Changing the conversation
Dear Editor:
I noticed the headline “Most comments favorable on ATV proposal” (May 14). Not really a shocker since most of the many opponents to this proposal have long since figured out that our staggeringly arrogant county commissioners could care a rat’s hind end what opponents think, and prefer to rub their noses in it.
Being a little slow on the uptake, I tried to contact our purported valley representative on the subject. I say purported because, like most people in the valley, I voted for the other guy. The first thing I found is that his phone number isn’t in the book. So I called him at his office, where I didn’t find him. I left a voice mail expressing my general concern about the inappropriateness of the proposal and requesting a return call. Mr. Campbell apparently lacked either the courtesy or the guts for the latter, or perhaps he was out of state advocating the extermination of wolves again.
I’ve been involved in valley politics for 20 years and am fed up with the revolving stock of arrogant commissioners aiding various proposals to aggressively develop the Methow in ways that are generally offensive to those who live here. This conversation will never change; in fact, there will never be a sincere conversation, until we have home rule in the Methow via incorporation. Going forward I plan to put much of my outrage-generated energy into that goal. I’m certain I can count on Okanogan for plenty more outrage.
John Morgan, Mazama
Real Americans
Dear Editor:
Sold-out bureaucrats thoroughly despise those of us real-world bumpkins who deeply believe in our revered Declaration and in our declared Creator and Provider.
We are those who still believe in our constitutional Bill of Rights and our whole Constitution. We are those who still believe in all our property rights. We are those who defend our founding Christian standards and values. We are those who defend us all against predatory intrusions, appropriations, harassments and extortions by mercenary bureaucrats. We are those who resist federal government seizure of all national power through domination, oppression and terror against all constitutional principles. We are those who will not sacrifice Christian standards, morality and health. We are those who oppose executive branch one-man dictatorship. We are those still faithful to our Creator, our Constitution, our families, morality, values, stability and independence. We are those who reject treason, parasitism, predation, Marxism, jihad and sold-out bureaucracy. We are those who oppose having unconstitutional impostors living in our White House. We Americans firmly defend only what is right and just—not this predatory and parasitic bureaucracy. We demand the nation we once were (not the Obama version).
We real Americans remain simple, honest bumpkins. We don’t know a better way. Do you? No impostor must betray our simple faith without paying the price in the hangman’s noose.
Ward Hartzell, Twisp
Do we need this?
Dear Editor:
I have a few thoughts on the upcoming hearing about pot sales in the Town of Winthrop. Regardless of how you might feel about the use of recreational drugs by adults, what is becoming very clear from the latest scientific studies is that moderate pot use by those whose brains are still developing (anyone under the age of 25) results in significant and lasting negative effects. Studies cite lower IQs, stunted development of the pre-frontal cortex (the last part of the brain to develop, and the part that controls higher reasoning functions), acceleration of already existing mental conditions, and the usual effects of taking in a complex mix of chemicals, many of them cancer-causing.
Current research is focusing on the effects on kids when parents smoke before and during pregnancy, including possible connections to ADHD and Asperger’s syndrome. I have to ask, do we need this? Do we need another legal drug that disproportionately effects the youngest and most vulnerable members of our community? When will this community have had enough of substance abuse tragedies? What is the message that we’re sending?
Our lack of consideration for the younger members of our community is a disgrace and an embarrassment. I would ask that the Winthrop Town Council consider letting some other community get involved in this dirty business. Check out the latest science on this subject with an open mind and see what you think. Maybe Omak, and a few other cities and counties around the state, have the right idea.
Jeff Patterson, Winthrop
