MAILBAG:

Once again Jim Righeimer gives us economic ideology rather than analysis (“Faith lost in free market,” Dec. 27).

He seems to view the economy through blinders, those leather flaps trainers put on horses’ eyes so they can only see in one direction. He extols the free market for leading us out of the current economic crisis (still a dubious assertion at this date) but never considers that it was the unregulated free market that brought us gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles, $140 by the barrel oil and a housing bubble in the first place.

Then he credits free markets for bringing mortgage rates down rather than consider it might be government intervention by the FED to bring interest rates close to zero, intervention by the FDIC to save failing banks, or government intervention by the Treasury Department to pump $700 billion in liquidity into the financial system.

Face it Righeimer, free markets haven’t been doing a good job lately.

To complete the horse blinder analogy, remember that trainers put blinders on the losers as well as the winners in horse races.

And guess the last place horses see through their blinders at the finish line (think horse anatomy here and you’ll get it, Righeimer).

BOB SCHMIDT

Newport Beach

Why is city hall going outside the area?

I Googled Newport Beach architects. There are more than 100 in our city — and many more nearby. Why is the city paying a San Francisco firm and sending probably $6 million-plus up north? Are our architects not as competent? Give me a break!

DORIS WATERMAN

Newport Beach

Commission is over stepping its authority

George and Sharlee McNamee bought their home 32 years ago. In 2001, the Coastal Commission decided to tell the McNamees how and under what circumstances they could use their property which amounts to constructive eminent domain without just compensation. In fact, no compensation whatsoever, only threats.

The Coastal Commission creates policy, rules and regulations that carry the weight of law, with fines and punishment, but do not follow the rule of law. In this case $6,000 per day. This is a clear violation of the separation of powers’ doctrine.

That is, to make policy with the weight of law and enforce the same policy with the force of law by the same agency.

If there was ever a time for the city of Newport Beach to step up to the plate for a citizen, that time is now. The city should do whatever it can through legal action or otherwise to deal with the Coastal Commission in defense of the McNamees. Especially, since the Coastal Commission is accountable to no one.

If the city of Newport Beach cannot or will not go to bat for one of its own we have elected the wrong people. People who cannot tell right from wrong and have no respect for the rule of law.

I think John Phillips of KABC Radio said it best: “Joseph Stalin is back in charge.”

AUGUST LIGHTFOOT

Newport Beach