Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 23, 2016)
THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 FRIDAY EXCHANGE 5A Think carefully I f The Donald is successful in buying the presidency, heaven help the U.S. and much of the world. Running a nation is about the people. Yes, this includes the 99 percent who aren’t among the wealthy. This includes: the disadvan- taged, all the way up to the extremely advantaged; both genders as equals; religious freedom, as well as the free- dom to not be religious; sex- ual freedom; quality edu- cation and health care for everyone; decent housing and decent jobs; rebuilding this nation’s infrastructure; and yes, our military and national defense systems. Being president is a tough job. The president needs to be rational, responsible, strong, considerate, reasonable, able to work with all polit- ical parties and other world leaders, and always think- ing about how his/her actions will affect the future of our nation. Which of the above does The Donald display today, and in his past? His past and his present will be his (and our) future, if he is successful in buying the presidency. Think folks before you vote. If you fact check on the various things he says, most of his speeches aren’t factual. His speeches aren’t realistic or truthful. Don’t be fooled by his power, money, or ego. Think before you vote. Being president of our nation isn’t a reality show. He/she won’t get retakes when he/she makes a blun- der. Our nation’s future and place in the world is on the line with the outcome of this election. Again, think before you vote. KAREN ELDER Astoria Where are the girls? I was very disappointed in The Daily Astorian’s cov- erage of the Three-Course Challenge held at Camp Rilea on Saturday, Sept. 17 (“Cross-country runners tackle the ‘Challenge,’” Sept. 19). As a volunteer at this event, I ind it to be a very unique experience for cross country runners at all levels of abil- ity, and from middle school up through high school levels. However, Gary Henley’s coverage of the event only had pictures of male runners. This was an event for both males and females. Where were the girls, Mr. Henley? Have you not heard of something called Title IX? Please try to keep your pictures and articles more balanced next time. KAREN BECK Warrenton Thank you M any upsetting headlines have focused on Ore- gon foster care providers who wronged youth in their care, prompting an investigation that will hopefully lead to much-needed changes (“‘Cul- ture change’ needed at state human services agency,” The Daily Astorian, Sept. 14). These providers are the sad exception, brought about by a system in need of repair. They are not the norm. The true heroes for chil- dren in foster care are those who never make the news. They make the beds, and wash the laundry, and read the stories, and wipe the tears. They open their homes and hearts to children who challenge them. They give shelter to the 4-year-old who can’t understand what has happened, and to the 14-year- old who struggles with the uncertainty of what is next. They are the families who make a difference for chil- dren in care: kind, loving, patient foster parents. “The cost of failing to protect foster children from harm is high,” the article states, going on to quote dol- lar amounts of settled claims brought by youth formerly in foster care. Yet the true cost of failing to protect chil- dren and youth from further neglect and abuse does not it neatly into a budget cate- gory for the legislature: men- tal illness, substance abuse, juvenile delinquency, life in poverty, and only disjointed family members to occasion- ally provide a connection. The true cost of fail- ing to protect foster children from harm is the loss of their health and happiness. Deny- ing children the ability to pur- sue happiness means denying them their unalienable rights. Fortunately, many children in foster care have temporary personal champions of happi- ness and safety. I would like to send a huge “Thank you!” to the foster parents whose homes and hearts are havens to the most vulnerable children in Clatsop County. We deeply appreciate you. You save lives every day. JULIA MABRY Executive director, Clatsop County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Vote Keniston C hris Keniston is an appealing candidate for U.S. president for our coun- try. As a constitutional cen- trist his focus is on U.S. cit- izens, and irst and foremost his actions are based on our constitution. As a veteran, he has the political courage to stand up for each citizen of this coun- try. He knows what needs to be done domestically and internationally. He comes from working class roots, and he’s no political insider. Stand up for America, vote Veterans Party of America. In Oregon, please write-in Chris Kenis- ton (president)/Deacon Taylor (vice president) on the ballot this fall election. The Veterans Party of America was set up by veter- ans, but is open to everyone. For more information, see our websites www.veteranspar- tyofamerica.org and http:// chriskeniston2016.com JIM FRYCKMAN Lincoln City Great performance T his past Sunday afternoon, my wife and I, along with six friends, went to the Kig- gins Theater in Vancouver, Washington. We were treated to a wonderful and well-at- tended live music perfor- mance of Charlie Chaplin’s “The Kid.” Rodney Sauer, the pianist and music arranger, and mem- bers of the Vancouver Sym- phony Orchestra — violin- ist Eva Richey, cellist Dieter Ratzlaf, Bruce Dunn on trum- pet and Igor Shakhman on clarinet — provided the most excellent and lively accompa- niment to Charlie Chaplin’s poignant creation. The audi- The most valuable and respected source of local news, advertising and information for our communities. www.eomediagroup.com ence responded with a stand- ing ovation at the completion of the performance. What a wonderful oppor- tunity for the community to enjoy the Vancouver Sym- phony Chamber Series in such a lovely historic theater. Cer- tainly we will plan to drive the distance to enjoy more such ine offerings. Following the perfor- mance, we walked about eight blocks to enjoy a delicious dinner with most excellent service at La Bottega Restau- rant at 19th and Main streets. ART LIMBIRD Warrenton Helpful community T his Monday, around 5 p.m., I was taking my daily walk and was on West Marine Drive just past the Dairy Queen, on the river side of the road. I was walk- ing with my canvas carry bag for bottles and had my jacket off my shoulders. Trafic was light but I did notice an ambu- lance driving slowly towards the trafic circle. A minute or so later I heard a vehicle coming my way, but it was off the road since I could hear gravel crunching. I looked and saw an ambulance stopping. I thought that they had just picked a nice place to park and eat lunch or dinner. Robin (her name tag said) got out and walked up to me and asked me if I was OK. I told her that I felt just ine, and was on an evening walk. She told me that someone had seen me walking and was worried that I was in trou- ble, so they called to have me checked out. She then gave me a nice smile and got back into the ambulance. Sigh. Not a minute later, another gentleman stopped his pickup truck to see if I needed a ride. It’s nice that there are concerned people in this town, and that they took the time to do something. My pride was a bit hurt because while I am certainly in the senior generation, I did not think that I looked that decrepit. CHUCK MEYER Astoria Different views R ecent opinions by The Daily Astorian editorial board have indicated a shift to the political right. This is in contrast to the many years of the paper’s left-leaning ten- dencies. My sense is that this is a necessary inclusion of alternative perspective in an attempt to counter the biases among the people of this com- munity. I tilt left politically, but I am not fearful of any dif- fering points of view. In fact, I welcome them. A closed mind is terrible thing to waste. BOB POTTER Astoria Too bad G ov. Kate Brown/Oracle. Obama/Iran. What is the difference? Too bad we have no one else to vote for. We can’t afford the stupid politi- cians we have. DICK DARBY Astoria They’re your dreams. Start building them. You’ve already dreamed up the blueprints. We may be able to help bring them to life. The U.S. Bank Home Equity Line of Credit offers competitive rates, lexible payment options and trusted service to help you inance the lasting home improvements you’ve always wanted. HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT Introductory rate for 6 months Rates as low as Variable rate after introductory period 1.50 % 4.00 % APR* Rate available 9/11/16 - 11/11/16. Rates are subject to change. APR* Rate shown for lines of credit: – Up to 70% loan-to-value – U.S. Bank Consumer Checking Package Actual rate may be lower. Visit usbank.com for custom rates. Call 800.209.BANK (2265), visit a local branch, or go to usbank.com/dreambig *1.50% Introductory Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is available on Home Equity Lines of Credit with an 80% loan-to-value (LTV) or less. The Introductory Interest Rate will be ixed at 1.50% during the 6-month Introductory Period. A higher introductory rate will apply for an LTV above 80%. Offer is available for new applications submitted from September 11 – November 11, 2016. After the 6-month introductory period: the APR is variable and is based upon an index plus a margin. The APR will vary with Prime Rate (the index) as published in the Wall Street Journal. As of September 11, 2016, the variable rate for Home Equity Lines of Credit ranged from 2.62% APR to 7.20% APR. Higher rates may apply due to an increase in the Prime Rate, a credit limit below $100,000, an LTV above 70%, and/or a credit score less than 730. A U.S. Bank Consumer Silver, Gold, or Platinum Checking Package account is required to receive the lowest rate, but is not required for loan approval. The rate will not vary above 18% APR, or applicable state law, or below 2.12% APR – 2.55% APR, depending on market. Choosing an interest-only repayment may cause your monthly payment to increase, possibly substantially, once your credit line transitions into the repayment period. Repayment options may vary based on credit qualiications. Interest only repayment may be unavailable. Loans are subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Property insurance is required. U.S. Bank and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. Your tax and inancial situation is unique. You should consult your tax and/or legal advisor for advice and information concerning your particular situation. Other restrictions may apply. Mortgage and Home Equity products offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit Products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Customer pays no closing costs, except escrow-related funding costs. An annual fee of up to $90 may apply after the irst year and is waived with a U.S. Bank personal Platinum Checking Package. The Consumer Pricing Information brochure lists terms and conditions that apply to U.S. Bank Consumer Checking Package accounts and can be obtained by calling 800.872.2657. Member FDIC. ©2016 U.S. Bank. 160494 8/16
