The following letter was addressed to His Holiness Pope John Paul II.
I thank you for urging a peaceful solution to the Iraqi situation. You are a powerful force for peace throughout the world. You influence not only those of the Catholic faith but also those of other religions and those who do not profess any religion. I would like to suggest a course of action which would use your powerful influence to avert the impending war.
I suggest that you travel to Iraq and remain there until the crisis is over, and that during your visit you tour the country without giving advance notice of your route. During this period, Iraq could complete disarmament and the UN inspectors could complete their verification process.
Such an act by you would be extraordinary and courageous. It would prevent the war and save thousands of lives. If Jesus Christ were with us today, He would be at your side.
Henry Pollard
Crossing the line
I live on Rambla Pacifico a few houses above the slide. We have a few wild drivers in our neighborhood who care nothing for the safety of those around them. It’s quite common to be passed by a black sports car when I come up the hill. But this morning, Wednesday, March 12, took the cake. At 7:05, when I reached Las Flores at Hume, I became part of a six-car procession. Driving a black Mercedes sedan, a near neighbor on Rambla, who had hurtled out of his driveway as I passed, decided that he didn’t have the time or patience for any of us. One by one he passed us all, double yellow line, tight curves, limited visibility be damned, making his last unsafe pass just before The Malibu Times office.
I grabbed a pad and paper intending to get his license number, but of course he’d already turned right when I reached Pacific Coast Highway. Fortunately God smiled on all Las Flores users this morning. Had anyone come around any of the corners they would have been killed instantly. The really scary thing is that his passenger appeared to be a teenager. So, soon they will be driving just as Dad has taught them. Heaven help us all.
name withheld