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Opinions
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—Letters—
Buffet Doesn’t Like Taxes, But Wants Others To Pay More Taxes
To The Record-Courier:
Recently we have heard a great deal about Mr. Warren Buffett and his advice on taxes. He thinks that taxes should be increased, especially on wealthier taxpayers. Mr. Buffett is considered by many to be America's best investor and is one of the wealthiest Americans so his words are supposed to carry some weight. He has become a great favorite of President Obama. His secretary sat right beside Mrs. Obama at the State of the Union address.
Now we very often hear that Buffett pays less in taxes than his secretary. How can this be explained? Either his secretary is very highly paid or Buffett pays very little tax. The truth is that Buffett has never liked to pay taxes. His principal source of wealth is his ownership of Berkshire Hathaway, a company that he bought many years ago for a few dollars a share and which is now selling for $115,000 a share. His company has never paid dividends since he has owned it. Shareholders who receive dividends on their shares have to pay taxes on the dividends. Horrors! Buffett doesn't like taxes. He wants other people to pay more taxes.
Carl R. Kostol
Baker City, Ore.
Retired Judge Recommends 10 % Across The Board Budget Cut To Help Keep Justice Court Intact
To The Record-Courier:
Friday’s Baker City Herald details a possible plan to reduce Baker’s Justice Court down to a half time position after all comments received at their Jan. 18 meeting were asking them to not reduce the court and leave it as it has been historically, a full service court serving the needs of our city and county every day of the week.
Moving the criminal cases up to Baker Circuit Court, thereby eliminating the need for the Public Defenders contract, will do nothing short of clogging up the already full docket Judge Baxter handles plus creating big delays in getting cases adjudicated. Just remember that we (you & I) are still paying for the costs of these cases with taxpayer dollars no matter which level they are processed, state or county.
Our Justice Court is the 3rd equal branch of government giving our citizens a system of checks and balances at the county level as provided for in the original Oregon Constitution Article VII section 1. We have local control of the Justice Court by participating in the budget board hearings that establish the amount of funding for proper operation each year. We select a new judge each 6 years from among our local citizen candidates, and if we are very unhappy with our judge the remedies of recall and/or a judicial fitness and ethics violation complaint are available if necessary. This is local control we still have and we do not need to diminish our citizen oversight by reducing the Justice of the Peace to a half time position.
The majority of comments trying to justify such action by the county court relate to a budget shortfall. Baker County had budget problems in the 1980's when Larry Smith was County Judge. He made a 10% across the board cut in all department budgets so everyone in the county government felt the pain. The courthouse remained open and the people of Baker City & County were not deprived of essential services. Ralph Ward was elected County Judge and he managed to reinstate the cut budgets so life returned to normal.
I would suggest our County Commissioners institute a 10% across the board cut in all budgets as their predecessors have done to balance the budget and leave our Justice Court intact as a full service court.
Everyone please voice your opinion. Once the government takes anything away, you'll never get it back. The people of Baker County are the losers.
Judge Larry D. Cole, Retired
Baker City, Ore.
Regrets Knight’s Initiation Of School Board Recall Process
To The Record-Courier:
I wanted to comment on a few of Kyle Knight's statements in his January 25th letter to the editor.
First, the “employees and staff” of the Baker 5J School District have NOT been “unfunded.” All payrolls have been made. True, we are in very tight times. However, our CFO - Doug Dalton, has done an admirable job of laying out a financial plan in accordance with last year’s budget. So, we have every assurance that payrolls will continue to be met. Our employee’s next payroll check will NOT bounce!
Second, Kyle states that “. . . budget irresponsible, as well as this district and board for passing and lobbying for a tax bond, . . .”. I’m not sure where Kyle obtained his information, but the “Local Option Tax” for the schools did NOT pass. I believe that the only wide-spread tax levy that did pass was for the libraries.
Third, Kyle states that “I found misappropriated funds in the 2011-2012 budget.” I have certainly found no such evidence, The “Misappropriation” of public funds is a VERY, VERY serious charge, carrying severe criminal sentences and fines. I only hope that Kyle did more research into this allegation, than he did his other statements. (Especially in light that the District just completed its latest third-party financial audit with no issues, and only a few minor procedural suggestions).
Lastly, I regret that Kyle has initiated the recall process. In my opinion, a recall is not needed, and is a financial burden that the District should not have to bear. However, recalls are afforded under the law. I only hope that the District emerges from this recall process stronger for our KIDS.
Mark Henderson
Baker 5J School Board Member
What Is The Baker County Chamber Banquet All About?
To The Record-Courier:
Volunteers, that’s the short answer. The long answer; an opportunity for the community to thank individuals in Baker County that make a career out of volunteering to run community events, championing charitable projects, participating in community infrastructure missions and leadership projects that support and encourage economic commerce in our community.
It takes volunteers to put on the Chamber Awards Banquet too. I want to personally thank the Baker High School Theater kids for helping us set up the tables and chairs and do the serving of the food at the banquet. The parents of those young adults should be very proud of their children! Polite, efficient and willing to go the extra mile when asked, I can’t tell you all how much help they were. Please join me in thanking them for a job well done.
The Chamber has made a donation to their theater project fund for the setup and take down of tables and chairs. Baker Truck Corral has made a donation to the same fund for serving the dinner. This group of young people is a great example to Baker County community young and old. I hope we all make an effort to attend their plays and support drama in our public schools.
I want to take a moment to thank my Board of Directors for their help, especially Jeremy Gilpin, JR. and Sony Vela for borrowing us the sound system, Leita Seiber Barr and Ann Mehaffy for their help at the registration booth and helping to keep the Chamber open while I was occupied with the Banquet, Crossroads Carnegie for letting us borrow chairs, the Museum for being a great partner and Baker County Businesses who decorated tables and donated items to the auction. Most people don’t understand without those businesses making these donations of time and money, the Banquet would be just another dinner away from the house.
Last but not least, when we came home from Church on Sunday, Nelson Clarke was taking a Sunday morning walk. He stopped to say hi and ended up back at the Museum with my husband and I helping us finish clean up. That Nelson is one Class Act. Every time I get to spend time with Nelson Clarke I learn something new about him as a person and if there was ever any doubt in my mind before, I am now sure he has a huge heart, and is one of Baker Counties Champions. Thank you Nelson, Thank you one and all for helping me put on a party to celebrate the volunteerism. I pray local businesses truly grasp how important volunteers are to making our businesses thrive and grow.
Debi Bainter
Baker City, Ore.
Monopoly vs. Blockus
To The Record-Courier:
Remember Monopoly? That game can still be played and probably every family household has it. And remember how when one got a card that said pass go and collect $200, if one was lucky.
Now there is another game called Blockus that some friends of ours and us played one night....fun, fun, fun, no brains to speak of to play it...oops did I say no brains.
Well now with the latest of our monopoly of problems and all it seems like our monopoly adventures are trying to increase the borrowing and a spending hike and those in Congress haven't even begun to settle the debt crisis that gave them an extension of two months. And here the individual etc., is wanting to borrow more on top of that. They haven't even begun to talk about the two months issues at stake so here we go again. Nothing gets done only money for this and money for that, where is it coming from? Of course we know the answer to that!
Don't our imaginations have wonderful ideas of get rich schemes? With the elections and all going on no wonder nothing can get done. Put them off maybe and see what can get done. The President asked for $1.2 trillion in additional borrowing authority, last month, so there you have it. Makes one wonder where he is getting all this from other than he dreams it.
In Blockus you start off with one block and all the other blocks have to make a connection from the one corner and then you try to stop all the others in between. Then if you mastered the art of the game and you have nothing left, well need I say more on that game.... whatever is left is counted against you. However, maybe it’s not too late to block the President.
So doubt, that I need to say anything more on the tricks of the trade for the high stakes of borrowing, just seems like to me the President is just to money happy. If a new president steps up after all is said and done there won't be anything left for him to take care of.
Just maybe one will hide their head in the sand like that of a stork when the going gets more so and the others just keep on running, and running, on what? You know the old saying goes, if you have money to spend or think you do, nothing like burning a hole in that pocket until there is no more to spend.
Coffee Anyone,
Brenda Dickison
Baker City, Ore.
Avoid Being Stranded
To The Record-Courier:
The thought of a breakdown, an engine not starting or otherwise being stranded is scary as it is, but those things happening in freezing winter weather add another level of fear. So, when the weather outside is frightful, a little advance preparation can make winter driving more delightful. An investment of an hour or so to have your vehicle checked can help you avoid being stranded in severe winter weather:
· Check the battery and charging system for optimum performance. Cold weather is hard on batteries.
· Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a general rule of thumb, this should be done every two years.
· Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly. Consider winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid. Typically, wiper blades should be replaced every six months.
· If you’re due for a tune-up, have it done before winter sets in. Winter magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling.
· Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads. During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.
· Check the brakes. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety component.
· Inspect the exhaust system for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.
· Check to see that exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed.
· Be diligent about changing the oil at recommended intervals as dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. Consider changing to “winter weight” oil if you live in a cold climate. Check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.
Motorists should keep the gas tank at least half full at all times to decrease the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing. Drivers should also check the tire pressure of the spare in the trunk and stock an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, blanket, extra clothes, candles/matches, bottled water, dry food snacks and needed medication.
For more helpful information, visit www.carcare.org and check out the free digital Car Care Guide.
Rich White
Bethesda, MD
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— LETTERS —
Inequality Issue Is Not Going Away
To The Record-Courier:
An editorial cartoon recently printed in the Baker City Herald depicted Mitt Romney in unfavorable light as an out-of-touch Republican presidential candidate. His personal wealth (around $250 million) and his recent comments have made him a sort of poster child for the top 1% of Americans.
A former corporate raider with Bain Capital, Mr. Romney says, "I like being able to fire people," and "Corporations are people." On top of that, he is reluctant to release his personal income tax returns, probably because he pays an overall tax rate of only 15% (and possibly less) on his considerable income. He prefers that this be kept quiet, along with any discussion of U.S. income and wealth inequality.
But the inequality issue is not going away. Despite Republicans' avoidance of this issue or their decrying it as "class warfare," most of us realize that we have become a society more unequal than at any time since the 1920s. Automation, globalization, union busting, and legalized financial abuse have drained middle-class purchasing power and stymied upward mobility. Health care and public education are in critical decline. Most of us have been left behind, while Romney and his cohorts pursue a never-ending quest for more money...and the political power to cut their taxes even further.
The Occupy Movement has set the stage for a presidential general election properly centering around economic inequality. President Obama zeroed in on this with an inspiring, major speech at Osawatomie, Kansas, on Dec. 6, in which he rejected continuance of "you're on your own" economics and low tax rates for the wealthy...and gave a positive plug for Marvin Windows. His economic program moves us in the right direction. (See WhiteHouse.gov.)
Among many additional resources and ideas we can build on, Bill Moyers is back with an excellent new series on PBS which digs deeply into this pivotal issue – at BillMoyers.com. And contract.rebuildthedream.com offers a comprehensive grassroots guide.
If we join together in full and open recognition of the dilemma we face, and if we energetically work to correct it, we can perform invaluable service to our country and the generations to come.
Marshall McComb
Baker City, Ore.
President Is A Big Part Of The Problem
To The Record-Courier:
President Obama is hardly the poster child for income inequality that Marshall McComb makes him out to be. As an avid practitioner of crony capitalism, the president is a big part of the problem. In 2008, Wall Street donated far more generously to his election campaign than they did to Senator McCain’s, and they have been cashing in their chips ever since. Just count how many former Wall Street executives are part of the president’s administration.
Besides, the issue in this year’s election is not going to change to income inequality; it will remain massive overspending by the Federal Government. For years, Washington D. C. has been the home of spendthrifts, but in 2009, the money spigots were turned on full blast. We are well on a course where we add another trillion dollars to the national debt every year or two.
So in November, voters will decide: do we continue on the present course until our financial situation resembles that of Greece, or do we begin to apply a little financial discipline to our Federal Government?
Pete Sundin
Baker City, Ore.
Excessive School Contingency Funds Leave Employees And Staff Unfunded
To The Record-Courier:
I unequivocally condemn the behavior of Lynne Burroughs, including her fictitious and immature letter to the editor on Jan. 18 which was nothing more than a mendacious personal attack. Coming from a “Drama” instructor and currently a card carrying member of the teachers union, I was not surprised. I will continue to stand and engage with officials like Lynne Burroughs as David did Goliath.
Moving on to the issues, While researching the district’s frivolous spending on new tech toys, I found misappropriated funds in the 2011-2012 budget. As I looked deeper under the carpet, Contingency funds caught my eye adding up to million plus dollars. So the district increased numerous amounts of funds in different accounts including these Contingency funds. Then they increased, and funded different accounts on the budget and left the employees and staff unfunded. The district then cried wolf, stating that they would have to cut over 15 plus positions if the tax bond did not pass. I find it fascinating that a larger district, like the La Grande school district only has $366,000 in Contingency funds. These Contingency funds are for emergencies and rainy days, and are unaccountable and can lead to bridges to nowhere.
I find the 2011/2012 budget irresponsible, as well as this district and board for passing and lobbying for a tax bond, and putting the school staff on the front line. Seeing first hand on how tax payer’s money is spent, it is clear to me that the district is not the best steward of the tax payer’s money. I look forward to working on a budget that represents the community along with providing a quality education, which the 2011/2012 budget does not.
I also will be exploring a possible recall of fellow board members who do not represent the best interests of the community and our students. We cannot afford to continue the failed policies of this school district.
"I don't pretend to be a man of the people. But I do try to be a man for the people."
Kyle Knight, 5J School District Board Member
Baker City
Most Wanted Project Successful
To The Record-Courier:
We are coming up on a year of running the Baker County Most Wanted in the newspapers and I just wanted to share a bit of the success we have had. Since starting in mid February of 2011, we have apprehended 15 offenders that have absconded supervision, thanks to your help.
Some of these offenders were on abscond a very long time prior to being caught. Some turned themselves in after seeing their picture in the paper. Citizens who read the paper have made calls, aiding us in apprehension. Family members have called or emailed to let us know the location of the offenders. Some of the offenders have continued their poor behavior/choices and continue to fail to abide by the conditions of supervision, some have been sentenced to prison, but others have changed their behavior and are now in compliance.
All in all, it has been a great project and thank you for your assistance. It is greatly appreciated!
Here is a list of the apprehended abscond offenders that were "featured" in the newspapers:
Kevin Treanor, apprehended 2/18/11
Brandon Griffith, apprehended 6/29/11
Joshua Foote, apprehended 3/22/11
Greg Webber, apprehended 4/22/11
Tiffany Sanders, apprehended 7/30/11
Steven McBride, apprehended 8/15/11
Ryan Culley, apprehended 5/23/11
Timothy Holeman, apprehended 6/11/11
Eric Cavyell, apprehended 7/13/11
Tyler Hunt, apprehended 7/21/11
Paul Heller, apprehended 1/11/12
James Blitch, apprehended 10/29/11
Joshua Crawford, apprehended 11/23/11
Joey Gill, apprehended 1/19/12
William Rachau, Jr., apprehended 1/11/12
Again, thank you very much!
Lieutenant Will Benson
Parole/Probation Supervisor
Baker County Sheriff's Office
Parole and Probation Division
Baker City, Ore.
Cruise Ship Safety Needs To Be Evaluated
To The Record-Courier:
As a former naval officer; officer-of-the deck underway, independent and formation steaming; and qualified marine navigator and instructor, I have questions concerning the grounding of the cruise ship Costa Concordia off the coast of Italy.
Was the captain on the bridge exercising control of the ship? If so, why was the ship so close to the rocks? If not, who was on the bridge conning the ship? What were their qualifications? Was there a maritime pilot on the bridge? The most dangerous period in peacetime for a ship underway is when it is leaving and entering port or traversing in close proximity to land. This is when you have to be on full alert.
Why did the Costa Concordia only hold emergency evacuation drills once every fifteen days? During a 15-day period the ship would normally visit a number of ports and embark new passengers. A drill should be held prior to leaving every port.
The maritime industry should evaluate the viability of lifeboat systems which fail when a ship takes on a significant list that makes it very difficult or impossible to launch lifeboats.
More attention must be paid to the safety of passengers and crew.
Donald A. Moskowitz
Londonderry, NH
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—Editorial—
The Jan. 2 School Debate
Although we understand Kyle Knight's concerns about following state and federal regulations when it comes to designating which days students should attend school, we feel it necessary to make a couple of observations regarding the 5J District's action to hold school on Jan. 2, which was a legal holiday.
The 2011-2012 calendar was approved and made available to the public in April, which should have given students, parents, teachers, school staff and 5J Board members ample time to request a change if they were dissatisfied with the decision to have school on Jan. 2. We understand that BEA President Tim Smith did raise concerns. However, it was late December and with the Christmas vacation, the District felt there wasn’t ample time to make a change and notify everyone who would be affected by it. We agree.
When the calendar was created, those involved were intent on scheduling as many full four-day school weeks as possible, which when the change from five days to four days took place was raised as a concern by the communities.
Given the choice of adding an additional day of school in the summer over taking away one day of a break that had already lasted two weeks in the winter, from our perspective we would have been inclined to chose Jan. 2 as well. Although not perfect, compromises have to be made somewhere.
Outside of government and state agencies, most entities conducted business as usual on Jan. 2 so we are assuming that a lot of parents and spouses of school staff and faculty had to work that day anyway.
And let's not forget, going to school, although required, is a privilege that many children do not have in other countries and it shouldn't be taken for granted nor made menial by a holiday issue. Should the school district be expending so much time and energy over the Jan. 2 debate, which is now over and done with, as opposed to focusing on providing the best education available resources will allow? We don’t think so.
Having made these points however, the only real concern we see with having school on Jan. 2 is the District's legal inability to "compel" students to go to school that day. When many students don't feel "compelled," as demonstrated at the Baker High School, they won't go to school. This is perhaps where parents should be involved in making the calendar decisions and then they could enforce it with their children.
Not unrelated to the Jan. 2 decision, is the current School Board's apparent inability to work together to resolve these issues. If Mr. Knight felt like he had to go public in order to be heard, then there is something wrong with this situation. If, however, he failed to adequately express his concerns to the board before going public, we don't have much confidence in his ability to work together with the rest of the school board and administration as a team player. Either way, we see room for improvement. But we do appreciate Mr. Knight's eagerness to bring the District's actions to light for public scrutiny as they should be, and it appears holding school on a legal holiday in the future will be more carefully considered. Mission accomplished, enough said. (DS)
—Letters—
School District Made A Bad Decision
To The Record-Courier:
Holding school on Jan. 2, a federal and state holiday, was a mistake. While other government agencies were closed, Baker schools opened.
The school district’s response, that they would recommend we don’t do this again, was a smart move. I am still concerned about statements made by the superintendent that “Those who chose to skip or promoted skipping are making a judgment that is ethically challenged. It is the behavior of those who skipped that bears scrutiny, not the district’s.”
It is wrong to have teachers teach half a class. It is wrong to start a new year with almost half of the students in some schools behind. It is outrageous for the district to attack those that decided to spend the holiday together as a family. ORS 336.010 states that school districts can’t compel either students or teachers to work on any legal holiday. ORS 187.010 defines legal holidays.
I praise the actions of many school districts and four-day districts like North Powder who put the welfare of their student’s education before their pocketbook, by changing the school day on New Year’s Day.
School board members Andrew Bryan and Lynne Burroughs who supported, and sponsored the 2011-2012 calendar chose to put the School District at risk. It was the job of the district and board as an employer to tell the union it was a legal holiday. The school board is elected to represent the community, not the teachers’ union.
The majority of the board does not represent the best interests of the community and the students’ education. Some board members are nothing more than a rubber stamp for the district and the status quo, who get offended when someone questions their actions. They then accuse me of violating my oath of office for holding the district accountable. Like when Bryan, Burroughs and Mark Henderson voted to create a weapons policy that violated the state and U.S. Constitutions, and then knowingly continued to support this illegal policy until the possibility of a lawsuit arose. This district and board seems to think I answer to them. I answer to the people of this community who elected me over the past leadership and I will fight for the community and the best interests of the students.
“When you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat.” President Ronald Reagan
Kyle Knight
Baker School Board member
A Knight’s Tale
To The Record-Courier:
It falls to me to take School Board Member Kyle Knight to task for his need to publicize himself to the detriment of the 5J School District and of his own integrity. In the latest episode, our hero discovered that some teachers at Baker High School were behaving strangely on Jan. 2. Knight eagerly called all of his media sources to condemn the District for holding school on that day. He did not call the school board chair, school administrators or the superintendent to find out if anyone had really complained. Had he done so, he would have found that there were zero complaints from parents. It seemed clear that the kids were ready to be back in school and the parents were glad to have them there.
The calendar was negotiated between the Teachers’ Association and the 5J Administration, approved by the School Board and advertised to the public for nine months without complaint. But our hero determined that an evil had been planned and perpetrated on the community by the Superintendent and the previous 5J School board. Contrary to Knight’s statement re the law, the district and the teacher’s association have the right to choose to work on legal holidays as do many other employers and employees. How many of you worked that day?
Out hero sought to verify his claim of community outrage over school on a legal holiday. No luck. Then he thought of the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). Shortly, there were four “parents” who called that government agency refusing to give their names in fear of reprisals against their children, and complaining about Jan. 2. Our hero soon called the ODE to discover if there were complaints. He proudly sent me an email from a very confused secretary at ODE.
Our hero did not mean to slander the parents of the 5J District. He does not know that our parents call those who have control over their problem, not some state agency. That they do not without their names, because they fear none of us — not board members, not administrators, not the superintendent, A clear case of sound and fury signifying nothing.
Lynne Burroughs, 5J School Board Chair
Baker City
Why Can’t My Daughter See The Fire Trucks?
To The Record-Courier:
My name is Alex Sealey. I went down to the Baker Fire Station to get my burn permit today. I took my 2-1/2 year old daughter with me because she wanted to “see the trucks with the lights.” After getting my permit I asked to take her back to see the trucks. The firefighter who was helping me said, “We are too busy to take you back to see the trucks.” So I asked him if they were responding to call a and he told me “no.” This is the second time in the last month and a half that I have taken my daughter down there and both times they have told me the same thing.
Now a little history on me: My family moved here in August of 2011. We moved from La Grande were I was a volunteer firefighter for Island City/La Grande Rural Fire Department. The only time we ever turned people away was if we had a call that we were responding to, after all the trucks and equipment are publically owned.
As a citizen we have every right to see these trucks. Now I could see turning us away if it was after business hours, but it was mid day when we went down. My question is, if they are too busy to take a 2-1/2 year old back to see the trucks for about 5 minutes, are they going to be too busy when someone really needs them?
Alexander Sealey and Family
Baker City
Political Hopscotch
To The Record-Courier:
Well blow me away, remember that game called Hopscotch? Doesn't seem to get played much these days other than what takes place in Washington.
Yes, it is pretty absurd to see what is happening now and how the President can play his game of hopscotch right over the Senate, Congress and even our Constitutional rights. I just wonder how long it will take before we see who trips up who this year.
It makes me wonder with what happened with the governor in Wisconsin, why Congress just doesn't plan a sit out agenda and see what the President has left to go on other than his own power to do whatever he very well pleases and to go far and above and beyond the Constitution. So much for our Constitution and how it is getting hammered and blown out of proportion with nothing left of it. Before you know it we will probably have no Constitution.
I wonder how much more, given the current agenda, it will take to pull the wool over our eyes by Washington under the guise of what some would call taking care of business. No wonder the debt crisis, etc. can never get settled, and it never will so we might as well face these problematic issues and be ready for whatever.
What really is bothersome at that is how can one blow so many thousands of dollars just to take a trip to Hawaii and wherever; and then come back and blow his own whistle about his intentions? He then blames the others for not being there during their recess to get the job done. To me, he isn't any better. So who is kidding who in these issues? And then not to mention making our budget crisis even more so, just to take a vacation etc. Maybe staying home and watching his budget and expenses like everyone else tries to these days to make ends meet would be worth while. A sense of practice what you preach.
With my wonderful clients that I have for my ironing services and all this was a really good year to make do for family and clients as well on a small scale and it was awesome to pay for it all in cash. It was awesome of how blessings came to us by the few who did what they did for us and all this past year.
It doesn't seem like anything will be free and clear these days given the issues no matter how hard we try to strive to see that accomplishment as a goal for ones self worth and ambition. Well ready or not here we come 2012. Is this a case of cheers or Cheerios?
Coffee Anyone?
Baker City
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—LETTERS—
Football and the Liberal Arts
To The Record-Courier:
Last year the Oregon Ducks lost the Rose Bowl. Last week they won the Rose Bowl. The victory has been 95 years in the making. Football teaches us how to get up and keep going after we have been knocked down. In football, as in life, we have to learn not to be defeated by our failures.
Some of my teaching colleagues think varsity sports get in the way of a liberal arts education. They’re wrong. Football teaches our students a great many things which often go untaught in today’s school system.
Football teaches that self-esteem cannot be given; it must be earned. Football teaches that no matter how good you are, you can’t win alone. You are part of a team. It teaches you that often you have to continue working long after your mind and body are screaming at you to quit. It teaches that no matter how talented you are, you can’t break the rules of the game and you darn well should not be allowed to break the laws of the land.
Football teaches you that as an adult you have the right to choose to do dangerous things, because football is dangerous and it is a choice. Some of the risks can be lessened, but players are injured and may even die playing football. I worry about football injuries and it’s one of the reasons I prefer basketball. I seldom recommend students join the football team because I am not sure the risks are worth it; but I firmly believe, in a free society, the choice is theirs and not mine.
In football there are winners and there are losers. If everyone wins, no one wins. But it’s OK because competition can be a very good thing. It can bring out the best in you and in the game. Football provides an equal playing field. It doesn’t discriminate against you because of your race, your religion, your politics or your sexual orientation. Still, if you are plump and top out at 5’2”, you had better enjoy the game as a fan and find some other way to excel. Life is not fair, but football is fair unless the referees are crooked.
Athletes have been among my most academically gifted students, but whether the student-athletes in my class earned A’s or C’s, most of them have gone on to live rich and productive lives out there in the “real” world in part because of what they learned from football.
Chana Cox
U-Choose Education Forum, and Lewis and Clark faculty emerita
The Wolves Are At The Door
To The Record-Courier:
Hey brother, can you spare a dime, because the wolf is at the door.
Well not exactly at the door, yet, but wolves have become a critical problem in Wallowa County causing thousands of dollars in damage to cattle ranchers and also causing devastation in the deer and elk populations. Considering how rapidly a wolf can cover ground, it is only a matter of time until these killing machines will be in your county and at your back door.
This is a very complex issue that involves several entities. So far there has not been an easy answer or quick fix to the problem. The more time that elapses the larger the problem becomes and the greater the losses incurred by the livestock growers and the wildlife herds.
There is much at stake here. Consider the impact on local economies when hunting is no longer possible because the game no longer exists. Also, if ranchers are forced out of business and hunting disappears we will be facing the possibility of drastic life style changes.
This is what you can do:
1. Spend a few minutes at the excellent web site called oregonwolfeducation.org. Watch the video and listen to the constantly updated "Wolf Reports" put together by the above named organization. The video was filmed on privately owned ranches and illustrates how serious the problem is and the frustration ranchers are facing in dealing with government agencies like The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, for example.
2. Forward the oregonwolfeducation.org website to others and encourage them to get involved. Education on this issue is of utmost importance. Please help to spread the word.
3. Last but not least: Can't you please spare a dime? Please send a donation to Oregon Wolf Education, PO Box 514, Joseph, OR 97846.
Jack Meligan
Heppner, Or.
Measure 5 Of 1990 Is A Red Herring
To The Record-Courier:
In reading the brief about Measure 5 of 1990 about property taxes for schools, as not to limit the uses related to fire protection assessments by the State Department of Forestry (ODF). This is just a red herring by the governor’s cabinets to the 1994 elections of Measure 5 that amends the State’s constitution limits on taxes that does require voter’s approval by a majority vote and enforceable by private lawsuit.
An Act: be enacted by the people of the State of Oregon: Preamble. The purpose of this act is to ensure that tax increases, which further deprive the citizens of incomes and property are here after directly approved by the people. Paragraph 1. The constitution of the State of Oregon is amended by creating a new Section 32a in article 1 to read: Section 32a. People’s right to approve all taxes. Not withstanding any other provision of this constitution, any new taxes or tax increases shall require approval by the people, as follows, etc.
Anyone dealing with the State’s cabinets under a Socialist Democratic oligarchy knows that State and U.S. Constitutional laws have no part of their agenda, as clear back as McCall’s L.C.D.C. zoning or early 1970’s. The 1930’s hearings, as encroachments.
Bruce Parke
Sumpter, Ore.
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—EDITORIAL—
By Debby Schoeningh
Since Dec. 31, I had been trying to come up with a New Year's resolution. I pondered all of the possibilities. The usual came to mind - eat better, exercise more, complain less, write that best seller that's been taking up space in my head... None of these, however, really appealed to me, probably partly due to the fact that I have made those resolutions before and obviously didn't keep them or I wouldn't be considering them again this year.
This year I wanted to choose something meaningful that would make a difference in my life and the life of those around me.
I wanted to make a resolution to do something to benefit mankind, along the lines of Mother Teresa.
I wanted to start a movement to help end oppression like Martin Luther King Jr.
I wanted to achieve a monumental goal like Amelia Earhart or invent something like Thomas Edison that would make life easier for millions of people.
I wanted to figure out a way to get Congress to stop messing around and make some solid decisions that would help our economy.
But I soon realized I had no idea of how to attain these lofty goals or much confidence in my ability to do so. Although I did figure I would have a better chance at being the first to fly around the world strapped by bailing twine to a flock of geese than to make any headway with Congress, so I immediately dismissed that option.
Monday, Jan. 2, rolled around and I still had no resolution so I decided to put it aside and go about my business until something came to me. I did what a lot of women do when they have a difficult decision to make — I went shopping.
As I rounded a corner walking down a Baker City sidewalk I encountered an older man standing in front of a store. He had just made a purchase and was standing outside in the cold near the front door of the business. As I approached him his eyes lit up and he exclaimed, "There you are!"
After turning and noticing no one was behind me, I decided that he must have been talking to me.
I smiled and said, "You were waiting for me?"
"Yes," he said, and proceeded to tell me a little bit about himself. He said he is 85 years old and manages to live by himself. I politely listened and smiled as he told me a little about his life and his travels. He said although he had made it downtown with no problems, he didn't think he had the energy to walk back home and wondered if I would give him a ride.
My parents taught me well, and ordinarily I would never give a ride to or even engage in a lengthy conversation with a complete stranger, especially outside in the cold. But I rationalized that if this kindly acting older gentleman who was few inches shorter and a couple of pounds lighter than me turned out to be some kind of criminal, I think I could take him. Besides my husband was waiting for me in the car.
On the 10-minute ride to his house, he told us more of his life’s stories and of his interests in between giving me instructions of which streets to turn on. At one point as I was driving down 10th Street doing about 35 miles an hour he asked if it was my regular practice to drive so fast. I smiled at him in the rearview mirror and said, “I suppose so.” He said that was good because he liked it, which made me smile even more.
As I pulled into the driveway to his house, he thanked us for the ride and started to go inside. Before he reached his front door steps, he turned around, came over to my driver's side window and said, "You have the nicest smile, it's a smile that makes other people happy." And with that he turned, waved and went inside his house.
It was at that moment that I knew what my New Year's resolution would be. I don't have to set a world record, re-invent the light bulb or move to the slums of Calcutta. If that's all it takes to make someone happy, then I resolve this year to smile more often - at others, at myself and most definitely at Congress.
“A smile is the beginning of peace.” — Mother Teresa
—LETTERS—
Engine Repowering Keeps New Car Costs At Bay
To The Record-Courier:
Buying a new car might sound great in theory but in these uncertain economic times, it might not be the right investment. Other options, such as replacing your worn out engine with a rebuilt or remanufactured engine may be a much better economic decision to keep new car costs at bay.
Installing a rebuilt or remanufactured engine saves big money in the long run. For the cost of an average down payment on a new car or truck, you can repower your vehicle with a remanufactured or rebuilt engine and gain years of reliable service without monthly car payments and higher insurance rates.
With a rebuilt or remanufactured engine, a vehicle’s worn out engine, or an identical engine, is completely disassembled, cleaned, machined and rebuilt. Unlike used or junk yard engines with an unknown performance and maintenance history, remanufactured and rebuilt engines are dependable, reliable and backed by excellent warranty programs.
Before you consider a new vehicle purchase, talk with a professional automotive technician to see if a rebuilt or remanufactured engine is the right choice for you. To learn more, visit the Engine Rebuilders Council website at www.enginerebuilder.org and click on Cost Comparisons to view a chart of examples illustrating the cost difference between purchasing a new vehicle and repowering your vehicle with a remanufactured or rebuilt engine.
Ken Carter
Chairman
Engine Rebuilders Council
New Law Closes Loophole In Campaign Expense Reporting
To The Record-Courier:
A change in Oregon campaign finance law going into effect in 2012 prompts me to revisit the October 2009 attempt to recall Mayor Dorrah and Councilor Calder. (The voters rejected the recall by a vote of 2 to 1.)
It’s now two years later and the public still does not know who paid for half of the recall committee’s expenses.
How can this be, given Oregon’s sunshine law requires that campaigns disclose the names of persons who contribute more than $100?
Answer: there was a loophole in the old law. It did not require campaign committees to reveal the name of a person who paid for campaign expenses with the expectation of reimbursement. At least, not until 1) the committee makes the reimbursement or 2) the person forgives the loan.
In the case of the 2009 recall attempt, neither event has happened.
After receiving complaints, the Oregon Legislature passed a new law which eliminates the loophole by requiring that campaign committees within seven days reveal such contributions and the names of persons who make them.
The Recall Dorrah and Calder Campaign Committee used the loophole — and is still using it — to hide from the public the name of the person who paid a total of $2,707 in campaign expenses, supposedly with the expectation of reimbursement.
The Recall Dorrah and Calder Committee still has not made reimbursement nor has the donor forgiven the loan. Until one of these two events happens, the loophole allows the committee and the donor to continue to hide from the public the identity of the person who contributed half of the campaign’s finances.
Elections Division records show that the Recall Dorrah and Calder Committee has not been closed out and has a deficit of $3,536.
Elections Division records show that Jamey K. Hardy and Kathye Corn are the committee’s director and treasurer.
Why do Hardy, Corn, and the donor continue to hide the donor’s identity?
The recall is not over until the committee pays its debts and the public knows who put up the bulk of the money to finance it.
Gary Dielman
Baker City
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—LETTERS—
Resource Plans Need Your Input
To The Record-Courier:
The release of the 1800 pages of graphs, maps, and new proposed resource areas, was announced this past week. You can expect the 1989 document with its amendments, to be replaced with one of the numbered new alternatives.
Resource Management and Travel Management are not the same. BLM would like you to believe the focus on resource will not impact roads. The “no action alternative” best preserves the roads we presently travel and enjoy.
Currently, the public has two plans to deal with. The forest service Travel Management Plan, and the recently released BLM Resource Management Plan. On the heals of these two will be the Forest Service Resource Plan for the Blue Mountains, then the BLM with a Travel Management Plan. Is it intentional to overwhelm the public with these plans?
Fortunately Baker County has created a natural resource committee to guard our best interests. The County Commission and the Resource Committee need to hear from you. Individuals need to make written comments to BLM and voice their opinions.
Beginning Jan. 10, 2012, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Durkee Community Hall, will begin a series of public meetings. Take time to be informed and attend the meetings, then follow up with written comments.
Wanda Ballard
Lifetime Northeast Oregon resident
Exploiting Dirty Agendas
To The Record-Courier:
Well, you know that seems to be the character make up of the world that we live in nowadays. Trying to make some sense or good out of all of it is beyond me or probably anyone for that matter.
Seems like when one is ousted in any given event, then it is on to the next one of who they can exploit the backgrounds of. In a lot of ways how we represent ourselves in public, giving one’s opinion and how it comes across (hopefully in an appropriate manner) says a lot of one's character.
It seems as though who I thought would be the least popular of the candidates for president is making some advancements. But I wonder now before all is said how well the individuals will hold and defend themselves after the issues of behind closed doors is exposed. To me these issues would never come about if the individual or individuals involved never had the complications of past issues to begin with. They could stand firm on a clean record against all who would be guilty of such actions. It was mentioned that it is kinda of like a circus now.
Now it seems as though they are trumping on whoever and will see how far it can ride. So yes probably for some of us, why bother to vote when there isn't much to vote on or anyone who can get the job done. Time will tell.
It’s wishful thinking that Congress would put issues aside and get their acts together and really take care of business before we all really feel the affects of their stupidity and on-going doings that is being placated before anything can get done to begin with. Yes with all those high wires that they try to balance themselves on, no matter what it is like a circus.
Like the weather with trees and strong winds, they aren't as solid as they are deemed to be. It makes you wonder what leaders will be tripping themselves up and be shaken to the point that there will be no ground left for them to stand on where they once thought it was solid enough to hold them upright. Even those who have been long standing could be shaken. Look what is happening around the world with all of the leaders being ousted. It’s pretty sad to see what all this is amounting to.
So aside from all this exploiting of dirty agendas, think I will stick to my Looney Tune characters. They seem to be harmless. I will enjoy them and my coffee doings and hope that all these issues will blow over as one would say no matter how strong the winds may be.
Coffee Anyone?
Brenda Dickison
Baker City, Ore.
Wind Over Coal
To The Record-Courier:
Wind power is the future. It’s the most cost-effective source of renewable energy, and is starting to undercut fossil fuels. Power from conventional coal costs $68 per megawatt-hour, while wind power in high resource areas cost $65 per megawatt-hour.
Supplies of coal and oil dwindle each day, but there will always be wind. And since wind will always be there, it isn’t subject to the type of supply-side market fluctuations that exist for fossil fuels.
Moreover, coal has serious underlying environmental implications. The combustion of coal is required for it to be used for energy, and this combustion releases multiple tons of carbon dioxide and other gases, which contribute to respiratory diseases and climate change.
Combustion of coal exceeds both natural gas and crude oil in its emissions. Although some of these emissions can be reduced through technology, they are proven to create serious health problems in areas where they are emitted excessively.
The only environmentally unfriendly thing about wind is its effect on birds and their migration. Cars, glass, cats, and pesticides all make far greater contributions to bird mortality than windmills. Wind companies are working to further minimize this impact.
Global energy consumption is on the rise, wind power even more so. Thirty-five percent of all new U.S. generating capacity added in the last 4 years was wind. The energy, jobs and environmental benefits of wind hold great promise, not just for the rural Midwest and Great Plains, but for all of America, rural and urban alike.
Tom Means
Center for Rural Affairs
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—LETTERS—
The Tail Wags The Dog?
To The Record-Courier:
In reading the recent articles about the town hall meeting in Sumpter about Senate Bill (ORS) 189, the companion (comrade bill?) of comprehensive land use(s) planning that is the “comrade” bill of McCall’s LCDC zoning (land use) of early 1970’s: This is packaged by the Socialist Democrats party of America to nationalize private property without just compensation under the 5th takings (Bill of Rights) of U.S. constitutional law.
However, the part of U.S. Constitutional law is of Article IV, section 2 that states: “The citizens of each State shall be entitled to all the privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states.” (The tail wags the dog?) What does this mean as bottom line? Does one State etc. the agenda of the several States or the other way around according to Article IV, 2nd paragraph reasoning? This includes nationalization of the waters (you drink), the lands, (you walk on), and the air (you breath) clean air act that ties in Senate Bill, etc. (acts) of 189 to use(s) of the land.
This is taken out of context of the meaning of the 10th Amendment to mean a State’s right as enumerated powers of the 9th amend usurpations? This should be reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court to Article IV 2nd paragraph opinion of Constitutional law?
Bruce Parke
Sumpter, Ore.
Execution Doesn’t Stop Murder, It’s Punishment For The Crime
To The Record-Courier:
I see the Governor has called off the death penalty, even though it was put in place by the voters. He says his conscience does not agree with the death penalty. I think his conscience is probably overtaken by a bunch of people who voted for him.
It appears that he and the president would like to do more dictating than taking care of business. If he feels so sorry for these characters who murder people for kicks, then he should move a few of them into the Governor's mansion so he could have some company. After all, he is alone in that big house. This would probably save our kids and grandkids a few bucks over the next 30 years.
The state claims that it costs too much to execute prisoners, but after spending thousands of dollars for conviction, what's another few bucks? Execution does not stop murder, it is the punishment for anyone who commits the crime. Abortion is legal and used every day in Oregon, and I don't hear the Governor saying anything about changing that law. I can't see much difference myself. It makes you wonder if the Governor has all his marbles in one sock.
Portland has an average of 24 murders per year, plus there are a few hundred homicides in the State every year, which amounts to the same thing, someone dies. This should make everyone feel real safe.
G. Mann
Lincoln City, Ore
Who's Running on Who?
To The Record-Courier:
Well here we go again another run for the making of one's money and whether it is all give or all take....or somewhere in between, so much on the makings of a budget. Gets a little old of the same oh same oh.
I don't think it is a matter of the blame game, its just a matter of too much horse'n around and not getting down to business, and letting we the people suffer the consequences of what doesn't get done on the budget crisis. Then you have the issue of vetoing, anything you name it, so of course how can anything get done? Is this a sign of the Pink Panther vs. the Road Runner? And who is running on who? And so goes the Road Runner setting up blocks to make it even more so and not be able to get anything done at all to begin with. Or is this a sign of the Russian roulette, like dice or no dice. Oh yes we all know the language of this and it is all placated into politics and all. And so therefore you have it — the blame game.
In some ways I hate to say this, that the super committee whatever it says it is, (super or supper) or leftovers at that shouldn't have ever been set up and is a waste of time. To me it seems like this is a division being divided within itself and so therefore, issues as such will still be even more divided. So guess this super committee is not all that super themselves if they failed, then how will this look to those they represent and those who voted for them. Will there be a recall on them? Time will tell. And I don't recall that we the people had a chance to elect a super committee, it was more liked hand picked. So maybe this is another issue to be on our ballots for voting when it is time to vote. So here we go again back to the drawing board to see how many times those pens and pencils get used and reused and finally run out.
Now on the election, interesting on how they are lining up and the percentages taking place for the candidates. Even suggested to elect the least and so far that agenda seems to be making some advancements. Oh well, can't win for losing I guess, so guess it will all pan out in the end. And then we will really see the case of who is running on who. Next?
Coffee Anyone?
Brenda Dickison
Baker City, Ore.
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