It's time for fresh ideas in Congress

Regarding "Gallegly files for reelection, has Democratic challenger in November" in the Feb. 28 Thousand Oaks Acorn, Democrat Mary Pallant certainly has the right idea in suggesting "the need for change is much stronger now" in the 24th Congressional District.

The Acorn's article regarding U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly's 2006 run announced he was retiring due to health concerns- - and then he didn't retire because his name couldn't be taken off the ballot, and the story was challenged by several other regional newspaper articles.

It seems Gallegly's health concerns disappeared by another condition known as "Roveitus." It was reported that when Karl Rove learned of Gallegly's proposed retirement, Rove would have none of it. So Gallegly went back into the race, saying he'd retire in 2008. Gallegly won, then dutifully rubber-stamped every bill that President Bush wanted. Apparently, Gallegly has acquired Roveitus again, since he's running again in 2008.

Gallegly has continued to fully fund the Iraq war and wanted to give the telecom companies immunity from spying on U.S. citizens. Gallegly voted against SCHIP, the children's health bill, affecting 18,000 children in Ventura County.

So Democrat Mary Pallant is correct in saying the 24th district needs a new direction- - as does our entire nation. Jerold Drucker Tarzana