While our governor is in Iraq lifting weights California continues to suffer economically. Businesses continue to close and workers are laid off or furloughed and more people are becoming homeless because of foreclosures. He needs to be here working on solutions for the sake of people living in this country. Government involvement is essential. The welfare of the people in this state should be his top priority, not foreign excursions. He can take a trip (he can afford it) next year, when he gets out of office. But for now, he needs to stay in this state and focus his attention on helping the people in this state.

ALLEN CASSIDY, Auburn