Letters to the Editor for June 29, 2009

Be careful out there on the streets

To the editor:

Now that summer is upon us, it is time to remind bicyclists and motorists about the rules of the road. As I drove down Main Street this evening a teenager on a small child's bicycle glibly rode directly into my path from the opposite side of the street, and then had the gall to swear at me when I yelled at him.

Parents, please tell your children that rules of the road apply to them. If you think it’s OK to interrupt the flow of motor vehicle traffic just because you are under 18, you are seriously mistaken. Read up on your responsibilities at www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/BIKEPED/laws_regs.shtml.

Motorists, assuming that bicyclists DO follow the rules of the road, you don’t do us any favors by waving us through when it’s your right of way. I stop at stop signs and intersections, I yield to oncoming traffic. Last year an uninsured motorist tried waving me through when it was their right of way. As I waited for them to move along, another car barreled into the back of their car. The driver stopping was cited, as was the other driver for speeding. While I appreciate your efforts to let me pass, you are putting yourself and other motorists at risk.

I live and work in Baker City. I have plenty of time to get to and from work. Please be considerate and allow me to ride my bicycle legally and do not grimace if I leave you sitting in the middle of the road waiting for me to pass when it’s your turn. I won't budge.

Parents, once again, please talk to your children and teenagers about bicycle safety. I’d hate for them to be cited for causing a motor vehicle accident, possibly injuring themselves or others, worse yet causing a fatality due to their irresponsible behavior. Safe travels. . .

Amy Dunkak

Baker City

D.A. stood up for victim’s rights

To the editor:

Taking up the fight for victims is honorable, no matter the crime circumstances. Taking up the fight for victims of sexual abuse in hard-to-prove, emotionally draining, and life-changing cases is not only honorable, but commendable as well.

This past week our Baker County District Attorney tried just such a case and won. He won not only for justice, holding Charles Ferguson accountable and perhaps preventing future victims, but much more importantly for the victim, who only now can truly begin the healing process.

All across our nation woman are being sexually victimized by acquaintances, friends, lovers and husbands. The greatest majority of these victims never report the abuse to the police for fear of rejection, retaliation and humiliation. Those who do report it have the greatest chance of emotional recovery, only if the “system” is supportive, determined and effective. Each part of this system, which includes police, victims’ advocacy groups, prosecutors and courts, must not falter. Unfortunately, often times one or more parts of the system does waver in these incredibly difficult cases.

Sadly, I personally know of a case in another jurisdiction where a traumatized victim has found the professional support from all parts of the system, except the prosecution. The prosecutor’s office is hesitant to move forward, because they don’t have a “98%” chance of successful prosecution. I am thankful our prosecutor’s office doesn’t put percentages into their determination process and you should be too.

I want to commend our District Attorney, Matt Shirtcliff, for his willingness to take on these battles for the most fragile victims, in these most sensitive and difficult cases. With this victory a message has been sent in our county, letting abusers know they will be held accountable. A message has also been sent to our victims, letting them know that they will receive the caring, dedicated support they so desperately need.

Wyn Lohner

Baker City Police Chief

Baker City

Preserve peace in the public’s forest

To the editor:

My 1-year old shows me daily how much people naturally enjoy being outside. It’s fun for all of us to be outside and to observe the sights and sounds of the natural world. We all share the national forests, an incredible resource where we can readily immerse ourselves in quality outdoor experience. With this shared ownership comes responsibility that we protect, so that others can enjoy.

Everyone has heard of “leave no trace” camping practices that many outdoor enthusiasts subscribe to. I think all recreation should strive to the “leave no trace” standard. Unfortunately, the damage to national forest resources that I see from motorized recreation is depressing. It only takes a few moments for a motorized vehicle to damage a lush wet meadow, a riparian area, or a high elevation alpine meadow. However, it may take decades or even centuries to recover. It is not unreasonable in highly sensitive habitats to wonder if they will ever recover.

No one has the right to abuse the national forests and end the opportunity for enjoyment by others. The fact is most folks go to national forests seeking peace, solitude, and quiet for their families. It is in these qualities, that many people get a feeling of being “recharged” by nature.

On the Wallowa-Whitman, statistics reveal that traditional non-motorized recreation including hiking, backpacking, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and hunting outnumbers motorized activities by a margin of 32 to 1. By appropriately managing off-road motorized recreation, we protect wildlife, water quality, native plant communities and the freedom of everyone to enjoy traditional recreation on our national forests.

Please comment on the Wallowa-Whitman’s Travel Management Plan and note that the Natural Heritage Alternative (Alt. No. 6 in the DEIS) would provide the greatest level of resource protection of any of the alternatives, maintain the largest areas for traditional recreation, and designate 2,573 miles of roads and trails for motor vehicle use. Nearly enough roads to cross the entire U.S.A. will ensure plenty of access to the Wallowa-Whitman for everyone. 

David Mildrexler

La Grande

This isn’t the place I recall

To the editor:

This morning I saw a sign that said to recall two people on the Baker City Council. I’ve lived in Baker County since 1975. Here’s what I recall:

I recall when log trucks were coming and going from early morning to late in the afternoon. I recall when Baker City smelled like fresh cut wood. I recall if your neighbor needed help cleaning up their place you helped them, not make a law to condemn them.

I recall a place with some of the best city streets in the state. I recall open roads in the national forest for everyone to enjoy. I recall the big bad wolf being a children’s story.

I recall a community that made this a great place to live. If you give it some thought, what do you recall?

Ralph Cunningham

Haines