Monkey Business at Old Tropical Garden

I am certainly glad that you people printed “The Land That Time Forgot” (Dec. 1). I used to tell people about this chimp and while they all listened quietly, I know they didn’t believe a word. Maybe now I will get some respect.

Years ago I was a salesman in Orange County. Any time I was near Dutton’s tropical garden, I would stop for a cup of coffee at the snack bar. One day, this chimpanzee, wearing a hat, T-shirt and shorts, walked up to the counter and ordered breakfast. I didn’t hear the conversation so I make no claims for that part of it, but when the food came (hot cakes with an egg on top), Jerry carried it to a table along with utensils, pulled up a chair, cut up the hot cakes and started eating with a fork.

Later on I met Jerry’s trainer, who introduced us. Jerry shook hands like a human. The trainer told me that Jerry not only was toilet-trained but that he used toilet paper. He also slept in his own bed (and wore) pajamas, and when he took a bath, he adjusted the hot and cold water to suit himself.

At one time the trainer acquired a car with dual controls. He created a realistic driver license with Jerry’s picture on it and Jerry would sit on the driver’s side like he was driving. Aside from driving other drivers crazy, the fun began when a police officer spotted the car. When the officer approached, Jerry would roll down the window and hand him his license. At that point the officer would consider changing his line of work.

I didn’t see Jerry for a while. When I went back, he was in a cage. He looked sad and I felt like a friend had gone to prison. Chimps get mean when they get older. Also, they are larger and stronger, which can make them dangerous. Jerry evidently was as friendly as he ever was. At one point, he was caught throwing a child 10 feet in the air and catching him. The child had a marvelous time, but it worried everyone.

I never saw Jerry after that, but for years when I’d hear an argument or discussion about animals and if they had problem solving intelligence, I’d interrupt with, “I used to know this chimp. . . “

John Waugen,

Anaheim

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With his feature article “The Land That Time Forgot,” Times reporter Matt Lait has inadvertently written of innocence and the fine edge of evil.

It lays before man’s conscience a depiction of inhumanity that for theme and delivery ranks with the best of Kafka.

I can only say, poor little monkey child--that in the end he was made to dig his own grave, and participate in his own execution!

The article was unforgettable and deeply depressing.

Reba Williams,

Newport Beach

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In 20 years of reading The Times I cannot recall a more inappropriate story than your article “The Land That Time Forgot.”

I failed to see the point of this story. Was it about cruelty to animals? It is impossible to feel any compassion for a man so pompous that he thinks he created the intelligent traits of this animal by humanizing him, then, unable to fulfill his commitment to care for him, has him dig his own grave, orders him to jump in and has a friend murder him with a shot to the head!

Can’t The Times find a more humane person to feature on the front page of the View section?

Steven Velasco,

Costa Mesa

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Harsh Words for Those Living Here Illegally

So Pablo chooses to live in America illegally (“I Choose to Be Here Illegally,” Dec. 2). Excuse me, he is in violation of our immigration laws and shows the utmost contempt for this nation. (His) $340 weekly cash wages is not bad at all. By sending cash back home to his family, those funds are not spent in the American economy unless you count money-order fees. Whoopee! I bet jobs are created from that industry.

Those funds not withheld from his paycheck deprive the state coffers, the Social Security fund, the state disability fund and the federal treasury. I would bet many Americans out of work right now would love to earn that much money in cash a week. His employer should be fined to the maximum and Pablo should be deported.

I guess all illegal aliens aren’t working for less than minimum wage, as this particular case shows us. The Times editorial staff and the immigrants rights groups blatantly show their contempt for this country, our principles and our right to sovereignty. This country has the right to deport all illegal aliens who cross the border whether it is by land or by sea.

To continue this problem is outright lunacy and an insult to native-born Americans and newly legalized immigrants. It seems that the liberals hate this country and what it stands for so badly they will do and say anything to erode the base of this great nation.

If you want to come to this country, wait your turn in line. As a member of the California Coalition for Immigration Reform, I now know the facts and the facts speak for themselves.

Janet L. McCammon,

Costa Mesa

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I am a native Californian. I come into contact with many Mexican nationals on a daily basis who are also here “illegally” (like Pablo) by their own choice. I do not believe these people are lazy or leeches, nor do I classify them as ignorant. In truth, I believe these people are quite intelligent and are doing what they are doing (like Pablo) for the money. The key words in this article are “illegal” and “choice.”

These people, as much as they are my friends, are here illegally. When amnesty became available, I--along with many American friends--encouraged our illegal friends to apply for amnesty. We even offered to provide financial assistance, but the Mexicans refused to apply for amnesty, even though they were eligible, and “chose” to remain here illegally.

Yes, they work hard for (perhaps) less in wages than an American would accept, but they typically spend little of that hard-earned money here in California. Of the Mexican workers I know personally, each has sent nearly every dollar earned back to Mexico. Many talk of the home or homes they have purchased in Mexico with their American-earned dollars. They drive cars purchased here (with cash) that are uninsured and pool their resources to minimize their living expenses in California.

Last year I earned less in gross wages than “Pablo” and paid more than $3,500 in taxes. My employer paid his share of my employment taxes and provided some (small) benefits. I contributed to my society by providing a service and paying my share of taxes. Maybe I am the one who should be considered less intelligent because I have not found a way to avoid losing 24% of my hard-earned income to taxes.

“Pablo” paid his own medical expenses (cash) as stated in the article. What happens if “Pablo” is involved in a tragic automobile accident with no insurance and his medical expenses go beyond his cash capabilities? Who pays his medical expenses then? Who pays the medical expenses of the other involved auto and its occupants? We do.

We seem to be missing the real issues when we speak of illegal aliens working in California. The bottom line is, they are breaking the law. Regardless of their contributions, they are illegal. They do not “choose” to become “legal” and lose a percentage of their income to taxes. They are good, hard-working, kind people. But they are breaking the law.

Sandy Noble,

Yorba Linda