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

It seems that a system of lies and back-stabbings that we see at the national political level has filtered down to Union County, even though no political race will commence for months.

I, for one, think that every taxpayer in Union County owes Mr. Wilkinson a debt of gratitude for shining a bright light on the financial dealings of our several government bodies and the people who operate the same.

I cannot believe it takes so much time to give simple and truthful answers to questions asked by any or all taxpayers. It is only when a politician wishes to put a certain "spin" on an answer, or cover up some prior actions that great worry and time are required.

If our county commissioner finds the job so disturbing, I suggest an immediate resignation is a better solution rather than positioning themselves as a poor put-upon official who will probably run again after obtaining sympathy and support from the voters.

Sam H. Ledridge

Island City

__________________________

Hanukkah, which literally means "Festival of Lights" begins at sundown Tuesday and lasts for eight days. So for the next week, consider wishing everyone you meet a "Happy Hanukah" and share in this holiday that commemorates religious freedom and re-dedication of faith. Hag Sameach. Happy Holiday.

Josey Fast

La Grande

__________________________

I was outraged by your political "cartoon" in Nov. 28's paper.

Isn't it enough we have to hear God's name taken in vain wherever we go and now, our local FAMILY newspaper prints a "cartoon" profaning his holy name?

I ask that you print an apology to all your offended readers and that in the future, you think carefully about what you are conveying to the public.

Donna Held

La Grande

__________________________

There are many ways to win in life, and the Imbler Panther football team showed that clearly in the 1A state playoffs last Saturday. They came into the second half of the game in Hillsboro behind 22 to 0 — and played their hearts out to hold Mohawk scoreless and to score 16 points themselves.

It was an amazing example of tough-mindedness, hard work and skill. A trophy would have been wonderful for them, but we wouldn't be any prouder than we are now of this stout-hearted team.

Dick and Nan McDaniel

La Grande

__________________________

I live relatively close to the new fire station. Several times a day, I hear the emergency vehicles heading out, lights flashing, sirens going off to another emergency situation to help someone in distress or pick up an accident victim.

Usually, they are back within a short time headed for the hospital with their patient on board. When they arrive at the hospital, there is a trauma team waiting to evaluate, aid and, if necessary, call in a local doctor and, if the situation warrants, call in Air Life to transport the person or persons to receive treatment at a more specialized facility in another city.

These teams of doctors, nurses, EMTs, other technicians and pilots save lives most every day here in our Eastern Oregon counties. Every member of this team has spent at least four years of their time in college, plus many more hours of specialized training to do their jobs and do them well. It has cost them thousands of dollars to pay for their educations.

To turn this highly trained and specialized system over to politicians and bureaucrats (socialized medicine) would be like buying a new Rolls Royce and giving a 5-year-old the keys to drive it.

John Petersen

La Grande

__________________________

After reading a letter to the editor in the Nov. 28 Observer, I felt it important to share some personal experiences about the socialized medical care system in British Columbia, Canada. These experiences do not support the comments made in the previous letter.

I spent most of my years growing up in B.C. and there were many times when the only medical care that was available was the emergency room and only for life threatening situations because the doctors were all on strike over salary caps.

My second experience involves a shoulder surgery that I had completed at our local hospital while my father had the same surgery in B.C. Six weeks after my first office visit with the doctor, my shoulder was repaired, while my father was put on a waiting list for more than 16 months before his shoulder surgery could be scheduled.

Recently, my father (who still lives in B.C.) had a stroke, and I became reacquainted with the socialized healthcare system. After he was stabilized in the hospital, he was put on a waiting list for the rehabilitation center. We were informed that stroke rehabilitation was very time sensitive. He waited for six weeks before he could start rehabilitation. While we were visiting him in the hospital, my daughter needed a common antibiotic for a mild infection. The doctor's visit cost us over $200 just to get the prescription for the antibiotic.

These personal experiences with socialized medicine are significantly different from the opinions expressed in the previous letter to the editor, and I believe it is important for both sides of every argument to be heard in order for people to make informed decisions.

Brett Moore

Cove

__________________________

Colleen MacLeod rants accusations of warrantless, vindictive actions towards her in a Nov. 27 Community Comment. Recalling her behavior while serving as county commissioner makes it hard to sympathize.

One memorable event was at a nonpartisan fundraiser for Steve Oliver when she and husband, Al, gleefully "entertained" folks with an original, obscene song depicting Clinton's sexual behavior. Is that what they present on their quasi-official entertainment bookings? When asked whether they had composed a similar song for Utah Sen. Larry Craig, she was indignant.

MacLeod's accomplishments as county commissioner include the golf course and excursion train which have put Union County in spiraling debt. Perhaps, John Lamoreau's successful efforts to attract the wind farm will offset those fiascos.

Every effort remotely associated with resource conservation is resoundingly opposed by MacLeod. I imagine she encouraged the other commissioners to turn down a local land conservancy's offer to secure a long-term loan to minimize logging on Mount Emily while ensuring public access. Unless another long-term payoff is arranged, the likely future of Mount Emily will horrify most county residents.

The railroad right of way between Elgin and Joseph could have become a trail benefiting locals daily and attracting tourists year around. But MacLeod sided with adjacent landowners who didn't want "the public" enjoying "their" river frontage. So rather than hiking and biking we are left funding those occasional train runs. Colleen also indebted us all to accommodate golfers. Are these economic developments or simple pandering to her special interests?

Now is the time for innovative ideas to be encouraged rather than derailed by entrenched antagonistic attitudes. Serious changes are needed to turn the world, the country and the county around. Union County must elect commissioners who enthusiastically join the movement towards a healthier, more sustainable future. We have what it takes!

Mary McCracken

La Grande

__________________________

The cartoon in the Nov. 28 Observer could be very offensive to me if it didn't truly depict the sad state our community's morals have reached. I taught my children and now teach my grandchildren and many others to respect the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ. If any of them said the words that the man in the cartoon said, they would have had a strong reprimand from me.

It has been called cursing, taking the Lord's name in vain and blasphemy. To me it truly says that our society has no understanding of my Lord Jesus and shame on me for that.

He is the one that created all things. He is the one that left the glories of heaven to be born of the virgin Mary, over 2,000 years ago, as she conceived by the Holy Spirit. He is the one that loved me enough that He died in my place on a Roman cross and gave me his righteousness. He is the one that ascended into heaven and that is seated at his Father's right hand. He is the one that promised me that when I die or when he comes to take his church home, I will be with him and enjoy the glories of heaven for all eternity. He is the one that deserves my complete respect.

On the other hand, the man in the cartoon may be conversationally praying to Jesus. But I doubt it, don't you?

Rev. Vernon Slippy

La Grande

__________________________

I'm thankful to the Grande Ronde Hospital Home Health Hospice. They are a special group of ladies who have a hard job, but do it caringly and graciously. Not only do they help patients, but they are there for families' needs also. They have a great booklet called, "Journeys End." Our family was very inspired and believes everyone should read it. We all in time face the journey's end.

The hospice nurses answered every question we asked of them. There was one hospice nurse that stayed with our family to the very end. What great loyalty to our family they shared. Her being there for us will be a part of our lives forever.

The guiding spiritual help they gave us got us through all the troubled days. The social work we received gave our family a togetherness that made our family closer and for this we can never thank them enough!

Hospice Health is a great group. They helped us out a lot and they keep on giving to us. To them, we wish many thanks and our continued support for the services they provide.

Stephen Smith

Cove

__________________________

I would like to congratulate Terry Hale, the operator of the Elgin Opera House, for the wonderful job he is doing. Last weekend, the Opera House hosted an energetic presentation of "A Christmas Carol." The play was truly a community effort and the actors were rewarded with a full house of appreciative local citizens.

Recently Terry and the Opera House hosted the Nov. 14 concert of Vancouver band "Sonsofday." The band used the Opera House as their backdrop to film their latest music video, which will be released nationally on Dec. 8.

Terry's efforts to bring plays, concerts and family movies is greatly appreciated. If you have a chance, stop by and see the amazing improvements Terry is making at one of our most historical buildings.

John Lamoreau

La Grande

__________________________

Our local La Grande Country Club board members have chosen to not renew our club pro's contract, which is a serious mistake. La Grande is fortunate to have a country club of this caliber and much of the credit needs to go to Bill Rosholt and his wife Sondra who have managed this facility for 27 years.

I joined the country club several years ago and over the years I have observed the time and effort Sondra and Bill have committed to the organization — dedication that will never be matched. These two were tireless and devoted to the club and to fail to continue with their leadership is a serious error in judgment by the board.

I have seen Bill time and time again walking the course doing scoring of the players for a sole survivor event not to mention his management, tournament experience, oversight of the course and other commitments they both have made for the members' benefit.

What the board is thinking is hard to understand. Where do they think they are going to find a better employee with commitment to a small-town golf course?

Bill Rosholt is an excellent pro with connections to the PGA. We are fortunate to have a pro of this caliber. We are encouraging the board to offer Bill a new contract and we hope he will accept.

Visions of grandeur is not what is in the best interest of the organization and if a pro of Bill's capacity is not retained the course will fail and become a housing development.

I am encouraging other members to address the board regarding this situation with hope that enough pressure will be applied to the board to either reinstate Bill's contract or resign from the board.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Dennis Wilkinson

Cove

__________________________

This letter is in response to the article written by Bruce Mason, who covered the Imbler/Mohawk state football championship game. Newsflash for you, Mr. Mason: The Imbler football team is a group of strong, proud young men who possess and display a lot of class.

Grow up and start writing like an adult.

Connie Buchanan

Summerville