been put in office he will ever willingly step down. Won't we really just be swapping one dictator for another? And will the new one be any more friendly to us than the last? Yee-haa! Another notch for the hip-shootin' cowboy.

- Robert Phipps

Burbank