Iraqi war is all about oil

Editor:

John Legreid’s letter (“What are we willing to pay for war?,” page 4, Jan. 19) is factually incorrect. Nearly all Islamic states refuse to recognize Israel: Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, to name a few. What he calls the “Jewish bloc vote” didn’t support Bush, who got less than 20 percent of that vote both times he ran. So why would the president “pay off?” If anything, he’s paying off his buddies in the oil industry. Halliburton is making millions in Iraq.

The Iraqi war is not about Israel. It’s about O-I-L. The U.S. has historically pursued interests in the Middle East and they were always based on self-interest. Mr. Legreid should read “Power, Faith and Fantasy: America in the Middle East 1776 to the Present.”

Harriet Pike
Santa Monica



That ’70s show is over, dude

Editor:

Having been a resident and patron for over 30 years of the “famous” surf shop at Bay Street and Main Street, I find it hard to believe that there would be any discussion on making it a historical site (“Defenders of Dogtown digging in,” Jan. 30, page 1). Maybe a rehab center or a place for all of us recovering from the ’70s hangover to meet. Yes, to commemorate the birth of modern skateboarding and progressive surfing, I am in favor of. A plaque or sculpture would honor all of us nicely. But let’s leave the “Hysterical” (sic) Society out of it.

Dave “Woody” Wood
Santa Monica



Don’t be hasty about Horizons

Editor:

With respect to the Horizons West Surf Shop controversy (“Defenders of Dogtown digging in,” Jan. 30, page 1), a few observations:

I grew up in surf towns across California. I loved my spots. I loved my surf shops and all that it entailed. I loved Mitch’s surf shop in La Jolla, old Ned’s in Santa Cruz and even that shaky character in the “Boo” that used to peddle balsa boards on PCH. I know and am friends with many former surf legends, both local and otherwise.

I loved the taco stands and liquor stores across the California coast that would nourish us and sell us Sex Wax before the next lineup. Sacred to me were many of these now-lost icons of the surf culture. I guarded them with sometimes veracious “locals only” challenges. I still have my bumper sticker that reads: “Tourists Go Home, but Leave Your Daughters” on the back of my brother’s 1941 Ford Woody. I still miss those empty skate pools we used to ride when the surf was down. Yes, I miss all of these things. However, I also understand that when progress takes its aim we must sometimes, reluctantly adjust.

I do not know how much of this current battle over Horizons is hyperbole and how much of this structure is truly historic. I did speak with some folks across the board in this area of expertise and they are skeptical, but are willing to see it play out if it is reviewed by competent and knowledgeable persons without an agenda.

Like “locals only” surf spots precluding outsiders, everyone wants to have their little piece of turf, but does everybody have a right to that claim?

While it may well be that Horizons has a legitimate claim as an appropriate landmark of the Southern California surf/skate scene, please consider that if every skate grommet, surf Goab or Kook would claim sanctity in their area with respect to “being an icon,” all in the name of preservation ... well, you know what would happen.

Let the emotions of the day settle down on this, re-evaluate and revisit the situation. But please, do not be taken for a Kook for Kook’s sake.

Lance Schmidt
Ocean Park