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

Hamilton, Shoemaker

Last year our students, parents and 120 business/community leaders had the privilege of hearing Milton Creagh, a nationally acclaimed speaker on drug and alcohol issues who was so impressive that many people asked that the 6-foot 7-inch former football player known as “Big Milt” return. The Drug-Free Relay has made it a priority to make this happen.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Creagh will again bring his anti-drug crusade to La Grande. He will be speaking to our La Grande High School students Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.

Big Milt will then make two public presentations Wednesday. The first is from the Wal-Mart parking lot at noon. Hot dogs and pop will be served. The second will be at the Blue Mountain Conference Center at 7 p.m. where Creagh will speak at a “Community Rally Against Drugs.” These are family events, where Big Milt will share ideas on alcohol and drug prevention. Wednesday evening will have a special emphasis on Union County problems.

If you are concerned about drug and alcohol problems in our community, or if you are dealing with a loved one with these problems, come and get informed. Let your voice be heard! Together, we can create a drug-free community.

Karen Hamilton

Drug-Free Relay Committee

La Grande

In response to Damon Nash’s letter regarding Greg Johnson’s letter: I’ve known the Johnson family for years and have watched his children grow from birth.

Greg’s eldest daughter wishes to attend an online school. She must obtain the La Grande School District’s permission. She’s been homeschooled and currently the district receives no money for her. They get paid for “backsides in the seats,” not simple population. If she were to attend this online school, the La Grande district would receive 20 percent of the normal amount.

In response to Nash’s misguided suggestion (we’ll call it a suggestion, because it lacks facts), we the people never really voted on public schools or how to fund them. At least not in a democratic sense, even though we are not a democracy as Nash claims.

We are a republic that has representative democracy. In a true democracy you could vote that all people with blond hair have to walk backwards. I have never had the chance to vote as to how we will educate our children or pay for it.

I don’t care for Nash’s “shove your face in the dirt and eat it” attitude. We are a free people and are to supposed to be able to do as we please if it does not adversely affect another. Republics try to balance the wishes of the majority while protecting the rights of the minority.

In this case Johnson’s daughter is a minority (a home schooler). She wouldn’t do very well in public school because she has already mastered almost everything the public school has to offer. She is socially very adept, contrary to the myth about home schoolers. Socialization is a two-edged sword — children can learn bad socialization along with good socialization.

This is not intended to bash public schools. I rather like public schools and I believe most teachers do an admirable job. My formal education is primarily public, but I do realize it does not work for all.

Lance C. Shoemaker

Imbler