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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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