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Opinions
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—Editorial—
Senator Kennedy, You’re No Hero
Senator Ted Kennedy’s passing leaves behind a political legacy, like his siblings; however, Ted’s is somewhat controversial. Although he did accomplish a few things in his 40 some years as Senator including legislating for civil rights, access to health care for the indigent, and funding for the Meals on Wheels program, his personal life was less than perfect.
Sure he was one of only six senators to serve more than 40 years, but media coverage of a lifestyle of drinking and womanizing were common and let’s not forget the Mary Jo Kopechne incident.
On July 19, 1969, Ted drove a car into Poucha Pond after leaving a party in Massachusetts. Reports at the time said he swam to shore and walked back to the party, leaving his passenger Kopechne submerged in the vehicle without reporting the accident to authorities until the next morning. News reports indicated that Ted called the police the next morning and by then the wreck had already been discovered, but too late for Kopechne. A diver sent in the next day to recover Kopechne’s body testified that she may have survived if help had been called right away due to an air bubble that had formed in the vehicle. Ted later did say he repeatedly dove under the water at the time of the accident trying to rescue Kopechne. He said he didn’t call police because he was in a state of shock. After pleading guilty to leaving the scene of an accident, he was given a suspended sentence of two months.
It’s not our place to judge Ted’s actions in the Kopechne incident nor condemn his lifestyle, but no matter how influential the Kennedy family has been in American government, we think Ted’s funeral and the honor paid him was a bit over the top. He received the type of funeral and coverage normally reserved for a former president or highly decorated war hero, not for a senator with Ted’s riddled past.
We understand why he could be buried at Arlington since Ted did serve in the military. He was also laid to rest near his brothers, former President John F. Kennedy and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, at Arlington, which is also understandable. And the Kennedy family may have paid the bulk of the funeral rather than taxpayers...but Ted was given a burial befitting of a hero complete with an eulogy from President Obama. We don’t understand why this senator was singled out to be honored in such an extravagant way. We’re not talking about an indiscretion or a tax evasion, we are talking about the disregard for a human life, which is definitely not the stuff heroes are made of.
Sure he was named by President Obama as one of 16 recipients of the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor, but so have other senators in the past who did not receive this type of recognition upon their deaths.
There have been many great senators who have accomplished much more than Sen. Ted Kennedy, all without the dented reputations of Kennedy, but how many of their funerals were televised by all the major networks?
While we offer our sympathies to Senator Kennedy’s family — a man who undoubtedly did do remarkable things in the eyes of many — we don’t consider him an American hero.
—Guest Opinion—
BPA: Stop Harming Your Real CustomersBy Werner BuehlerThe Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) continues to go down a road that is bad for its traditional customers, like Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC). OTEC received a letter, dated August 19th, indicating that BPA wants to continue subsidizing the aluminum industry, specifically Alcoa and Columbia Falls Aluminum Company (CFAC), despite the added pressures this places on OTEC’s member’s rates. According to the letter, BPA is proposing a power sale of up to 320 average megawatts at the Industrial Firm power rate (IP rate) sufficient to meet a portion of Alcoa’s load at its Intalco smelter. This would be a 7 year contract beginning October 1, 2009. CFAC is still in negotiations with BPA, but it would be surprising if an agreement is not reached in the near future. In November 2008, OTEC submitted official comments to BPA on this issue and those comments are still very valid. “Alcoa chose not to receive low cost, long-term BPA power from a “qualified” BPA utility, and instead chose to be served as a Direct Service Industry (DSI) to save money - a situation that was short sighted at best? Now that the economic dynamics have shifted and BPA no longer has surplus power, Alcoa is looking to BPA to provide them the same cheap power causing public utility customers to subsidize them. This subsidy amounts to about $145,000 per job for the 480 positions Alcoa will be obligated to maintain.”It’s not a coincidence that BPA’s recent rate increase to OTEC becomes effective October 1, 2009. Has BPA already made up its mind about subsidizing the aluminum industry? What does this mean for you, the average OTEC member? This plan will ultimately result in a rate increase to BPA customers like OTEC of 2-3 percent, or about $100 million for all BPA customers. BPA just raised its rates by 7.6%. Though we are fortunate OTEC was able to minimize its increase to its members, just how much more fortunate would we be if the rate increase were 2-3% less? The reality is that the BPA is attempting to subsidize an industry that is struggling right now and is looking for inexpensive power. We are all too aware that industries and individuals within the OTEC service territory are struggling as well though, so why is BPA placing a higher value on those in the aluminum industry? It’s time for BPA to wake up and do what’s best for its traditional customers, like the electric cooperatives in the Northwest. Stop subsidizing non-traditional customers who chose unwisely in the past at the expense of our members today.
BPA’s proposed power sale contract with Alcoa will be available for public review and comment through September 9, 2009, on BPA’s web site at www.bpa.gov/power/pl/regionaldialogue/implementation/documents.
For more information about OTEC, visit www.otecc.com.
Werner Buehler is General Manager of OTEC in Baker City.
—Letters To The Editor—
Critters Vs. Rascals
To The Record-Courier:
Ah yes, it is that time if not most of the time for some of our wonderful little critters that like to make themselves more than un-welcomed in our habitat and living at that.
In some cases my problem seems to be the bees that like to rule the roost and see how long their domain might last once I discover their agenda and, water it down with a strong nozzle spray at that—their mission can be more than one can hold. And especially getting stung for the second time around elsewhere while working. They don't run short on finding places and even the most ridiculous places at that to see how far they can go with it. Kinda of like politics.
Then next comes those pesky little flies that are even more so, and boy when they start to sticking etc. It seems like their purpose in life is nothing to behold. Then there are the mosquitoes. So seems like their bites are no better than the other except maybe with the virus and all that we are being warned about. I call all these guys little critters. And of course the ants...and remember the old saying on the ants...can't make mention but I am sure we are all familiar with that one. Makes me wonder what kinda of gossip they behold with all that buzzing around.
Now when it comes to being polite in talking about gardening etc..and especially the fertilizing aspect of it. It is best to make mention common resources to produce what our gardens produce. And yes I managed to escape the potato bug it seems like with the new potatoes that I discovered I had planted and am starting to harvest they say you can after a couple of months etc...but I waited until now to see the production and very nice size if one waits a little longer this will be more like six months...but am seeing that it is just enough for a few meals at that when one is limited on space. But that is fine with me. Wasn't sure on the storage space and all but would have worked out. Even The Record-Courier staff noticed how impressive they looked. Even noticed that the soil itself is still rich-looking after doing the tilling etc. that was done.
Now yes the tomato plants are putting a smile on my face. The big granddaddy is coming thru and the medium size ones are even just as good. Figured that it is a he when he is green, and then when he turns red it is Mrs. Ruby Red in all her glory. It was also mentioned about having birth certificates etc. ha. The staff admired the one given to the editor, and of course a very dear friend of mine was the recipient of one as well and is just slicing a slice at a time for her wonderful tomato sandwiches with a couple swipes of mayo to make it more than divine. Now she has had company staying with her and all but I am sure the company will go home with a little of my doings when things are on the up for her to leave. But in the meantime she is making sure that the idea of sharing is pretty limited. Sneaky aren't I?
Haven't seen the sign of Snake Eyes yet.
Coffee Anyone?
Brenda Dickison
Baker City
No More New England Hard Shell Republican Drivel
To The Record-Courier:
I am in my 93rd year. I’ve lived through 17 presidents. I am neither Democratic or Republican but Independent. When the Democrats ran a syphilitic sex maniac for president I quit the Democrats. I’ve lived in New England area for the last 50 years. I’m well indoctrinated with the poison pen ME/NH hard shell Republican mobs. Your tutored D.A. Moskowitz is a prime example. Why would a western periodical print such stupid drivel and sarcastic innuendoes?
The 2008 election I thought I had no choice but John McCain, who’s father was an admiral in WWII. Since I’ve witnessed the ambition, the keen sense of righteousness, of this young president. Faking U.S. problems to the people, tackling the Bush mess that Fred Thompson and cohorts didn’t want and quit the race. I am very impressed. Low cash flow is what the common man calls a depression. This young president started flow again by taking the funds from U.S. financial institutions and government banks and loaning with interest to big industry that supported the American economy. G.M. paid back their billion dollar loan with interest and are rehiring their laid off workers. Ford took a very small loan to put them in the black. The clunker program for the dealers was such a success it will end soon. The crisis is over. The housing program is improving. Our president is negotiating with N. Korea, Russian, Iraq, etc., nothing belligerent and throwing his weight around. No more religious wars. No more Bush terrorist scares. No more 9/11 lies of 5,000 people killed. No more Cheney Iraq restoration contracts for his company. No more Moskowitz poison pen drivel approaching tyranny against our dedicated president or I will cancel my subscription and read no more spitefulness.
Dale D. Holcomb
Richland, Ore.
Last City Manager Left With More Grace
To The Record-Courier:
Last week, the Baker City Herald opined that, at least for the selection of a City Manager, the “Council Needn’t Rush.”
The Herald says that the current squabbles will cause a lack of confidence “about the stability of this job.” Guess what? Everyone, except perhaps the Herald, already knows that the job is inherently insecure due to the language of our City Charter.
You may remember that when the last City Manager was summarily asked to leave, (Gordon Zimmerman, current City Administrator of the City of Oakridge), he graciously said, "When the council says it's time to go, it's time to go. There comes a time when the council wants to choose their own man." Apparently his wisdom is wasted on the Herald and other discontented parties.
Unfortunately, the Herald is promoting the idea that manipulations by three disgruntled Councilors and 6% of our population negate the power of our elected officials. The present Councilors were elected by the people, and they still serve. They have the right as our elected representatives to make decisions for as long as they serve. This despite the divisive, disabling and destructive recall initiated by the friends of the nearly forgotten City Manager, speculating real estate interests, some self-interested City employees, and a few childish Councilors. Should we allow these same people to diminish the power of two duly elected Councilors, and the functioning of the Council, just because they came out on the short end of the stick on a single decision? Do we expect the Council to stop making decisions before and after November elections just because the political balance may change? Is allowing the discontented few to disrupt City government a precedent that should be set? I think the answer to these questions is “no.”
Mr. Zimmerman has also said, “Some cities alternate leadership between different political adversaries which causes whiplash across the community.” Is Baker City going to continue the tradition of divisive “whiplash,” caused by a faulty Charter and the spats of these adversaries to continue, or are we going to face an uncertain future together?
Christopher Christie
Baker City
New Food Safety Legislation A Concern
To The Record-Courier:
As a small direct market farmer, I am very concerned about the Food Safety Modernization Act, which has passed out of the House and is now making its way into the Senate as S.510. Food safety is a topic of critical concern to me. I work diligently to ensure my product’s safety and sell directly to the consumer. I grow vegetables in biologically remineralized soils in Stanfield, Ore. I sell my patrons safe, nutrient rich food at local Farmers’ Markets. I believe that knowing your farmer is the clearest path to food safety.
As the sole employee/owner of my business, I lack the capacity to complete the same paperwork requirements and pay the same fees those large, industrial producers and processors will be required to complete and pay. The income that I generate from these sales is an important part of my family’s income. The “One Size Fits All” approach to food safety will disproportionately harm the small independent producer/processor.
I urge our Senators to insert a clear, understandable law - one where state and local public health and sanitation authorities are sufficiently guided to work with the small independent producers.
It gives me great pleasure to grow and sell an excellent product at Farmers’ Markets. And that's why I am asking all who enjoy local-grown, fresh produce, to please contact your Senators to ensure that our ability as small farmers, using direct marketing, thrives rather than diminishes due to the proposed “one size fits all” approach to food safety.
Gus Wahner,
Way of Life Farms,
Stanfield, Ore.
To Senator Merkley — Take An American View Rather Than A Globalist View
To The Record-Courier:
On Sept. 5, (when you visit Baker City) you will get a lot of questions on health care. Before you get started on that, I would like to make a statement or two. I’m through asking questions of my representatives because it usually turns out to be some kind of spin or good solution that has no chance of passing once you get back to D.C.
You owe your seat in the senate in large part to Gordon Smith’s penchant for hiring illegal aliens at his Weston plant. Along those lines of immigration, I would like to call your attention to the Numbers USA web site and the chart that shows population growth since about the time Tom McCall “saved” us from sprawl. Things have continued to get worse in the years since then. We added an extra 100 million people. The United States is now 38 percent minority and for ages under 5 it is 48 percent minority. Now before your democratic bleeding heart starts in about racism and diversity and all that, let me assure you the only thing I really care about it this population explosion. Those numbers tell me that the borders are still unsecured and that legal immigration quotas are out of control. To add insult to injury, I hear from the Census Bureau that soon my country will be 20 percent Muslim. Again let’s skip the racism thing. I do admit to some wariness for people who like to blow themselves up, but the real issue is that we are now letting a lot of new people in from the Middle East, expanding the population even more, and guess who is going to to be asked to give up basic freedoms to mitigate the damage. Perhaps you can’t understand what I’m talking about. Well, you had a career in the Oregon legislature where attempts to save farm land, open space and wildlife habitat resulted in a land use dictatorship that essentially turned Oregon into a feudal state where the rich can buy huge blocks of land and the rest are supposed to live in one of your well planned cities, like it or not. The native born Oregonian gets screwed while it would be possible for communist China to buy Oregon farm land. You have managed my freedoms away. The more recent people management issues are restricting 4-wheeler use of the Wallowa-Whitman and a huge power line to supply energy for the expanding population. Wars have been fought over land for centuries. It might be getting near the time when we do it again.
CNN, during a small break in the Michael Jackson coverage, had a big discussion with people from Chicago about their gang violence and all the gang killings. Naturally being Democrats they are on the gun control kick again. I guess they think now that one of their own is in the White House it is a good time to push their agenda. Deliver a simple message when you get back among the urban left. Something we believe with all our hearts and souls is that an armed populace is a barrier to tyranny. Elk hunting is nice and the right to defend yourself is good, but an armed populace is to keep government honest and under control. Any push, like what happened in Australia, just might let my gun banning friends really understand what a well-regulated militia is.
You might have missed it where the press fawned over Michael Jackson, but we had several big marijuana grows out here again this year and several more in the state. You guessed it—there seems to be a Mexican cartel connection. To my way of thinking, a nation that tries to solve its over-population and poverty problem by dumping its excess on me, a nation that depends on those illegals sending money back home and gets billions from an illegal drug trade, is coming really close to being an enemy state. When that enemy state tries to influence my Congress to kill my Second Amendment and when American law enforcement like the BATF seems to go along with it, I say it’s time to disband the BATF and put them to work on the borders doing honest work. Why wouldn’t Mexico operate the way it does? It seems to me the tail is wagging the dog. Our last president had to be beaten into workplace raids and the new one has stopped those in favor of going after employers and hasn’t found any employers hiring illegals yet. You accused your opponent in the last election of doing just that. Might be a good place to look. Here’s a news flash for you. It would be perfectly alright to pick up illegals at work sites to arrest their employers. Do both dummies. You don’t need to choose between two good alternatives. Mexico has caught on to the fact that we have lost the will to defend ourselves, but it is time that changed.
One health care statement I do have naturally pertains to immigration. Are Americans expected to furnish health care to anyone who just hops the fence? My kids with young families are having a tough enough time paying for themselves, let alone the rest of the world.
I could talk about the merits of a death penalty for identity theft, Wall Street players who manipulate the system and child rapists but I guess that can wait until the next election cycle. Until then, maybe you guys in Washington can take an American view instead of a globalist view. Maybe tell China to spend some of that trillion they have hoarded with unfair trade practices buying American products.
Steve Culley
Baker City
How To Tune A Bagpipe
To The Record-Courier:
This is in response to Carl Kostel's letter to the editor. We’re glad he doesn’t want to know what is worn under the kilt—sometimes that’s better left to the imagination! The question was asked, "How do bagpipers know when it’s time to get a tune up on their bagpipes?" We consulted John McDade, Pipe Major of the City of Trees Pipes and Drums in Boise and he stated that it is necessary to train your ear to the bagpipes.
When first learning to play, it’s best to have a teacher. Quite a few pipers use tuning meters as an aide. Learning the pipes on your own is quite a challenge, but not impossible to those who are truly dedicated. The bagpipes have many working parts and it is one of the most difficult instruments to master. When playing alone, it is generally easier to tune. John stated that most folks listening can't tell when you play a bad note, but when two or more bagpipers play together, any bad note is very noticeable. To tune bagpipes, you start with the chanter reed, then play your scales, then tune the drone to the chanter. Bagpipes are extremely sensitive to heat, cold, dampness and dry weather. That is why you will see musicians tuning their bagpipes for up to 20 minutes before a performance. The larger the band, the more difficult it is to have all the pipes tuned together. John was born in Glasgow and has been playing the bagpipes for 14 years. His playing has greatly improved since he began teaching.
Dr. Kostol, we hope this answers your question. Let us know if you have any other inquiries regarding the Scots. We would love to inform the public of facts about this great race of people!
And by the way, one of our members, when asked what he wears under his kilt, always responds the same way. In a very thick Scottish brogue, he says "Why shoes and socks, of course!"
Thank you!
The Eastern Oregon Celtic Society
www.bakerhighlanders.org
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—Letters To The Editor—
Know The Baker City Charter
To The Record-Courier:
Baker City voters created a representative democracy in which City Councilors are given broad discretion under the charter.
Section 4. “The council shall appoint and keep in office a city manager, ... (and other positions) ... all of whom shall hold office subject to the discretion of the council and may be removed by the council with or without cause.”
I choose not to engage in a public debate about Mr. Brocato. Had he been warned of the very things that finally caused me to fire him? Yes. Were they good reasons? Yes, I believe so.
Past removals of city managers have sometimes been abrupt, and without great public notice or disclosure.
No procedure is specified to remove the city manager except a simple vote of the majority. Others claim that the majority of council failed to follow procedure. That is simply false.
Resolution 3407 governs council members’ behavior. Two councilors who are now attempting to recall others, themselves publicly slandered and defamed their fellow council members. They modeled disorderly and disrespectful conduct. Before I agree to new rules they want to make up, they better follow the rules we have.
Section 22 (f) forbids the city manager from influencing municipal elections because the councilors are his bosses. A councilor who sees “nothing wrong” with city manager lobbying, tells you he can violate law.
Does the recall affect Councilor Pope and Bryan’s job performance? Yes, absolutely. They have no bridges left to burn, except perhaps with the voters. Two councilors are “stuck,” determined to fight and control every action of the council. They want you to overturn past elections and give them power to appoint their cronies without your control. One election every two years isn’t good enough for them. Councilors who try to influence votes by threats are worse than ineffective, they are destructive.
Councilor Calder and Mayor Dorrah deserve praise for behaving with grace and fairness toward everyone, including those who declared them their enemies. When you see a headline stating “Councilors Support Recall,” know that I do not.
Clair Button
Baker City Councilor
Brocato’s Application Missing Information
To The Record-Courier:
In 2007, when city council hired Steve Brocato to be Baker City manager, it appears to have taken at face value everything Brocato put into his application.
It shouldn’t have.
Brocato described his career in the international shipping container business. He reported that from 1997 to 1999 he was president of the leasing division of shipping container giant Cronos Group, a “$1 billion” company. He said he “directed 6 VPs, 25 managers and 100 employees.”
Then-mayor Jeff Petry gushed, “If he can run a big company, he can run a small city.”
But, if the City had done due diligence, it would have learned that Brocato’s employment history left out a few things.
Such as, before 1997, Brocato held much-lower level employment at Cronos, supervising at most three or four employees.
Such as, during his short tenure as president, the company’s financial performance was dismal.
Such as, at the time he appointed Brocato president of the leasing division, Cronos chairman of the board Stefan Palatin was under investigation by the SEC for securities fraud. (A Cronos executive told me employees were “shocked” by the appointment.)
In 1999, Cronos ousted Palatin as chairman for bilking the company out of millions of dollars, for which he served several years in an Austrian prison.
Due diligence by the City would have also disclosed something else missing from Brocato’s resume. Within a week of Palatin’s ouster, Brocato “resigned” as president of the leasing division.
After a career of nearly 20 years, Brocato never again worked in the container business. Why? His resume is silent.
So, what did Brocato do during the eight years between his departure from Cronos and being hired as Baker City Manager? He described himself as “contractual and financial consultant.” No details. Brocato listed not one reference of persons to contact or addresses of contracting companies.
Did the City verify any of Brocato’s employment during those eight years before becoming manager of our “small city”?
When I asked interim city manager Tim Collins about the City’s pre-hiring investigation of Brocato, he said the City cannot disclose that information “without an order to do so.”
In a recent letter to the editor, city councilor Milo Pope said people should be asking four city councilors why they voted to fire Brocato.
Well, they can’t. And Pope, an attorney, should know that.
The same rule that requires personnel files be kept confidential, keeps councilors from publicly discussing their reasons for firing Brocato.
But a court order is not the only way Brocato’s personnel file can be made public. Brocato himself could authorize Baker City and other employers to disclose confidential information.
How about it, Steve?
Gary Dielman
Baker City
Local Event Wrong Place To Gather Recall Signatures
To The Record-Courier:
Saturday, my wife and I went to the park to take in the Farmers’ Market and the Show ‘n’ Shine. When we got there we saw many people we knew and lots of out-of-towners. The day started out very pleasant until I saw the table asking people to sign a petition for recalling City Council members. I do not think this was the time or place for doing this. Baker had people from all over the Northwest visiting and partaking in this event and enjoying the weekend. What a shame we have to push our views on unexpecting visitors. I feel all this time and money could be spent on the kids (building a bigger skate park for one) in town and not on this recall. Many of the people we saw in the park felt the same way.
Bill Uttenreuther
Baker City
Journalists Are Not Continuing To Cover Climate Change
To The Record-Courier:
Being a journalist, I have seen how issues come to the forefront, and then how people tire of them and move on to another subject. There is an initial frenzy of interest, then editors feel that people have heard enough.
Despite the myriad of new findings, I am concerned that this is becoming the story about climate change. The science is getting more and more clear, but journalists are not continuing to cover the story commensurate with its importance. We are permanently harming all life on our planet, and all life to come. This is by far THE most important issue.
Many scientists, such as Sir James Lovelock, warn that billions of people will likely die this century because of the impacts of climate change. unless we make major changes to reduce greenhouse emissions. The group Christian Aid found that 185 million people are expected to die from the disease impacts of climate change just in sub-Saharan Africa this century, unless major changes are made.
Climate change is a creeping disaster, as an Alaskan Senator described it. But it is also accelerating and unpredictable, as a 2004 Pentagon Report on abrupt climate change details. That report, done by Defense Advisor Andrew Marshall, found that climate change is a much more serious threat than terrorism.
The recent passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act by the House of Representatives is the most important step our country has taken to combat this crisis. We must mobilize to pass the act through the Senate.
Misinformation, such as claims that the legislation will require home owners to do an energy audit before they can sell their homes are simply not true according to the National Association of Realtors. The insurance industry and several energy companies are in favor of the legislation, which does not go nearly far enough to reduce greenhouse emissions.
Still, it is a critical step, that will create nearly two million jobs, and clean up our air, water and landscapes as we transition to clean, renewable energy used far more efficiently, while combating the most serious crisis our species faces: climate change.
Chad Kister
Nelsonville, Ohio
Kister is as author and producer. His fourth book “Arctic Screaming” is coming out soon.
‘Cash For Clunkers’ Not For Everyone
To The Record-Courier:
There’s been a lot of talk about “Cash for Clunkers,” but for the majority of motorists, purchasing a new car is not an option. For many, their vehicle does not qualify as a “clunker” and for others, the cost of a new car is prohibitive, so keeping their current vehicle running efficiently is the sensible alternative.
Those motorists who treat their vehicles as valuable investments and commit to regular vehicle maintenance end up saving a lot of money. In fact, according to Runzheimer International, the difference in the savings over a four year period between keeping a car and buying a new one is over $10,000. Even with the “Cash for Clunkers” incentive, maintaining your current vehicle is still the best economic option.
To help ensure reliability and safety, and extend vehicle life, the Car Care Council recommends these preventive maintenance steps:
Change the oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or per the owner’s manual. Periodic oil and filter changes keep your engine clean on the inside.
Check the tire pressure at least monthly, including the spare. Your car’s tires affect its ride, handling, traction and safety.
Schedule a tune-up annually to optimize your car’s performance. A well-tuned engine delivers the best balance of power and fuel economy, and produces the lowest level of emissions.
Have the alignment checked at least annually. Potholes and other road conditions, as well as normal wear, can take their toll on your car’s steering and suspension. A wheel alignment reduces tire wear, improves fuel economy and handling, and increases driving enjoyment and safety.
Inspect the windshield wipers and lights on the car. Lights and wipers play a major role in safe driving, and they are normal wear items that need periodic replacement.
To learn more, visit the Car Care Council’s Web site at www.carcare.org and check out the popular digital Car Care Guide.
Rich White
Bethesda, MD
Do Bagpipes Need Tuned?
To The Record-Courier:
The Celtic Society is rather close mouthed about certain facts concerning the Scots. I can do without knowledge on about what they wear under their kilts, but I would like some information about the bagpipes. I would like to know how the bagpipers can tell when is time to get a tune-up on their bagpipes.
Carl R. Kostol
Baker City
Road Closures Are Bad For Us
To The Record-Courier:
“It makes us look bad,” Commissioner Warner said, in regard to people possibly misinterpreting Baker County’s position on Travel Management in the Wallowa- Whitman. “Look bad” to whom? Anyone following this issue is well aware of Baker County’s choice to willingly give up roads and the designation of an Open Forest. Maybe the counties were mislead into believing each of their plans would stand alone. I think it can be said, that Union County didn’t want to be associated with Baker County either. Colleen MacLeod, past Union County Commissioner, in an initial comment stated, “We feel that every road closed means one more nail in the coffin of this region ever being able to recover financially.”
Many volunteers spent hours doing road inventory. This inventory could be construed as misleading. Previously bermed roads, roads that could and would have been used, if not for the blocks were inventoried for closure. Retaining an “open forest” insures these roadbeds for all forms of recreation not just the many exemptions.
The ATV community is not the only one going to suffer after Mr. Ellis makes his closure decisions. Closures will hinder access to firewood, berries, hunting, camping, fishing, mushrooms, again everyone that enjoys the forest.
Even with the presently open forest, gathering firewood can be an arduous chore. Too many roads have been closed as it is. Abundant winter wood supplies are available behind berms. Cords and cords of home heating fuel very likely will be consumed by forest fire.
“It makes us look bad,” yes it does. Baker County’s position was totally disappointing to the over 6,000 people who signed a petition of “no more road closures.” Baker County should have taken a step back and repositioned. An attempt to appease the forest service, ODFW, environmental groups, seemingly everyone but constituents, the county opted to continue deleting roads, ignoring overwhelming cry to fight for our culture and historical access.
Travel Management is a huge land grab to be followed closely by a forest revision plan and numerous pending wilderness bills. When public domain has vanished, who will look bad?
Wanda Ballard
Baker City, Ore.
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—Letters To The Editor—
Savor The Flavor
To The Record-Courier:
Well now with all of our gardens if not for most of us, and maybe all of us, depending on how you want to look at it, I am sure we are tasting the bounty of them.
I had a friend challenge me on the title of this one, and am going to see if I can at that.
Yes, I am on my way to making a couple rounds of pickles. Well, in discovering without realizing I was trying to cut corners so to speak, didn't quite have the amount that I had last year and forgot a little of what I had done, but was quick to figure out that you can't have 12 cucumbers, up against 4 pounds in order to get the recipe right. Kind of like ma and pa's special recipes, so yes managed to miscalculate, but rectified the mistake and they were as good as gold, yes a bit salty, on the first round.
Of course my huckleberry people assured me they had been there and made those same mistakes as well. Nonetheless they enjoyed a sample at that and didn't seem to last long of doing what they did for me. Another special treat added to my day at that and a special thanks to these people.
You know we learn by doing and make the corrections as necessary. I even managed to miscalculate my husband's and my anniversary by one digit off thinking we had been married 17 years instead of the big 18 now going on 19. So there you have in a heartbeat on with the digits again. One year even managed to miss my age at that thinking backwards instead of forward. So yes if not all or most of you have been there in more ways then one other than me. So far my husband keeps a pretty good track record of these issues. Even cutting corners can't seem to beat it at times. Told you I would mention this issue down the road. So how many times do we go backward and forward and allowing our agendas to override us?
Sure hope my squash comes out it seems to be falling off and drying up...even doing all that we did. Crook neck and acorn are my favorites. Tomatoes are coming on in an abundance and hope they start ripening before too long. Makes me wonder if others are having this problem.
These same people seem to think I needed more space in a big way unlike a few others at that. Told them I had all I could handle with what I was doing. But appreciated their suggestion. Need to make room for my coffee breaks as well.
Coffee Anyone?
Brenda Dickison
Baker City
What Has Happened To Baker City?
To The Record-Courier:
Gone are the wholesome days of Baker City. In my apartment complex, drug use is in your face. Visitors come and talk to tenants outside and say, “I’ll be better once I get a buzz!”
Just about every day I am ridiculed with vulgarity and or directly called names by other tenants who are either under the influence or drunk.
Apartment management’s response is, “there is lots of drama in low-income apartments. No money, No jobs, and very few people with middle class values and up bringing. This does not mean that they are all bad people and do not deserve a place to live. You should not judge other people by your values. I can’t be judging their every word and movement for me to be able to work with them, we have to have mutual respect. I do not approve of their language or behavior, but it is quite typical of this age group of men who have no jobs. They have no self esteem, but they can be cocky and swear and that makes them feel big.”
The Police/Sheriff turn a blind eye (at least they know where it’s happening).
The Mayor and the Vice Mayor’s hands are tied (do not make law enforcement enforce), for fear of lawsuits.
The City Council of Bass, Pope, Bryan, Dorrah and Calder... (Well, we all know how they are working together)!
I personally believe it is the prison’s doing. The prison in town has too much politics and political power. Years ago Baker City opened Pandoras’s box (by allowing the prison and its inmates to come in) and now Baker City is paying the price.
Obviously the drug rehabilitation programs in town are not working!
As I have lived in Baker City years ago, been away and have come back, it is startling to see the changes (not for the better). Are the good citizens of Baker City just going to let drug use take over its city (tolerating those being under the influence)?
Michael Pitkin
Baker City, Ore.
Only No Change Is Legal
To The Record-Courier:
Mr. Steve Ellis, Forest Supervisor, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest: The “No Change” plan is the only “legal” action you can make.
In 1976, Congress specifically reaffirmed RS 2477 law stating “The Federal Land Management Agencies have no Independent Power or Authority over 2477 Roads.” Period.
To ignore this law will bring on legal action against you and your department, which would be a waste of time and money that we all can ill afford.
Another reason to reconsider these plans is the fact that our country is facing economic breakdown. The regulations that restrict the access and use of the land have so damaged our basic industries that many have shut down or moved overseas.
We must understand that all new wealth comes from the ground. This wealth is expanded when the produce and resources we recover are processed and manufactured into life’s necessities. Thus all jobs, all business is dependent on access and use of the land so that we can harvest its produce and resources. We cannot continue to put our county in debt to buy things we will not let ourselves produce. China already holds a mortgage on California and the Hawaiian Islands as collateral on our huge debt to her. Will we let Oregon be next?
Most of the plans you propose will restrict access and use of the land and put another squeeze on our economy. For our country and its people “Don’t Do It.”
Kenneth Anderson
Baker City
Americans First Over Party Affiliations
To The Record-Courier:
This is the hardest letter I’ve ever written, but I have to. I love my Country and I see Socialism, which is a brother to communism moving little by little into this great Country. Seeing leaders in power, many citizens also who would let this Country be destroyed on purpose or in ignorance. By Democrats and Republicans alike who put their party ahead of their County.
It’s time more than ever to be Americans first over party affiliations! Some are like the frog in the pan, not knowing the fire under him is being turned up little by little until he’s cooked. There’s never been a time in history since the Revolutionary War that needs the people to come together for peace, freedom and truth. It’s a very short step from citizen to subject. “Freedom is not free, you must fight and protect it, or lose it.”
A Russian leader (a Communist) said, “America would be taken from the inside without a shot being fired.” Let’s hope he’s wrong! But we have one in office now, a new Obama Czar. That makes over 40 questionable Czars in office. How come? Because people are like the frog, asleep in their dream world, they don’t hear government becoming louder and louder while they are being silenced. Tea parties are springing up across the country because many have woken up from their sleep and remembered our government is responsible to the people NOT the people to it.
We’re now waiting for the rest of this Giant to wake up also. Please join us at any tea party. Now there’s a body in Baker called, “Americans for Prosperity.” Which I am proud to be a member. They meet at least once a month in Baker. They will be circulating two petitions to stop Oregon from forcing a $500 million tax increase without public approval. Your signing will force them to put it to a vote and explain it to the people, Please get involved!
I am also a life member of the NRA, and a member of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps. both fight for our freedom! I am also a Born-again Spirit-filled Christian. We are in a war also! This government needs the prayers of all believers like never before.
Questions? Why are 61 percent of Americans dissatisfied with the direction this government is leading our country? Forty nine percent oppose Obama health are plan? Why is it one thousand pages long? Why were they getting into your computer? Why do they want us to tell on one another? One word, CONTROL! With all the talk, we still don’t know what’s all in this bill or how to pay for it. We now know most of Obama’s town hall meetings were staged. Where was he really born? He won’t prove his birth place, but spent over $1 million to keep it out of court?? (Something fishy here.)
If a new bill passes Conservative talk radio will come under full attack by the new Czar and the Liberal FCC; Look out folks, here comes Obama’s Czars. Without a fight, there goes your freedom!
Richard Fox
Baker City.
Brocato Bought Employee Support With Tax Dollars
To The Record-Courier:
The June 10 issue of Baker City Herald has an article titled “City employees defend Brocato, chastise Council.”
There were at least 11 City Employees quoted in that article defending Brocato. I wondered what could get that kind of loyalty to a City Manager. I requested, under the Oregon Public Records Act, the wages each of those 11 employees were earning before Brocato got hired, and also what those same employees were earning when he was fired.
It turns out that those 11 City employees combined have received $10,877 per month worth of raises during the period that Brocato was listed as City Manager. $10,877 x 12 months = over $130,000 per year in raises that these 11 City employees are able to share although not necessarily evenly. Since wages/salaries rarely go down, that $130,000 per year will be an expense each year.
If those City employees believe that Brocato caused their raises, well, I guess that they ought to have some loyalty to him. Too bad it had to be paid for with taxpayer funds.
I would ask all city employees to please withdraw support for the recall of city counselors. This is still your city and we need to get back to business. Life goes on.
Richard Harris
Baker City, Ore.
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—Editorial—
Let The People Decide!
Although we don't agree with the way the Baker City Council's firing of City Manager Steve Brocato was handled, we are disappointed in City Councilors Milo Pope, Andrew Bryan and Sam Bass's decision to actively solicit signatures for the recall of Councilors Beverly Calder and Dennis Dorrah.
Pope, Bryan and Bass voted against the firing of Brocato earlier this year and Calder and Dorrah joined Councilors Clair Button and Aletha Bonebrake, creating a majority in favor of firing Brocato. At the time the recall was initiated Button and Bonebrake had not been in office long enough to be included in the recall. However, we don’t know if it was/is anyone’s intent to recall them as well.
We feel the duty of conducting a recall and soliciting signatures should be left up to the citizens/voters of the community and not fellow councilors/elected city officials who share the same office. Councilors should be concentrating on the business of running the city and not on ousting each other out of office. The recall petition was initiated by voters, and it should be carried out by voters.
We agree with Councilor Bryan who said the discontent he has with councilors who voted to fire Brocato is in the way they carried it out and their lack of professionalism. He said for that reason he is becoming active in the recall, and he remains neutral on whether or not Brocato should be reinstated. Even so, we don’t think actively trying to vacate a fellow councilor's seat is healthy for the City or of value to the community.
We've witnessed some pretty big disagreements and even rip roaring arguments between councilors over the years, which is very healthy and invaluable in helping them reach a decision. But they have always managed to come to some sort of agreement.
We have more than one councilor elected into office so the group, together, can reach a consensus on issues facing the city. That doesn’t mean that councilors can’t state their opinions or disagree in the media or to the public, even against the council majority, but it doesn’t inspire much confidence in the people of the community when they try to have each other recalled.
Routing complaints through the proper channels as Milo Pope has also done with sending a letter to the Ethics Commission about Calder (although, so far we haven’t seen any evidence of anything unethical) is a much better solution than getting involved in a recall. Better yet, councilors could seek resolution to an ethics concern as a group. But once again, they would need to acknowledge that city charter dictates that the majority rules in these decisions too. And all of the councilors — including those making up the majority in decisions — were elected by the citizens to represent them.
As it stands now, it appears we have a divided council, which is detrimental to any city. So there may indeed need to be some reshuffling of council seats, but again that’s not up to the councilors to decide.
In the mean time while the community is sorting this out, the personal feelings councilors have for each other should be set aside and the three councilors participating in the recall efforts should let the voters take care of it. It's time to get back to the business of running the city and creating economic development, developing improved ordinances, and getting the biggest bang for our tax bucks.
As we stated, we don't agree with the way Brocato was fired, but the city council voted and the majority wanted him to go. The Councilors already had their vote. Now it's time to let the people in the community decide whether or not the councilors voting to fire Brocato should be recalled because of their decision or the way they handled it.
Citizens for the most part respect their elected official's opinions or they wouldn't have voted for them in the first place. Now it’s time for councilors to respect those who put them into office. Let the same democracy that put you in office to serve the people, be the ones to take others out of office.
—Letters To The Editor—
Guardian Is Good
To The Record-Courier:
Guardian Home Health is a wonderful resource for all of Baker County.
Recently I had knee replacement surgery. The orthopedic surgeon requested Guardian Home Care to assist in my recovery and they contacted me when I returned home.
The nurses and the physical therapist are very professional. They have made my recovery much easier. I can fully recommend their services to anyone recovering from major surgery or a debilitating illness.
Frances Burgess
Baker City, Ore.
The Laws Are On The Books
To The Record-Courier:
In reading in articles, in past R.C. “letters” the issues about the U.S.F.S. and the required EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) and the 1974 Federal Environmental Management Act, that the F.S. is mandated by this act to over sight. This 1974 act has since been revised by the 1988 Revised EPA rules (40CFR440) that the F.S. seems to ignore that up-dates the “clean water act” and “pollution” especially to navigable waters and “non” navigable waters that was mandated by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (PL96) (RFA) that restricts the State’s and Federal regulatory agencies from oppressive over regulatory rules and regulation that over regulates small business entities and “non” business citizens, that doesn’t have the financial resources, I.E., attorney, etc. that the large “corporate” (fascism) have at their disposal to the exclusive monopoly of the use of capitalism to small scale capitalism of entrepreneur (enterprise) (no competition).
In the wording of “environmentalism”, alone by the EIS statement, by the F.S. was shot down by the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 1987 Granit Rock vs. California Coastal Com. (case law) in that the “collusive” of “eco gestopos” of the environmental movement to the radical left wing to water, air and land control or “nationalization” of the three basic needs (excluding bogus $) of U.S. citizens.
The laws are on the books folks, by the U.S. Supreme Court’s rulings, U.S. codes under Federal U.S. Congressional Acts of the past, I.E., RS2477 Ways (pre 1976 acts) and statutory authority under the Supremacy Clause, U.S. Constitutional Law Act IV, of constitution requirements but the State’s and Federal unelected officials seem to ignore that the civil liberties violations only the Stats” like the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Environmentalism Extremes, Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the “power” brokers use to expediency it affords the “Law of the Agents”. This should be put down by local government.
Bruce Park
Sumpter, Ore.
Cash For Clunkers Peanuts Compared To Maintenance
To The Record-Courier:
Understandably the “Cash for Clunkers” program is wildly popular among new car dealers, car makers and those consumers who have the ability to buy a new vehicle. However, the majority of Americans cannot afford a new car payment today, but they probably can afford to trade up to a newer used vehicle or make their current vehicle more fuel-efficient.
Routine vehicle maintenance for an entire year costs a consumer less than a single monthly new car payment and would be significantly more successful in reducing gasoline use and pollution than “Cash for Clunkers.” Vehicle maintenance would save consumers $30 billion in gasoline a year vs. spending $3 billion in taxpayer dollars to buy new cars.
While “Cash for Clunkers” is estimated to save 72 million gallons of gasoline each year, simple vehicle maintenance would save more than 12 billion gallons of gasoline a year – an amount equivalent to all of the gasoline used in Illinois, Michigan and Connecticut in one year. Additionally, vehicle maintenance does not require destroying perfectly good used vehicles that could be sold or donated to people who cannot afford a new car.
Doesn’t it make more sense to give a tax credit or other incentive to the majority of Americans to improve the fuel efficiency, safety and dependability of their current vehicle, rather than taking their tax dollars to help a small minority of consumers and pump up new car dealer profits?
Sincerely,
Kathleen Schmatz
President & CEO
Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA)
Bethesda, MD
Thanks For Enriching Our Lives
To The Record-Courier:
I want to take a moment and give special recognition to the Baker City Oregon Employment Department, the Baker County Public Library and the Crossroads Art Center for helping to enrich thousands of lives every year in Baker County.
The Baker City Oregon Employment Department helps people with finding a new job. The Baker County Public Library helps people with expanding their knowledge and understanding of our world. The Crossroads Art Center helps people with discovering creative self-empowerment through displayed art and art education.
Employment departments, public libraries and community art centers naturally enrich human life on many levels. Without the hard work and dedication of these important businesses in Baker City, the overall quality of human life in Baker County would greatly suffer and make our daily existences feel very gloomy.
If people truly had to suffer, nobody in Baker County would have a job and every business would be shut down for good. This would include city hall, gas stations, banks, schools, grocery stores, hospitals, fire departments and local law enforcement agencies. Nobody would have access to free books or free public Internet services and nobody would be able to personally witness a beautiful display of twenty original watercolor paintings. We would still have our basic freedoms as American citizens, but no real life to enjoy them.
Please take a few minutes and join me in personally thanking the Baker City Oregon Employment Department, the Baker County Public Library and the Crossroads Art Center for their unwavering devotion to significantly enriching human life in our small town communities. How would your current lifestyle drastically alter today without their strong dedication and local support? Thank you.
Scott Ungerecht
Baker City
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—Editorial—
Shriners Always Welcome
The Shriners — they came, they stayed, they played, they entertained and they raised money for a worthy cause. We salute these fine men and their wives in their funny little parade cars and Fez clad heads. They are truly an inspiration and a testament to what an organization can do when they engage their minds and hearts to work together.
Al Kader Shriners, an all male fraternity that includes their wives in their activities, was founded in 1888, the first Shriners Center to be established in the Pacific Northwest. Their purpose it to have fun and support the Shrine Hospitals. Fun is obviously a side effect of knowing you are helping children succeed in life.
The Shrine Organization is international, with centers in Canada, Mexico, Panama and the United States. There are 191 Shrine centers with approximately 375,000 members.
Shriners Hospitals for Children is dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research and teaching programs. Every year, the 22 hospitals provide care for thousands of kids with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, at no charge.
And while the Shriners are having all this fun and raising money, they are supporting our local economy by staying in our motels, eating in our restaurants and bringing hundreds of people to town, who are doing the same, for the East West Shrine Game. Visitors and the community are also treated to a parade.
We just can’t find anything wrong with this scenario, it’s a win, win proposition for everyone, especially the kids who need the services of Shriners Hospitals.
Kudos go out to all of the local people involved in making this event successful, especially Wayne Lewis and the local Shriners’ club, Randy Guyer for handling the finances, the Baker County Cattlemen and Cattlewomen Association, Quail Ridge and Buffalo Peak Golf Course for holding tournaments, and all of the local service organizations and individuals who held events and helped with activities during the weekend. And, of course, all of the East and West players, coaches, families and support members for putting on a great show.
We hope Baker City and those involved in putting on the East West Shrine Game will continue their efforts for years to come and people will continue to get involved in this very worthwhile event, that we look forward to every year. Your efforts are not going unnoticed — we appreciate you! (DS)
—Guest Opinion—
Health Care: You May Get What You Don’t Pay For
By: Katharine DeBrecht
While Congress and the Administration are scrambling to draft a catastrophic overhaul of our healthcare system, now more than ever is the time to step back and take a look at how citizens have fared in other countries under the guise of “free” healthcare.
Government-run healthcare systems in other countries are a painful example of how good intentions can produce dire results. Canadian, British, and European government-run health systems delay and ration care for citizens, limit access to cutting-edge diagnostic services and medications, and result in poor quality medical care, all while costs skyrocket.
It is no secret that there are tragically long waiting periods for patients to receive treatment in Canada and Great Britain. According to the National Center for Policy Analysis, 827,429 Canadians are awaiting some type of procedure, while 1.8 million people in England await hospital admission or outpatient treatment. At one point, waiting periods were so bad in Canada, that in 2005 Canadian citizens, fed up with being prohibited by law from seeking private care, took the matter to the highest court in Canada.
The high court found in favor of the plaintiffs, stating: "The evidence in this case shows that delays in the public healthcare system are widespread, and that, in some serious cases, patients die as a result of waiting lists for public healthcare. The evidence also demonstrates that the prohibition against private health insurance and its consequence of denying people vital healthcare result in physical and psychological suffering that meets a threshold test of seriousness."
In an attempt to avoid long waiting periods in Great Britain, the National Health Service (NHS) instituted “targets” using a carrot and stick approach with hospitals that have further exacerbated the decline of quality healthcare for all Britons.
This month the Daily Telegraph reported that emergency room patients suspected of having cancer are forced to the back of the line. These sometimes critical emergency patients do not “count” towards the targets as do other cancer patients referred by GPs and are therefore subjected to longer and often painful waiting periods.
This past spring the Daily Telegraph cited a report by Britain’s Healthcare Commission regarding the conditions at Staffordshire hospitals where between 400 and 1200 more patients died than expected during a three year period. According to the Daily Telegraph the investigation found “overstretched and poorly trained nurses who turned off equipment because they did not know how to work it, newly qualified doctors left to care for patients recovering from surgery at night, patients left for hours in soiled bedclothes, reception staff expected to judge how seriousness of patients arriving at A&E (emergency rooms), patients left without food or drink, others who received the wrong medication or none at all, blood and faeces left on lavatories and floors, and doctors diverted away from seriously ill patients in order to treat minor ones who were in danger of breaching the four hour waiting time target.”
In 2007 the Independent found that “annual performance ratings for every NHS trust, published today, show 44 hospital trusts out of 172 (25 percent) failed at least one of three core standards on infection control. Overall, hygiene was the area where compliance with the core standards set by the Commission for the NHS was lowest.”
Those fortunate enough to find a sanitary medical facility, may still be denied treatment, or even forced to administer treatment themselves because of rising costs, something that many believed socialized medicine would cure. In January 2008 the Daily Telegraph cited a British Department of Health plan to encourage patients who suffer from arthritis, asthma and even heart failure to resort to self-treatment, which included monitoring heart activity and lung capacity, self-administering drugs and utilizing relaxation techniques to avoid panicked visits to medical professionals. According to the report, “an internal Government document seen by the Daily Telegraph makes clear that the policy is a money-saving measure, a key plank of DoH plans to cut costs.”
Cost-cutting also affects the effective training of medical personnel. According to the Guardian, this spring two Healthcare Commission reports on the care of children “found serious inadequacies despite the high priority the commission had tried to give children over the last five years. Many staff were not trained to spot abuse, give pain relief or resuscitate a child who had stopped breathing.” The Daily Telegraph also reported that a review of 154 hospital trusts, three out of ten “don’t meet basic minimum level of child protection training to key staff.”
Cost-cutting may also affect how physicians view the treatment of their patients. In 2002, the Independent cited an April 2001 report on an inquiry into whether doctors in top heart hospitals in Britain were refusing children heart surgery because they had Down Syndrome. The Independent reported that the inquiry report “revealed a culture of paternalism among doctors with outdated medical practices and concluded, as a result, the treatment offered was construed by parents as discriminatory.”
Canadian children do not fare much better. In 2004 two pediatric hospitals in Montreal had a backlog of 5,500 children awaiting surgery up to a year because the surgeries, such as tubes for chronic ear infections which can cause hearing loss, crooked eyes which can cause lost of sight, and disfiguring facial tumors which can become a subject of cruel teasing was considered “elective”.
The elderly, obese and those with unhealthy lifestyles also have the propensity to be denied treatment in Great Britain, according to a survey by Doctor magazine cited by the Daily Telegraph. According to the survey, British doctors are “calling for NHS treatment to be withheld from patients who are too old or who lead unhealthy lives.”
According to the Daily Telegraph “among the survey of 870 family and hospital doctors, almost 60 percent said the NHS could not provide full healthcare to everyone and that some individuals should pay for services.” One out of ten hospitals already refuse some surgery to patients who are smokers or obese in Great Britain.
If you are old and have cancer, you are even worse off under the British healthcare system. According to a report cited by the Daily Mail, 15,000 elderly die each year unnecessarily from cancer because focus is directed mainly to patients under 75 years of age.
Those under the age of 75 diagnosed with cancer, don’t fare much better. According to The Times, in 2005 bureaucratic red tape denied over 20 licensed cancer treatments to British cancer patients, with another 23 treatments awaiting appraisal. These included treatments for breast, colon, bone marrow and lung cancer as well as non-Hodgkins lymphoma and brain tumors. Such delays can last as long as three years.
Because of increasing costs, British cancer patients are also denied more effective cancer-fighting drugs. In 2008 The Times highlighted the story of a 68 year old man with kidney cancer seeking to purchase a more effective drug out of pocket. He was told that if he privately purchased the drug, which promised two times the survival rate than the one administered by the government, the government would drop his healthcare coverage. The man purchased the drug anyway and is now no longer able to receive follow-up tests, treatment, etc. Another 71 year old cancer patient opted for the same thing, and was subsequently billed by the NHS £11,500 for his medical care after he was dropped by the government system. Only after the media publicized the incident did the NHS rescind the bill.
Rising costs also create a shortage of doctors. In Japan, where the government controls the healthcare market including price and compensation, many citizens flee or refuse to enter the medical profession. A shortage of obstetricians led to the 2006 death of a pregnant woman who was turned away from 20 hospitals for treatment. The following year, another pregnant woman lost her child after traveling 45 miles only to miscarry in a crashed ambulance after being turned away by eight hospitals.
Pregnant women in Great Britain also experience shortages. In 2008, the Guardian reported that 10 percent of hospital trusts closed their doors to pregnant women at least 10 days in 2007 and 42 percent of trusts reported to have turned down a pregnant woman at least once.
The mentally ill or disabled have fared even worse. In 2007 The Independent cited a Lancet medical journal which found British mental health wards to be “at best untherapeutic and at worst unsafe” and access to psychological treatment “pitiful”. After an investigation into six deaths of mentally disabled patients in Great Britain, the Health Service Ombudsman stated “the recurrence of complaints across different agencies leads us to believe that the quality of care in the NHS and social services for people with learning disabilities is at best patchy and at worst an indictment of our society.”
While “free” healthcare may seem enticing to some Americans, it is critical to realize what other government-run healthcare systems have actually provided and truly denied their citizens. There is a reason why Americans are not flocking to Europe for quality medical care. There is also a reason why so many flock to the United States for the best healthcare in the world. Perhaps we (and they) realize you get what you don’t pay for.
Katharine DeBrecht is a graduate of Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame and the mother of three. She is a freelance writer and the author of the popular Help! Mom! children’s book series. She is a regular political commentator on several national news networks as well as national broadcast and print media. She has also written opinion pieces for newspapers across the country, including The Los Angeles Times.
—Letters To The Editor—
Let Us Revive The Use Of Common Sense
To The Record-Courier:
As individuals who make up our society, it seems like the application of common sense, which should be the norm, is becoming a rarity in many situations.
When it comes to making decisions by those in our city government, common sense should be easily found in each decision.
When it comes to making decisions by those in our federal government, common sense should be easily found in every decision.
Political affiliation and/or any kind of personal agendas by those in any level of government should have no bearing on the use of common sense.
I refer you to an obituary – “The Death of Common Sense,” written by Lori Borgman. Although first published on March 15, 1998, it is very applicable to today. Lori Borgman contributes articles to many newspapers throughout the United States and Canada.
Simply do a Google search for: the death of common sense then look for her name, or go to loriborgman.com.
A quote from one of the last lines in her article, in reference to Common Sense:
“He is survived by two step-brothers, Half-Wit and Dim-Wit.”
Let us revive the use of common sense. And demand it from those in any level of government.
Kim Kimberling
Baker City, Ore.
Obama Shoots From The Hip
To The Record-Courier:
President Obama has confirmed my fear of having a president with terrible judgment.
His recent accusation that the Cambridge, MA police “acted stupidly” in the arrest of a black college professor shows Obama makes decisions without gathering all the facts and analyzing the situation. He automatically took the side of a fellow black, and berated the police, without any knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the event. He should not be commenting on local police matters. This only weakens the office of President of the United States.
President Obama has trouble thinking correctly and makes poor decisions when he is away from his aides, is not reading from a prepared speech and does not have a teleprompter in front of him. Also, he has exhibited a tendency to “shoot from the hip.” Do you trust him to take the 3 a.m. call? I don’t.
Donald A. Moskowitz
Londonderry, NH
Crossing Bridges
To The Record-Courier:
You know how many times have we been there and done that in our life time of crossing bridges, kind of like stepping on toes? But whose toes are we stepping on if that not our own to begin with?
I know this is unusual to write this kind of letter. But wanted to see how much I could make out of it at that. You know in my last letter I mentioned we had a garter snake, so now I am calling him or her “Snake Eyes.” A very dear friend of the family stopped by one night to give me a taste of nice fresh beans from a neighbor’s garden, and all and just had to show her my 4 ft. tall tomato plants and she inquired about Snake Eyes, and whether or not he would be out to greet her and said we hadn't seen him for a few days. So assured her that she would be fine and noted that she would not be stepping on Snake Eyes’ well being. You know they say that crossing bridges in our lifetime can teach us whatever we are to learn and apply the truth to no matter and make the best of whatever the issues are of those we face. So here it is with the issue of beans and not to mention they were very good, and now I can hardly wait for mine to come on, a few have but need enough to make a meal or two out of them. It is interesting to note that when we have a taste of something good in our lives we run with it and then it catches up with us—whether it be for the good or bad. In this case for the good.
Now, remember as kids how our parents would try to convey whatever the message to us with their eyes, and somehow we just seemed to have gotten the drift no matter what? Laugh a little it will do you just fine. To them we could really let them believe that message was well conveyed but not always did know if they made a point—nothing like make believe. Ha. Nowadays you can almost look a person in the eye, like Snake Eyes, and have their character figured out one way or another. Crossing bridges can have the same effect as well, well anyways, in reference to my last letter about huckleberries, I wanted to thank the individual who called me and now I believe I am back in business with my huckleberries...this family of ours when picnics are in store for the summer like cobblers, etc. but then since then heard that other family members have them to, so maybe I can hold on to mine for a change, who knows.
It has been a couple of years to have some nice huckleberries and all. The comment was made about milkshakes etc. so wonder if my pickles and milkshakes, would go down the hatch well. Hmm. He was very familiar with the family name and all. So yes that was another bridge crossed. Smile. Told you so.
Coffee Anyone,
Brenda Dickison
Baker City
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—Editorial—
The Drug Cartels Are Here
Most of have heard of the far-reaching arm of the Mexican Drug Cartel, but last week’s bust of 3,500 marijuana plants worth more than $7 million along the Snake River was a bit of an eye opener. Remote wilderness areas undoubtedly offer an advantage to the cartel when it comes to growing plants in secrecy. We’ve seen it in the news in other areas, but we’d like to think these kinds of things aren’t going on in our backyard.
Thanks to the efforts of our local law enforcement this particular operation is out of business, unfortunately we doubt we have heard the last of the cartels.
News reports indicate that the cartels are moving into North America
The Mexican drug trade is gaining help from American teenagers who work as drug smugglers and assassins. Yup, that’s what we said, “assassins.” The New York Times profiled one teenager, who was recruited by the Gulf Cartel to kill on command along the interstate that connects Laredo to Dallas. In the article the teenager stated, "It was like a James Bond game." He is now serving a 70-year jail sentence. The assassins are reportedly paid $500 a week as a retainer and $10,000 to $50,000 for each assassination, and two kilos of cocaine.
The teenager profiled in the article first attended a Mexican training camp, where he learned to shoot assault rifles, before he was returned to America. The article said he lived in an expensive house in Laredo and was provided with a $70,000 Mercedes, plus access to firearms and women.
Earlier this month 12 Mexican drug officials were tortured, murdered, and dumped along a highway in the Mexican state of Michoacan. The agents were off-duty at the time and were caught in an ambush by members of a drug cartel, officials said. The murders are believed to be revenge for the recent capture of Arnoldo Rueda Medina, a reputed chief of operations of the Michoacan-based La Familia cartel.
In Mexico, an estimated 6,290 drug-related murders occurred last year and in March of this year they had already exceeded more then 1,000.
On Feb. 20, 2009, Roberto Orduna Cruz had to resign as chief of police of Cuidad Juarez after drug traffickers announced they would kill a police officer for every 48 hours Orduna remained on the job — and they made good on the threat.
In North America the use of kidnapping by Mexican drug cartels for ransom and revenge has taken place in Arizona. One report said Phoenix has become the second-worst city in the world for kidnappings, right behind Mexico City, with brutal dismemberments for those abductees who do not get ransomed quickly enough.
Of course, as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said, the United States shares the blame for the Mexican drug trafficking and violence. Our nation’s demand for illegal drugs and our country’s inability to prevent weapons from being smuggled across the border help fuel the fire. Guns, body armor and night vision goggles are pouring across the border from North America into Mexico.
About 90 per cent of all the cocaine consumed in our country transits through Mexico. According to the DEA Mexico also supplies 80 to 90 percent of the methamphetamine sold in the U.S. The FBI has reported that the Mexican cartels deal only in wholesale distribution in the U.S. and farm out street sales to various U.S. gangs.
The drug trade generates about $13 to $15 billion per year for the cartels. In March of this year it was reported that members of the Mexican cartels are already present in 230 American cities including several in Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
As the old saying goes, it was never a matter of if, it was a matter of when, and it’s now — the drug cartels are here. And as evidenced by the recent Snake River arrests they are moving from the big cities into the small towns, farming communities and rugged mountains.
It’s hard to believe people capable of this kind of violence are in our own backyard. But it’s comforting to know our local law enforcement is on the job.
—Guest Opinion—
Creating Quality Jobs In Oregon State
By Perry Wong
An economic downturn can be the mother of reinvention. With a little ingenuity and a lot of initiative, Oregon can turn economic upheaval into employment for many of its residents. How? Look no further than the state's manufacturing sector -- especially high-tech.
Manufacturing jobs are important to the state's economy because they pay well and because each manufacturing position creates 2 1/2 jobs in other areas such as retail, restaurants and real estate. High-tech jobs are especially lucrative, paying an average of $88,700 a year in Oregon and creating as many as 15 other jobs.
Yet, at a time when the federal government is spending billions to spawn job creation, Oregon recently approved increases in corporate and personal income taxes that could delay job creation by manufacturers and other firms in the state.
As Oregon contemplates how to retain employment and battle the recession, it should consider high-tech manufacturing as key to a speedy recovery. Based on the Milken Institute's recent study, "Manufacturing 2.0: A More Prosperous California," in which we compared the manufacturing industry in California to Oregon and six other key manufacturing states, here are a few suggestions:
1. Build on the state's existing strengths. Despite recent job losses, Oregon's manufacturing industry is still a key player. In 2008, manufacturers were responsible for 31.5 percent of Oregon's economy.
Oregon also has a number of key incentives in place, a business-friendly environment and a strong long-term economic plan. These are invaluable tools that the state must continue to fund to remain competitive.
2. Recruit high-paying industries and give them a good reason to stay. Despite being home to Silicon Valley, California is losing high-tech jobs to Oregon and several other states, our study shows. California's share of the nation's high-tech jobs fell 5 percent from 2000 to 2008 while Oregon's rose by 7 percent. Oregon's high-tech manufacturing employment was 6 percent higher than the national average in 2008. The state should actively promote itself as a hub for these types of high-tech industries, allowing those manufacturers to share suppliers and a trained workforce.
3. Invest in the state's capacity for technological innovation. The federal stimulus bill earmarks billions of dollars for the establishment of "green jobs," but Oregon isn't in a strong position to compete for them. In the institute's latest State Technology and Science Index, which ranks states' capacity for technological innovation, Oregon fell to 23rd, down four spots from 2004. If Oregon hopes to capture a reasonable share of green jobs, particularly in the state's burgeoning renewable energy sector, it must implement clear and consistent incentives and invest substantially more in the state's "innovation infrastructure."
4. Avoid permanent tax increases because they will delay job creation even longer. Oregon's tax structure is one of its primary competitive advantages. Despite the recent increase, the state's corporate, property and sales tax rates are among the lowest in the country. On a per-capita basis, Oregonians pay roughly $500 less than the national average in state and local taxes. Between 2000 and 2007, the state saw a 10 percent increase in the number of new businesses created, easily besting the national average -- a likely benefit of a competitive tax climate.
However, the recent increase approved by the Legislature is a slippery slope to more tax hikes and may scare off would-be entrepreneurs flocking to the state.
5. Shun the any-job-will-do approach to increasing employment. Oregon should not rely on new government programs funded with federal stimulus money to stem the tide of unemployment. The low-skilled, low-paying jobs these programs often create generate few ripple effects, and Oregon taxpayers foot the bill once the federal money runs out. Instead, use stimulus money as collateral for private loans to companies that will create high-paying jobs in Oregon.
6. Eschew borrowing as a way out of the recession. From 2000 to 2007,Oregon's dependence on public debt increased 30 percent, making it one of the highest increases among the states we studied in terms of government debt relative to the state's gross domestic product. Further borrowing will only exacerbate the state's financial woes and weaken its ability to compete.
The recession presents Oregon with an opportunity to chart a new course to prosperity, building on its robust manufacturing base and growing high-tech industries. But the recession also highlights some weaknesses, including an onerous regulatory climate, unsustainable government borrowing and spending, and an uncoordinated confluence of economic development incentives. Oregon must balance the clamoring for immediate results today against the tremendous opportunities of tomorrow. In short, it must turn adversity into opportunity.
Perry Wong is a senior managing economist at the Milken Institute, based in Santa Monica, Calif.
—Letters To The Editor—
More Digits
To The Record-Courier:
One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, and four to go.
Yes with all the transitions taking place these days having to do with digits as well as digital, it can drive you bonkers.
If not all of you or the majority part of all of us by January we will soon be dialing 541-523, not like it used to be in the good old days when you were able to do 3. You know what disturbs me the most is that when you have to take time to dial all these numbers which can make anybody go crazy, it is bad enough that once you are connected in having to do business for whatever reason than you get this computerized person on the other end saying to do this and saying to do that, so that tells me just about any kind of replacement so to speak can be reality in the here and now at that.
Seems like for some humans they must not want to do things the old fashioned way and get the job done faster at that and less the hassle of hanging up half way thru and give up. I would just as soon use our track phone and do the speed dialing and get on with business, ha, and no time to waste at that.
Remember the good old days and those old fashioned phones, how far we have come and kinda like the pony express.
Now with my gardening issues once again, yes things are flourishing at that, after all my seedlings being started in doors are showing their bounty.
At least nothing has come up in the way of a digital garden. I did for the first time see a garter snake in my yard and then a bug that I have never seen before. He was gone in a flash. I was told that with the wind we have had strange bugs seem to be coming in on us. Nothing like good old debugging even on the computer.
One thing I am interested in is huckleberries, I was a client of buying huckleberries, from a friend who has passed on since. I am hoping somehow I can still buy them from a local resource at a reasonable price, picking them will not have time for with all my gardening and all coming with those wonderful pickles that a few family members are wanting. Not to mention all the hot weather makes unbearable to get out at that. You are more than welcome to email me at Brendajames @q.com or 541-523-3877. Remember that 10 digit number for dialing. Smile.
Brenda Dickison
Baker City, Ore.
Letters To Editor Should Be Politically Correct
To The Record-Courier:
It is beyond my intelligence to rationalize why a periodical would print a poison pen letter, written by a hard shell NH Republican, since we have just endured the worst Republican administration in history. NH has the worst roads in the U.S. due to lack of federal funding.
One of the best examples at Republican hard shell was during the Great Depression. F.D.R. supported a P.W.A. project to relieve poverty in New England to generate hydro-electric power by building dams to harness the power of the Bay of Fundy high tides. The project was started along with hard shell Republican opposition. Two years later F.D.R. cancelled the project and transferred the funds to the T.V.A. (Tennessee Valley Authority) which built the massive muscle Shoals complex on the Tennessee River. Today Maine has the uncompleted dams as a memorial to hard shell Republicans.
Years later another hard shell Republican senator, Bricker of Maine, using his political connections, he instigated congressional investigation into wasteful war time spending. Namely: Howard Hughes and Pan Am Airlines. The congressional chambers were packed. Bricker opened with damaging accusations about Howard Hughes’ flying boat venture. When it was over, Bricker had taken refuge in Maine, never to be heard of again.
When the majority elect an official, then the political correctness is to be a team player and go with the flow.
God bless our president.
Dale D. Holcomb
Richland, Ore.
Cash For Clunkers Means Consumer Backlash
To The Record-Courier:
As new car dealerships ramp up advertising to attract motorists to the showroom using “Cash for Clunkers” as an incentive, we anticipate a consumer backlash once reality replaces the hype and car owners realize that “Cash for Clunkers” is nothing more than a clever slogan for a program to spend $1 billion of our tax dollars to fund a government subsidized vehicle trade-in to help new car dealers sell cars. Consumers will soon learn that they are simply trading in their vehicle and will still have to jump through all of the hoops to qualify for and purchase a new vehicle.
The much heralded fuel efficiency and environmental benefits of purchasing a new vehicle could easily be achieved through better maintenance of an existing vehicle or trading up to a newer used vehicle. Any savings from improved miles per gallon will be lost from the costs involved in destroying and disposing of the “clunkers.” We continue to strongly oppose “Cash for Clunkers” because it prematurely destroys vehicles with many more years of useful life, denying consumers more affordable used vehicle options.
Kathleen Schmatz
President & CEO
Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA)
Bethesda, MD
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—Editorial—
We Like The Trolley!
Kudos to Mary Jo Carpenter, Baker County Manager for Community Connections and those involved in getting the new trolley up and running. What a delight to see it cruising the streets of Baker City.
The quaint little “ding, ding” it makes is becoming a familiar sound much like the clip clop of Ron Colton’s horses as he maneuvers his horse-drawn carriages through town. These types of local services are what makes Baker City stand out among other small towns and a joy to live and work in.
The trolley is so much more appealing than a standard bus and is in line with the downtown historic theme.
Carpenter said she had been wanting to get a trolley for the community for at least 10 years. We admire her dedication and for following through on her great idea!
We hope the community will take advantage of this valuable resource, which is also a great way to save on gas and help the environment - kind of a community car pool.
We also think that tourists will find the lively blue, yellow and green trolley a convenient and fun way to get around town and see the sights while visiting.
The trolley reminds us of the trolley on the Rice-A-Roni television commercials. Only instead of San Francisco, this is the Baker City Treat! (DS)
—Letters To The Editor—
Replacement Therapy
To The Record-Courier:
Seems like this writing letters to the editor doesn't want to stop and I intend to keep it going no matter what. After writing my previous letter then the title “Replacement Therapy” came to mind. So let me see how I can expound on this one in more ways than one.
You know we can stretch that one as far as the eye can see at that. It seems like now a days everyone has their own idea of the issue itself on how things can be replaced to make it better for one's character and all.
It is a wonderful thing when various surgeries etc. take place to replace whatever needs to be replaced to keep mankind going non-stop. I know when I had my knee surgery in the year of 1969 it was an issue that had to be done or I would have been in a wheelchair by now. The good Lord apparently didn't want me to face that kind of life. I never did get the therapy afterward needed in this case, but came out okay as is. These issues weren't discovered until my knees started going out on me at various times, this hindered a lot on my part for not doing a lot of things that I would have liked to have done. Wonder how I would have done for being bionic at that—ha. Just imagine how much faster I could write letters to the editor non-stop. Awk. And yes the time of surgery came up during spring break when that wonderful play Brigadoon was going to be presented and my brother was the leading actor along with a fun bunch of kids at that time and was outstanding at that. I am sure we all remember Mr. Kent Smith and the other teacher as well who put on these outstanding plays knew what they were doing in getting with the programs and doing a wonderful job of producing them. Nothing like a little history for nostalgic reasons.
Yes with replacement therapy even in our minds at times can be and does get the better of us now and then. We are in such a busy, busy lifestyle and all that we have to take inventory of where we are at and where we are going no matter what the issues are at hand. In some cases it can even mean down-sizing. As long as I don't have to give up my coffee biz every morning that will suit me just fine!
Coffee Anyone?
Brenda Dickison
Baker City, Ore.
Open Letter to Congressman Greg Walden
To The Record-Courier:
Thank you Greg for tirelessly demonstrating your concern for the people of the 2nd Congressional District and the entire State of Oregon. Thank you for meeting us about issues in our area.
I will get directly to my point. You were elected as a legislator to create laws by which we as a society can live and prosper as it was designed by our forefathers in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. However we find ourselves in unprecedented times, which most thought we would never see in this land of freedom and opportunity. In these strange times it is imperative that we have leadership that not only legislates but leads men and women back to the moral and philosophical track that made this country the greatest nation to ever exist. For far too long we have gone without leadership and this dearth of true leadership has sown the seeds of dependency which are strangling the spirit and independence which was the key to the success of this nation.
It is my opinion that the best thing you can do for us, as the sole conservative statewide leader in Oregon, is to lead the subordinate government administrators toward a philosophical paradigm change. This change must bring us back to looking to ourselves for the solutions needed as a first and preferred practice. For so long now individuals, city, county and state leaders have spent the majority of their time looking for handouts from higher levels of government rather than getting things done themselves. Just as our government cannot and was not designed to solve our individual problems, neither can it solve all the problems of local jurisdictions. The best it can do is clear the way for local and individual creativity and solutions to the problems that are best known and most efficiently solved by those closest to those problems. The quest for grants, special project funding, entitlements and the like have blinded our leaders to the potential which lies within the creativity of themselves and their constituents. Rather than fighting en-mass the environmental and socializing groups which function through false science, guilt creation and persistence rather than by science, numbers and logic, our system has subordinated itself to the illogical minority. We collectively spend our time asking for and accepting the easy way out offered by the seductive promises of big government. This is the passive creation of socialism.
This paradigm change I ask you to lead us toward is a long and difficult road back to independence. We would not need most of the things that we ask of our legislators if we again had the spirit and reality of true freedom as a framework and motivator from which to work. Our forefathers did it once and we can do it again. We need leaders much more than legislators who are willing to do what it takes to recreate this magnificent Nation and State.
Tim Smith
Harney County
Ferrioli’s Double Standard
To The Record-Courier:
I can't help but turn State Senator Ted Ferrioli's demand for no double standards upon the State Senator himself. Also, the phrase "environmental crimes" that he uses is pure Orwellian. When Ferrioli refers to "environmental crimes" does he mean crimes done against the environment? No, instead, he means civil disobedience done to protect the environment.
Ferrioli is guilty of a mighty hypocrisy. Does Ferrioli demand an iron fist when corporations violate regulations and ignore the laws? When corporations destroy and pollute the environment and break the law doing so, does Ferrioli call such crimes as environmental crimes? Does Ferrioli even call it a crime? Likewise, would Ferrioli demand years and years in prison for corporations which pollute and actually harm the life and health of people in the community? No, he would not.But he will seek blood for people who practice civil disobedience to protect our collective ecological future.
Ferrioli has no legitimacy to define any double standards for anyone.
Stewart N. Thorpe
Salt Lake City, UT
Freedom’s Flag
To The Record-Courier:
Re: Comments about the poor either being willing to live in poverty by choice or are just too stupid to find a way out of the Ghettos. (July 2, 2009 Inlander)
This brings me to your, “Thesis 2: Poverty is violence waged by the privileged upon the poor. I have to ask you, why anyone would be responsible to help those who chose to live their life in poverty; does not make sense. Welfare is one thing; socialism is another.
A country that spends and spends without producing wealth will eventually spend itself into poverty. Where are we as a nation, today? Broke, Credit shot, Industry in foreign countries?
The human body and an economy are basically the same when it comes to “Circulation” of blood or wealth. “Without circulation, the heart stops, the brain dies and body turns to dust!” © Michael D. Small.
Corporate greed coupled with Government graft and corruption (irresponsible representatives) has placed the United States in the “Poor House!”
Where opportunities exist, poverty is a matter of choice to the majority. Socialism is a matter of choice, and those who seek freedom will always do what others will not do so they can have what others will never have.
If you earn it, enjoy it. If you did not, think about why you live the life that is yours, but realize that people pull themselves out of ruts every day in the free world where opportunities exist. It has been the same since Babylon, some 6,000 years ago. Some die as slaves, some died hungry and others become wealthy because they took the initiative and paid their way out of slavery. Times have not changed and neither have people.
If you believe in your rights and freedom and yet you desire big government (socialism) to care for your needs, you do not respect freedom or those who paid the price.
Those born under Freedom’s Flag must always remember Freedom is the result of Capitalism. Though social programs are needed in all societies, they are paid for by creation of wealth and taxation of that wealth. Communism and Socialism is the expenditure of wealth created under Capitalism. Thus, if you draw any kind of government pay check, know where it comes from! It is not a right but a privilege to serve the people. Higher taxes do not create the wealth to pay income checks; they come from a healthy GNP. Raising taxes in a bad economy is the road to bankruptcy an economy and a nation.
Michael D. Small
Spokane, Wash.
Which TMP Alternative?
To The Record-Courier:
Again the Forest Service seeks comments, wanting us to pick one of six alternatives that have been presented for the Travel Management Plan. these alternatives reflect previous rounds of comments. This being said, I urge the over 6,000 signers of a petitions that stated, “No More Closures,” to respond in support of Alternative 1. Submitting a substantive comment gives us grounds for appeal. The Forest Service and Baker County have indicated, focus should be on alternatives 3 and 5, thus distracting comments from the alternative that reflects “no more closures,” which can only be alternative #1. To quote Cindy Christensen, TMP team leader, Wallowa Chieftain, “Very alternative will get equal analysis and consideration by (Wallowa Whitman National Forest Supervisor) Steve Ellis. Everything from doing nothing all the way to the full range of alternatives, we consider. We have no orders from above that make anything impossible. I definitely anticipate that we will be considering everything they hand into us very seriously.” Direct your comment to reflect your preference, not that of the Forest Service.
Using the ATV as scapegoat for all the woes that exist on public lands is an attempt to justify proposed closures. Culture and economic impacts will resonate many years if the closures become reality. Roadbeds are a resource and need to be considered vitally important to everyone who enjoys the forest. Take into account the #1 threat to our forests, WILDFIRE. Every roadbed had the potential of saving natural resources plus millions of tax dollars.
Endangered species and critical habitat are being pushed. It is amazing how prehistoric bull trout have survived through the mining, fire, logging, grazing, seasonal droughts and spring flushes, but are having difficulty with the only activity remaining in the forest, recreation.
The Travel Management Plan isn’t final, but already the Blue Mountain Revision Plan is back. BLM, also working at closures. Millions of acres are up for wilderness designation. Will Baker County fight this next round, or again, offer up 50 percent of our roads? It’s up to us as individuals to make the statement, “No More.”
Wanda Ballard
Baker City
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