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Posted on November 21 at 6:25 p.m.

I commend the Berrys for being community and environmentally conscious!

Not only did their progressive thinking save their home, but it also may have helped retard the fire because their property limited its "fuel."

To Pangzhu: A lot of people squander their wealth... I say Kudos to the Berrys for putting their wealth to good use!

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Posted on November 19 at 6:57 p.m.

Justreading:

So, I post my real name and street address (no, by the grace of G-d, I did not lose my home), and that changes my opinion how exactly?

My religious beliefs were attacked by Hank/Henry and I defended myself. I am a Christian. It is not faith that I have an issue with and I have no global "axe to grind."

In fact, if my words/opinions/suggestions have caused anyone here to feel "pain," I do apologize. This is a forum to exchange ideas. I was adding my opinions. Of course my intention was not to "hurt" anyone.

So, again, my apologies to those "hurt" by the expression of my opinions. I will refrain from expressing myself on this forum. I believe that my position is clear.

On Tea Fire Cause Is Determined

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Posted on November 19 at 5:58 p.m.

So, my gut tells me the young adults were Westmont students. If I am wrong, I will have nothing to apologize for... how can one be expected to apologize for having a feeling?

My suggestion to "punish" those responsible was to garnish any future earnings and to mandate community service in the educational arena. I stand by that suggestion.

Contrary to Henry's assertion that I have a "hatred of anything that has Christ associated w/ it" could not be further from the truth. I am actually a Christian with a very strong faith. Unfortunately, I believe modern day organized religion is polarizing and has little to do with faith (Christianity in particular, has been co-oped by the far right to push forward a political agenda. A majority of evangelicals vote Republican, yet I think it's apparent that if Jesus were alive today, he would be a socialist --if not a communist-- a far cry from the Rebublican ideal).

I feel that many active church members blindly follow "rules" and edicts from their leaders without introspection or comprehension of the issues. There are Christians who believe there is virtue in spitting on or physically/verbally assaulting women who have made the horrific decision to abort a fetus -- now, if every Christian family who votes to outlaw abortion adopted one, or two, or three kids from foster care (actually walking the walk as opposed to just talking the talk) -- then I think the society might be better off. It is not a sacrilege to question. It is not unChristian to expect that individuals treat those different from themselves equally, with respect and courtesy.

With the gift of life comes responsibility. Using Westmont as an example: How are the kids at Westmont learning to be responsible adults if campus leaders are making "rules" for them about opposite-sex dorm visits and alcohol? Why not instill in the student body self-respect and respect for others? Teach them that their body is a temple and then trust them to value what you value. Forcing your will on others is not virtuous.

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Posted on November 18 at 10:22 p.m.

Hey Hank,

No insult intended, but you wrote basically : "Leave the politics... out of this" -- Why? There was allegedly a group of ~10 students from the same school involved -- why the refusal to disclose the name of the school? That, my friend, is a political decision. Let's gather together and protect our own.

I'm sure if there was a stabbing on State Street by a local gang, the gang would be identified within a day, if not an hour. I could almost guarantee it. So, let's call a spade a spade and not pretend that social issues (and social inequalities) have no impact on the release of information in cases such as these.

I, too, thank those that made the call!

Finally.... No on 8 * * Stop the Hate! Just for you, Hank! ;-)

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Posted on November 18 at 9:42 p.m.

Oh, come on and stop defending these people. We don't need guards... we need PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY!

These "young adults" were reportedly 18-22 years old, way old enough to recognize that they were trespassing on private land. Trespassing and building a fire during FIRE SEASON two months after the tragedy of the GAP fire ALONE are grounds for criminal charges. Add in the fact that this fire caused the loss of hundreds of homes, countless pets and possessions, personal injury and may have contributed to the loss of a human life.

Let's contrast those facts and this scenerio with the POOR WORKERS who allegedly ACCIDENTALLY set off the Zaca fire while AT WORK trying to provide for themselves and their families. What happened to those men?

Hmmmmm.... spoiled, selfish, negligent kids making a BONFIRE IN THE WOODS during FIRE SEASON and the DA has to really, really investigate to see if charges will be filed, compared with manual laborers making a mistake at work where extremely serious charges were filed.

So, if we assume that these kids are culpable for starting the fire and concede that the kids are judgment proof because to date they have no assets, I say let's prosecute them and garnish a percentage of their future wages/inheritance in addition to requiring community service work with schoolchildren about the perils of self-absorption and FIRE.

My gut tells me they're Westmont students... probably the same kids who just voted YES on 8... and who will now ask a liberal community for mercy. Disgraceful!

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