Letters to the Editor for March 27, 2009

We need to protect our borders

To the editor:

Re: drug war. The problem is the customers of these drug terrorists, who supply money to keep them in business. The root of the problem is the answer. Bring our troops home to protect OUR borders not someone else’s.

If we don’t have the money to finance our protection, then get it back from AIG and other greedy financial institutions that should help share the cost of freedom as well. Listen up people of this great land of ours: meth is killing our young and bringing our nation down. Stop the madness!

Manny Gutierrez Sr.

Baker City

I second that thought

To the editor:

In the whistle stop campaign by Harry Truman, someone listening to his rhetoric originated the phrase, “Give ’em hell, Harry!” Harry did exactly that, and won.

Harry has a new incarnation, right in Baker City. I have never met a woman named Iva Mace. I am happy to say she voices an opinion similar to my own in her letter appearing on Tuesday the 24th. I am nowhere near her eloquence, but because it needs to be repeated, I want to offer a paraphrase of her instructions to the conservative element:  Stop whining and get out of the way. Iva Mace, you rock! 

Dave Rama

Baker City

A new vision for the local economy

To the editor:

Since its founding, Baker City has had its roots in mining and then timber, two industries that today top the list for environmental focus. Although both industries have provided little in the way of economic growth for the region for decades, one left Baker City with a legacy of historical significance. A past that now provides the “historical significance” its residents call upon today to provide a sustainable and viable economic foundation for the region in tourism.

This modern vision, unlike that of past pioneer entrepreneurs, seeks to secure Baker City’s long-term economic stability and development without dependence on access to past resources posing any environmental liability. Granted, it’s a re-awakening of a decades-old vision, now founded on economic necessity. Nevertheless, it’s the acknowledgement of an industry base utilizing a well preserved past to secure a future. A future unconstrained by environmental issues or political mandate. There couldn’t be a better directive for Baker City’s future.

C.V. Gwin

Beaverton