Reverse the approve-all policy
Scott Peters has not taken a position on the Monte Verde skyscrapers across from UTC. He claims that he needs to review the environmental impact report. Such a report is intended to uncover potentially unknown impacts on the environment. But what about the obvious fact that the community itself is so strongly opposed to overdevelopment?
With the Rose Canyon bridge controversy the residents were divided and it appeared that certain business interests broke the “tie” and Mr. Peters voted for the bridge after months of silence. Monte Verde is an issue of one developer versus the community. Which side will Mr. Peters favor this time? He needs to speak up.
Mr. Peters has continually pointed out that much of the overdevelopment of the community was approved prior to his election to City Council. This is his opportunity to reverse the approve-all-development policy of his predecessor.
John Lee Evans, University City

Protect yourself from identity thieves
Tens of thousands of personal records are lost or stolen regularly. People should protect their information and not rely on those holding the information to do so. The best way to do this is by not providing it in the first place.
Merchants today make extra money by selling customers’ personal data to third parties. Obviously, they can’t if you refuse to give them the information.
For example, even when we pay cash for a car, dealers ask for our Social Security number. I refuse to provide it, as it is not needed for the purchase.
Read the fine print on new credit card offers ” some of them contain well-concealed authorization to sell all your information to other companies.
Cell phone companies will request your Social Security number when establishing service. Refuse to give it. They want your business, and won’t likely deny you service. (Also, keep in mind that when your cell phone or Internet provider offers you a “free” upgrade, they’re really trying to extend your contract another 12 months).
Even nonprofits routinely request personal data they don’t need. Medical offices give new patients a form to complete, which usually asks for a Social Security number. Leave that space blank ” you won’t be denied service.
The San Diego Community College District still uses students’ Social Security numbers for course enrollment forms, rather than creating alternative numbers, as do other college districts. Don’t give your real number.
Just because an organization you’re dealing with asks for your data, you don’t have to provide it. Don’t count on others to protect your financial privacy and prevent identify theft.
Bill Collins, Pacific Beach

Opposition to slow bleed plan
In Iraq, I concede that people are dying. That is what happens in war. However, with many friends and family deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, I feel that any attempt to surreptitiously hamstring our efforts to decrease popular support for our presence in Iraq is foolish and trading soldier’s lives for political points. If Congress cannot openly act on such a broad proposal as ending our presence, it should not act at all. The belief that a “lightning victory” would be involved in rebuilding a nation is foolhardy: I would respectfully remind all political commentators that U.S. forces are still in Germany, and will continue to be for the entire foreseeable future (in fact, we have an excellent military hospital in Germany, and I doubt we will abandon it!).
The Iraq situation has become a spin campaign, and spinning deaths is a cruel thing to do.
Uzzell S. Branson IV, La Jolla