Late-night sounds of the city

I'm sitting here enjoying the Delta breeze, but it's 2 a.m. and my nerves are fraying. Here comes Mr. Harley Davidson, slamming gears, heading toward Fair Oaks – not the street but the town located four miles away. I'll hear him all the way. Here comes the music man, he turns my walls into a tuning fork.

Sheriff's Department layoffs? Heck, I could balance the state's budget just by handing out tickets for disturbing the peace. Am I asking too much, or will my request fall on deaf ears?

– Rich Lapikas, Carmichael

A jury duty solution, please

Re "In the jury box – an intriguing privilege" (Editorials, Sept. 25): Stuart Leavenworth's angst at potential voters who attempt to avoid jury duty is well taken but is not the problem – the jury selection system is the problem.

In my 67 years, I have been summoned for jury duty exactly twice – once when I served and once when I was called in for the afternoon and dismissed without seeing the inside of a courtroom. I am not eligible for further jury duty for two years, as I have "done my public duty."

Hogwash!

I, and others I know, would love to serve on juries, but this civic duty is not subject to volunteerism, or summons more than once in two years.

Perhaps a new method of jury participation is what is called for to allow those who want to serve, to serve, and those who don't, to not.

Look for a solution, Mr. Leavenworth, rather than just pointing out a problem.

– Jack Quartaroli, Sacramento

Beck 'repulsive and divisive'

Re "Disdainful left doesn't like it, but Beck's right on his message" (Viewpoints, Sept. 25): Fox News' Glenn Beck recently said President Barack Obama is "a racist" and has a "deep-seated hatred for white people." Beck is on a campaign to convince the American public that Obama's agenda is about serving the needs of black communities at white people's expense. Beck's message is repulsive and divisive.

How Cal Thomas can say that Beck's right on his message is truly amazing. Beck's offensive remarks about the president have caused companies to pull their advertisements from his show. He has told lie after lie about health care reform, and still Thomas says Beck's right on his message.

Unbelievable!

– C. Johnson Norman, Elk Grove

Go green and be tax-free?

Re "Closing landfill would stink" (Letters, Sept. 25): I was highly intrigued by Matson Breakey's letter in response to the story "Folsom trash hauler fights to expand Solano landfill." In his missive he states: "Who picks up the tab? Not the environmentalists. Taxpayers – you and me."

I had no idea environmentalists were exempt from paying taxes. This is a huge revelation for those of us who both care about the environment but don't want to pay taxes. I can't wait for next year's tax return.

– Patrick Eady, Sacramento

What about Israel and nukes?

Re "West confronts Iran on nuke plant" (Page A1, Sept. 26): Good for President Barack Obama when he says that "Iran is breaking rules that all nations must follow." But I wonder why that doesn't apply to Israel.

It has been reported that Israel has as many as 200 nukes on hand. It seems that Iran agrees to inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency and has signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Israel neither admits to nor denies the existence of its "weapons of mass destruction." Could be a case of "serial deception."

Has the IAEA inspected Israel's nuclear facilities or the existence of its nuclear weapons? Is anybody suggesting sanctions against Israel? How about cutting its foreign aid?

I guess when it comes to Israel, it's don't ask, don't tell. Double standard, or just political expediency, it's best not to upset the Israeli lobby.

– Jerry Hinck, West Sacramento

Cross doesn't honor all dead

Re "ACLU runs amok in crusade against cross" (Viewpoints, Sept. 26): I would like to suggest that Margaret A. Bengs visit the California State Military Museum and see the Jewish Medal of Honor Recipients exhibit.