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November 6, 2008 Opinions |
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—Letters To The Editor—
Correction
In last week’s edition of The Record-Courier in a Letter to the Editor titled “Inaction Has Consequences,” Steve Culley wrote “ America is now 28 percent foreign born and it will only get worse.” It should have read “38 percent.” We apologize for the error.
Agree To Disagree
To The Record-Courier:
In a letter Oct. 23, Carl R. Kostol writes that he has "avoided socialist candidates since my first vote in 1940 at age 18."
I hate to disagree with my old friend and classmate, but I think he's wrong about voting in 1940 — and I hope so because no one under 21 could legally vote then.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 first gave 18-year-olds that opportunity. After that, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of the act and it took the 26th Amendment to the Constitution — in 1970 — to guarantee the right in all federal, state and local elections.
I also disagree with Carl that Barack Obama is a Socialist, but that's another story.
Elizabeth Cavallo
Reno, Nev.
Concerned With Obama
To The Record-Courier:
With all the issues etc., at hand and more issues unveiling themselves etc., it will make one wonder what is really in store for our country.
I am still concerned about the issue of Obama not saluting the flag, etc. Will our history books be abandoned forever of what we were taught from our forefathers....and will we be told not to salute in spite of what we are facing on his account, and will we be taught to salute another figure so to speak and face whatever if we did not choose the likelihood of what we were taught in our beliefs etc., whatever our religious secter taught us....how strong is our faith in standing up for what we truly believe in without being condemned?
This will come after all is said and done and we will have nobody to blame but ourselves at the onset of who gets elected and what measures are taken etc.....let alone taxes!
I was trying to find some humor in all this but can find any.
You get tired of everyone being torn apart for the lack of one’s judgement upon another to begin with, and in God's word it says judge not least you be judged..and always what goes around comes around....if one looks at the history of what we did to those in the past etc., well your guess is as good as mine as to what is in store for all mankind! Take heed times will not be as smooth sailing as some would say, and if it isn't already.
What will our country see in the days ahead? And what will we face in times of turmoil and lack of understanding, knowledge, etc.? Let alone those trying to outguess what the news media takes in to account themselves...one gets rather tired of hearing the same oh same.
It has been awhile for me to write a letter to the editor, and all because I get so many emails regarding our political status that something had to be said for itself.
So brace yourselves for a long and nerving road ahead of all of us to experience.
So if change is indeed in store for all of us then so be it....Coffee Anyone?
Brenda Dickison
Baker City
Looking For The Marionettes
To The Record-Courier:
Daughter Joyce Hunsaker in Denver attended a recent library sponsored "puppet show." In phone conversation with me, she indicated it brought back fond memories of former library sponsored productions at Baker's Carnegie Library.
I too, am remembering Leona Fleetwood, our local beloved Children's librarian. This talented lady (now deceased) presented her original hand strung "Marionette" shows that delighted many audiences of 1950 era.
In retrospect, I wonder "What became of those wonderful handcrafted Fleetwood creations?" They apparently faded into obscurity. Have they been preserved by family? Possibly in a museum? I don't wish to acquire them, but simply curious as to their whereabouts.
If any reader has information to share, please respond to this newspaper opinion column.
Phyllis Badgley
Baker City
(Editor’s Note: Phyllis contacted us after she sent this letter to say she had located the puppets at the Baker Heritage Museum.)
Road Needs Fixed
To The Record-Courier:
My wife and I recently spent our quarterly week at home (Baker) visiting and boosting the local economy. We made about 30 trips on Birch St. north of Bi-Mart and we found that anyone traveling this street needs a 4-wheel drive or a horse. I’m wondering if the city sold their road grader or if they just can’t afford a 4-hour grading job or maybe the people that live on Birch Street haven’t been paying their taxes. BUT, there is a solution. The city could hire Ron Colton to give buggy rids for a buck each on this section of Birch St. and split the money with the city. The city could then build a small gift shop and sell Oregon Trail items and tell tourists that this section of Birch is part of the Oregon Trail. (I would believe it). This would employ several people and would jump-start the economy. I know a project of this magnitude will take several years of planning so in the mean time I will be back in 3 months if car repairs allow.
G. Mann
Lincoln City, Ore.
Support HBC Renewal
To The Record-Courier:
I’m writing to urge support for the renewal of the Economic Improvement District for Historic Baker City, Inc. This renewal, which comes along every five years, is an opportunity for stakeholders to assess the benefits gained from our unique downtown organization.
HBC, Inc. has accomplished amazing things over the past 25 years.
Physical improvements include facade renovations of many downtown businesses and streetscape amenities such as garbage cans, benches, bicycle racks and awnings, as well as freeway welcome signs.
The many events created by HBC include the Fall Festival, Twilight Parade, Christmas tree lighting and parlor tour, downtown trick-or-treating, the Miner’s Jubilee duck race, and the kids‚ bicycle races held during the Elkhorn Classic. These improvements and activities have helped to transform our city and add to the vitality that makes it more attractive to residents and visitors alike.
I have served on the Board of Directors for two terms, working with several HBC directors. Ann Mehaffy, the current director, is outstanding. Her previous work in financial management and as Crossroads Art Center director makes her extremely well-qualified to perform her varied responsibilities, manage the budget and write grants. Ann is an enthusiastic ambassador for all of Baker County and is a master at networking. She serves on various boards and committees in addition to her full-time job as HBC director, including Crossroads Art Center, Design Review Committee, Central Park Advisory Committee, Ford Family Leadership Program and Master Gardeners. Thanks to her work in conjunction with City staff, Baker City was recently recertified as an official Main Street Program, gaining access to select funding, technical services and the National Trust for Historic Preservation Network. She is accessible to the membership and responsive to inquiries and suggestions.
The billboard by the Oregon Trails West RV Park will soon invite people to visit downtown, saying “Far from Ordinary, Close to Home.” What a great description of what we have to offer! Please join me in helping to maintain the momentum of this proven organization so that we can continue to work together to strengthen and enhance all aspects of our downtown.
Carolyn Kulog
Baker City
You Don’t Learn This In School
To The Record-Courier:
I am a proud Oregon Native and the forests of Eastern Oregon will always play an important role in my life. The values learned, experiences gathered, and the enjoyment gained are things I hope to continue to pass onto future generations. You cannot possibly measure the social impacts of the scope you are proposing in your Forest Management Plan. Where we live and what we do is our choice; these forests are our heritage and an integral part of our lives. For many of us, this country defines why we are here and who we are.
I’m talking about an early Saturday morning loading up with the family and heading to the woods. The cool air, the smell of pines, and the feeling of absolute freedom you get when puttering along the road and feeling that everything and anything is possible in your life. Having a candy bar in your pocket and being able to ride in the back of the truck with the tailgate down were on of life’s greatest pleasures. Life didn’t get much better than that. These were family outings first and foremost; attendance was not optional. We learned independence, experienced the feeling of freedom, and most importantly learned how to entertain ourselves. We didn’t travel Europe or head to Disney World. We had everything we needed in our own backyard. You don’t learn this in school. These lessons cannot be taught.
I remember times when we loaded the horses and trailered them up Catherine Creek for a day in the forest. These were special one-on-one times with my Mom or Dad. Again, the feeling of freedom as you rode these back roads and trails; no predetermined destination in mind; simply letting the mood and the forest itself pick your direction. These days left you with a sense of wonder and sense of well being for all that is possible. I wouldn’t trade those memories for the world. You don’t learn this in school. These lessons cannot be taught.
I learned family history and pride from my Grandpa while bouncing along the back roads in his beat-up pickup. We would spend hours exploring old forest roads, while checking his traps for game, looking for mushrooms, and picking berries to bring back to grandma. I am forever convinced that I was Grandpa’s favorite because he always let me steer the truck or pick our route. You don’t learn this in school. These lessons cannot be taught.
I learned perseverance and price from woodcutting. Trees falling down the hill rather than where you planned; getting a full load of wood on the truck and getting a flat tire; having the saw quit halfway through the job; having the truck slide sideways into a stump and getting stuck; winching a lob up the hill and getting it hung up; breaking the axe handle so you have to load whole chunks of wood; the list is endless. Point is that you finished the job no matter what it took. Not everyone enjoyed every minute of the adventure but we learned that you don’t quit until the job is done. You don’t learn this is school. These lessons can’t be taught.
All of life’s important lessons I have learned from these forest outings. I feel sorry for people who have never been able to enjoy these experiences and are unable to understand these issues. Every mile of road, which is eaten away, every restriction that cuts access, every permit or forest pass we must purchase erodes our lifestyle. On-line camping reservations and trailer parks in the woods complete with bicycle racks and child play areas erodes our lifestyle. Tourist visas, day-passes, and “eco tours” complete with hummer rides erodes our lifestyle. Too many times we have allowed outsiders to decide our priorities and the way “things should be.” I believe in localized control; I do not believe that decisions and policies pushed out from Washington, DC have anyone’s best interests in mind other than “special interests.”
You don’t learn this in school. These lessons cannot be taught.
Blanche France
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