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November 17, 2011 Opinions |
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—EDITORIAL—
CHL Holders In Schools Could Enhance Student Safety
We've watched with interest as the 5J School District enacted a weapons policy (administrative rule), a policy that Superintendent Walt Wegener said was necessary as previously there was no policy in place. We commend the School Board for taking on such a controversial subject under the scrutiny of the media and the public eye, and maintaining transparency during their decision-making process.
And according to the courts, school districts are allowed to adopt policies forbiding employees and contractors from carrying concealed weapons on school grounds and at school-sponsored events, in spite of Oregon statutes that say only the State may regulate concealed handguns.
The school board adopted a policy (administrative rule) that does not allow "school district employees, district contractors and/or their employees, to possess a dangerous or deadly weapon or firearm on district property or at school-sponsored events." Those school district staff members with CHL (concealed handgun license) permits can request their administrator for permission to carry their concealed weapon on school property. School Board Chair Lynne Burroughs said, "They should have a clear reason for such a request and they will be required to carry such weapons concealed and on their person at all times. There will be no weapons tossed in desk drawers or file cabinets where they would be an attractive nuisance for students."
We agree employees with a CHL should be required to carry the firearm on their person at all times, and not be allowed to carelessly leave it laying around. Anyone who does so is not responsible enough to have a CHL in the first place.
And we have no problem with restricting school employees from carrying weapons on school grounds without a CHL — we understand the need for this. However, those with a CHL permit have already been screened, have taken the necessary classes, fingerprinted and given legal permission from the state and municipal authorities to carry a weapon, so why do they need further permission?
Most people with a CHL don't flaunt the fact they carry a weapon. It is a personal choice that carries a great deal of responsibility, and they take it very seriously.
We are somewhat comforted that the school district hasn't banned CHL holders from carrying weapons, but we don't yet know how strict they will be with their "permission" or what is considered a "clear reason." Do they have to have a stalker after them in order to carry a CHL or is wanting to carry one in the event that a situation should arise that would require the use of force to maintain safety? Both situations in our opinion would qualify for permission.
If the majority of employees with a CHL are not allowed to legally carry firearms, then detection measures should be used on everyone entering a school building or place of school activities. Otherwise only those intent on doing harm will have weapons and school employees will have no way to protect themselves or students. Even if detection measures are put in place, much like airports and other high risk areas, there will be people who manage to get through or bypass security. These criminals would then meet no resistance in accomplishing their mission.
We are well aware that weapons in the wrong hands can lead to tragedies like Columbine and Virginia Tech, however, what if a teacher or other school employee had been legally carrying a concealed weapon? The outcome to those events could have been much different. We hope and pray that nothing like that happens in our community, but at the same time, like the school board and administration, we feel we need to be prepared.
We do understand the school district's need to enforce a weapons policy, but we see where the policy could actually be an opportunity to enhance our children's safety by allowing honest, law-abiding citizens to legally carry a weapon. We urge the school board and administration to carefully consider their reasons for denying permission to those employees possessing a CHL to carry a weapon.
If we continue to take away the rights of citizens who have the proper training to carry a weapon, then truly only criminals and mentally unstable people will have guns. Not only that, they will have no opposition when it comes to completing their intended crimes. A chalkboard eraser or history book is not very effective against a firearm. Perhaps the best deterrent to a would be terrorist/criminal is the knowledge that there are people who legally carry weapons and are prepared to defend themselves and those around them. (DS)
—LETTERS—
Take A Hard Approach Against Gangs, Adopt Ordinances Now
To The Record-Courier:
I commend Chief Lohner and the Baker City Police Department for taking a hard line position on gangs now while they are in their formative stages. Years ago many of us in law enforcement in Southern California learned a hard lesson. That was in an era when the Crips, Bloods, Surenos, and Nortenos were in their infancy.
A "soft" approach was taken under the mistaken belief that members could be dissuaded from their criminal endeavors. "Soft" doesn't work. The Superintendent of Schools cites family values, family involvement, and church as keys to combating gangs. In a perfect world, maybe. In the real world few gang members have those three things to guide them.
Once gangs are established, in any community, they are nearly impossible to get rid of. Most of us live in Baker precisely because it does not have this sort of behavior to detract from our quality of life. The best deterrence to gang establishment and growth is a strong and consistent law enforcement presence where, consistent with legal requirements, gang members are made uncomfortable by that presence.
Based upon what I have witnessed elsewhere I strongly encourage that both the City and County adopt gang ordinances now rather than wait until the problem is more manifest. Such ordinances, upheld by the courts, can restrict gang attire and symbols, and gang members from affiliating with other known gang members in public places.
For those of the bleeding heart persuasion who might disagree with the approach I suggest I can only caution that you need to learn from the mistakes made in other jurisdictions. You will not like what Baker will come to be if gangs are allowed any foothold at all in this community.
Jerry Boyd
Baker City, Ore.
Thanks To Haines Community Reporters
To The Record-Courier:
I am renewing again, and since moving from Haines in January 1962 the town has changed. Very few names are showing up that I know.
When we moved from Haines to work at the Army Depot the town still used a fire hose on a cart. No dump control. But the museum my family worked on establishing is still active. Very few of my class of 1944 are around. We weren’t that large to start with.
Met a lady who lived a block away. I see the “Courier” at Seniors meals here in Hermiston. So I’m not the only person that gets sentimental.
Thanks to those community reporters.
Violet Music Hall
Hermiston, Ore.
Making Sure We Recognize And Thank Our Vets
To The Record-Courier:
As we spend this week remembering those who serve with Veteran’s Day, I would like to make a challenge to everyone who reads this. I challenge you to find a Vietnam veteran, apologize for the treatment they received when they came home, and thank them for their service.
I was watching the History Channel last night and there was a show interviewing Vietnam War veterans. As they sat in their living rooms and told their stories of the brutality and gore of the “body count” war. I have seen and experienced their pain when telling of their friends that were mutilated and/or killed in the line of fire, and some of them broke down when recounting their time in Vietnam. What got my blood boiling though was when they started telling their stories of coming home. One man meetings his brother in the terminal of the airport and his brother warns him of the protesters waiting outside to molest them because of his service. The protesters pull at his uniform, spit on him, yell at him, and beat his brother’s car with their signs. Another man recounts his experience as he walked “proudly” in his uniform through the airport terminal upon his return, only to become “ashamed” and “embarrassed” when people started whispering, yelling, and spitting on him as he walked to his taxi for a ride home; no family to meet him at the airport. All of these men at this point were breaking completely down and crying because they felt ashamed.
They have no reason to be ashamed or embarrassed. I am embarrassed for their treatment, and I was not even alive then. I have known of this treatment for a long time and when I see a Vietnam veteran, I thank them every chance I get; it is my duty as a citizen, and again, I challenge all to do the same.
Next time you see that Vietnam veteran, thank him and beg his forgiveness of our country’s treatment. Remember all these veterans this week as this week is the week set aside for them; more than any other week in the year. This week, more than any other is when we recognize and thank them for their sacrifice and service.
Wayne Chastain
Baker City, Ore.
Consider Offering Your Services To Best Friends Of Baker City
To The Record-Courier:
“THE WORST SIN TOWARD OUR FELLOW CREATURES IS NOT TO HATE THEM, BUT TO BE INDIFFERENT TO THEM; THAT'S THE ESSENCE OF INHUMANITY” - George Bernard Shaw.
Best Friends of Baker, local animal rescue organization, has touched the lives of hundreds of pets over this past year. We have provided food, medical care, temporary homes when necessary, as well as permanent adoptions. Best Friends has responded to requests of assistance from Oregon State Police, Baker County Sheriff, Baker City Police Department, churches, Mayday and St. Elizabeth Hospital (now St. Alphonsus). While these organizations were in the process of assisting their clients Best Friends cared for their pets. we have received pets from numerous families who were being evicted or forced to move for economic reasons and could not take their pets with them. On occasion, we have received a pet to rehome when the owner dies. Each year we find homes for many strays found in Baker County as well as finding homes for pets placed in our local impound facility, those pets picked up as strays whose owners never come to claim them, and dozens of owner surrenders.
We are proud of our record in placing pets in homes with owners who love and care for them. Most pets are spay/neutered (age appropriate) and fully vaccinated before placement. We have Baker City fur babies in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, California, Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, New York and Calgary, Canada. Many of these families have written notes providing updates on their newest family member. We have also assisted organizations and individuals in surrounding counties by placing their pets that would otherwise be killed. Of special interest this past year, we’ve housed pets of owners who became incarcerated, owners involved in auto accidents, a tearful homeless man had to give up his dearest friend, and several pets found starving in the mountains by good Samaritans.
Many of you know that there are no paid positions in our nonprofit organization. Frugal as we may be, the economic climate has taken its toll on donations our main source of income. Best Friends needs your help to continue. Funds are needed for medical, boarding, advertisement, collars, leashed, puppy and kitten food. There is also the need to maintain our telephone, gasoline (most of which is purchased by the individual doing the rescue), a very small office used for storage of files, reference materials and meeting room, a storage unit for crates, bedding, food and larger supplies. Who will know of the beautiful, loving and funny pets that can enhance your life - without the newspaper advertisement and posters put in store windows and the petfind page?
Best Friends is running out of money and we need help. We anticipate our funds being depleted in February /March 2012. We realize the economy has played a devastating part in the reduction of donations; it has also greatly increased the number of owner surrender pets that we received this year.
What can you do to help? There are many options. Sponsor an ad in the newspaper. Bail out a dog from the impound center. Pay for a spay or neuter. Pay for vaccinations and worming. Pay or a vet office call. Buy a tank of gas. Foster a dog or cat until their forever home is found. Pay for a month of storage. Help pay for office space. Volunteer to take a pet to and from the vet. Volunteer to answer the phone (minimum two weeks at a time). We need a webmaster (have never had one). Do a fundraiser for SPAY DAY USA. Ask friends and family to support Best Friends. Join Best Friends.
THE QUESTIONS IS NOT, “CAN THEY REASON?” NOR, “CAN THEY TALK?” BUT RATHER, “CAN THEY SUFFER?” - Jeremy Bentham
Winter is extremely hard and often the death knells for homeless pets. Kittens and cats are especially vulnerable because there are so many of them. The suffering of these homeless dogs and cats is immeasurable. If you see a pet licking snow or trying to find water - please provide water. If you have the urge to feed, please do it. There will be countless deaths due to thirst and starvation this winter. A $5 bail or straw in a corner or under a tree could save the life or lives this winter. Sometimes just a little help means life.
On Dec. 7, 2011 at 6 p.m., Best Friends will hold their annual meeting. Consider attending. Consider offering your services for a board position, or secretary, or president. Meetings are always open to the public and held on the second floor of Basche Safe Place.
“I CARE NOT MUCH FOR A MAN’S RELIGION WHOSE DOG AND CAT ARE NOT THE BETTER FOR IT.” - Abraham Lincoln
Susan Castles
Baker City, Ore.
Ain’t That The Truth!
To The Record-Courier:
Well as follow up on my previous letter this seems to be a sequence from that to ain't that the truth issues of life...in my last coming and goings for coffee, one asked, “when's the next?” When I told them what the last letter title was going to be, I heard this echo throughout the restaurant, “ain't that the truth.” So my challenge was met once again from those passing by me.
Now an issue I do want to hit on is the endangered species, a problem that is becoming more prominent in our lives these days. Seems to me predators are becoming more and more prominent everywhere and are on the run to charge after the human population.
First it seems like it was the coyotes and cougars that we had to worry about and now it is the big bad wolf. All the signs point to Little Red Riding Hood having to watch her back going to grandma's house to visit. The woods won't be safe for those who like to get their yearly wood supply for the winter. If it keeps up I don't think we will have to go into the woods to see one. They will be here, on our local streets.
Then there’s the issue of the exotic animals being cut loose by the owner from their cages. It makes me wonder if we humans aren't the ones being set to be caged in just to let the wild things roam however and wherever.
The cost of everything, including Medicare, is all going up. Now many of you will say, “ain't that the truth go ahead it will make you feel better.”
It pays to get the senior discounts whether it’s going out to eat or coffee, in some cases, you can still pay .95 cents for a cup. But before you know it they will start charging for water. Won't be long before one can't even be a part of all the political buzz. Our daily conversations could be charged for just having coffee in our early mornings of listening to all the chatter and buzz of whatever issues that come up and try to make some sense of it all at that.
And now our banks are on the verge of charging whatever they can, even for the sake of no longer having free checking accounts, and deducting however they deem necessary. Now that is highway robbery. Ain't that the truth!
Interesting on the debates to some degree. Dow seems to be jumping around, can't make up its mind here and there. And the protesting, that is trouble down the road. Maybe they ought to charge the protestors for overnight stays in the parks, and charge them for the cleanup, etc. Let them pay for cost of staying there instead of we the people. We can think of other ways to spend what we get instead of them wasting taxpayers’ money. Most of us are good at that in some ways — now "ain't that the truth!"
Coffee Anyone?
Benda Dickison
Baker City
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