opinion/community
november17
2016
3
What We Must Know Today
By Richard Harwood
www.theharwoodinstitute.org
As I wrote this late last night,
it was not yet clear who would be the
next president of the United States, and
it didn’t matter in terms of what we
need to understand today. The actual
results only make this clearer. H u g e
underlying cleavages exist within the
nation, and they do not have to do so
much with partisan polarization as they
are about a large swath of the nation
feeling forgotten, no longer seen and
heard, left out and left behind.
I encountered these deep-seated
sentiments in my travels across the
country when I listened to Americans
in places like Mississippi, where I was
last week, or eastern Kentucky, or the
interior of Washington State, or even
Hawaii, and many other places along the
way.
Too many kids feel they do not
have a shot at the American Dream and
feel abandoned by adults, their schools
and even their own families. Too many
adults have fallen victim to an opioid
and heroin crisis and have lost hope and
that has left their families in disarray.
Too many people are working two or
three jobs and are still unable to make
ends meet.
And make no mistake – too
many false promises have been made to
too many people, leaving in their midst
growing cynicism and disaffection.
Meanwhile, there are those who
live in more vibrant areas of the nation
who too often turn their noses up at
those who feel left behind, wondering
aloud how people can be so “stupid” to
support one candidate or another; who
sneer at the anger; who dismiss people’s
concerns about the changing nature of
communities.
Our task is not so much to
somehow bridge partisan polarization as
some would have us believe. It is more
basic than that; something more humane.
It is to see and hear one another. To seek
to understand how people can feel their
lives are spinning out of control. To
find ways to re-invigorate and support
families. To bring some modicum of
hope back to struggling and dying
towns.
As I have traveled the nation,
the number one issue I hear consistently
is people’s yearning to restore a sense
of belief that we can get things done
together and a “can-do” spirit. Yes, this
requires that we learn to “talk” with one
another. Even more, it demands that
we find ways to build a common future
together—to do things together. Talk is
not enough and it is not the magic elixir
so many think it is.
I watched in horror as this
presidential campaign unfolded and our
now president-elect attacked women,
people of color, the disabled and many
others. I condemn those statements and
beliefs.
But, I also know that so
many Americans who cast their votes
yesterday did so with pain in their hearts
about where their lives stand and with
utter disdain for a politics that does not
heed their calls for help and hope.
We can no longer afford to point
fingers of blame, cast aspersions and
question one another’s motivations. It’s
time to get to serious work.
Medicine Wheel Recovery Services
Announces the Planting Roots Housing Program
In an effort to prevent and end Veteran homelessness • Eli Addison, Veterans Housing Specialist
in Columbia County, Medicine Wheel Recovery Services • Terri MacEllven, Peer Support Veterans Housing Specialist
is proud to introduce the Planting Roots Housing Program. 58147 Columbia River Hwy., Ste. C
With the increased recognition of the value community adds St. Helens, OR 97051
in helping reestablish the lives of those in need, the Planting Office: 503-867-5408
Roots staff are working to form partnerships with other Email: eaddison@medicinewheelrecoveryservices.org
programs and individuals within Columbia County and the terrimacellven@medicinewheelrecoveryservices.org
surrounding area.
Website: www.medicinewheelrecoveryservices.org
The grant from the Oregon Health Authority enables
the program to serve up to 30 Veterans
and their families concurrently.
Eligibility Criteria
• Honorable Discharge Status from a
branch of the U.S. Military
• Mental Health Assessment (can be done
during program intake)
Karaoke
• Low-Income Individual or Family
Every 2nd & Last Friday
• If employed, the Veteran agrees to
Taco Tuesday
contribute 30% of income towards rental
from opening until 9pm
or mortgage costs
3
hardshell
or 1 softshell $4.25
Services Provided
• Rental or mortgage assistance, housing
Ladies’ Night
stability plans and placement, peer
every Thursday 6pm-close
support, skills training, outreach and
referrals, Behavioral Health, positive
relationship building with landlords
and rental agencies, barrier removal –
• Free Pool • Free WiFi • Specialty Pizzas
financial and other (e.g. utilities, deposits,
iheck our Facebook page for daily specials and upcoming events
cleaning & pet fees, other move-in costs)
756 Bridge Street, Vernonia
503-429-5841
– not an exhaustive list.
The housing staff at the Planting
Roots Program works closely with
our community partners to provide
a comprehensive support system for
FULL
SPORTS
PACKAGE!
individuals and families. The ultimate
success of the program would be to
transition our Veterans and families into
Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7
permanent, long-term and stable housing.
To learn more about this
program, please contact:
Cedar Side Inn
EVENTS
Sun, Dec. 4
Vernonia’s Voice would
like to apologize for
incorrectly printing
Vernonia Transfer Station
information. We sincerely
apologize for any
inconvience this caused.
• Specialty hamburgers
• 8 Draft beers & mixed drinks
• 5 Craft beers on tap
• Pool tables & satelite TV
• Free Wi-fi
• Beer & Kegs to go
Sun - Thurs 11 AM - Midnight •
733 Bridge St, Vernonia
Texas Hold ‘em
Sat, Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve Party
with Third Member
“BIKER FRIENDLY”
Fri - Sat 11 AM - 2:30 AM
• 503-429-9999
Publisher and Managing Editor
Scott Laird
503-367-0098
scott@vernoniasvoice.com
Contributors
Chip Bubl
Tobie Finzel
Richard Harwood
Karen Kain
Dr. Carol McIntyre
Aaron Miller
Karen Miller
Shannon Romtvedt
Robert Schattschneider
Photography
Karen Kain
Scott Laird
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PO Box 55
Vernonia, OR 97064
503-367-0098
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