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Opinion Letters Letters to the Editor for July 31, 2009
Letters to the Editor for July 31, 2009
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Common sense To the editor: Let us revive the use of common sense. 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 state government, common sense should be found in every decision. When it comes to making decisions by those in our federal government, common sense should be found in every decision. Political affiliation 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 today. 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 stepbrothers, 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
To the editor: We want to publicly acknowledge the great work of artist Tom Novak on the recently completed mural honoring Sue Lindley and the contributions of family, friends and others toward this project. The mural located on the outside south wall at Baker High School depicts several typical high school daily events including classroom, choir, band and several sports activities and is a great remembrance of Sue. Sue taught for several years at BHS. Her students and their activities were a big part of her life. Tom Novak came up with the idea for the mural and planned the project, solicited the remaining funds needed and completed the artwork in a timely manner with obvious artistic skill. Baker City Rotary Club contributed a significant amount to this project and Eastern Oregon Rentals provided a lift for Tom to work at a greatly reduced rate. Baker County Cultural Coalition also provided funds. Memorial donations from family, friends and others were also applied to the project. It is a tribute to Sue and an asset to the community. Thanks to all of you. David Lindley, Farrell (Lindley) Kessler, Hillary (Lindley) Ryan and Maggie Lindley
To the editor: I am disappointed in the context of the co-sleeping article. The article wasn’t intended to be published as an awareness piece. There was important information at the end of the article that every parent should be aware of. The article should have been published with information strictly concerning statistics and facts about the dangers of co-sleeping. By no means should this article have been published to make an example out of the death of Izzabelle Barnett, her mother, Jessica Eastland, or any of the mothers listed therein. That was very unprofessional on someone’s part. I am aware that there were a number of people responsible for this article being published. Before publishing another, you ought to make sure you publish the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I hope each and every one of you feels the pang of guilt. Did any of you consider the impact this article would have on Izzabelle’s family? Apparently not! I know this family and your article really upset them. They were blindsided by your journalistic callousness. Here is a family reeling with the fact they lost their baby. Then a day later this article comes out. Shame on you that you don’t care about the hurt and pain you have inflicted on an already gaping wound! It’s very sad that this family can’t even grieve or begin the healing process. There was no official cause of death given to the family until they read it in your newspaper! Wow! That’s any ugly way to learn about how your loved one passed — just open up your local newspaper! The saddest part about his situation is that you people don’t know (or care) how much the parents of this little girl lover her. They loved her more than any of you will ever know. They lost a huge piece of their heart on Thursday. What say we give them some dignity and respect, and let them grieve the loss of their child? Chris Collins, you owe this family, and this community, an apology for publishing such garbage. Jana Parker Baker City
swim team support To the editor: I am a parent of a swimmer on the Baker Swim Team. This is a non-profit, parent-run organization. This team has given my daughter the opportunity to build lasting friendships, participate in a lifetime activity promoting health and exercise, and challenge herself. This team is truly an asset to our community. I am so proud of the hard work the kids put into funding/supporting this organization. Recently a local business made a generous donation of an underwater video camera to help the swimmers better improve their strokes and turns. That business was Cahill Engineering and I want to thank them for recognizing a need for this equipment that the team could not afford to purchase. Their generosity is amazing and we can not thank them enough. Sarah Lien Haines
folks like you To the editor: Our thanks to the Prevention Coalition, the Blue Mountain Baptist Church and the many merchants and volunteers who provided the games and activities for the kids in the park during the Jubilee. Your efforts made the Jubilee more enjoyable for so many families, both local and those from out of town. It’s folks like you who make our community a great place to live. We appreciate you! Rick Gorte Family, La Grande Carl Farren Family, La Grande Chris Hardt Family, Redmond LaVelle Gorte, Baker City
guarantee freedom To the editor: On Saturday, July 25, I went with my neighbor Sharon to watch the Huckleberry Festival Parade. When the parade started, the VFW Color Guard stopped under the flag at our post office. It was announced that Nancy Free-Klein would sing the National Anthem. Sharon and I were standing just across the street from the Color Guard along with a few friends. When Nancy started to sing, I looked around and people to our left were still sitting. It wasn’t just young ones. There were older people there, too, who knew better. I turned toward them and in a loud voice I said, “stand up!” They did, but I couldn’t believe how disrespectful these people were being to our flag. I really felt that I would not see that kind of attitude toward our flag in this area. I’ve enjoyed living in this area for many reasons, but the main reason was that I felt people here still respected our flag, honored our vets and our troops, only to find that is not so. I have two children in the military, one overseas. To say I was upset is putting it mildly. The flag represents everything we have. Even though the politicians and brain-dead idiots are trying to take our rights away. It is because of God, Guts and Guns we have the freedom to do almost anything we want. “They’re” trying to take that away from us, and if we don’t get off our “dupas,” it will happen. Peg Snaza-Alexis North Powder |
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