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Opinions
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—Editorial—
This We Think...
City Manager Hiring
We understand the Council’s desire to wrap up their hiring of a city manager before the holidays. However, we don’t think they are giving enough notice to hold a meeting for public input on their selection of a potential finalist for city manager.
This newspaper received a notice from the City on Tuesday that council may hold a meeting where public input will be allowed, on Friday, Dec. 18, at noon. The notice stated that they would alert the local media by noon on Thursday if this meeting is to take place. This meeting notice will come too late to benefit our readers. And the other local newspaper, the Baker City Herald, although printed on Friday, will not be delivered in time for their readers to attend the meeting.
How is this allowing for public input if no one knows about the meeting? Saying that you might have a meeting for public input, and if you do, you will give 24 hours notice to local media that will not have time to advertise it, is not what we would consider allowing for public input — that is if you really do desire public input.
We hope council will reconsider and allow more time to advertise the meeting so those interested will have ample notice to attend.
Bulldogs
Even though the BHS Bulldogs lost to Marist at the state championship games, coming in second is no small potatoes. Congratulations to the team and coaches for a job well done! We are proud to have athletic teams of this quality and dedication in our community.
Joel Cummings
Joel Cummings, the local young man in need of a lung transplant who passed away Nov. 22 captured our hearts with his positive outlook, courage and enthusiasm for life. We are saddened by his passing, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Although a raffle for a new Ford pick-up to raise money for Joel has been canceled, we hope none of those who bought tickets will request a refund. Joel’s family will still have a mountain of expenses to pay, and no one should have to face that alone, especially after loosing a loved one.
—Guest Opinion—
Travel Management Plan — What Is The Point And What Is The Authority?
By Roy Barnes, retired, OSP
The Travel Management Plan (TMP) by the USDA and USFS is in violation of the Civil Rights Act, and the ADA Act., by “excluding” the disabled and those who accompany them.
The Constitution comes before Federal and State Laws and Statutes by which you must obey. The Oath of Office requires that the Civil Rights Act be enforced.
The ADA states that prohibited acts include: in critical areas such as transportation, recreation, and access to public services; outright intentional exclusion, overprotective rules and policies, failure to make modifications to existing facilities and practices, exclusionary qualification, occupy an inferior status in our society, and are severely disadvantaged socially, assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, unfair and unnecessary discrimination and prejudice denies people with disabilities the opportunity to compete on an equal basis and to pursue those opportunities for which our free society is justifiably famous, and costs the United States billions of dollars in unnecessary expenses resulting from dependency and nonproductivity.
The TMP is also in violation of the Rehabilitation act of 1973.
Currently The USFS in Baker County has well over 1,600 miles of roads call ed ML-1 roads, that are currently open, yet they have bermed (tank traps) the vast majority of them, and say if you can get around the berm (tank trap) its legal to do so. Problem is the disabled can’t, or shouldn’t for safety risks. By law the USFS should have in place at each one of these berms (tank traps) a passage for wheelchairs. The Rehabilitation act of 1973 sec.504 directs the USFS to do this, yet to date they have not. How old were you in 1973?
The USFS is in its final stages of the Travel Management Plan. For those who have not been following this process, it is a plan to possibly close over 1,600 miles of these roads they now call ML-1 roads. They propose to not only close the roads, but in some cases actually decommission (demolish) them. The roads that are closed will no longer have road numbers on them, all roads will be closed unless marked open. Roads without numbers will frustrate police emergency response, to what address do they respond to? The roads will be closed to routine patrols (the police do not patrol closed roads) which in turn frustrates enforcement of drug laws and game violations ect., including community policing, which was established with much effort.
No one will be able to use them as roads, except hikers, bikers, horses, and snowmobiles. The USFS says the disabled will be able to use them, but only on a wheelchair that is defined in the Wilderness Act as “suitable for use in an indoor pedestrian area.” They further state in directive to Regional Recreation Directors: A wheelchair, even a battery powered wheelchair, that meets this definition is permitted anywhere foot travel is permitted.” And this does not include aftermarket retrofit of a motorized unit to make it useable by a person who has a disability. "Suitable for indoor pedestrian use" means useable inside a home, mall, courthouse, etc.”
This area is not a wilderness so why does the USDA and USFS want to keep treating it as such, with the definitions they keep trying to use? Anybody who has ever been in the forest on a forest road knows that this type of wheelchair would be very dangerous.
No where in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 does it state that this is the only mode of transportation the disabled can use in the forest on roads, except in a Wilderness area.
The U.S. Constitution comes before Statutes, Edicts, Ordinances, Rules or Regulations.
As an example of Policy or Regulation vs. Constitution, 14th. Amendment, Civil Rights Act, ADA Act. USFS directive: file 2350 to Regional Recreation Directors:
“A wheelchair is a device designed solely for use by a mobility impaired person for locomotion, that is suitable for use in an indoor pedestrian area. A wheelchair, even a battery powered wheelchair, that meets this definition is permitted anywhere foot travel is permitted.”
"Designed solely for use by a mobility-impaired person" means that the original design and manufacture of the wheelchair was only for the purpose of mobility for a person who has a disability. This does not include aftermarket retrofit of a motorized unit to make it useable by a person who has a disability. "Suitable for indoor pedestrian use" means useable inside a home, mall, courthouse, etc.”
This is what the ADA states: (permitted uses)
(1) Auxiliary aids and services. The term “auxiliary aids and services” includes
(C) acquisition or modification of equipment or devices; and
(D) other similar services and actions.
There are obvious differences between the USFS and the ADA on modification (aftermarket retrofit). By regulation and directive the USFS says that you cannot retrofit. By Statute of the U.S. Congress in passing and the President by signing on Sept. 25, 2008, the ADA Act with amendments of 2008, says you can retrofit. The courts have ordered that all rules, regulations and laws are invalid if they are in conflict with the Constitution.
What has it accomplished by the local public entity having a seat at the table, granting “Lead Agency” (USFS)? Has it accomplished compliance with our U.S. Constitution, 14th Amendment, Equal Protection, Civil Rights Act., The ADA Act., RS 2477, Mining Act., ect.? Can we call these compelling reasons to reject granting of “Lead Agency” to the USFS? First we expect obedience to the rule of law. There is no authority for acts illegally done.
The Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law statute makes it a crime for any person acting under color of law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom to willfully deprive or cause to be deprived from any person those rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution and laws of the U.S.
Punishment varies from a fine or imprisonment of up to one year, or both.
I hope this helps clarify how the Travel Management Plan and the Laws that are in conflict.
—Letters To The Editor—
Why Vote For Obama Again?
To The Record-Courier:
In a letter to President Obama
Mr. Obama, respectfully, why don't you think of those kids who cannot break bread with their loved ones on Thanksgiving Day and bring them home? They have spent nine Thanksgivings in a war we cannot win. And we are spending money we do not have.
The height of damn foolishness is spending money we don't have on things we don't need. What we do need is a lot of infrastructure work done in our own country. Here is a suggestion: why don't we bring those boys home and let them clean up our own country? We could start with the forests—they are so clogged with dead branches , etc. that when lightning strikes and starts a fire it’s impossible to fight and they burn constantly for days and days, destroying homes and peoples lives. I doubt if you have ever lived near a forest, so your life would not have been affected.
There are many other projects that would give us a country we could be proud of. Why don't you study what FDR did during the last depression? I say the last depression because we are surely hurtling toward another one on a path that we cannot stop.
Forget getting elected next time—give us a reason to vote for you again.
Elizabeth Burroway
Reno, Nev.
More About Vespers
To The Record-Courier:
After reading the article in the Dec. 10 edition of the paper, I feel the need to add to the history of the Vespers program at the high school. I know, because I participated in them in the years of 1956, 1957 and 1958, that they were held each of those years. I also believe that they were held many years before that. Ray Heick was the choir teacher at both the junior high and high schools when I attended there. I do not know if he started the Christmas choir candlelight program, or if it was already in existence.
It has always been a memorable experience for me to have been a part of the program, and I remember walking down the aisle of the auditorium singing "O Come All Ye Faithful."
Merry Christmas and happy New Year to all!
Bob Jewett
"BHS Class of ‘59’
Where Are Our Christian Rights?
To The Record-Courier:
I said in my last letter to the editor that I would say more about political correctness and what it has cost you, me and our country. What is political correctness? It is a way for those who disagree with your faith, your lifestyle, your views, even when what you say and believe is the truth and the correct way. To make you out to be the bad person and stupid without any understanding when they are openly confronted politically and morally. So far, everyone in this country has the right to believe and practice their faith. What I am tired of hearing is that all faith led to the same God, and there is more than one way to Him. I used just one example in my letter to the editor on the Koran printed Nov. 19. You should read that letter. Political correctness is a disease that has crept into talk shows, into many of our churches, preached by pastors, priest and lay persons who are guilty of watering down what the Bible really says about any subject, such as abortion, homosexuality, heaven and hell and the actions you yourself take to gain one or the other all under the guise of being a modern religion.
Have we forgotten that God said He changes not. Jesus, “the same yesterday, today and forever.” When we are asked not only by our government, but by those who oppose the truth to just be silent, don’t complain put your head on the chopping block, be a good little Christian. When we do this we are totally useless in God’s hands. Some say we are waiting on God to do something, just maybe God is waiting on us to do something?
My Bible reads that God never fought his People’s battles till they first went to the front lines themselves. Cal Thomas wrote a great comparison in his column between the attack on Christians and the political correctness with Muslims. He said, “diversity is no longer a two-way street. Christians are to be discriminated against and silenced, our sacred symbols taken from crosses on desert mountain, our Nativity displays in public places are banned. Increasingly forbidden to pray publicly in Jesus’ name, but Muslims can speak of Allah and Mohammed anywhere they like, and like he said, who is foolish enough to try and silence them?” Why is it then when this country was founded on our God and Christian roots that we are being silence and rights are being taken away yet others are given rights that should be ours? Like Muslims who are accommodated, pacified and given special rights like ritual footbaths, prayer rooms, prayer time at public schools and universities that would probably be denied and challenged as violations of Church and State if a Jew or Christian were to make the same request.
Why the roadblock for one and not the other? Something is wrong with this picture and it smells! It’s time to fight or become subjects instead of citizens!
Richard Fox
Baker City
SDA Food Drive Thank You
To The Record-Courier:
What a generous community we find ourselves in!
The Baker City Seventh-day Adventist Church would very much like to thank those who donated to our 60th annual Thanksgiving food drive. Thanks to you, 212 households received a food box this year.
We would also like to thank the Presbyterian Church for its donation of turkeys to help fill many of the boxes, and the Fish & Wildlife Dept. for its contribution of a confiscated elk.
And of course thanks are due as well to those doing the actual legwork—the students of the Baker Valley Adventist school, their drivers, and to those serving quietly in the background.
John Sublett, Communications Secretary
Baker City
Keep Hydrants Clear of Snow
To The Record-Courier:
Baker City Fire Department is requesting your assistance with keeping snow cleared away from fire hydrants. Baker City has more than 500 active fire hydrants and approximately 30 private fire hydrants.
Fire department members have been working to clear hydrants; valuable time can be saved with the community’s help in proper snow removal.
Hydrants need to be cleared a minimum of three feet around the hydrant as well as a clear path from the five inch steamer port to the curb.
Our community’s participation will be greatly appreciated. For any questions or concerns please contact the Baker City Fire Department at 523-3711 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Sara Blair
FF/EMT-P, Prevention Coordinator
Baker City Fire Department
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—Editorial—
State Championship Game — Go Dawgs!
One of the greatest thrills a high school football player could ever imagine is the opportunity to play in a state championship game.
That’s the reality for the Baker High School squad as it travels to Reser Stadium in Corvallis Saturday to grapple with the Sky-Em champs Marist Spartans.
The Bulldogs manhandled some very good teams on their way to the championship game. Coach Dave Johnson and his staff are excellent football teachers who know how to develop the maximum potential in each Baker player.
Actually, statistically Baker has the edge in two key skill positions. The Marist quarterback, Tevin Cheever, has completed 54 percent of his passes for 1,734 yards. By comparison, Baker’s quarterback, Jesse Brown, has completed 62 percent of his passes for almost 2,400 yards. The Marist running back, Logan Silver, has logged 1,394 yards while Baker’s Stephen Talbot scampered for 1,430 yards.
However, there’s no question that the undefeated Spartans are a football powerhouse. The Baker Bulldogs will almost certainly be thoroughly tested, but we’re certain they will be up to the task. Undoubtedly Baker has the talent and skill to handle Marist, so it should be an interesting game.
Regardless of the outcome, we join every Bulldog fan in expressing how proud we are of the team. The kids are dedicated, talented, hard working, and certainly a credit to all young people.
Our hearts go out to every member of the team, and we wish them the very best of everything. (DC)
—Letters To The Editor—
Obama Administration Should Try To Win Afghanistan War
To The Record-Courier:
President Obama and many of his followers have dwelled on the past and attempted to blame George Bush for the country’s ills. The Obama Administration has been in charge for almost a year and should have made more progress toward solving our problems, especially with a Democratic controlled Congress since 2006. It is the easy way out to blame others for problems. Bush could have blamed Clinton for decimating our military, but he didn’t.
Bush was castigated for the Iraq war, but it was Rumsfeld who promoted the “shock and awe” war of taking Iraq with 125,000 troops (Rumsfeld originally requested 75,000 troops) when General Shinseki, the Army Chief of staff, said we needed 250,000 troops to subdue the Iraqi military and the countryside. The General was correct and the result was the military mess in Iraq. General Petraeus finally got enough troops into Iraq to do the job.
Now, President Obama has added 30,000 troops in Afghanistan to try to decimate the Taliban and al Qaeda. We are in Afghanistan and have to win the war or we risk the emboldenment and potential attacks of terrorists throughout the world.
I am pleased President Obama is showing some leadership.
Donald A. Moskowitz
Former AG2 & LT, U.S. Navy
Londonderry, NH
Man of Few Words
To The Record-Courier:
Vision is O.K.
Stupidity is B.S.
Bill Todd
CEO of “Base Camp My Ass!”
Baker City
Thanks For Your Support In Time Of Tragedy
To The Record-Courier:
On Nov. 22, 2009, Joel Cummings passed away after a long fight with Cystic Fibrosis. Joel touched the lives of many people here in Baker City and beyond Baker City. Joel was number one on the waiting list for a double lung transplant when he passed away. Joel loved life and he loved to help people. He was a paramedic and loved what he did.
My wife and I would like to thank everyone in Baker City and beyond for all the financial help and the prayers that were given during Joel’s journey. Even though his journey did not end the way we all hoped for, Joel will always be remembered as a fighter. We would like to say how proud we are to call Baker City our home. Baker City and all who live elsewhere who supported Joel and Saundra and his family—you are all awesome! Again, thank you for everything you did for our family during this journey. Thank you from Joel’s uncle and aunt.
Jim and Linda Thomas
Baker City
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—Editorial—
This We Think...
Horse Adoption
Kudos to the Baker County Sheriff’s Office for rescuing the abandoned horses and those who took care of them before they were old enough to adopt out. It is deplorable that someone would leave animals too young to fend for themselves (or any animal for that matter) by the roadside, but it is wonderful that there are so many kind and compassionate people who came to their aid. We are confident those selected to adopt them will provide kind and loving homes. We just love happy endings!
Ferguson Honored
It warmed our hearts to see the BHS football team players, coaches and cheerleaders pay homage to Jack Ferguson, who recently passed away. Jack was a staunch supporter of the Bulldogs and they did him proud, not only by beating the Astoria Fishermen last week, but by honoring him during their victory chant with “1, 2, 3, Jack!” We are also touched by the team’s thoughtfulness to Jack’s widow, Dixie, by lining up in her front yard and paying their condolences as only the Bulldogs can. Sometimes you never know whose heart you may touch in life, it is evident that Jack, with his unbridled enthusiasm, touched many.
Civil War Game
Go Beavers! Need we say more? O.K., some of us, who will remain nameless are cheering the Ducks. So go Ducks too!
City Manager Position
As the Council mulls over the qualifications of the finalists for the position of city manager, we hope they will take much more into consideration than the ability to promote economic development. Although important, a city manager also needs to have the skills to manage, and build upon what we already have, rather than always promoting a future endeavor. We definitely need job creation and business opportunities, but we already have a dedicated economic development staff working in those areas. The city manager is expected to work with those folks, but we don’t think that should be his or her primary job.
We don’t know, but we are guessing, that if people here really wanted to live in a highly populated, touristy, commercial community, they would move there.
Ulrey Retires
We would like to wish 5J Superintendent Don Ulrey many happy days in his retirement. He has been a good influence on Baker schools during his employment, and acted in the best interests of the students, teachers and staff.
We also appreciate his professionalism and willingness to visit with and provide information to our reporters over the years.
—Guest Opinions—
Benifits Of B2 Hemingway Transmission Line Would Produce Irreparable Harm To Both Private And Public Property
To Idaho Power:
I am writing to you because of my grave concerns regarding the proposed B2H 500kv transmission line.
Statements by Idaho Power indicate that the purpose of the line has nothing to do with producing more power, but rather to enhance the company's access to "the northwest's major power-trading hub" in Boardman—presumably before further development of the nation's movement toward less reliance on fossil energy.
Ironically, some of the earlier opposition to the line has come from the very people of southern Idaho who were supposedly the main beneficiaries of the project. They argued instead for "distributed generation"—smaller generation sources closer to the point of use—as more economical, sustainable, secure, diverse, and in line with the nation's move toward renewable energy.
From geographical, engineering, logistical, and construction points of view, both common sense and the user destination favor the I-84 corridor The main argument against that choice that Idaho Power has offered is "stiff resistance."
It appears that the company's main response to that resistance has been the classic military strategy: divide and conquer. First they propose a route farther west, through Baker and Malheur Counties. Here, of course, the population and the financial resources are sparse and scattered, making the resistance much less stiff. But resistance was indeed raised, so the strategy went the next step: move even farther west to Grant County, with even more limited population and economic resources for raising objections. Not only that, but proposing three possible routes not only pits county against county, but neighbor against neighbor.
And finally, Grant County is brought into the skirmish late, on short notice, with meeting times and places erratic and fragmented and with pressures for rapid decisions, so that the so-called Community Advisory Process is weakened from the start. In short, Grant County is seen as a sort of throw-away population whose interests can be trumped by the financial and political forces of the Ontario and western Idaho people and of Idaho Power. It feels as if we have been presented a fait accompli, a done deal, so that the "Community Advisory Process" is simply a feel-good formality and justification for approval.
Any possible benefits from this line to Grant County—as with Baker and Malheur—would be trivial and fleeting, yet it would produce irreparable harm to both private and public property and to past and future decisions and actions in forest management, watershed rehabilitation, roadless and pristine areas, scenic and recreational uses, and to the laborious collaborative progress that is being achieved between opposing interests in uses of the land. With extensive public land in Grant County, the power company's negotiations with the USFS and BLM will be easier because they can be carried out across a desk, rather than on a private land owner's hillside, pasture, or creek bank—and I am told that they even negotiate under different rules.
The website of the Oregon Public Utilities Commission states that on June 25, 2009, your company was granted a delay "to provide the firm additional time to perform an updated analysis of the B2H project using current load forecasts [my emphasis added]. I don't know what these "forecasts" were or how they were arrived at, but in view of all the other information available the forecasts must at best be highly suspect.
I stand ready to be corrected for any factual errors or any unjustified paranoia in my perceptions of the situation This project flies in the face of shifting public forces — philosophical, political, and economic, as well as the poorly defined personal hazards of being exposed to the massive electromagnetic field surrounding a 500kv line.
Having grown up in Idaho, I know that Idaho Power has a sterling history, going back many decades, of service to its customers. I'm sure you can find a better way to continue that legacy than to build such a monstrosity, ultimately to be paid for by us, the ratepayers.
To Senator Ted Ferrioli
Note: A letter was sent to Senator Ferrioli with the same information as the one sent to Idaho Power with following comments:
Thank you for your continuing efforts in support of the interests of the folks in Grant County and neighboring parts of Eastern Oregon. It appears to me that we are just now in special need of your help. I realize that the issue of Idaho Power's proposed new B2H transmission line is not directly a legislative problem, but Grant County sorely needs a prominent and influential representative in the current debates over the power line.
I apologize for any factual errors or any unjustified paranoia in my perceptions of the situation; and I acknowledge that you represent all of the other counties as well as ours. But I trust that your advocacy for us in Grant County will be as forceful and diligent as for any of the other protagonists.
Ted Merrill, M.D.
John Day
Definition of Disability
Roy Barnes, retired OSP
This is part three of a three-part response to an article in The Record-Courier Aug. 27, 2009 issue referring to the Aug. 19 Baker County Commissioners meeting, at which the USFS was present.
To be protected by the ADA, one must have a disability or have a relationship or association with an individual with a disability.
It States in The ADA Title 42 - Chapter 126 - Equal Opportunity for Individuals With Disabilities that:
Sec. 12102. Definition of disability
As used in this chapter:
(1) Disability
The term "disability" means, with respect to an individual
(A) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual;
(B) a record of such an impairment; or
(C) being regarded as having such an impairment (as described in paragraph (3).
(2) Major Life Activities
(A) In general
For purposes of paragraph (1), major life activities include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working.
(B) Major bodily functions
For purposes of paragraph (1), a major life activity also includes the operation of a major bodily function, including but not limited to, functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions.
(3) Regarded as having such an impairment
For purposes of paragraph (1)(C):
(A) An individual meets the requirement of “being regarded as having such an impairment” if the individual establishes that he or she has been subjected to an action prohibited under this chapter because of an actual or perceived physical or mental impairment whether or not the impairment limits or is perceived to limit a major life activity.
(B) Paragraph (1)(C) shall not apply to impairments that are transitory and minor. A transitory impairment is an impairment with an actual or expected duration of 6 months or less.
(4) Rules of construction regarding the definition of disability
The definition of “disability” in paragraph (1) shall be construed in accordance with the following:
(A) The definition of disability in this chapter shall be construed in favor of broad coverage of individuals under this chapter, to the maximum extent permitted by the terms of this chapter.
(B) The term “substantially limits” shall be interpreted consistently with the findings and purposes of the ADA Amendments Act of 2008.
(C) An impairment that substantially limits one major life activity need not limit other major life activities in order to be considered a disability.
(D) An impairment that is episodic or in remission is a disability if it would substantially limit a major life activity when active.
Remember these freedoms are guaranteed by the US Constitution, the 14th. Amendment, Civil Rights Act.
Many of our Veterans, Miners, recreationist, hunters, aged etc. are the disabled that the ADA speaks of. The freedoms that we cherish, have been paid for with life, limb and treasure. WE THE PEOPLE must protect it and insist that our government do the same. No government agencies should be able to have final authority (“lead agency”) over our freedoms.
—Letters To The Editor—
Jack Ferguson Would Have Been So Proud!
To The Record-Courier:
On behalf of the family and friends of Mr. Jack Ferguson we would like to congratulate and thank the Baker High School football players, cheerleaders, and their coaching staff members for their outstanding playoff performance last Saturday. What a great victory over a very tough Astoria team – Jack would have been so proud of you all!
Not only did these fine young citizens work their hearts out on the field, but they all offered their condolences, support, and recognition of Jack, his family, and his friends before and after this great game. Dixie, Jack’s widow, was especially touched by all the visitors, some who traveled great distances for this memorial. Having the football team and cheerleaders doing their “Jack” chant for Dixie in her own front yard after the game was a very emotional and sincere memory for everyone.
Jack was always there to support the Baker High players, cheerleaders, and their families during their high school careers. Several generations of Baker High athletes have had the privilege of experiencing Jack’s encouragement and support. Nobody had more passion or could yell louder than Jack in his support of Baker High. His sense of humor and encouragement will be greatly missed, but his memory will live on in those lives he has touched.
Thank you once again to the Baker High players, cheerleaders, and coaches for the great game and the great memorial celebration for Jack. We wish you continued success and more playoff victories. Remember, Jack would have been so proud of you all and we know he will always be watching and cheering. Thank you to the friends and families who visited before, during, and after the game to share memories and offer condolences, as it means so much to Dixie and her family.
Go Bulldogs!!
Dixie, Scott, and Wade Ferguson and their Families
Sticky Business
To The Record-Courier:
Well here it is that time of year again, for celebrations, etc. and schedules to keep itineraries and agendas you name it—anything to make our holidays enjoyable, and all the memories that go with them and to see how we do for sticking to business.
In The Record-Courier’s last issue, their wonderful editor wrote a cute article about those wonderful make shift cars having to do with driving a stick. I couldn’t resist myself in this wonderful match for competition on one’s driving of a stick; it can be pretty sticky at that, for having anything in life together as one would put it, and get a handle on how to take control of all the obstacles in our lives. Well, this jogged a memory in my lifetime when we were kids and all and had to concur with the editor that driving a stick should be learned first thing. I never did. I do remember that when my aunt and uncle had the ranch out of Pilot Rock, Ore., they would always tell my brothers or brother, whichever came first, that if they wanted to learn to drive they would have to drive the fields and learn to drive the stick before they ever got out on the highway—no, ifs and or etc. about the issue itself. And if you got yourself stuck it was pretty sticky business to get yourself out of the ditch or whatever obstacle came up to make it a challenge for learning.
I did have the opportunity to learn how to drive when we were without there for awhile of a car. But as the editor said, yes it’s all too confusing, let alone having it all-together and think that you do. Did I ever catch on let alone ditching the clutch or coming close. And of course in shifting gears and what to listen for is bad enough at that. But think of all those horse and buggy days etc, and the Model T Fords, man oh man how time flies.
Can’t wait to see how many fair out when cell phones can no longer be used in driving. Seems to me driving a stick one would have to have three hands instead of the two we already have.
Yes, now that the season is upon us and all the traffic, etc. with being busy it can be difficult to drive at times given certain times of the day and the weather. We all need to be careful and really look out for each other on the road, whether shopping or whatever.
Not to mention, while shopping, I ran into some more classmates that reminded me of our 40 year class reunion coming up. So I am sure we will be hearing something on that one, and you think I knew them from Adam... my oh my need to catch up on memories these days.
I encourage anyone and everyone who hasn’t signed up to receive The Record-Courier in their mailbox etc. to do so. It is so much fun and a time for catching up on the latest news of our county.
And also would really like to thank our wonderful EMTs and all the volunteers who gave their time, and even my husband, who were at the scene of the accident here a few weeks ago. My husband did have the opportunity to be in attendance with one of the victims and now we are like family to them in Colorado. Since then the pastor has called us and was really awe struck of how my husband assisted the individual who passed on and all, and that she got the individual attention as well. It was an awesome closure for the situation and he was forever grateful how everyone came together and played a part of whatever had to be done and to be organized as well as it was.
So yes, weather at this time of the year can be unpredictable. Whether it be downtown or freeway driving, etc. we all need to be careful and be safe for this holiday season and have more memories to share of our adventures, etc. Happy Holidays, and best wishes.
Eggnog, anyone?
Brenda Dickison
Baker City
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—Editorial—
On Being Thankful
We have come a long ways, both as a nation and as people since that first Thanksgiving in Plymouth, in the autumn of 1621.
The early Pilgrims endured death, disease and numerous other hardships in their quest for freedom. The boat ride over would have been enough to dissuade most from continuing on to the New World. And once they arrived they knew little about how to grow crops. Many died of starvation that first winter.
Fortunately the Native Americans came to their aid, teaching them to plant and harvest crops. And in gratitude, the Pilgrims shared their first bounty with the Native Americans in what historians marked as the first Thanksgiving Day feast.
In spite of the economic downturn, unemployment and the nationwide health care crisis, we still have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
We have many things to be thankful for as a society. For the most part we have learned to live with our religious and cultural differences. We can express our opinions without being thrown in jail. We still maintain our right to own guns. We have heroes to look up to — our troops and veterans.
Locally, we can be thankful that we have an abundance of clean air and water. We still have access to wilderness areas. We have some of the best hunting opportunities around. We have great schools, fire and police protection, and many volunteers willing to tackle community projects. The recall is finally over and our City Council can get back to business....
This is a short list, and there are many, many more things to be thankful for if you take the time to ponder them. Whether you are thankful for food on the table, God for providing it and the other blessings we enjoy, good health, family, friends, love in your life or even a beloved pet, Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to express your gratitude.
We count you, our readers, as a blessing, not just on the fourth Thursday in November, but every day. For without you, there would be no Record-Courier.
Happy Thanksgiving and may your day be filled with the happiness and contentment you seek.
—Guest Opinion—
Will the USDA and USFS Be A Part Of The Solution?
By Roy Barnes, retired OSP
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section, states that:
This guide provides an overview of Federal civil rights laws that ensure equal opportunity for people with disabilities.
To be protected by the ADA, one must have a disability or have a relationship or association with an individual with a disability.
It States in The ADA Title 42 - Chapter 126 - Equal Opportunity for Individuals With Disabilities that:
Sec. 12101. Findings and purpose
(a) Findings
The Congress finds that:
(1) physical or mental disabilities in no way diminish a person’s right to fully participate in all aspects of society, yet many people with physical or mental disabilities have been precluded from doing so because of discrimination; others who have a record of a disability or are regarded as having a disability also have been subjected to discrimination;
(2) historically, society has tended to isolate and segregate individuals with disabilities, and, despite some improvements, such forms of discrimination against individuals with disabilities continue to be a serious and pervasive social problem;
(3) discrimination against individuals with disabilities persists in such critical areas as employment, housing, public accommodations, education, transportation, communication, recreation, institutionalization, health services, voting, and access to public services;
(4) unlike individuals who have experienced discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or age, individuals who have experienced discrimination on the basis of disability have often had no legal recourse to redress such discrimination;
(5) individuals with disabilities continually encounter various forms of discrimination, including outright intentional exclusion, the discriminatory effects of architectural, transportation, and communication barriers, overprotective rules and policies, failure to make modifications to existing facilities and practices, exclusionary qualification standards and criteria, segregation, and relegation to lesser services, programs, activities, benefits, jobs, or other opportunities;
(6) census data, national polls, and other studies have documented that people with disabilities, as a group, occupy an inferior status in our society, and are severely disadvantaged socially, vocationally, economically, and educationally;
(7) the Nation's proper goals regarding individuals with disabilities are to assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for such individuals; and
(8) the continuing existence of unfair and unnecessary discrimination and prejudice denies people with disabilities the opportunity to compete on an equal basis and to pursue those opportunities for which our free society is justifiably famous, and costs the United States billions of dollars in unnecessary expenses resulting from dependency and nonproductivity
b) Purpose
It is the purpose of this chapter
(1) to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities;
(2) to provide clear, strong, consistent, enforceable standards addressing discrimination against individuals with disabilities;
(3) to ensure that the Federal Government plays a central role in enforcing the standards established in this chapter on behalf of individuals with disabilities; and
(4) to invoke the sweep of congressional authority, including the power to enforce the fourteenth amendment and to regulate commerce, in order to address the major areas of discrimination faced day-to-day by people with disabilities.
In numbers 1 thru 4, can the intent of the Congress that passed these amendments in 2008 to the ADA be more clear? When they use such words as, “national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disability” clear, strong, consistent, enforceable standards ensure that the Federal Government plays a central role in enforcing the standards invoke the sweep of congressional authority, including the power to enforce the fourteenth amendment and to regulate commerce. What do they mean?
Now we would ask if the USDA & USFS understands that people with Disabilities come in all shapes and sizes. A lot of the time you can’t even tell a person is disabled. Many of our Veterans, Miners, many people who recreate, hunters ect., do not wear signs that they are disabled nor do they speak of it. They need the protection of their Government.
Will the USDA and USFS be a part of the solution? Will they quit using “outright intentional exclusion?” “Overprotective rules and policies?” People with disabilities, as a group, occupy an inferior status in our society, will the USDA and USFS stop the policies and regulations they have in place?
The ADA of 1990 with the 2008 Amendments was signed into law by the President Sept.25, 2008. It is now 2009, the USDA and USFS continue to use the old practices. Should we not ask when the disabled can expect the new and explicate laws, to trickle down to them as American Citizens?
Are USFS rules and regulations the dominate law? Does signing on or claiming “lead agency” supersede, the U.S. Constitution, the ADA Act, the Civil Rights Act?
Are these compelling reasons enough to keep our forest open to the disabled?
Next article to cover: ADA Findings and purpose, Definition of Disabled, Acquisition or modification of equipment, and devices.
—Letters To The Editor—
Throw The Bums Out!
To The Record-Courier:
As we had feared, the socialistic and ethically challenged Democrats, held together by greed, fascist leaders and special interests (which they constantly accuse us conservatives of bowing to) passed the senate health care bill.
There is little we can do now to stop this disaster, but remember, in 2010 and 2012 we can "throw every Democrat incumbent bum out on their butt" and then undo what they are about to do.
We must redouble our efforts to stop this insanity. I will not turn over a nation of socialistic incompetence to my grandchildren for them to suffer under.
Senator Wyden has hurt Oregon for hopefully the last time and he has to go. Senator Merkley has no clue and he has to go. All their ilk have to go!
Tim K. Smith
Harney County, Ore.
Sunnyside School Reunion?
To The Record-Courier:
I would like to meet all school kids who went to Sunnyside School in Eagle Valley. Could we have a school reunion?
Joe Wilson
221 Slippy Creek Rd.
White Bird, Idaho 83554
Cap And Trade Saves Money
To The Record-Courier:
While many Republicans are predicting an increase in costs if we pass the cap and trade legislation, they are missing the big picture. In fact, the legislation will save exponentially more money than it will cost, as was seen with the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments.
Predicted to cost $5.7 billion, the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments, which used a cap and trade market system, turned out to cost just $1.6 billion to cut more than 4 million tons of sulfur dioxide. But savings in health care costs were found to be as much as $70 billion dollars according to a 2003 EPA study. That is a savings of 43 dollars for every dollar spent.
With many scientists warning that climate change threatens the lives of billions of people this century, and could accelerate out of control unless we cap and reduce emissions very fast, the savings will likely be vastly greater with investments in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Many larger cities in the United States have unsafe air pollution that is increasing with the temperatures that are a precursor to smog. By switching from dirty coal to clean solar and wind energy, air pollution will be reduced significantly.
Burning coal kills an estimated 24,000 people each year in the United States from particulate air pollution according to the American Lung Association. This is equivalent to eight Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack deaths every year. But these people are separated around the country, dying in hospital wards along with an estimated 38,200 non-fatal heart attack victims and 554,000 asthma sufferers whose illness was caused by burning coal, according to the American Lung Association.
People do not see the deaths in one dramatic events, and are not mobilized to action as happened with the Sept. 11 attacks. But they are real, as is the threat of climate change to our national security that prompted the U.S. Pentagon to call global warming a greater risk to national security than terrorism in a 2004 report.
And that is just burning coal. The cap and trade legislation will also reduce the burning of oil, and cut down on the 700 billion dollars that we spend every year to buy petroleum from other countries. Electric cars and trains charged with solar and wind generated energy will be pollution-free.
Having seen the impacts of climate change in the Arctic, and studied the horrific predictions if we continue on our current path, I implore citizens to get behind the cap and trade legislation. The science proving climate change is the most documented of any issue in history. We must take action, before it is too late.
Chad Kister
Nelsonville, Ohio
US Constitution Is Still The Law Of The Land
To The Record-Courier:
The “change” of president Obama’s campaign appears to relate to the rate of change rather than its direction. The direction of change is without doubt away from the controls of the U.S. Constitution, as with our recent presidents, but at a much faster pace. What, other than ego, could be driving the man? Could it be that he has the talent, but is not the “boss?” And what could be the objective?
That objective, it seems clear, is one world government. The organizations of implementation are the Council on Foreign Relations, the Trilateral Commission, the Bilderberg Group and their members and sympathizers occupy the top positions of the Executive Branch and much of Congress. They also occupy top positions in the military, media, financial institutions, higher education, secretary of defense, CIA and many others. Their hold on this country appears to have begun with President Hoover and includes Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford, G.H. W. Bush, Clinton and now Obama. (Information from F.R.E.E. – Fund to Restore an Educated Electorate P.O. Box 293339, Kerrville, Texas 79029, which would welcome your inquiries.)
Control of our schools and teachers is rapidly shifting to Washington. It will not take but one more gee ration to convince the majority of Americans that the Constitution is merely a historical relic and that the future rests with those in power and the benefits of a one world government.
But the U.S. Constitution is still the Law of the Land! We, as citizens of this once great country, have become preoccupied with personal interests and are taking no active interest in “politics.” But the politicians, with Obama as their new leader, have increased their efforts to ignore our Constitution and implement their goal of establishing a one world government. We are now well into the eleventh hour. If we (you) don’t demand a return to Constitutional government now, it will very soon be too late.
Jasper H. Coombes
Richland, Ore.
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—Editorial—
This We Think...
Not So Great
We think it was a great idea for the City to take the four candidates who are vying for the City Manager position on a meet and greet tour of downtown Baker City. Picking and choosing an elite few to meet them — not so great. We understand that the city manager is not chosen by public election, but city residents do have an interest in who the council chooses to hire. The people selected to meet the candidates were good choices, and by all means should have had the opportunity to meet them. But we feel that a broader representation of local citizens would have been good for the candidates, and allowing the public at large an opportunity to meet them, rather than just a select few, would have shown that councilors respect and consider public opinion when making their decisions.
Kudos
Kudos to Baker City law enforcement, Fire Department, Emergency Services, St. Elizabeth Health Services medical personnel, and local churches and organizations who came to the aid of victims in a traffic accident on I-84 near Baker City last week. You all did an outstanding job of helping the 16 (2 fatalities and 14 injured) people involved in the accident. The comments we have heard show that Baker City has not only the resources to help medically, but the compassion to take care of all of their needs. We were particularly touched by the nurse who reportedly asked a local volunteer firefighter wondering what he could do to help, if he knew how to pray. The firefighter responded by saying he knew how to do that very well, and did. This firefighter is Jimmy Dickison. It’s nice to know volunteers were covering the spiritual and emotional needs of the victims as well as their physical needs.
Where Were The Flags?
We were disappointed there were no flags waving on Main Street on Veteran’s Day this year, but relieved to find out it wasn’t an oversight. The Rotary does a great job of putting out the flags for these occasions and we appreciate their efforts and time, which is strictly volunteer. A spokesperson for Rotary said the flags used for this purpose are cotton and not considered all weather flags, and as such, flag etiquette states the cotton flags cannot be displayed in inclement weather. It’s our understanding that Mt. Hope Cemetery did not display flags this year for the same reason. Maybe a community fund raiser is in order to purchase at least a few all weather flags?
—Guest Opinion—
Definition of Wheelchair As Relates To TMP
Roy Barnes, retired OSP
This is in response to an article in The Record-Courier Aug. 27, 2009 issue. It is referring to the Aug. 19 Baker County Commissioners meeting, at which The USFS was present. Our reporter asked the USFS Ranger if motorized wheelchairs would be allowed on the TMP’s closed roads. Our reporter was advised in writing of this definition. The following definition applies to Wilderness areas. The area in question is adjacent to wilderness. But are not part of wilderness area.
Sec. 12207. Federal wilderness areas (American With Disabilities Act of 1990 As Amended)
(c) Specific wilderness access
(1) In general
“Congress reaffirms that nothing in the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) is to be construed as prohibiting the use of a wheelchair in a wilderness area by an individual whose disability requires use of a wheelchair, and consistent with the Wilderness Act no agency is required to provide any form of special treatment or accommodation, or to construct any facilities or modify any conditions of lands within a wilderness area in order to facilitate such use.”
(2) "Wheelchair" defined
“For purposes of paragraph (1), the term "wheelchair" means a device designed solely for use by a mobility-impaired person for locomotion, that is suitable for use in an indoor pedestrian area.”
The following is given in a separate USFS directive: file code:(2350_ohv_atv_persons_with_ disabilities.doc) Regional Recreation Directors
“i” A wheelchair is a device designed solely for use by a mobility impaired person for locomotion, that is suitable for use in an indoor pedestrian area. A wheelchair, even a battery powered wheelchair, that meets this definition is permitted anywhere foot travel is permitted.”
“ii" Designed solely for use by a mobility-impaired person" means that the original design and manufacture of the wheelchair was only for the purpose of mobility for a person who has a disability. This does not include aftermarket retrofit of a motorized unit to make it useable by a person who has a disability. "Suitable for indoor pedestrian use" means useable inside a home, mall, courthouse, etc.”
§ 212.1 Definitions.
“Off-highway vehicle. Any motor vehicle designed for or capable of cross-country travel on or immediately over land, water, sand, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or other natural terrain.”
The facts as presented in Sec. 12207. Federal wilderness areas (American With Disabilities Act of 1990 As Amended) (c) (Specific wilderness access) the USFS make the claim as stated by them: “no agency is required to provide any form of special treatment or accommodation, or to construct any facilities or modify any conditions of lands.” This raises obvious and serious questions.
Directive: (2350) “Suitable for indoor pedestrian use means useable inside a home, mall, courthouse, etc.” Is this Directive all about “inclusion” or “exclusion”?
1. How can the disabled gain “inclusion” for a safe motorized wheelchair in an “outdoor pedestrian area” on roads?
2. Does closing over 1641 miles of open roads in Baker County provide any form of special treatment or accommodations for the disabled? Is this “exclusion”?
The USFS does modify conditions of lands, when they berm (tank trap), reclassify, decommission, and obliterates these roads. Is this special treatment or accommodation for the mobility impaired as well as their escorts or is it “outright intentional exclusion”?
The USFS allows for other safe modes of transportation, like bicycles, and snowmobiles for the able bodied on these roads why not safe wheelchairs for the disabled? In Directive: (2350) It states: “This does not include aftermarket retrofit of a motorized unit to make it useable by a person who has a disability.” Does this single out the disabled, by only allowing unsafe equipment to be used by them?
3. Do these definitions, directives, policies, or regulations enforce or encourage “inclusion” of the disabled as required by Constitution, the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act. As amended by congress and signed into law by the President on Sept. 25, 2008?
4. What is meant by the “Full force of the U.S. Government and Congress” as stated in the ADA?
5. Does this show enthusiasm on the USFS part to “include” or to “exclude” the mobility impaired and those with a “relationship or association with a disabled person”?
6. In the USFS publications they state that safety is a primary concern, are the disabled more safe on roads that are more heavily traveled, or are they better served on roads with less “mixed traffic”?
What is the accident record in Baker County for the disabled using ATV’S on “ML1” roads, as compared to “ML2, ML3,ML4, and ML5” roads? Does a safe motorized wheelchair need to be defined by the USFS as a “Off Highway Vehicle” or "Suitable for indoor pedestrian area"?
Sec. 12103. Additional definitions (American With Disabilities Act of 1990 As Amended)
“As used in this chapter”
(1) “Auxiliary aids and services
The term “auxiliary aids and services” includes
(C) “acquisition or modification of equipment or devices; and”
(D) “other similar services and actions.”
Some Oregon State Laws that apply
801.385 “Pedestrian.” “Pedestrian” means any person afoot or confined in a wheelchair. [1983 c.338 §69]
Next article to cover: ADA Findings and purpose, Definition of Disabled, Acquisition or modification of equipment, and devices.
—Letters To The Editor—
Where Were The Flags?
To The Record-Courier:
Today I write with sadness to express my sincere disappointment as I drove down Main Street, returning to my home from a Mt. Hope Cemetery visit to pay respect, gratitude, and honor to my father-in-law, Richard H. Gushman (Dick Gushman to many residents) on this national day of remembrance of our past and present veterans.
It was with heartfelf sadness I realized I did not see one American flag displayed outside any local businesses, whether large or small. I acknowledge the gratitude advertisements by the businesses earlier in the week due to the current schedule of newspaper circulations, but still to see rural downtown America, especially in Baker County, devoid of any American flag on Nov. 11, Veterans Day 2009, was shocking to me!
As I made my tour of neighboring streets to my home, I remained saddened as most homes did not display the American Flag either, even though two years in a row, on the 4th of July, a local business and the Baker High School cheerleader volunteers have distributed free to each home a small red, white and blue American flag on a display stick.
It takes such a small amount of your time to say or show a thank you to the individuals who have sacrificed in many different ways to protect our freedom, values, and history, that I cannot even begin to understand why there were no flags on Main Street, Baker City, Baker County USA today! Can anyone explain that to me? What is the cost of an American flag? Minimal, compared to not having the privileged right to display it!
If you valued the protected rights you have as a citizen of this country, please consider my thoughts and show some evidence of American patriotism by not hesitating to display Old Glory in a proper, respectful manner.
Cheryl A. Gushman
Baker City
Rotary Couldn’t Put Out Flags Due To Weather
To The Record-Courier:
Regarding the American flag not being flown on Veterans Day, I felt a need to shed some light on the situation. Baker City Rotary provides a service to businesses and residences in Baker City. For a fee of $30 per year we provide a flag at your location, put it out in the morning, and take it down before dark. This process involves about twenty volunteers for each holiday to tranport the flags and place them for the day and pick them up at night. We try very hard to be totally in line with the flag codes of the United States of America and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, which states, "The flag should not be subject to weather damage, so it should not be displayed during rain, snow and wind storms unless it is an all-weather flag." So as a matter of respect to the US Flag we have to make the decision from time to time to not display them. We base the decision on weather forecasts, and it was very windy and it did rain off and on throughout the day.
If you would like to participate in Baker City Rotary's flag program feel free to contact us at www.bakercityrotary.org. Click the email link at the bottom of the home page and send us a note. We will then contact you to begin this service for you or your business. Funds raised are used to support local and international projects. Baker City Rotary is a service club that is part of Rotary International. Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders. Members of Rotary clubs, known as Rotarians, provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.
There are 33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds. As signified by the motto Service Above Self, Rotary's main objective is service—in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world.
Ken Krohn
Flag Committee Chairman
Baker City Rotary
Take An Interest In What Is Happening In Our Government
To The Record-Courier:
It’s taken me a long time to decide to write again, but the happenings have sparked a fire in me which I will explain. First, I’m shocked not surprised to see so few people in Baker and La Grande not interested in what is happening with our government today when if the wrong comes out, it will heavily affect you and yours.
Some still have their head stuck so far into the sands of unbelief, not realizing their biggest part is being destroyed. If you have not heard not only the warning from other countries on gun control, but also government-run health control where have you been? It’s a fact we need to fix what is broken, but we don’t need thousands of pages, not read, not understood by anyone, or explained.
Seniors, you have the opportunity to have your voice heard here in Baker, but you need to join with others at meeting and in between meetings. (Tea Parties.) American for prosperity meetings, which none of these are Democrat or Republican slanted.
Four hundred million to be taken out of medicare, which means you pay more to see a doctor if you can find one because they will be paid less to see you. Some will not even take Medicare case anymore. There’s talk of taxing hip implants, knee implants, pacemakers, etc. The government will have complete control of one-sixth of all health care situations even when there is no provision for such in the Constitution for this kind of control. Freedom of Choice - where did it go? Young people, you’re not off the hook either. Buy into this plan or face a stiff fine, maybe even jail time. You become a criminal. When are we as the people going to stand up with others against this out of control government that pays little attention to our Constitution anymore?
The military should have acted on this Major at Ft. Hood, not hid it behind their walls. We have bought into political correctness not wanting to rock the boat, take a stand, that it’s costing lives. We have blinded ourselves to the truth, not realizing we are at war for our very survival. Are their peace loving Moslems in the United States? Yessssss, yessssss I’m sure there is! A survey in 1991 said 82 percent said they would not support America in Iraqi; 62 percent would not back us in Desert Storm or against any Egyptian or Moslem country. Right now there are more Moslems in the United States than Assembly of God. Many Moslem, like many Christian, I hate to say, now what’s in their book, but chose to deny its teaching. The Koran said (Seri. 5:85) “No contact between Moslem and none Moslem.” (Seri 9:5) “Fight, slay the pagans where you find them, lay in wait for them, belittle them in war.” You and I are pagans according to the Koran. (Seri. 9 and 5) “Enslanve the Christian and Jew wherever you find them.” (Seri. 4:157) denies the death of Jesus Christ. Denies his deity. (Sri. 9:34) “The Christian calls Jesus the Son of God. Allah’s curse be on them.” (Seri. 5:75 ) states that the Son of Mary was no more than a messenger. Islam is not a sister faith.
Richard Fox
Baker City
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—Editorial—
Appreciating Our Veterans
As I write this, today is Veteran's Day. As you read it, yesterday was Veteran's Day. I hope the gratitude we feel for past and present Veterans and those still serving on this special Day continues into many more tomorrows.
Some wars are history, some wars are present and God forbid some may be looming in the future. But there was, has been, still are and will always be brave men and women willing to risk their lives to protect our freedoms and safety — for all of them we are so grateful.
Even though the wars we are fighting today aren't on home ground, and some think we shouldn't have our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, when we stand up and fight for others, we are standing up for ourselves. We are making the statement that not only will we not let people/countries treat us this way, we won't let them take away the freedoms of others as well.
I say “we” are standing up for our freedoms, but it is really our troops who are standing up for us. Just as our civilian brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, and friends have our backs here in the states — the troops have our backs overseas — they have us covered.
Even though some can't justify or agree with the decisions our leaders made that put us into this war or any war, we can and should all support our troops who are fighting, regardless of the circumstances that put us there. They are doing the job our government elected leaders called them to do just as their predecessors did in World War 1.
At the end of World War 1 fighting ceased when an armistice between the Allied Nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Nov. 11, 1918, is regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
Unfortunately it didn’t end all wars, but the date is still remembered. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11, 1919 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"
At that time Congress adopted a resolution endorsing Armistice Day which said: “...it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations...
Over the years the Day became more of a patriotic display with flag-waving, parades and events honoring veterans. In 1938, it was made a legal holiday and renamed Veteran’s Day. In 1954 it became a day to honor American Veterans of all wars — the true heroes of any war.
That same year, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.”
The origination of Veterans Day may be in our history, but honoring our veterans should be in our present always, and not just on one day of the year.
As we approach the holiday season, there are many ways to honor veterans. The local military support group has a box at The Record-Courier for donated items that are shipped to our troops. You can purchase phone cards to enable soldiers to call their loved ones. There are many online resources that offer ways to show your support including anysoldier.com. If you have found ways to support our troops, give us a call, we’ll put it in the paper and let others know.
And while we are supporting our current troops, let’s not forget those veterans from wars past. Remember, it doesn’t always take money to show you care — a smile and an attitude of gratitude can go a long ways in bringing joy to a veterans day — any day. (DS)
—Letters To The Editor—
Appreciate Support For Bootsma Fund
To The Record-Courier:
We want to commend Samantha Fritz, Lasa Baxter, Blake Jones, Eastern Oregon Medical Associates, Baker Valley Physical Therapy Powder Valley and the communities of Baker, Powder Valley and Cove for their support of the Billie Ruth Bootsma Fund. Young Ms. Fritz brought the crowd to tears as she shared the importance of screening mammograms and the story of her beloved teacher affected by breast cancer.
This past year, the support for the Billie Ruth Bootsma Fund has been phenomenal. In addition to the success of Samantha Fritz’s fundraising efforts, we extend our gratitude to Matthew Clark and Brian Olson of Clark and Company Home, artists Amy Martin Freidman and Don Gray, the photography models who shared their lives with us, Barbara Jeans, Adiva, Bulldog Senior Class President Wesley Anderson, Terry Boetcher, Beverly Calder, Addison Collard, Sycamore Tree and members of the St. Elizabeth Health Care Foundation. Many hands have helped many women in our community. In the past four months we have raised enough money to provide mammogram assistance to 20 local women.
We simply couldn’t provide these essential services without the outstanding show of support from our community. Well done everyone!
Margaret Bootsma
Nancy Buehler
Sister Kay Marie Duncan
Amy Dunkak
Marcy Haines
Jo Hinrichsen
Michelle Paoletti
Cledith VandenBos
Molly Wilson
Please Give Your Life’s Blood
To The Record-Courier:
The state of the economy is also affecting the supply of blood throughout the country. With so many corporations and big businesses closing down, the company blood drives are closing with them. These blood drives are the strong backbone of the country’s blood supply. Corporate blood drives make up about 20% of the collections for the American Red Cross.
The best way local blood drives can help is to make sure we make our quota of 60 units each day the drive is here. We did exceed our quota when the drive was here last time, so let’s do it again. Remember, there is no substitute for blood.
The blood drive will be here Monday, Nov. 16 from 1-6 p.m. and from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at the Calvary Baptist Church.
Please call Colleen Brooks at 523-4650 for an appointment.
Colleen Brooks
Baker City, Ore.
Thanks From Durkee
To The Record-Courier:
Special thanks to Durkee and Baker City communities for all their support and donations that made the Durkee Halloween Party and fund raiser a success.
Support: The Hungry Redneck Café, Inland Café, Paizanos Pizza, Carquest Auto Parts, Durkee Co-Op, Durkee Post Office, Baker County Library, Baker Dental Group, Ryder Bros. Stationery Store, Baker City Treasure Box, Safeway.
Donations: The Hungry Redneck Café, Inland Café, Paizanos Pizza, Carquest Auto Parts, Vivian Zikmund, J.T. Toll, Diane Bloomer, Andrea Gallagher.
A very special thank you to The Record-Courier for all their support in keeping us informed of special events and interests going on in our communities.
Look for another Durkee Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010, so get your pumpkins ready for the races. Hope to see you there!
Big thanks from all of us.
The Durkee Community
Why No Border Control With Swine Flu Outbreak?
To The Record-Courier:
This morning I’m watching CNN’s coverage of the H1N1 pandemic and the problems associated with getting enough vaccine and I’m wondering why this is happening. Early on when it broke out in Mexico I wondered why there was no border control. Why were people from the heart of where the pandemic started being allowed to just cross the border unimpeded? I guess it might have interfered with the Mexican drug trade to have done something. I watched China quarantine American and Mexican students who came into their country. They didn’t fool around. It’s hard to catch any news about how widespread the pandemic is in China, but I’ll bet they have a better handle on it than we do. Our response after it was spread all over the country was “it’s already here so there is no use to close the border.”
The country that pioneered most of the medical advances has now outsourced its vaccine making capabilities and we are vulnerable to deadly pandemics. If this bug would have been a mutation of the H5N1 virus that threatens to bring back 1918 things would be much more serious. We might get through this without a mutation of this bug, but it is time Americans tell corporate America and the globalist that we need to have some essential services, vaccine making capabilities for one and better control of technology like computers that have military capabilities. We need to be less politically correct and do better screening of people who want to come into this country whose religions tell them to kill Americans. The Fort Hood incident tells us this. The attack on the Trade Center on 911 in 2001 should have told us we need to know who comes here.
I live alone now on a small farm. I’m dependent on wood heat and there are animals I take care of. I have asthma. Getting sick could be a problem. I have a diabetic 7-year-old granddaughter and a grandson who was two pounds at birth. They could be vulnerable. I call the V.A. hotline and their recording says they don’t have the vaccine and don’t know when they will. CNN reports the Internet is full of snake oil salesmen selling useless or harmful swine flu remedies and we don’t do anything about it.
After a fair trial of course, my personal view is that some public executions would do wonders for identity theft thieves and those who exploit the vulnerable during hard times. And after this pandemic runs its course, we should take a good look at our elected officials who presided over this circus, from the local level to the White House and find some people with brains and guts to put America first. It’s long past time to rein in the multinational corporation. Unrestricted world trade with no regard to what kind of people we trade with will eventually kill us if it hasn’t already.
Steve Culley
Richland, Ore.
The Past Catches Up With You
To The Record-Courier:
Yes, now I was jolted a bit to write another letter to the editor in lieu of my clients or a few of them showing up on the scene and recollecting our history etc., and actually this wasn't even late at night given the issue.
I know in my husbands' family, history is often talked about in more ways than one, especially at dinner gatherings, and we never seem to get tired of hearing the stories. Something different always seems to get added then you wonder where did that one come from or did I miss it some place along the lines. It’s kinda of like politics. It’s interesting how issues catch up when we are caught off guard at that.
Even given the issues with H1N1 vaccine and all, I am sure it is safe, we just have to be aware of what we need to do to protect ourselves and make sure we are clear of any reactions etc. We need to make sure we are in the clear to get the shot itself.
Now on with the past and present... As one of my clients came in on the scene, we compared notes. He said he had a wonderful biology teacher who has been my employer for a long time. Well, he said I had to work for him too of course. This one great teacher had to have proof from my agenda itinerary days and seemed to be satisfied with that being down on paper so when I told him my maiden name and all, then he goes "yes, I know you now"... Surprise, surprise, of how we can imagine our identity can be a surprise to those around us can mislead either for the good or for the bad, depending on our history.
So even in politics it seems as though we have to have a birth certificate, etc... anything to prove that we are who we are no matter what. If we can't be on the up in being honest etc. then who are we to say when our past catches up with us? We can surely be guilty as charged unless we can come clean with whatever it is that haunts us from the past.
So be careful of what could really sneak up from behind that could really take you by surprise and even in my case it is all for the good at that.
Coffee anyone?
Brenda Dickison
Baker City
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—Letters To The Editor—
The Recall Is Over!
To The Record-Courier:
Now that the recall is over—with Dorrah and Calder surviving—it’s time for all of us to grow up and move on. There are more important things to worry about than the childish actions of a few.
We need to work on bringing some big business to Baker City, which will put a lot of people to work—not just a few. It’s time to bring Baker City and Baker County into the 21st Century instead of going backwards.
With the recall being a waste of time and money (they were only doing their jobs), a few friends and I feel that those who wanted the recall in the first place should pay that money back.
Tammy A. Bloom
Ed Dove
Florance Mahugh
Linda Robbins
Bobbie Danser
Baker City, Ore.
Thanks For The Laughs!
To The Record-Courier:
I haven't finished this week's paper yet, but my sides are already aching from laughing so hard. I just had to let you know how much I am enjoying all the joke articles. So far my favorite is "Journalist Arrested for Writing Crimes." They are hilarious! Guess I'll have to go to Old Pine Market and buy a copy for myself to read thoroughly and share at home.
Thank you for the laughs, especially on a gray winter day!
Cindy Thayer
Halfway, Ore.
Appreciate Support For Bootsma Fund
To The Record-Courier:
We want to commend Samantha Fritz, Lasa Baxter, Blake Jones, Eastern Oregon Medical Associates, Baker Valley Physical Therapy Powder Valley and the communities of Baker, Powder Valley and Cove for their support of the Billie Ruth Bootsma Fund. Young Ms. Fritz brought the crowd to tears as she shared the importance of screening mammograms and the story of her beloved teacher affected by breast cancer.
This past year, the support for the Billie Ruth Bootsma Fund has been phenomenal. In addition to the success of Samantha Fritz’s fundraising efforts, we extend our gratitude to Matthew Clark and Brian Olson of Clark and Company Home, artists Amy Martin Freidman and Don Gray, the photography models who shared their lives with us, Barbara Jeans, Adiva, Bulldog Senior Class President Wesley Anderson, Terry Boetcher, Beverly Calder, Addison Collard, Sycamore Tree and members of the St. Elizabeth Health Care Foundation. Many hands have helped many women in our community. In the past four months we have raised enough money to provide mammogram assistance to 20 local women.
We simply couldn’t provide these essential services without the outstanding show of support from our community. Well done everyone!
Margaret Bootsma
Nancy Buehler
Sister Kay Marie Duncan
Amy Dunkak
Marcy Haines
Jo Hinrichsen
Michelle Paoletti
Cledith VandenBos
Molly Wilson
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