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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 30, 2019)
4A MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 The Observer OUR VIEW Banking bill off to strong start Oregonians in the marijuana business know all too well the problems that arise when the nation’s banking system is unavailable to an industry. So, too, does Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Portland, and his Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act is a step toward preventing those problems. The bill got a major push forward Wednesday when the U.S. House of Representatives approved its version of the measure on a 321-103 vote. Every member of Oregon’s House delegation, including Republican Greg Walden of Hood River, voted for the bill. The measure is aptly named. Because the produc- tion and sale of marijuana are illegal under federal law, those in the marijuana business generally can- not take advantage of even the most basic banking procedures. The National Credit Union Administra- tion, meanwhile, has said credit unions may accept marijuana business deposits so long as all banking regulations, including reporting regulations, are met. Still, the banking limits themselves work to make marijuana a cash-only business, and that creates more problems. Merkley tells a story that makes that clear. He talks about following a cannabis busi- nessman as the latter went to pay his state taxes, and the tale sounds like something out of an old Western movie. The man loaded his backpack with $70,000 in $20 bills, Merkley says, and drove 50 miles to the Oregon Department of Revenue to pay his state taxes. After passing through a variety of security checks, the businessman took his backpack of cash to a heav- ily guarded room where guards kept their eyes on millions of dollars in similar payments from other Oregon cannabis businesses. The House and Senate versions of the banking bill are not identical, but if the Senate bill is passed and the two are reconciled and signed by President Trump, banking could become a badly needed reality for the marijuana industry. Getting Senate approval may be an uphill battle. The possibility of that did improve a bit when the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, said he’d allow a vote on the Senate bill. It’s enough to keep at least a glimmer of hope alive. Write to us MY VOICE My Voice columns should be 500 words. Submissions should include a portrait-type photograph of the author. Authors also should include their full name, age, occupation and relevant organizational memberships. We edit submissions for brevity, grammar, taste and legal reasons. We reject those published elsewhere. Send columns to La Grande Observer, 1406 Fifth St., La Grande. F0ax them to 541-963-7804 or email them to acutler@lagrandeobserver.com. Your views Hopkins: Still time to see high-energy ‘Newsies’ To the Editor: Many taking in the play “Newsies” at the Elgin Opera House might say that Director Terry Hale had outdone him- self again. It’s hard to say since “News- ies” has a different style and songs that might be unfamiliar. But the play has to rank at the top for high energy and quality of cast, making this one of the most enjoyable plays I have seen. Certainly, credit has to be given to Abigail Hale for her spectacular chore- ography inspired by the real-life News- boy Strike of 1889 set in New York. The background drops were actually used around the time of dedication of the Elgin Opera House on July 4, 1912. Playing the lead of Jack Kelly is Liam Bloodgood, whose entire family has shown many theatrical talents throughout the years, and I think his are strong enough to perform at a pro- fessional level. Teaming up with Brixtin Walker, the two immediately captured the audience with their beautiful rich voices. Madison Ribich has performed in several plays, and I think this is one of her best roles yet. Caitlin Marshal’s strong portrayal of Medda Larkin brings out the colorful life of Medda’s theater scene with the backdrop found during Opera House restoration. The high energy reminds me how old I am getting, and the beautiful voices and outstanding dance scenes remind me I’m getting a little creaky. But the enjoyment is there for any age. If you haven’t seen the play, there still might be a chance to get a seat with “Newsies” running through Oct. 5. Gerald Hopkins Summerville Dick: Left attempting a coup in America To the Editor: In 2013, Edward Snowden document- ed proof that Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Write to us LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Observer welcomes letters to the editor. Letters are limited to 350 words and must be signed and carry the author’s address and phone number (for verification purposes only). We edit letters for brevity, grammar, taste and legal reasons. We will not publish poetry, consumer complaints against businesses or personal attacks against private individuals. Thank-you letters are discouraged. Letter writers are limited to one letter every two weeks. Email your letters to news@ lagrandeobserver.com or mail them to La Grande Observer, 1406 5th St., La Grande. Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, YouTube and other major tech companies were providing the Obama administration (DOJ, FBI, NSA) personal information on American citizens. These tech companies are considered part of the private sector, however, and Obama-era operatives are now employed and operate in these tech companies working to manipulate public opinion. For instance Google controls more than 90% of all online searches world- wide. On July 17, Dr. Robert Epstein testified at a Senate Judiciary hearing that “Google algorithms are having a dramatic impact on the thinking, behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, purchases and voting preferences of 2.5 billion people, right now.” Google and tech companies use algorithms, manipulative search engine techniques, to promote their global- ist, leftist, anti-American agenda and suppress and undermine American conservative, biblical and constitutional values. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Stopped account balances less than $5 will be refunded upon request. Subscription rates per month: By carrier...............................................$11.80 By mail, all other U.S. .............................. $15 A division of Stuart Dick Irrigon STAFF Phone: SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE NEWSSTAND PRICE: $1.50 You can save up to 34% off the single-copy price with home delivery. Call 541-963-3161 to subscribe. This is part of a coup against the Constitution and sovereignty of the American Republic and the American people orchestrated by traitors that own and control the American press, media, Democratic Party, and some in the Republican Party, and are insidi- ously planted within all branches of the American government. This coup has attempted, from the get-go, to overthrow a duly-elected president. The latest evidence of this coup and proof these Democrats could care less about America or Americans is the coming fake press and media orchestrated congressional impeach- ment mockery. This is the reason the Democrat, Socialist/Communist left needs to abrogate the Constitution and Bill of Rights, especially the Second Amend- ment. There is one reason why citizens living under Socialist/Communist/ Islamic governments have no freedom or liberty. They live under the despotic controls of governments that have con- fiscated their ability to arm and defend themselves. The globalist Socialist/Communist- controlled Democratic Party in Amer- ica must confiscate the arms of the American people to complete their attempted coup. They could care less about victims of mass shootings and do nothing to heal the root causes of these tragedies in order to promote their anti-American agenda. Do not be deceived, America. Stand without compromise for God and country. Every American has a duty to stand unwaveringly for duly- elected President Donald Trump, who stands for our Constitution and godly heritage. In like manner, every American has a responsibility to stand against every enemy, within or without, of our constitutional repub- lic and way of life. 541-963-3161 An independent newspaper founded in 1896 (USPS 299-260) The Observer reserves the right to adjust subscription rates by giving prepaid and mail subscribers 30 days notice. Periodicals postage paid at La Grande, Oregon 97850. Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (except Dec. 25) by EO Media Group, 1406 Fifth St., La Grande, OR 97850 (USPS 299-260) COPYRIGHT © 2019 THE OBSERVER The Observer retains ownership and copyright protection of all staff-prepared news copy, advertising copy, photos and news or ad illustrations. They may not be reproduced without explicit prior approval. Toll free (Oregon): 1-800-422-3110 Fax: 541-963-7804 Email: news@lagrandeobserver.com Website: www.lagrandeobserver.com Street address: 1406 Fifth St., La Grande POSTMASTER Send address changes to: The Observer, 1406 Fifth St., La Grande, OR 97850 Periodicals postage paid at: La Grande, Oregon 97850 Publisher........................................Karrine Brogoitti Home delivery advisor.................Amanda Fredrick Regional circulation director ....................Kelli Craft Customer service rep ......................... 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