Thanks, Aero Methow
Dear Editor:
For most of us who have lived here in the Methow for a while, we recognize the power of Aero Methow Rescue Service. They efficiently and professionally respond to our needs. I found myself needing their care about a week and a half ago. Dave, Ian and Joel responded and took excellent care of me during my transport to Omak. Ian followed up with a phone call, just to see how I was doing. These folks are the best and deserve our support, both emotionally and financially.
Thank you, Aero Methow.
Kathy Busse, Winthrop
Let’s listen
Dear Editor:
In a recent letter to the editor, Sandy Vaughn shared their concerns about the divisiveness and downright nastiness between certain groups of people who either label themselves as Democrats or Republicans. This type of rampant divisiveness also worries me and it goes well beyond the political spectrum and invades many different identity groups. We even see it in our own backyards in regards to the proposed Mission Project. As a resident of Libby Creek I have followed this discussion closely and have to admit I am appalled.
Instead of active listening or curiosity, I hear name-calling and insults filled with wild accusations that are without merit being tossed around flippantly. From what I’ve read in the opinion section, you are either for the Mission Project or you are against it. The latter supposedly means you are opposed to science, nonchalant about wildfires that threaten beings and homes, and don’t want to do anything to address forest health.
Just like the political divide, people have formed identities, made false assumptions, and are closed to hearing any opposing or nuanced information.
From my own personal beliefs to the many conversations I’ve had with my fellow Libby Creekers I know that we care deeply about these forests. This is why many of us oppose a project that prioritizes profits for the timber and cattle industry and only feigns to protect the forests if, and only if, money remains. If we truly care about the health of our forests, if we really want to be a fire-wise community, then I know we can do better than this.
No, that doesn’t mean doing nothing (as many people falsely accuse us of believing). It begins with actually listening to each other. Insults, name-calling and other divisive measures are not the path forward. Let’s do better. In addition it’s imperative that we listen to the wisdom of the elders of these western lands who have long masterfully tended and worked with fire.
Rosalee de la Forêt, Libby Creek
Good planning
Dear Editor:
In these uncertain times, as we struggle to make sense of what to do, I would like to express my thanks to the Methow Valley School District. Our school district has gathered information from health officials and our community, and used science and data, to make informed decisions to offer multiple choices for families this fall, including in-person learning (one of only a handful of districts in the state to do so).
I feel confident in their plan to keep our kids and community safe. Education may be a right in our society but we, as a community, are privileged to have a school district that truly cares about our kids. Thank you, school district staff, teachers, administrators and board, for your courage, patience and perseverance in the face of uncertainty, and thank you for your confidence to move our community forward with positivity and hope.
Jennifer Ramsay, Twisp
Haven in District 2
Dear Editor:
I received an email today from Katie Haven who is running for Okanogan County Commissioner, District 2.
She was not asking for my vote nor talking trash about her opponents, she was expressing her condolences, sympathy and understanding to everyone suffering from our recent fires. She offered an uplifting personal message of hope and encouragement. And she closed her letter by listing three different funds to which you can contribute where your funds will go directly to the victims of the fires.
This is the kind of responsible action full of caring and empathy I think we should be seeing from all our elected officials. And Katie isn’t even an elected official. Yet. Let’s change that by electing Katie Haven on Nov. 3 for Okanogan County commissioner, District 2.
Patti Nordby, Winthrop
