26 Wednesday, October 26, 2016 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon LETTERS Continued from page 2 To the Editor: I’m writing with reference to Steve Nugent’s article, “The real threat isn’t about guns,” which appeared in the October 19 issue of The Nugget. Early in his somewhat rambling article, Mr. Nugent offered, “Handgun ownership is like a car license, in my view. It’s not a right, it’s a privilege to be earned and a serious responsibility.” While Mr. Nugent is certainly correct about own- ership of a handgun being a serious responsibility, he’s clearly wrong about it being a privilege rather than a right. I’d suggest that he refer to the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which reads, “A well regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” (Note: Emphasis on the word “right” is mine.) In fact, that amendment is one of 10 which, rati- fied on December 15, 1791, constitute The Bill of Rights (Once again, emphasis is mine.) Bill Birnbaum s s s To the Editor, As of the last issue of The Nugget, I have two new heroes. First: Steve Nugent, who wrote the guest editorial simply and elegantly about the danger of Donald Trump (“The real threat isn’t about guns”). People ask how could Hitler have come to power and done so much damage with the Holocaust and starting World War II. The ascension of Trump to the Republican Party candidate shows how. The Republican Party has revealed its moral bankruptcy. Don’t ever talk to me about “traditional family values” again. Sexism, racial prejudice, homophobia are no lon- ger in vogue. My other hero is Dan Glode who writes the column “Looking Outward.” Again he eloquently expressed my sentiments that Hillary Clinton is being held to a different standard that Donald Trump. Perhaps the key different standard is that of her sex. Her shortcomings compared to Trump are the difference between a minor scrape and a total wreck. Glode writes “In short, mostly white men are clinging to power and don’t want to share.” Sorry guys (I am a 71-year-old, white male) we have to learn to share. That means with women, sexual minorities, and immigrants. Ken Serkownek s s s s To the Editor: Eric Kozowski, candidate for Deschutes County Sheriff, is a leader. The future of Deschutes County depends on Eric Kozowski’s leadership as sheriff. Leadership cannot be taught. Leadership is an intrinsic part of Kozowski’s character. Leadership consists of the following qualities: Professionalism. Professionalism is the result of Eric’s life experiences. Eric Kozowski has acquired his professionalism from his military career and his success in the private sector. As Deschutes County Sheriff, Kozowski will set the tone of pro- fessionalism, hold officers accountable and put in place a team of officers that will meet high stan- dards of discipline, organization, compassion and thoroughness. Respect. Respect is a requisite of leadership. Eric Kozowski is a serious person who has earned the respect of his colleagues and the community he serves. Courage. Leadership requires courage. Acting on one’s convictions, by running against the incumbent sheriff, is the embodiment of personal and political courage. Integrity. Integrity fosters trust in the sheriff’s department from the community. Trust is the result of doing the right thing every time. Eric is a serious person who will not tolerate a culture of corruption and cronyism. He will not tol- erate disrespect from the sheriff’s officers for the Sunday mornings we open the bar at 9:30 so you can catch the 10:00 NFL games over breakfast and a Bloody Mary. YOUR YEAR-ROUND IRRIGATION EXPERT r e l k n Spri s t u o Blow miller 541-549-RIBS sisterssaloon.net I R R I G A T I O N 541-388-0190 190 E. Cascade Ave., Sisters LCB#8234 COMPUTER-CONTROLLED PLASMA CUTTING Bringing the ancient art of blacksmithing into the 21st century citizens of Deschutes County, authority, or their positions of responsibility. He will insist on humane treatment and respect for all Deschutes County citizens. Eric Kozowski will take leadership in fiscal responsibility with a sensible ratio of patrol officers to administrators and a proactive approach to avoid expensive lawsuits incurred at the taxpayers’ expense. Elect Eric Kozowski for Deschutes County Sheriff. Janet Dorgan s s To the Editor: I found “Le Fin de Siècle” in the Bunkhouse Chronicle (The Nugget, October 19, page 6) unintelligible. The writer says that he cannot in good con- science vote for Clinton or Trump, without saying why. Then he lists several major problems, which are important to him, facing our country. Now, as president, Clinton or Trump would have a chance to influence the resolution these problems. But by not voting for either, the writer is saying he doesn’t care if or how they would address these problems. Moreover, by not voting for either, he pretends to take the high moral ground, which is, well, preten- tious, by asserting that they are both unworthy of his vote. This is tantamount to saying that they are equally unworthy of his vote. The difference between Clinton and Trump, however, could not be starker. Clinton is indisput- ably a normal, level-headed person while Trump is a narcissistic psychopath. Clinton has years of government experience and knows how the govern- ment works. Trump does not. Clinton has put forth detailed workable policy proposals on many issues. Trump has not. As a politician Clinton has gener- ally avoided falsehoods, while Trump is a patho- logical liar. 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