PUBLIC FORUM.

Safety is not silly

Re ``New laws suffocate California'' (Viewpoint, Aug. 20):

Jill Stewart describes my bill, AB 2360, as a ``silly bill.'' It would prohibit the sale of an ultrasound machine to anyone except a professional trained in its use, or to a licensed medical or research facility.

While Tom Cruise's actions brought a lot of attention to this bill, it is not about him. There is an abundance of research outlining the dangers of ultrasound machines when used for non-medically necessary purposes. For example, the Food and Drug Administration has cautioned mothers not to have any unnecessary ultrasound scans. Also, just two weeks ago a researcher from Yale released a study showing that ultrasounds can adversely affect fetal brain development. Other studies have shown that ultrasounds can cause liquids and gases in the womb to heat up, harming both mother and fetus.

But maybe Ms. Stewart believes that protecting pregnant women and fetuses from harm is just silly.

-- Ted W. Lieu

Assemblyman, 53rd District

Butt out

Re ``Up in smoke'' (Aug. 24):

As a cigarette and pipe smoker, I am fed up with the demonization of smoking. Those who rationalize revising classic art for some supposed higher moral purpose are cordially invited to kiss my butt.

-- Dolores Long

Van Nuys

Water hogs

Re ``Neighbors complain for months, but DWP line still leaks'' (Aug. 24):

Now I'm really steamed! In recent months we have learned that the Department of Water and Power has been giving millions to help balance the city budget, misusing taxpayer money and raising rates anyway. Now we find that for four months water has been flowing down the street from a ruptured pipeline in Tujunga at an estimated rate of a gallon a minute.

If we had a City Council worth anything at all, any rate increase would be denied and the DWP would be required to pay fines for its incompetence.

-- Arline George

Reseda

ACLU's money tree

Re ``Freedom isn't free if attorney is needed'' (Their opinions, Aug. 24):

Ramona Ripston presented her argument to preserve the ability of the American Civil Liberties Union to fund its anti-religious activities at public expense. She did state that religious symbols found on grave markers on public grounds are of a personal nature and therefore are not considered state-sponsored symbols. She conveniently neglected to address many other possible religious symbols.

Terms like ``under God'' in the Pledge of Allegiance or ``in God We Trust'' found on our money as well as the tax-exempt status of religious organizations are all at risk. The ACLU is using the current law as a money tree to enrich itself at taxpayer's expense.

-- Gus Smyrnos

Newbury Park

Outta' here

Re ``Jail Broke'' (Our opinions, Aug. 24):

What this jail situation has given me is the fortitude to move out of the area as soon as I can. I was born and bred in Los Angeles County and I am amazed at how much it and California have changed over the last 40-plus years.

The taxes, the gridlock, the illegal aliens, the political corruption and, as always, the crime are forcing me and many others right out of the state.

-- Brian Jones

Palmdale

Let's get involved

Re ``Field lab secret revealed'' (Aug. 23):

I am shocked that Rocketdyne/Santa Susana Field Lab is not a top priority for local politicians in the West Valley and Simi Valley. Since 1989, awareness of this toxic area has slowly grown, but 17 years later we are still playing around.

People have died from exposure to toxic material coming from Rocketdyne, and more people will die. Someone needs to be held accountable.

The public meeting on Aug. 31 at Simi Valley City Hall at 6:30 p.m. should be packed with residents very afraid for their health. Get involved, and let's find out once and for all what dangers we face living so close to this toxic mess.

-- Cheryl Rietveld

West Hills