>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Mary McCracken and I seem to have touched a raw nerve. Given the responses, there are some things that I wonder — in exactly 300 words.

How can someone who is so professedly intelligent and supportive of the military be so strident in his defense of someone (Bush) who avoided real military duty when he was in danger of being shot at but is now eager to send others to do what he didn't have the courage to do? You can add Cheney and Rumsfeld to that group of chicken hawk wimps.

I know several people in the military who have been to Iraq — some have been there several times and are likely to be ordered to return. Many disagree with the war, but are doing the duty they signed up to do, before the war began. Many would not enlist today.

I support the troops in that I wish them no harm and believe that the best way to prevent them from being killed or injured is to bring them home. On the other hand, if they remain in Iraq, we should give them the best in body armor and armored vehicles that we can. This is something that our present administration has failed to provide.

Again, I wonder why Mr. Dean defends these people? I also wonder why Mr. Dean defends those who failed to provide the funding for decent housing and care for those who were/will be injured by this unnecessary, poorly conceived and poorly run war.

Lastly, I wonder whether Mr. Dean is planning to run for public office again. Why would he use some of his precious 300 words to let us know that he was "born and raised in La Grande?" It makes him sound like Al Gore in "An Inconvenient Truth."

Tim Hoffnagle

La Grande

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You do not have to have been in Iraq to have an opinion on the war. I don't know Mary McCracken or Tim Hoffnagle, but I assume they are intelligent people with an ability to form an opinion, as I do, from facts gathered.

I, too, come from a military family; my father served in Korea and retired from the Oregon National Guard as a sergeant major. I am immensely proud of him. I, too, was born and raised in La Grande, as was my father and many other relatives. But I feel, as do McCracken, Hoffnagle and others, that the war in Iraq is one giant mess. It started out that way and continues to get worse day by day.

I have enormous respect for our troops, but unfortunately they are fighting and dying in a political war that was conceived by a corrupt group of lying politicians. Our soldiers are to be commended for their valor, courage and integrity, but this war is just plain wrong.

How can someone like Brian Dean assume to know how someone feels, whether or not they care for soldiers, just because they have a differing view? Isn't that attacking someone's character as well? I am sure that Tim and Mary have just as much respect and compassion for our soldiers as Dean says he does.

As for hating Bush and his little gang of yes men, you bet, in my opinion they are messed up, an opinion developed after careful thought and reading. Mr. Dean can now attack me for having one. I don't care. That's why I live in the United States, because I can have an opinion and express it.

Rebecca Lester

La Grande

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This letter is in response to the column written by Matt Insko, a Union County grass farmer.

I sympathize entirely with Mr. Insko's apprehension over further governmental and environmental regulations on his business. It is becoming increasing harder for any business to stay afloat with the rising costs of almost everything. It is something most of us struggle with every day.

There is something else I struggle with every day. In 2001 I was diagnosed with throat cancer. Thanks to the marvels of modern medicine, I am still alive and kicking. The cure was not without effect, however. When the smoke comes to our house for 24 to 36 hours at a time, it causes me a great deal of discomfort. I would estimate that happens at least twice a month during the burning season.

My next-door neighbor has severe allergies. They have installed a filtration system in their house, at great expense, to escape the effects of the burning.

Just down the road there is a young man with cystic fibrosis who literally has to go on oxygen to be able to breathe.

My point is, Mr. Insko, that while I support your right to live the life you enjoy and appreciate the contributions you and all the other farmers make to this valley, I believe your right to earn a living ends when your methods affect my health and the health of the residents of the community.

I wish there were some common ground. I have seen tractors pulling propane burners over the grass fields, which produces a more acceptable level of smoke and pollution. Couldn't the use of this or some other technology produce a better result than the unacceptable levels of pollution we are enduring now?

Beau McLendon

Cove

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In his March 14 letter, Wally Sykes misses the point of the federal Endangered Species Act. Its purpose is to study species population and scientifically determine if species such as the wolf are at risk of extinction.

Hearings recently held are a USFWS courtesy to hear people's response concerning establishment of boundaries for the Rocky Mountain Distinct Population and removal of wolves from federal protection within that boundary. Part of Eastern Oregon is within the proposed boundary.

USFWS said wolves will kill livestock, are a risk of harm or death to people and dogs and cause extreme conflict in Oregon. Their promise to kill wolves that kill livestock remains untested because there are no verified wolves in Oregon. In other states USFWS doesn't "quickly track down and kill wolves that are suspected of killing livestock,'' they monitor suspects until the same wolf kills three times and then try to remove it.

USFWS kills lots of wolves because wolves kill lots of domestic animals. Still, wolf numbers increase exponentially, as do livestock killed by wolves.

If Mr. Sykes wants wolves here, his best shot is to support federal delisting and let the ODFW manage their wolf plan. ODFW cares more about his "feelings" concerning wolves than science or the costs to ranchers, hunters and rural communities. They fear lawsuits from animal rights groups and make no commitment to bother wolves that damage livestock or pets. Their plan precludes ranchers from protecting their own property.

They expound on how many more livestock and people are killed or hurt by dogs than wolves, yet forget to mention that there are millions of dogs living among people, and no wild wolves yet.

If "duh" facts are what drive your visceral desire for wolves here, Mr. Sykes, ODFW is your go-to guy.

Sharon Beck

Alicel

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I am writing in response to the Observer's editorial of March 21, "Union deals itself a blow.''

My family has lived in Union since 1971, and I have always known that Union has great potential.

What you didn't say in your editorial is that a past mayor, an appointed mayor, a police chief and a city council are the ones who started the decline of Union.

If the monies that Union had were spent wisely by the mayor, council and police department, the people of Union might have voted for the police levy.

The voters' response to Measure 31-61, which froze monies for water and sewer only, is a big contributing factor to there now not being enough money in the budget for other city services.

As for Elgin, they must have people who know how to spend wisely and stay within the budget they have.

Sharon Middleton

Union

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John Sprenger liberally references Tokyo Rose in his March 24 letter to the editor aimed at discrediting those he feels are not supporting our war efforts. However, the true story of Tokyo Rose exemplifies the injustices done by wartime "patriots."

Iva Ikuko Torquri, aka Tokyo Rose, was of Japanese-American descent. After graduating from the University of California in 1941, she went to Japan to visit family. When she was trapped there by Pearl Harbor, she got a job at a radio station where the Japanese military broadcast Zero Hour, an anti-American program. Three POWs created the program using entertainment and news to appeal to soldiers. A number of Japanese women were hired, including Iva. "Tokyo Rose" became the nickname used by soldiers for the women on Zero Hour.

When Japan surrendered, American newscasters offered $250 to identify Tokyo Rose. A greedy coworker pointed a finger at Iva. She was arrested and not released until a year later when no evidence of wrongdoing was found. She was still not allowed to return home.

Walter Winchell, a syndicated columnist, crusaded to have her rearrested. Truman was running a tough campaign in 1948 and felt the publicity could help. He had Iva secretly arrested in Japan, transported to San Francisco and put on trial. The former POWs testified in her defense, but two former co-workers testified against her. She was found guilty and served eight years.

The 1969 CBS documentary "The Story of Tokyo Rose" raised serious questions about the trial. When a Tokyo bureau chief for the Chicago Tribune interviewed the two prosecution witnesses in 1976, they admitted to lying under pressure from U.S. prosecutors. The subsequent Tribune series made a solid case for Iva's innocence, and Nixon gave her a presidential pardon in 1977.

In January 2006 the WWII Veterans Committee awarded Tokyo Rose the Edward J Herlihy Citizenship Award, named for the WWII broadcaster. After 60 years it must have brought some closure and peace. She died later that year.

Now reread Sprenger's letter.

Mary McCracken

La Grande

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I came to La Grande in 1995 not expecting to stay, but the beauty of this town and the friendliness of the people I met sold me. I have always said I was not moving unless I could take my mountains with me. I bought a digital camera in November and am now able to take my mountains with me back to Texas.

This community is so awesome. I am grateful for all the support you have given me here and will miss you all. You will be in my heart always.

Goodbye and God bless you all.

Tiffany Carter (aka Pam Morgan)

La Grande

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On March 17 the war in Iraq truly affected my life and hit home. It was on this day that I received an e-mail from a friend about Scott Stephens' death while serving our country in Iraq.

Up until this time, I hadn't lost any friends during wartime. Now I'm so saddened by his death that not a day has gone by that I haven't thought of him.

I can't remember the last time I saw Scott — it must have been our high school graduation in 1983. I grew up with Scott. We both competed on the swim team, and I watched him play football and baseball and laughed with him at school. I even remember how he danced. I hate that I can't remember the last time I saw him.

The other night I opened our senior yearbook and searched through the pages and pictures and hoped to find his picture on every page, and then I cried some more.

It could have been anyone of us from La Grande over there, and I don't understand why the Lord chose Scott, but he did — and Scott is my hero.

I can't begin to imagine the pain and hurt his family and friends are going through. Mine is a small portion of the entire group. I wish everyone the best and to know that Scott is looking down on us from above.

Wanda Gibbs Bailey

La Grande

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To the La Grande community and high school: Caring, warm, classy, thoughtful ... not words we often hear associated with high school students and especially rival high school students. The class and dignity your high school and your community as a whole has shown to our family and the entire Baker community after Mayce's death was simply overwhelming.

Nothing will ever heal us, but acts like yours can and do warm our breaking hearts. We will never have enough words to express our gratitude to you, for an unbelievable act of grace, sportsmanship and love.

Mary, Bryan, Addison, Harrison,

Hope and Evee Collard

Baker City

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I continue to be greatly disappointed by the political bickering and the partisan politics that shape the debate on our ongoing War on Terror. I do not hear people talking about the 500,000 Iraqis whom Saddam murdered during his reign of terror. It seems to boil down to weapons of mass destruction or the almighty economy. I hear people saying we should be spending the "money" on domestic problems instead of fighting "over there."

Let me make sure I understand you, America: You want better roads and bridges, but let's forget about the costly business of putting down murderous tyrants. Will you bring the troops home to "protect" them from saving those who cannot save themselves?

It is this soldier's opinion that anyone who stands by and does nothing to stop a murderer is as guilty as the murderer himself. America has lost her moral compass and backbone. We have become a weak nation, divided by red and blue shades of partisanship. Frankly, our enemies smell blood and sense our unwillingness to finish the fight for what is right no matter how many precious dollars it takes to project freedom and stop genocide where we find it.

Stop talking money and politics. Why are you people not standing on your rooftops demanding a military presence in Darfur? People are dying by the hundreds of thousands. Families are starving, and girls are being turned into sex slaves. Does that matter anymore to Americans? If I told you they had WMD, would you then go?

You haven't asked this soldier's opinion, but let me just say: It is always right and it is never wrong to put down a murderous tyrant. When that changes in America, my tenure in your military will end.

Dean A. Varney

La Grande

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Should the United States be in Iraq or not? While this is a primary topic of discussion nowadays, I believe something far more serious is going on: President Bush swore to uphold our Constitution during his oaths of office, yet he is violating the Constitution.

Faulty intelligence was used prior to our invasion of Iraq. Bush desperately wanted to invade Iraq from the beginning of his administration. His willingness to rely upon faulty information to get our country into war amounts to lying, to Congress and to the American people.

Getting a federal warrant for wiretapping is a relatively easy process according to FISA. However, Bush chooses to violate the law by bypassing FISA.

When the United States enters into a treaty, the treaty becomes law according to the Constitution. Thus, when Bush supports the use of torture and extraordinary renditions, he once again violates the Constitution, by violating the Geneva Conventions.

Through his use of "signing statements" and his arrogance toward Congress, Bush shows his disregard for our system. Increasing power in the executive branch at the expense of Congress and the judiciary violates the Constitution.

If you're willing to listen to this president and believe his actions are just, I suggest you look closely at what you are supporting — the man, or our country. They are not one and the same. In fact, the man is taking our country down a road of which most Americans will disapprove.

The "I" word is making the rounds, even among Republican leaders such as Sen. Chuck Hagel. I have come to believe impeachment isn't just a choice anymore, but that for getting us out of our current mess, it is a necessity.

John Evans Jr.

La Grande

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Did you ever wonder why your vehicles are showing serious rust and pitting, especially around the chrome and aluminum wheels? Well, you can thank the Oregon Department of Transportation for using the chemical magnesium chloride on our roadways as a de-icer.

If you travel through an area where the de-icer has been spread, the corrosion starts immediately, and the only solution is to wash your vehicle within hours to stop the reaction. Even when small amounts are used, significant corrosion is accelerated.

Magnesium chloride is causing major problems in the trucking industry due to electrical problems and chassis corrosion as they travel Oregon highways, which will result in higher trucking costs being passed onto us.

In researching the use of chemical de-icer, it was found that it has caused power outages along the highways and deteriorating of concrete structures and steel expansion joints in our bridges. Contamination of magnesium chloride can be found as far as 60 feet on each side of the roadway, affecting soil, water and vegetation not to mention the impact on public health and wildlife.

ODOT claims utilizing chemicals as a de-icer saves money. This claim may not be well founded since once infrastructure requires replacing, these cost savings will be nonexistent. Additionally, the use of chemicals requires costly specialized equipment that has no other use except to deal with the chemical de-icers.

Contact the La Grande DOT office, Sen. David Nelson and Rep. Greg Smith to register a complaint about the use of these chemicals. The use of magnesium chloride must be discontinued promptly. As much as we dislike sanding, at least a paint chip or a cracked windshield can be repaired.

Dennis Wilkinson

Cove

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A lot of people suffer many months out of the year from thick, dangerous, carcinogenic smoke from field burning.

My family and friends get sick every year when the fields are being torched. The valley is like a cereal bowl; the smoke from the fields sits and sits for days before leaving. The pesticides that have been sprayed on the fields gets in the smoke, which gets in our lungs when the fields are burned.

When tourists come through the valley to visit or stay, after seeing the dark brown smoke they drive right on through, to stay at a different, clean location, which costs the valley tourist dollars.

Idaho has now banned field burning. It is a smart state. People were tired of being sick and of wasting tourist dollars. My adult children have moved away to areas that have cleaner air in the summer. They come back to visit and are overwhelmed with the smoke; they leave sick and fight to get well for a couple of weeks.

Field burning is cheap and easy, at the cost of making adults, children and babies sick. I have friends who attempt to do yard work after being cooped up all winter, and after being outside 30 minutes, breathing in the smoke from the fields, they must go inside, shut the windows and stay in the rest of the day. That is unfair and must stop now.

Please write your legislators and local city officials to ban field burning.

Gail Ainsworth

La Grande