The District Weekly - Latest Comments in RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

otay90 — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 04:27:32 -0000

"In this case Andy was right." (#34) Thanks, MD.

I am so printing that out and showing it to the wife.

BTW, I was in for Tonia, too. It's the Lowenthal machine that I'm askeered of pissing off. She could silently run me over in her city-owned Prius while I obliviously cross Cedar St. downtown and no one would be the wiser.

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

Andrew — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:57:37 -0000

Someone asked a few comments back...who will replace Bonnie? Well, don't you worry your pretty little head---she has already named her successor and passed many of her "financial" supporters over to him---his name: Robert Garcia (former Republican, turned Dem). Can't wait to see Dave's articles on that special city council election after Bonnie beats the Republican in her Assembly race.

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

Moon Dog — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:27:25 -0000

Point taken Dave.......sorry you felt it was an attack on you. It wasn't. I was just agreeing with Andy. I'm an un-educated knuckle-head who is used to being a smart ass so to speak. I actually loved your article......and for the record, I don't have the same feelings when it comes to the Lowenthal's as Andy. I am a Tonia backer 100%. But when someone’s right I don't have a problem saying they are right. In this case Andy was right. We may vote for different people but we have to be able to accept some one's opinion if it's right, even if we disagree on other issues, that's what makes our country great. I don't see the point in full disclosure when expressing your view on the internet. The people with real "balls" are the ones that get involved and hit the pavement trying to make a difference in our beautiful city. Just because you use your "real name" in my opinion doesn't somehow validate the opinion......it's just an opinion. My example of telling someone that they are full of shit (I'll spell it out this time, I was trying to keep it clean last time....but I guess it's ok since you spelled it out) may have been a little extreme.....but I think it got my point across. I apologize if you took offense.......PS.....Glad you liked my funny made up name and the sniper comment you made about me will be put in my breast pocket and carried away as a compliment.......LOL....come on people laugh........that's funny. Have a good one Dave......Long Beach Forever!!

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

otay90 — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 01:27:06 -0000

The book is the same whether authored by Mark Twain or Samuel Clemens.

The name doesn't matter.

Signed,
--Andy

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

Dave Wielenga — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:50:37 -0000

I see your point, to a point, although Moon Dog's example doesn't seem to be a very good one. I mean, what good does it do to say that somebody's "full of shit"? It's exactly that kind of empty insult by a cheap sniper that brings down the quality of the discourse. All I'm saying is that not every comment need be anonymous...that in situations where somebody may have something significant to lose, sure, go ahead and use your funny, made-up name--but in situations where you aren't so endangered, why not be up front about your opinions?

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

Moon Dog — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 21:30:38 -0000

Right on Andy!!.......that's exactly why people don't leave there full names when leaving a negative comment. Example: Would you go up to your boss and tell him he's full of sh*t or would you use the employee comment box to do it without fear of repercussion. Wake up!!

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

otay90 — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:51:54 -0000

Totally disagree. Full names, even locations, have a place in print. But not here.

I sure wouldn't post anything negative about my council person and use my real (full) name. Eventually you'll need a building/planning/historic permit or some other action on a local issue and there's no recourse. Payback's a bitch.

Unless you want to contribute to the campaign.

The internet's (relative) anonymity allows this freer discourse. The downside is it's up to you to verify any comments.

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

Dave Wielenga — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:33:56 -0000

And for that matter, so do all the Lowenthals.

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

Dave Wielenga — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:33:17 -0000

I appreciate the public comment, but I sure would appreciate it more if the commenters would sign their real names. I don't know, maybe I'm old fashioned or somehow out of touch (OK, I'm sure I am) but I don't understand how inventing a monikker and hiding behind it makes your comments more valuable than if you stood up for them. I get it in certain situations, when your livelihood or place in the community might be threatened, or if you were providing inside information that should not be traced to you ... or SOMETHING. But most of these comments fall into the category of passionately concerned citizens with opinions...who for some reason just aren't brave enough to make those opinions really count by letting us know who holds them. Come on...I always sign my name.

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

2nd District Resident — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:06:40 -0000

Today is a sad day. Money and influence bought this seat for Ms. Lowenthal. I wonder though, why Josh Lowenthal didn't host his mother's election night party at his high class night club. If it wasn't for Holt's stance on gay marraige I would absolutely be voting for her. The Democratic Party has really disappointed me.

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

otay90 — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:27:59 -0000

Do they have a full bar at the public trough? Maybe I'll run for council...

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

Moon Dog — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:25:28 -0000

I wonder how long "Concerned" has been in the comunity? Does he or she even know what is means to be a life long resident in this district? Or is he or she some one that had some cash to invest, moved in hoping to flip thier house and now plays the part of "Concerned " citizen???.......your not fooling anyone.

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

LBRez — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:11:34 -0000

Andy is spot on in two ways: 1) thanks to the districting Lowenthal is almost a shoe in to win in the general 2) Joshie can move into Mommy's old residence and take over the seat. Then it will be official, all Lowenthal's will dine at the public trough.

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

otay90 — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 01:59:30 -0000

Oh well...I wonder which Lowenthal will be my new councilperson?

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

David Munoz — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 22:24:39 -0000

I've know Tonia for many years now and I can tell you she is someone I would want in my corner any day. I was raised on the West-Side and I can tell you, at an early age you learn to read people and separate the ones that are "full of it" from the ones that are for real. Tonia is real and genuine in her concerns. Thank God she's chosen to use her talent and kindness to represent those who would other wise not have a voice. Thank you Tonia for all you do......"El West-Side pertenece a usted"

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

otay90 — Sat, 31 May 2008 14:25:15 -0000

I wish Bonnie was as "concerned" about her current job (as councilperson, remember?), and as "concerned" about her city council voting record on port issues, and as "concerned" about all the money she's taken form realtors and developers, as she is for running for higher office in an adjacent district.

At least Tonia's voting record matches her talk. Enough "concern" for you, "Concerned"?

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

Lindaonline — Sat, 31 May 2008 11:49:46 -0000

Yes, Tonia is running against the Lowenthals and needs all the money she can get. If she took money from railroads, she also supported Furitanis rail bill where Bonnie did not. If she took money form oil, she also voted to tax dirty bunker fuel and Bonnie did not. I dont care where she gets her money from so long as she keeps voting the right way.
Perhaps "Concerned" can write a check and send it to her. Evidently Bonnie has more than enough since I've gotten enough mail from her to fill a recycle bin! and I thought she was the green candidate.
BTW, Tonia thanks for the flower, I planted it in my garden and it looks great! talk about actions speaking louder than words!

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

LB Guy — Fri, 30 May 2008 18:18:24 -0000

Conerned - You need to get out and clean your windshield, beacause your seeing things that aren't there.

I never compained about the "Lowenthal track record". Merely stated I didn't agree that Bonnie was the best choice in this race. I also never said I "will" vote for a Lowenthal again, just that I might. Big difference.

In the article I think Mr. Wielenga shared that both candidates take some digs at each other - just some do it in a more forthright manner.

And if you really want to know, come over to the Westside and ask us about how we feel about Tonia sometime. She is a "Westside" scrapper. She has always fought for us and most of us love her for it.

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

Concerned — Fri, 30 May 2008 17:16:59 -0000

So... you complain about the Lowenthal track record but then state you've voted for them in the past and will in the future? I think you're doing a bit of what Tonia is - belittling her opponents so she can gain some ground in this race, using the "track record" as a reason to vote her in.

As for the contributions, I wonder how Tonia's constituents on the west side feel about her $$ from rail and big oil? I can't imagine they'd be all too happy about it.

I actually thought one of you guys was a staffer! while I'm honored you think of me in that esteemed regard (lol:), I'm just a concerned resident who finds some interest in this thing called democracy. But thanks for the compliment!

I guess all this will be over in a few days from now and all this bickering won't really matter... Please June 3rd... come sooner!

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

2nd District Resident — Fri, 30 May 2008 16:50:39 -0000

First of all, I'm so glad Mr. Furutani is representing parts of Long Beach. He is a stong environmentalist. My point was Ms. Lowenthals choice in battles. You can talk about redistricting all you want. The fact is that Ms. Lowenthal is a 55th AD resident and she should have run to represnt that seat. And thanks LB Guy because I checked the City Clerk website and you're right, the Lowenthals took railroad money as well. But I guess that's ok, right Concerned.

Since you're obviously campaign staff, I would suggest getting to work because I can guarnatee Tonia and her staff are out working you as we speak. They've been in my neighborhood several times.

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

LB Guy — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:54:51 -0000

But somehow it was alright for Bonnie (and other Lowenthals) to take Railroad moeny in the past? I'll admit it takes some looking, but you can certainly find the records on the City Clerk's website. The main point is that I have never seen where such donations have influenced Tonia or Bonnie's action or votes.

And I AM careful who I vote for. I care deeply and spend a lot of time and effort checking facts and information. In this case I've known both candidates personally for over 15 years. I've voted for Lowenthals in the past, and most likely will in the future - but not this time.

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

54th Voter — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:52:51 -0000

And still because of the b.s. districting the arguments are only between two candidates that are pretty much indistinguishable because they are the only ones with the golden (D), guaranteed to get you elected in LB no matter your transgressions.

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

Concerned — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:12:22 -0000

Just because Warren is supporting Tonia doesn't mean he wouldn't work with Bonnie (and vice versa) once she gets elected.

If Tonia is that concerned about air quality, why is she taking thousands of $$ from the corporations that contribute to 24,000 premature annual deaths? The same companies who have spent millions of dollars lobbying the California and Federal governments against bills that would promote our health and well-being?

Your comments about "desperation" and "deserving" are easy political statements to make, but not so easy to back up. Tonia will be saying one thing and doing another in Sacramento. Her contributions from big oil and rail are proof of that.

YOU should be careful voting for someone who parades her asthmatic family around while simultaneously pocketing dirty dollars from the corporations that contributed to that asthma. As an LB Post columnist likes to posit, which is it that enables her to do such things, ignorance or arrogance? Either way, I don't want her representing my community.

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

LB Guy — Fri, 30 May 2008 14:51:07 -0000

Be careful dragging Assemblymember Furutani into this. He and State Senator Jenny Oropeza are strongly supporting Tonia in this race. I heard Assemblymember Furutani say at a very public meeting that he needs a strong fighter like Tonia in the Assembly with him to get these types of environmental legislation passed.

And where you get that Tonia is just on the AQMD because of the benefits she might receive in this race shows your lack of history in the area. She has been a vocal and highly visible advocate for cleaning our air since long before she ever ran for office. Tonia and her three children all suffer from asthma, which is aggravated by pollution coming from the Ports, so this is a deeply personal issue for her.

Your comments just come off as a sad reflection of the desperation of the Lowenthals to keep their 100% win track record - without really deserving it.

Re: RACE AGAINST THE MACHINE | The District Weekly

Concerned — Fri, 30 May 2008 14:23:31 -0000

First of all - we DO have several legislators advocating for LB's air quality, including Warren Furutani - even though he doesn't live in Long Beach. I don't think we should critize our local leaders like Bonnie and Warren for the gerrymandering that was done almost ten years ago. Should we get some real redistricting reform, perhaps then we'll see districts that encompass entire communities.

I heard Bonnie's response to why she is running in the 54th and it makes sense. Sure a portion of her current district and house was in the 55th - but WHAT AREA has she represented over the last decade+? I guarantee you, it wasn't wasn't Lakewood, Carson, Gardena, etc. In her roles as Vice Mayor and school board member, she has represented the City of Long Beach. The 54th arguably has more of Long Beach, including the Port which she has proven leadership in (I remember her pushing the cold ironing technology in council).

This town is full of people advocating for real redistricting reform - the fact that Long Beach has 3 different and disparate congressional members is proof positive we need it. You (and Tonia) are arguing that a community leader should not represent the people she historically has because of district lines that were drawn erratically almost ten years ago. That isn't the type of democracy you really want, is it?

By the way - I notice you didn't have any comments regarding Tonia's hypocrisy and dirty air contributions...