Congratulations to SCAP's board of directors for suspending Denise Gibbs, Joe Gibbs and Caryl Prunty ("SCAP leaders off the job," Dec. 2, Page A-1).

Amy Ridenour has nicely enumerated the similarities between Social Security and a Ponzi scheme (Nov. 27, Page A-11). I didn't notice any mention of the government spending the FICA money and replacing it in the Social Security trust fund with IOU bonds.

For the past several days, the news media has been consumed with placing blame for the pepper spray incident that recently occurred at the University of California, Davis.

Visiting editor Gary Gery wrote a negative piece about the Modesto Airport (Oct. 30). As a frequent flier out of this airport, let me say his comments are not accurate.

I was pleased to see an article on the Uptown Arena by community columnist James McAndrews (Nov. 6, Page B-2). For two decades, the arena was a hub of entertainment for local boxing, wrestling and music fans, and the focus of my family's life.

Our democracy functions best when there is a high level of participation and a balance of political power. The high concentration of influence by a small minority poses a threat to what should be a participatory process.

I support Steve Walker for the Riverbank Unified school board. Walker is a man of integrity and is dedicated to fiscal responsibility while putting the students' needs first.

In the letter "Believer explains the Mormon Faith" (Oct. 12), the writer shares that Joseph Smith and the "articles of Faith" states ... "mankind may be saved by obedience to the law."

Frightening! Republican debates: Rick Perry: "I executed more prisoners than any other governor." Huge applause from the tea party audience.

Of course we are going to send our money over to Europe. Their viewpoint is consistent with our socialist president and his fellow Democrats. Go over and spend some time in Europe to see if you feel they are worthy of our tax dollars.

My son is a senior at Pitman High in Turlock. The school has a rule that no hats can be worn by either gender unless it is a Pitman hat

Passing this jobs bill will get America back on track. I include keeping the wealthy more wealthy. Please pass this job bill so we can buy food, clothes, and maybe go on a vacation.

The headline on the front page Oct. 1 was incomprehensible and irresponsible. Why did it read "Drone attack kills U.S. citizens" instead of "Drone attack kills terrorists"?

When President Barack Obama advised Israel to return to the borders that existed in 1967, he was totally out of touch with reality.

I read your editorial on poverty (Sept. 19) and I agree totally that the blessed have a responsibility to the poor. My family does honor this responsibility.

It's truly thought-provoking to find people use the expression "there's plenty of fish in the sea." This clever phrase was probably coined when there literally were plenty of fish in the sea, or at least a decent supply in existence. But it won't be long before it's invalid to use because our salmon are truly perishing.

Responding to "Tea party wants best for all" (Sept. 16, Letters): How exactly are blacks, Latinos, environmental groups and unions getting "special treatment?"

Our president has stated over and over that his jobs bill needs to be passed "immediately." Meanwhile, the White House has not written it and does not plan to submit it until mid-October. Can he hear us laughing?

The 99 play (outside Vintage Faire Mall) was very interesting and informative.

Kudos to The Bee for shining the light on the usual behind-the-scenes dirty political tricks of our legislative leaders to favor their union supporters by amending Senate Bill 922 so that it would require public agencies to use union labor for public works projects.