PUBLIC FORUM.

Game of tag

``Policy on leakers modified'' (July 19):

I'm sorry Karl Rove is the current target of that vicious Washington game of ``gotcha.'' But that's only because he won the last game. And his opponents are sore losers. But never fear, they haven't ``got him.'' And they're not going to ``get him.'' And they're going to lose next time, too!

Then, what other viciousness will they invent?

- Jack Schlicht

North Hills

True patriotism

``Policy on leakers modified'' (July 19):

I'm furious at the lack of Republican outrage that our national security was breached in the Valerie Plame case. Instead Republicans are obsessively vested in political strategies and talking points to protect devious White House insiders.

True Republican patriotism should be complete and utter disgust that anyone would knowingly endanger this nation or those who work on her behalf. I have yet to hear one Republican voice outraged that this happened. Unfortunately the hides of Karl Rove and Scooter Libby demand more Republican loyalty than the nation these partisans profess to uphold. Shame on each and every one of them!

- Linda Milazzo

West Hills

Power hold

Re ``Antonio to appoint top LAUSD officials?'' (July 16):

The Los Angeles city government wants to assume jurisdiction over the LAUSD. That's all the dysfunctional school district needs: a political body taking control of the schools. Results in other cities have been mixed at best.

This is all about the new mayor attempting to gain power through his contacts with our less-than-competent Legislature.

- Joseph Orr

Beverly Hills 

Setting the stage

Re ``Romer's secret fund'' (July 9):

Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Roy Romer had a secret public-relations deal revealed. Who is surprised? Why should anyone be shocked that this guy would go underground to get funds to spur the people of Los Angeles to spring (once again) $3.85 billion for one more it's-for-the-children bond?

Romer and the school board have repeatedly used the ``it's for the children'' campaign, and we sympathetic Angelenos caved in each time. So, where is all that money?

Homeowners, don't be fooled again. Roy and his hype-lords are setting the stage to rip us off one more time.

- Michael C. Hines

West Hills

History repeats itself

The term that best describes Iraqis killing Iraqis is called civil war. A U.S.-instilled civil war.

We did this same thing over 20 years ago in Iran, which led to an overthrow of the U.S.-instilled government and the subsequent American hostages.

- Vatch Arouchian

Reseda

Axing public pensions

Re ``Arnold's lesson'' (Our Opinions, July 17):

After working 30 years as a public-school teacher, my monthly pension check will be considerably less than my present monthly salary. Also I, like many teachers, work auxiliary part-time teaching assignments when I can get them (after school or on Saturdays) because I need them to stay financially afloat. These extra assignments are not figured into our retirement pension formula. I've noticed that many retired teachers come back to teaching part time so they can survive in retirement.

Even though I worked in the private sector for more than 10 years, my earned Social Security will be greatly reduced because I have a public-employee pension. Eight percent of my salary goes into that pension every month; the district matches that and the state kicks in 2 percent.

However, teachers always fight for salary raises; our last one, which was supposed to be a COLA, was half of the necessary 4 percent.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's push to ax public pensions in favor of investing won't work. Even if I invested well, my money wouldn't last more than five years.

- Janis McQuain

Van Nuys

Never happy

Re ``Anger still high over 2 killings'' (July 16):

A crazed man threatens his wife, tries to kill his stepdaughter, hides behind a toddler and shoots a cop. He leaves the cops no way out other than to shoot back, and the community wants their heads.

Maybe the next time this happens, the cops should just back off and let the crazy man kill his stepdaughter. Then the community will want their heads for doing nothing.

- Greg Naster

Lancaster

Open new door

Re ``Workers' comp reforms succeed, but leave some in a world of hurt'' (July 18):

The new laws have dramatically reduced premiums by dramatically reducing costs. Why? A big reason is because it is far more difficult for unscrupulous attorneys and medical clinics to take advantage of the huge loopholes that previously existed.

Our system was being abused by too many people, with few checks and balances. California's disability awards, for example, were provided three times more than the national average. In every category, employers in California were paying more than any other state for the exact same coverage.

It is natural that some people will protest when the spigot gets turned off, but the real change in the system today is to close the open door on abuse, while using a real standard to evaluate injuries.

- Joe Stevens

Playa del Rey 

Idiocy at best

Re ``Girl faces charges after pelting bully'' (July 16):

Let me get this straight: The Fresno police have arrested and jailed an 11-year-old girl for defending herself against boys who were repeatedly harassing her.

At best, this arrest was an act of supreme idiocy. Sgt. Anthony Martinez's statement that ``we determined a felony assault had taken place'' would have been comic had it not been so stupid.

The fact that the girl had to defend herself from a gang of bullies is a statement of her bravery. Taking her to jail and keeping her there for five days is an act of utter cruelty.

For the city of Fresno, Martinez and all his brave and valiant police staff, one can only hope their daughters never have to rely on the police for defense against the bullies of the world.

- Betty A. Darling

Santa Monica 

No guarantee

Re ``Start from scratch'' (Your Opinions, July 18):

I fail to see how Harriet Taylor's suggestion that social workers be required to participate in ongoing professional education and be recertified every five years would help prevent foster-child abuse. It would neither increase the pool of available foster homes nor ensure the high quality of foster parents.

It seems to me that the foster-parent system falls apart with the foster parents themselves, some of whom are very, very good, many of whom are abysmal, and a minority who are God-awful and should never be allowed near children. Foster parenting is a difficult job and not for the faint of heart nor the unscrupulous.

- Kathleen McKenzie

Lancaster

Tip of the iceberg 

Re ``Greuel: No more bad DWP loans'' (July 16):

Isn't it interesting that the Department of Water and Power has the funds to make loans when at the same time it has pleaded that rates must be increased to cover its costs?

How many other loans has the DWP made? This may be the tip of the iceberg.

- Cliff Hall

Chatsworth

The endearing Cruise

Re: ``Fry guy'' (Your Opinions, July 6):

I am a huge Tom Cruise fan. In my opinion, his affection toward Katie Holmes makes him more endearing. I am proud that Cruise stands up and speaks out about what he believes. He can be my Clown Prince or French Fry any day! God bless you, Tom Cruise!

- Erin Plowman

Simi Valley