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About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 2, 2005)
Page 2 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, February 2, 2005 My mom always told me to eat a piece of bread if some other food got hung up in my throat. But what should I eat if a hunk of bread gets stuck? That’s not what this week’s offering is about. Strangely, the situation of forgetfulness is the topic, although I can’t recall why. Maybe it’s because I have a record at the office of on one occasion leaving and returning almost immediately six times, all within the space of approximately 5.7 minutes. Here’s how it works: Editor straps on “fanny pack,” says, “See ya’ tomorrow,” and exits. Fifteen seconds later, editor re-enters office, says, “Oops, I forgot my camera,” and leaves again. Forty seconds pass before editor returns through rear door of office, grins sheepishly and says, “Hey guys, I forgot my backpack.” By this time, the staff is taking bets on when I’ll do another 360. Some 22 seconds later, editor again opens back door, tries to enter without anyone seeing him, and picks up portable scanner he left on his desk. Staff tries to stifle giggles; editor notes rolling eyes and ex- pressions of, “I told you he’d be back!” Some ex- change money in “Be Back Pool.” Editor finally makes it to his car, only to discover that he’s left the key in the office. Editor ponders whether he should simply walk home to avoid embar- rassment of having to re-enter office. Rain convinces editor he needs the key. As he again goes to his desk to find car key, staff members exchange knowing glances, all the while exhibiting huge grins. Editor exits again. Only to return within 30 sec- onds because he forgot his hat, which he needs to keep the rain off his near-naked scalp. Editor doesn’t notice reaction of staff because he swoops in at the speed of light to avoid being seen. Wonders about hysterical laughter from staff as he again exits office. Editor drives away, gets about half-way home, only to realize that he left important papers on his desk, plus he forgot to pick up a copy of latest “Noose” to take home to wife. Editor wonders if he should just wait until next day for papers and paper. As he again slides through the back door, trying to be unnoticed like The Shadow, editor trips on rug, causing staff to notice him, possibly because of his colorful language as he nearly crashes into a table. Staff shake their heads with mournful expressions that say, “Bob’s lost it.” Bob leaves. Again. Makes it home. Wife says, “Did you get the stuff at the grocery store I asked for?” Bob replies, “Sorry, I forgot.” Illinois Valley News (Editor’s Note: Views and commentary, including state- ments made as fact, are strictly those of the letter-writers.) * * * Typed, double-spaced let- ters written solely to this news- paper are considered for publi- cation. Hand-written letters that are double-spaced and legible also can be considered. Cards of thanks are not accepted as letters. * * * Lou Chauvin appreciated From Michael Snider, Josephine County plan- ning director Grants Pass I am writing this in ap- preciation of Lou Chauvin, an Illinois Valley resident who recently retired from the county planning com- mission. He came to the commission in 2001 and served faithfully to the end of 2004. He rarely missed meet- ings; always participated intelligently; and, most im- portantly, kept a diligent, practical eye for the con- cerns and issues important to Illinois Valley citizens. He was a very effective representative for the com- munities south of Hay’s Hill. In the business of county government it takes a special effort to correctly see issues from the view- points of all affected com- munities. This is especially true in the planning busi- ness, where regulations are supposed to work well all across the county, taking into consideration diverse populations, geographies and economies. Lou was especially ef- fective in representing Illi- nois Valley residents when the county recently consid- ered major changes to our Rural land Development Code. During Lou’s term, the planning commission ap- proved new or amended regulations regarding solid waste and recycling, wild- fire safety, land divisions, flood hazards, commercial and industrial development, and a major community plan for the Merlin/North Valley area. All these changes are critical to the day-in and day-out business for all of us. Planners and planning commissioners alike hope that this work will help make the county a better place to live. Lou sacrificed a lot of DEADLINES: 3 P.M. FRIDAY (Classified ads & uncomplicated display ads can be accepted until Noon, Monday with an additional charge.) POLICY ON LETTERS: ‘Illinois Valley News’ welcomes letters to the editor provided they are of general interest, in good taste, legible and not libelous. All letters must be signed, using complete name, and contain the writer’s address and telephone number. The latter need not be published, but will be used to verify authenticity. The ‘News’ reserves the right to edit letters. One letter per person per month. Letters are used at the discretion of the publisher. Unpublished letters are neither acknowledged nor returned. A prepaid charge may be levied if a letter is inordinately long in the editor's opinion. POLICY ON “HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE,” DISPLAY & CLASSIFIED ADS & NOTICES: All submissions must be hand delivered, faxed or e-mailed to us for publication. Submissions must be resubmitted each week if the item is to run for more than one week. Social Security ‘solvent’ From Richard Strohl Cave Junction Remember the fear of massive numbers of WMDs in Iraq? Remember the fear of the smoking gun coming in the form of a mushroom cloud? All this information was designed to put fear in the hearts of Americans, but in reality has turned out to be the big lie that cost thou- sands of lives and hundreds of billions of dollars. Now is the onslaught of the next great deception. Social Security is solvent and will be for generations, although like any budget it will take some attention. A major step forward would be to remove the cap and put all the wages under the Social Security umbrella. If placing large amounts of this money in the stock market is the magic answer, then the government can accomplish this on its own without compromising indi- vidual accounts. Removal of individual We could eliminate the Electoral College (who are those people, anyway?); give all contestants equal access without having to raise money; get rid of po- litical party conventions (and maybe even political parties altogether); and be done with the idea of cam- paigning if political elec- tions followed this format. Take the presidential election, for example. Initial contestants or (whoops) can- didates rather, could be weeded out through some basic political comprehen- sion tests, criminal back- ground checks, and perhaps showing previous govern- mental experience -- what- ever unbiased process we could come up with. Americans could tune in once a week for a season. We could have lots of them to start, not thousands obvi- ously, but maybe 30. We could watch some one week, and some the next. Contestants could an- swer some basic questions to start the process (i.e., why should we elect you?) and answer questions in increas- ing complexity as we nar- rowed down the playing field: What would you do to improve public education? At the end of each show, the audience could dial a number, punch a voter ID number, and pick their contestant. Folks who don’t want to or who can’t watch from home could go to li- braries, colleges, bars or wherever. I think it would be fair, fun, informative, inclusive and could be very cheap. Why not? ‘Idol’-style elections From Nicole Resenbrink Cave Junction I think political elec- tions would be a lot more fair, inclusive and fun if they were done more in the style of the TV show, “American Idol.” For those who haven’t seen it, a singing star is cho- sen through a process of elimination. Thousands line up and are weeded out by judges until there are 12 finalists, who are whittled down to one through audi- ence phone calls. The show goes on; fans on their home couches watch the performers sing, and then phone and punch in the number of the singer they like best. Each week, the numbers dwindle until only one remains: Voila! An expert is a person who avoids small error as he sweeps on to the grand fallacy. - Benjamin Stolberg- FRONTIER HIGH-SPEED INTERNET “Why pay more?! ” I have a wife, three kids, a mortgage, and a car payment. 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Redwood Hwy., Cave Junction, OR 97523 Periodicals postage paid at Cave Junction, OR 97523 Post Office Box 1370 USPS 258-820 Telephone (541) 592-2541, FAX (541) 592-4330 News, Classified & Display Ads, Announcements & Letters (Editor’s Note: Chauvin, who works at Junction Re- alty in Cave Junction, also received a letter of gratitude from county Commissioners Jim Riddle, Dwight Ellis and Jim Raffenburg for his in- volvement.) funds will have a devastat- ing effect and a probable death blow to a host of benefits that include Social Security disability and bene- fits to minor children, plus Medicare and Medicaid, which will result in immedi- ate poverty for millions in this country. This is another direct assault on the working class of America. This is a safety net that separates civilized societies from reverting to Third World countries. This allows most Americans to retire and buy basic needs, and retain some sort of dig- nity in their old age. Why is this administra- tion so intent on removing those safety nets, which mean so much to so many? It is time to stand up raise hell. FRONTIER HIGH-SPEED INTERNET • Easy Installation An Independent Weekly Newspaper Co-owned and published by Robert R. (Bob) and Jan Rodriguez Bob Rodriguez, Editor El Jefe Volume 67, No. 46 Staff: Kacy Clement, Becky Loudon, Michelle Binker, Shane Welsh, Nina Holm. Advertising Design Consultant - Wonder Dog Graphics Member: Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association time and energy for this and much other planning com- mission work. His touch made all this work better. I remember him saying on more than one occasion that he considered his work de- mocracy in action. Indeed it was and is. For those who happen to see Lou around the Illinois Val- ley community, I encourage them to personally thank him for helping all of us. Maybe Lou’s example will inspire another to serve in his place. • Great Reliability • 24 x 7 tech support from people who know the Internet ONLY 34 $ 95 A MONTH 1 FULL YEAR With Frontier Choices At Farmers®, we understand that insurance is about getting you back where you belong should the unexpected happen. SM Mike Belmont and family, Frontier customers That’s why we specialize in providing Auto, Home and Life insurance policies based on your needs. Call me today to find out how you can save money by covering your insurance needs through Farmers. SUBSCRIPTION RATES One year in Josephine County - $20.80 One year in Jackson and Douglas Counties - $24.40 One year in all other Oregon counties and out-of-state - $28 POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to P.O. Box 1370, Cave Junction, OR. 97523 1 . 877 . 482 . 7873 © 2005 Citizens Communications Company.Offer limited to residential customers when ordering Frontier Choices DSL Max Speed Internet, expires 2/26/05, and cannot be combined with any other offer. For offer, 12-month term commitment is required. If service is not maintained 12 months, your account will be charged the full value of the offer plus applicable taxes and surcharges.You must choose FrontierNet as your ISP to qualify for this FrontierNet promotional pricing. Service subject to availability, technical line qualification, and Frontier’s Acceptable Use Policy. Installation options vary and charges may apply.Applicable taxes and surcharges will be billed. Some restrictions and other charges may apply.W-0105
