Leece’s religious values fell on deaf...

Leece’s religious values fell on deaf ears

My letter is prompted by that of Geoff West (Mailbag, “Leece

played an important role in the community,” Dec. 27). Unlike him, I

urge you to not consider for one moment, the inclusion of a column or

anything other than a Letter to the Editor by Wendy Leece.

Her supporters seem to think that conservatives are

disenfranchised now that Leece is no longer an elected official. To

help them readjust their thinking, I can think of no liberal

representing Orange Countians in local or state government. There may

be some, but they do not come to mind. Those positions are filled to

the brim by conservatives, even “arch-conservatives.”

Conservatives are, as we all have noticed, well in command of

national politics as well. So, forgive me if I suggest a cessation of

thoughts of a column by Leece -- especially if you were thinking it

would be one that might contribute significant new thoughts or ideas.

My sense of Leece’s tenure remains one of her as a person with an

agenda that fell outside the purview of public school education.

Reasonable suggestions or admonishments coming from Leece were

overshadowed and even nullified by her strident and determined

efforts to impose her true agenda -- that of creationism and

evangelical fundamentalism -- on the Newport-Mesa Unified school

system.

There is a majority that views that imposition as anathema to

public education. This same majority strongly supports solid values

but is determined to save unto themselves the imparting of those

ethics and choices through their own methods and beliefs -- certainly

they will not allow them to be selected and legislated otherwise.

I repeat: Leece’s insistence on raising issues beyond the purview

of the school board was obstructionist and that is why whatever other

value she might have brought to the board fell on deaf ears. The

board found itself in the position of being inappropriately

distracted by Leece’s insistence on raising issues beyond the scope

of the school board as she was determined to change the system to

accommodate dogma of the evangelical, fundamentalist, conservative

movement.

Any discussion about religious theory and how best to honor values

is so personal that rancor would probably be the only tone possible.

I haven’t seen much reasonable philosophical discussion around this

subject to suggest otherwise. Is this really something you want to

open up in the community?

CHARLOTTE ALEXANDER

Eastside

Newport theaters cost themselves customers

What was Edwards/Regal Theatres thinking? In the midst of

record-breaking movie attendance, they closed both Big Newport and

Island Theatres at 8:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Many patrons were

walking up, reading the marquee that showed 9:55, 10:15 and 10:30

p.m. showings but were shocked to find a closed box office.

Congratulations -- just one more step toward rentals or cable.

JAN HARGRAVES

Newport Beach

Councilman spawns new political breed

Regarding “The Action Figure” story (Wednesday’s Daily Pilot front

page) about Costa Mesa Councilman Allan Mansoor: an elected official

who will not back down from his campaign promises. What a concept.

ILA JOHNSON

Costa Mesa