PAGE A6, KEIZERTIMES, JUNE 7, 2019
Opinion
To the Class of 2019
Whether you are graduating from
college or high school, this time is
yours.
You and your peers have grown
up wanting for little. You’ve been told
your whole life that you are special
and a winner. Now is
the time for you to prove
those monikers to be
rightly bestowed.
Life is like high
school—it’s fi lled with
cliques and in many cases,
it’s who you know rather
than what you know that
will carry you the farthest.
Be aware that your learning days
are not done, far from it. Ask any
successful person and they’ll tell you
that they have learned much more
from the people they’ve met and the
places they’ve been than any book can
tell them.
School teaches you up to a point.
What school really should have done
for you is to teach you how to fi nd
the answers you seek. With Google,
and other search engines, information
is at your fi ngertips. No web site can
tell you what you want to be, what
you should like, how you will fi t into a
world that is unlike the one that your
parents stepped into as they graduat-
ed from school. It is only through in-
teraction with people and places that
you’ll discover yourself.
You’ve spent the past 10 years or
so being a member of a team, be it
Little League baseball, middle school
soccer or high school band. You have
learned the skills to work well with
others, which will take on much more
importance in your post-high school
years. Teamwork is cru-
cial in life, but it doesn’t
mean you can’t spread your
wings and show your indi-
vidual colors. You will have
many opportunities—most
of you will have held three
or four jobs by time you
reach the age of 30. That
doesn’t mean you’re a slacker, it means
that you’ll have the opportunity to try
different fi elds, different companies,
different avenues.
These days it is unusual to fi nd
someone under the age of 40 who
hasn’t held a number of jobs, some-
times in different industries. It is not
written anywhere that you must pick
a career and stay with it until your re-
tirement.
In 2019 you have instant access to
information and people. You text and
message your friends to get the latest
scoop in your social circles. Remem-
ber that technology not only keeps
you in touch with family and friends,
it keeps you in touch with the world.
There is a lot of world history being
made now and you ignore it at your
own peril. Some say that ancient his-
tory is boring, but living history is
our
opinion
now and immediate. Your elders were
right when they said that history re-
peats itself. Everything going on in
places Venezuela, Syria and Iran is just
a new version of what has gone on in
centuries past. There is very little new
under the sun, it’s just packaged dif-
ferently.
You should have learned from your
early childhood days right through
school to be nice to people. That’s a
lesson that will do you good to the
end of your days. People respond to
kindness with kindness; the most sour
or angry personality can be soothed
with a kind word or gesture. Being
kind and polite and tolerant doesn’t
cost a dime, but the pay off will be
huge. There is little moral victory in
trodding on those who are different
from you.
It’s a new, independent life you’re
being invited into. What you feel
as you leave the halls of your school
is what your fellow students feel—
scared and uncertain. You should help
each other, encourage each other, root
for each other. It’ll make life easier
and better for you and your friends,
new and old.
Go out into the world, keep learn-
ing, do you what you love, move
around the country and the world and
for Pete’s sake, learn how to do your
own laundry.
—LAZ
Is it the 1890s all over again?
“Robber Barons” is a catchy label.
At a time not so long ago it was used
by Americans to describe powerful,
wealthy captains of industry who
monopolized the railroads, the steel
industry, the tobacco industry, the
oil industry and all industries in the
U.S. They emerged during the In-
dustrial Revolution of the 1800s and
controlled everything. Ultimately
their ways brought about
totally unacceptable con-
ditions that led to riots,
strikes and the emer-
gence of labor unions.
They were noted for
their indifference to their
workers, forcing work-
ers into 18-hour days in
unsafe conditions with
wages at a minimum often reduced
on whims. Many American families
were reduced to begging for food
while their children were also forced
to work. Meanwhile, poverty and the
most deplorable of living conditions
destroyed the health and very lives of
tens of thousands of American men,
women and children.
Workers formed labor unions to
protect themselves. The Robber Bar-
ons struck back by bribing police de-
partments to beat them when they re-
fused to work while they hired thugs
to hurt and kill the workers when
they would not do what the Robber
Barons demanded of them. Never-
theless, there were writers and poli-
ticians like famous trust-buster Pres-
ident Theodore Roosevelt who used
the “bully pulpit” to lead reforms for
improved conditions.
As things evolved into the san-
er working conditions of the 1900s,
an American middle class emerged
through improvements such as the
eight-hour work day, the 40-hour
work week and overtime pay, living
wages, safer working conditions, even
health insurance and
pensions. These work
conditions
common-
ly enabled the average
worker to buy a home,
have a family, appreci-
ate a safer work envi-
ronment, enjoy family
vacations and retire in
dignity.
Interesting it is how things can get
reversed to what they were a century
ago, a matter developing here for the
last fi fty years. At its prime now, the
notorious “one percent” have estab-
lished themselves. What’s happened is
that wealth has become concentrated
once more in a few hands and a new
Robber Baron class of Americans
have risen to dominate everything
again. These modern day barons,
now CEOs, enjoy excessive salaries
and benefi ts in the multi-millions of
dollars while their workers are min-
imum-wage paid, realize no upward
mobility, and are frequently laid off
for no reason other than a CEO prof-
it motive.
The Robber Barons of 2019 are
gene h.
mcintyre
destructive to a democratic republic
such as ours as they use and abuse U.S.
citizens by exploiting them to a point
where they are nothing other than
servants to business executives who,
when workers ask for better wages
or benefi ts are shown the door. The
one percenters work against their
workers at every turn while acquir-
ing Golden Parachute retirements
for themselves and have done away
with pensions outside the executive
chambers. They have emasculated or
eliminated labor unions. They are the
epitome of greed and self-centered-
ness. They signifi cantly contribute
to societal demises, including drug
addiction, homelessness, gun-related
crimes, and a decline in our nation’s
ethics and morals.
Where they will spend big mon-
ey is with duly-elected offi ce holders
in state houses and the national cap-
ital to make certain laws are passed
so wages are kept low, benefi ts are
non-existent, workplace safety mea-
sures are deregulated or removed, and
no worker benefi ts or perks survive
underhanded shenanigans by legisla-
tors. None of this buying of legisla-
tors is being dealt with effectively so
it behooves every American to get in-
volved and vote for those who prove
themselves as working for the people
not working for the Robber Barons.
(Gene H. McIntyre shares his opin-
ion regularly in the Keizertimes.)
An era ends, a legacy continues
By JONATHAN THOMPSON
The passing of State Senator
Jackie Winters brought to a close a
decades-long era in Oregon State
politics. Her service in the Capitol
started as staff to Governors Tom
McCall and Vic Atiyeh
and saw Aher elected to
the House of Represen-
tatives and the Senate. In
the Senate, she rose to
the rank of Republican
Leader and left her mark
on our state in countless
ways. She also operated a
successful small business.
I fi rst met Senator Winters when
I joined the Senate Republican Of-
fi ce in 2004. For most of the next
decade I would have the honor of
watching and learning from her ex-
ample. I will always remember driv-
ing her to events around the state
and listening to the history she lived.
On the recent anniversary of the
Vanport fl ood, her experiences with
that event take on special meaning.
I also remember discussing with her
the latest plan we had to trip up the
other side. She rare-
ly approved of antics
from either side of the
political aisle.
During my time
with Senator Winters
I learned two things
which I still carry to-
day. First, it is alright
and even expected to
work productively with people with
whom you sometimes disagree. And
second, when you disagree with
someone, do not do lasting damage
to a relationship in order to score
political points.
Senator Winters was masterful
guest
column
Keizertimes
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Salem, Oregon
at working to pass legislation she
believed in with coalitions of law-
makers no matter their political
party registration. From health care
to public safety, few have left such
a legacy in the Oregon State Cap-
itol. Her effectiveness was due to
her ability and willingness to put
aside party and work for what she
believed in. It is a good example for
all of us. If we refuse to work with
those with whom we disagree, we
wall ourselves off and limit our own
ability to succeed.
Rarely did Senator Winters en-
gage in any political battles which
would cause lasting damage to rela-
tionships. The person you disagree
with today may be the person you
need to get the next bill passed to-
morrow. By rushing to score polit-
ical points you could hamper your
chances on the next issue. Applied
today, is a single tweet now worth
the loss of something you care
deeply about in the future?
Senator Winters touched count-
less lives during her time in the Or-
egon Capitol. I was blessed to be
just one of them. As my wife and
I work in our own small business, I
try to remember the lessons she so
expertly taught.
As Senator Jackie Winters’ era
ends in the Capitol it is my hope
that members on both sides of the
aisle will work to carry on her lega-
cy and remember her lessons.
(Jonathan Thompson, the in-
comng president of the Keizer
Chamber of Commerce, served as
staff in the Senate Republican Of-
fi ce from 2004 to 2013. The last six
years as the Caucus Administrator.
He currently runs a local small busi-
ness with his wife.)
Submitted
A 48-foot, single-panel roof donated by Freres Lumber is put in place
over a new patio at Simonka Place earlier this year.
Simonka Place benefi ts
from bevy of local giving
By ERIC A. HOWALD
Of the Keizertimes
Simonka Place, a Union Gospel
Mission shelter for women and
children, has been on the receiving
end of some sizable giving efforts in
the past few months, but one of the
biggest ones remains unused.
Earlier this spring, a large group
of regional business banded together
to construct a covered patio area fi t
for parties, barbecues, lounging and
other activities. However, it hasn’t
been cleared for use because the
organization needs about $15,000 to
install a fi re suppression system.
“We need that because it is so close
to the building,” said Kathy Smith,
director of Women’s Ministries at
UGM.
Once that is complete, Simonka
Place residents will have a full-on
outdoor sanctuary.
The
construction
project
was headed up by CD Redding
Construction who roped in Ty Freres
of Freres Lumber Co. in Lyons.
“Scott Champion at CD Redding
asked us to help Simonka Place
as it was a project that they were
working on. Scott felt it was a perfect
application for our new product line
and we did as well,” Freres said.
Freres had to fi ll a tall order with
the Simonka Place project, a single,
solid-wood panel three feet thick, 12
feet wide and 48 feet long was called
for.
“At our facilities in Lyons, we
produce the only veneer-based mass
timber panel in the world. For the
application at Simonka House we
were able to produce a single panel
that created the entire roof element
for their outdoor structure. No roof
joists, no 4-by-8 panels, just a single
panel, and a single pick and place,”
Freres said.
The value of that single piece of
lumber is more than $5,000.
Green Acres Landscape, K&E
Excavating , Knife River, Leisinger
Designs , MCS Engineers, Northside
Electric, Outdoor Fence , Ram
Steelco Inc. , Sequoia Pavers ,
Western Interlock and Windsor
Rock all played roles in bringing it
to fruition.
“The covered area will allow us
to utilize the backyard throughout
the year and provide a space for
women to visit,” said Smith. “The
community has been extremely
supportive and without so many
people and organizations coming
together, we wouldn’t have this
wonderful backyard designed for play,
large group functions, barbeques,
meetings, social activities, chapel and
worship.”
Freres said the project aligned
with his company’s charitable goals
of supporting children.
Complementing that gift is a
planned donation to by local realtor
Bob Shackelford. Shackelford bought
20 tickets for a raffl e to win a custom
playhouse built by Remodeling
by Classic Homes on River Road.
The Up-themed house served as the
business’ KeizerFEST parade fl oat
and then put it up as a prize in a
raffl e to support another local group,
Satellite Gaming.
Shackelford won the playhouse
and plans to donate it to Simonka
Place.
Smith said both the covered patio
and playhouse are playing key roles
in plans to eventually renovate the
shelter’s entire backyard.
To contribute to the effort, call
UGM at 503-967-6388 or visit their
website at ugmsalem.org.
police scanner
MONDAY, MAY 27
11:36 a.m. - Arrest on warrant in the
5000 block of McLeod Lane NE.
2 p.m. - Theft in the 5000 block of Wit-
tenberg Lane NE.
7:13 p.m. - Arrest for reckless driving
and driving under the infl uence of in-
toxicants in the 1000 block of Alder
Drive NE.
8 p.m. - Theft from motor vehicle in
the 400 block of Evans Avenue N.
8:27 p.m. - Arrest on warrant at the
intersection of Garwood Way N and
Nordic Court N.
8:30 p.m. - Theft from motor vehicle in
the 200 block of Dearborn Avenue N.
TUESDAY, MAY 28
2:36 a.m. - Arrest on warrant at the in-
tersection of River Road N and Dear-
born Avenue N.
4:24 p.m. - Arrest on warrant in the
4000 block of River Road N.
7:59 p.m. - Arrest for parole violation at
the intersection of Chemawa Road N
and Delight Street N.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29
11:14 a.m. - Arrest for driving under
the infl uence of intoxicants and reckless
driving in the 3000 block of Rivercrest
Drive N.
12:53 p.m. -Arrest for traffi c accident,
driving under the infl uence, reckless
driving and unlawful possession of co-
caine in the 6000 block of Keizer Sta-
tion Boulevard NE.
4:52 p.m. - Traffi c accident in the 900
block of Chemawa Road NE.
10:30 p.m. - Arrest on warrant in the
1000 block of Susan Court NE.
11:52 p.m. - Arrest on warrant in the
3000 block of Cherry Avenue NE.
7 p.m. - Burglary from a residence and
theft from a building in the 1000 block
of Bent Grass Court NE.
THURSDAY, MAY 30
in the 1000 block of Chemawa Road
N.
FRIDAY, MAY 31
12 a.m. - Criminal mischeif and vandal-
ism in the 900 block of Orchard Street
N.
9:39 p.m. - Traffi c accident in the 4000
block of River Road N.
SATURDAY, JUNE 1
1:15 a.m. - Driving under the infl uence
of intoxicants at the intersection of
Front Street NE and Tryon Avenue NE.
8:45 a.m. - Theft in the 4000 block of
River Road N.
11 a.m. - Theft of motor vehicle parts
or accessories in the 6000 block of Ulali
Drive NE.
12:45 p.m. - Arrest on warrant in the
3000 block of River Road N.
7:42 p.m. - Arrest for driving under
the infl uence of intoxicants in the 500
block of Chemawa Road N.
11:45 p.m. - Fleeing a police offi cer
unauthorized use of a motor vehicle,
reckless driving, possession of a stolen
vehicle and failure to preform duties of
a driver when property is damaged in
the 3000 block of River Road N.
SUNDAY, JUNE 2
3:40 a.m. - Arrest for simple assault in
the 100 block of Troy Street NE.
11:34 a.m. - Arrest on warrant in the
4000 block of River Road N.
3 p.m. - Failure to perform duties of a
driver when property is damaged in the
500 block of Chemawa Road N.
7:15 p.m. - Arrest for physical harass-
ment in the 5000 block of Briarwood
Circle N.
10:08 p.m. - Shoplifting in the 4000
block of River Road N.
10:50 p.m. - Arrest for the unlawful
possession of methamphetamine and
unlawful possession of heroine and un-
lawful controlled substance.
7 p.m. - Robbery and aggravated assault
Car show at Powerland June 15
Northwest Vintage Car and
Motorcycle Museum will present
its eighth annual All Comers Ren-
dezvous starting at 8 a.m. on Satur-
day, June 15 at Powerland Heritage
Park, 3995 Brooklake Road NE.
Visitors can view vintage cars
and motorcycles displayed in the
museum and on the grassy grounds.
The displays this year will the big-
gest to date and will include the
grand opening of the recently
completed 6,000 square foot addi-
tion to the museum.
The theme for this year is Car
and Motorcycle Clubs of the Willa-
mette Valley, and all clubs are invit-
ed and admission is free.