Mailbag: Columnist is unfair to `Team Newport’ bloc

Columnist Barbara Venezia acts like political considerations are a surprise at the City Council level (“Race for mayor pro tem is riddled with politics,” column, Nov. 27). She has always appeared to be prejudiced against the “Team Newport” coalition, and this article is no different.

Councilman Tony Petros acknowledges that Team Newport was elected with a reform slate for a reason and, after meeting with them, he knows he is not reform enough. End of story.

No matter what Petros says, it is about him, and being “eminently qualified,” means nothing more than he has put in his time serving and it’s his turn. It does not mean he would lead the council in the right direction.

As for Mayor Pro Tem Diane Dixon ignoring Venezia, that is her prerogative. Perhaps she knows her editorial slant and does not want to participate. She tried to disparage her, even without an interview.

I am in favor of the audit, even at $300,000. It will not get our money back but hopefully it will chastise the council that built that monstrosity and maybe even uncover some foul play.

As far as you getting “any answers,” your columnist won’t need any from Dixon to continue providing her personal slant on the news.

Bruce Boyd

Newport beach

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We face challenges but remain great

It’s hard to internalize all that we are thankful for in light of the current state of our great nation. The list is long and daunting of all that we face.

When were those times that we referred to as great? Why is it in the past tense? As the holidays approach we reflect on what has blessed us but can we avoid all that confronts us? Yes, we have a cultural divide but do we have a remnant of what we once revered, do we have to start over?

These questions are contemplated by many, from politicians to preachers, and all of us in between. A year ago the list of issues was shorter, yet still overwhelming. Now the list includes culture norms we thought were sacred: the end traditional marriage, genderless bathrooms, assisted suicide and retail baby parts.

If these were not enough to bring concern and grief, there is terrorism at home and abroad and racial strife not seen since the ‘60s.

The floral arrangement on this buffet table of entrees is the anemic economy and the ever-growing welfare state. The current state of our affairs and the governance there of seems to be spinning without a true axis.

Can it be corrected? By whom and when?

Addressing these issues will be paramount in the 2016 election. But will it be made right by just the election of a new president, even if they be Republican? If we have learned anything from our rich history, it is the deep-rooted soul of the people, and their collective voice and passion, to endure and restore.

Politicians have the title but the people have the power. The rise of Donald Trump and Ben Carson exemplify this latent-yet-intense frustration by the citizenry for a return to our founding principles. This election will be like none other, but then these are unique times.

As Dickens said, “Best of times, worst of times”

We still live in the greatest country to have ever existed. We have defended and fed more people than all the other nations combined and have been blessed for doing so.

However, it will be up to us and our children to forge this new path of restoration. I pray all will stay thankful but engaged to the system of government that rules this land.

There is no other system that works for people. No other system that will last. It does not work by default or remote. It is a hands-on operation, done manually.

It will not run forever, if not maintained and serviced. And from time to time it needs to be repaired and restored to its original show quality. We don’t need a new one, we just need to care for the one we have.

Stay thankful, stay engaged and have a blessed holiday.

Bill Dunlap

Newport Beach