Mailbag:

I can’t even begin to imagine what it would take for me personally to brutally attack a pelican like the guy from Perris did the other day (“Man faces cruelty charges,” March 25). Had I been fishing from the Newport Pier and a pelican swooped down and made an attempt to get my fish, I most likely would have found it quite amusing that the pelican would be as aggressive and probably very hungry to do such a thing.

I might have said to the pelican, “shoo, let my fish alone,” and let it go at that. For Daniel Moreno to stomp on the pelican’s beak and also kick it in the head is not at all about swiping his fish, but rather some other very intense issue that manifested itself in his overreacting hateful behavior.

The sad thing about this scenario, aside from the obvious pain inflicted on the pelican, is the fact that this guy is only 19 years old. For someone that young to have that much anger is a certain prelude to worse future events unless he gets help, like right now. What his reasons were for doing this atrocious act, most likely, only he knows.

I fear, however, that a lot of young people have similar deep rooted feelings that, if not resolved soon in their lives, will make it virtually impossible for them to live a normal contented life. And based on the rate of young people taking their own lives and committing destructive acts, it appears that my assessment is not totally incorrect.

Bill Spitalnick

Newport Beach

Keep JWA small, shorten runway

It’s hardly a riddle for cities surrounding John Wayne Airport as to whether to oppose expanding the footprint of that airport for a general aviation hangar or sticking with the status quo to keep it dinky, as it is, and should remain (“Proposal causes riddle,” March 23).

Everybody wants more tax revenue, of course, but clearly not from general aviation, which is not regulated like commercial airlines are and can fly 24 hours a day.

I believe the best way to keep JWA dinky is to shorten the runway, and I hope the Daily Pilot looks into this option.

A shorter runway will limit the weight and type of airplanes using that airport until a better airport comes along.

Donald Nyre

Newport Beach

Stop fighting the battle against marijuana

Although I don’t use it, I strongly feel that marijuana should be legalized, regulated and taxed.

If it helps people deal with pain and loss of appetite from chemo, that’s a plus.

It should be treated like liquor. If one is high when driving, then you lose your license. Other than that, forget about it.

The government spends too much time and money fighting this stupid battle!

Jeff Pick

Florida (formerly of Redondo Beach)

Save teachers from layoffs and legalize pot

Marijuana, like beer and wine, has been part of human history since writing was invented. Objectively, this “weed” is clearly less harmful to the human body than alcohol is. However, social mores and the marketplace have favored alcohol, and I respect a person’s freedom to choose either marijuana or drink.

If society were intelligent, it would allow (and tax) the use of either substance, and not have to fire half the teachers and close half the schools in order to buy one B-2 bomber in order to protect our national-security state. But that’s just me.

John Shubert