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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 22, 2016)
VIEWPOINTS Saturday, October 22, 2016 Quick takes High-speed chase blows through Pendleton Oh my gosh! They sped past our house on N.W. 12th, my son was sitting by the window and saw them race past! Crazy! — Stacy Bustamante Who knew a Focus could go 80 mph? — Tonya Gould Ford Focus captured, bicycle police celebrate while awaiting support vehicle. — Jim Roberts Hermiston science programs and students excel Perfect. Phil Knight just announced that they donated $500 million for a new accel- erated science campus at the University of Oregon. — Summer Richmond Lisa McElroy you were the greatest for sure! Continue to use your lessons daily. — Holly Appleton Voter registration deadline comes and goes I’m already registered and don’t plan to vote. Probably just the frustration of the whole thing. — Anji Morgan I heard the scariest thing you can put in your yard this year for Halloween is a 2016 voting booth. — Tanner Remillard One of the great lessons of the Twitter age is that much can be summed up in just a few words. Here are some of this week’s takes. Tweet yours @Tim_Trainor or email editor@eastoregonian. com, and keep them to 140 characters. East Oregonian Page 5A Election will further divide America I am looking forward major media devoted 23 minutes to November 9 with great to the Trump tape, and one minute anticipation. to the leaked emails or any of the Not because I will wake up other transgressions of his opponent. conident knowing that America Further, instead of helping promote has elected strong, ethical, the sideshow, the media could have honest, or inspired leadership done considerably more to focus on the that will make our country major issues. great again. There are only two But since it has been about the George individuals left in the race for Murdock sideshow, it is interesting almost the presidency — with a chance nothing has been said about the fact Comment to win — and neither offers the ex-president Clinton spent half an prospect of hope for helping hour aboard a plane in Arizona visiting preserve the fundamental ideals that have with the Attorney General a week before characterized this nation. the FBI director mysteriously determined No, I am simply looking forward to Hillary Clinton didn’t mean harm in the fact the most despicable race for the keeping private tens of thousands of emails. presidency in modern history will inally be It wouldn’t make any difference to me over. Sadly, regardless of the outcome, we which candidate was involved — I have will be even more divided as a country and deep concerns about a government where led by a president who is largely unloved, leaders are above the law and can exert unrespected and untrustworthy. inluence on the justice system beyond that How can we hope to engage the interest accorded to other citizens. I would guess of young people as participants in helping Martha Stewart is wondering a bit about her shape our country when such a debacle will experiences in that realm. decide the most important position in our And, I suspect if all the lids could be country? removed casting light on the ownership The race, however it comes out, will of major news outlets and the inluence of certainly not be won on a platform of owners — some of whom are citizens of morality. The Trump tape was yet another other nations — it would send shivers up chapter in Donald’s book of dalliances. His our collective spines. comments were deplorable and demeaning. I have tried hard to be neutral in this On the other hand, I can’t imagine ever writing effort but it is dificult to overlook having a twenty-something daughter of the speeches President and Mrs. Obama mine working in an Oval Ofice to which made last week indicating their disgust over Bill Clinton has access. the content of the Trump tapes. I wonder Yes, I know that it is Hillary, not Bill, if they have ever listened to the lyrics who is running, but rather than upholding offered by the hip hop and rap artists they the dignity of women, as she professes to frequently entertain in the White House or do, she viciously attacked those with whom if they have watched the movies produced her husband had his own trysts. by their friends in Hollywood. There will be many victims scattered This country has many issues along the path to this presidency, not the confronting it including the fact a deepening least of which will be the demise of modern sense of entitlement threatens the viability media as an unbiased and trustworthy of the future of this society as we know it. guardian of democracy. A growing sense of dependency will not While perhaps some of the bias is help our neediest citizens out of poverty — exaggerated, on one recent evening the they need opportunity and responsibility, not more artiicial supports that seem to go on for generations. We certainly don’t need initiatives that destroy private sector jobs and create new public sector jobs. Although I have spent the better part of my working life in the public sector, I have spent every day of my working life aware of the fact all public sector employees are dependent upon the private economy. When that private economy ceases to prosper, both those working in the public sector and those who depend upon government programs to survive, are in deep trouble. We need to appreciate, not make villains out of those who are successful in business and contribute to prosperity. It certainly doesn’t bother me they enjoy rewards as a result of their risks and hard work. Without entrepreneurs, owners and employers, there can’t be employees. In Oregon, I am disappointed one of our candidates for governor is being maligned for having achieved the American dream by becoming a successful doctor and private business owner; this, after growing up the son of a janitor and working his way through school. He is being chastised by those elected oficials promoting this state’s “progressive agenda.” We have lost our compass when we chide those who beneit from hard work. No, the challenges critical to this country are taking a back seat to powerful forces and misguided issues that do not bode well for our future. In the few days remaining before the election, it is doubtful voters will be offered any meaningful answers or solutions – just more news from the gutter. November 9 can’t come soon enough. We can only hope this election will be a suficient wakeup call that it is time for quality leadership with a healthy dose of ethics, integrity, and morality. ■ George Murdock is a Umatilla County Commissioner and former editor and publisher of The East Oregonian. YOUR VIEWS Local law enforcement missing pot dollars Pendleton and Umatilla County are losing shares of signiicant tax revenue by banning marijuana businesses. Oregon reports $40.2 million in marijuana tax revenue in 2016, with an average monthly intake over $4.4 million. By the end of 2016, the total haul will be more than $53 million. The distribution is spelled out in the statutes. After deducting costs of administration, these funds are distributed 10 percent to cities and 10 percent to counties for law enforcement purposes on a per capita basis — but only to those cities and counties that do not have bans in place. This means law enforcement in the cities and counties of Eastern Oregon are not realizing the beneits of this revenue. Pendleton will forfeit roughly $26,700 of revenue in 2016 and Umatilla County will forfeit roughly $123,000. This is prior to the local 3 percent sales tax that either jurisdiction could enact if it allowed the businesses. In 2017, the distribution will change from a per capita basis to a per OLCC licensee basis. Licenses include production, processing, wholesaling, and storefront enterprises. This mode of revenue sharing requires established, licensed and regulated cannabis businesses. If Pendleton wants to realize these economic beneits, then it should vote accordingly and repeal the bans enacted by the city council. Umatilla County commissioners could take similar steps if they wished. Voters in both jurisdictions voted against legalization. But now that it’s here, and now that we know what the tax revenue looks like, the question of how to proceed is a very different one. William Perkinson Pendleton No need for change at sheriff’s ofice For more than 27 years, Terry Rowan has worked in law enforcement in Umatilla County. He has learned and gained much valuable experience working through the many positions he has held. In 2015, his staff submitted to the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association a report on how they felt Sheriff Rowan was doing; not just as their commander but also his serving the residents of Umatilla County. As a result, Sheriff Rowan was recognized as Commander of the Year from Oregon’s 36 counties. With Sheriff Rowan’s 27 years of service there has not been one blemish from a poor decision or lack of good moral judgment. On the other hand, the August 13-14, 2016, front page East Oregonian story on Ryan Lehnert, who is running against Sheriff Rowan, says he was disciplined in 2009 for insubordination, unsatisfactory performance, unbecoming conduct, inattention to duty, and improper radio use resulting in a demotion from sergeant to a community oficer. In his employee evaluation just three short months ago, it states that he still lacks “prioritization” and “management skills.” And it should be noted that he still has not regained his sergeant status to date and I think that speaks loud and clear! My question is, why would we even consider a change? I believe Terry Rowan has displayed the judgment, temperament, compassion and management skills to be re-elected as Umatilla County Sheriff. Richard Scarlett Umatilla Walla Walla County sheriff supports Rowan I am honored to write this letter of support for Sheriff Terry Rowan in his bid for re-election as your Umatilla County Sheriff. Sheriff Rowan and I met when he was the undersheriff of Umatilla County. During our tenure, I have had many conversations with Terry and learned that he cares deeply about his county and the people who live there. When he was elected sheriff, we met several times to discuss the Walla Walla Valley as it covers both of our jurisdictions. During these conversations and subsequent plans to serve particularly the citizens of northern Umatilla County, I found Terry to possess the intellect and abilities of a quality law enforcement leader. I do not know Terry’s opponent and thus have no knowledge upon which to base an opinion, however I have worked alongside Sheriff Rowan and can attest to his abilities and accomplishments. As the elected sheriff of Walla Walla County for the last six years, I know the position of sheriff requires a person who is not only a good cop, but a leader who has the integrity, moral character, and administrative abilities to lead an agency and a community through its many unexpected twists and turns. Throughout the years, I have seen these qualities in Terry Rowan as he has partnered with us to make our Walla Walla Valley a better and safer place. For example, it was Sheriff Rowan’s idea to cross-deputize members of our Search & Rescue teams so that they could cross the state line to assist each other in times of need. Sheriff Rowan recognized that Search & Rescue is one of those things that “lies below the radar” … until it’s your loved one who is lost. Then, the members of our teams may literally be the difference between life and death. Terry humbly had the foresight and leadership to quietly enhance each of our team’s abilities so they are better prepared to serve you and your loved ones. It is that kind of partnership and thinking that I have appreciated about Sheriff Rowan. I have respect for Sheriff Rowan’s creativity and how he has grown and stretched limited resources in order to better protect and serve his community. Thank you for your time and consideration. I would be honored to have Sheriff Terry Rowan continue to be our partner to the south. John A. Turner Walla Walla County Sheriff Clinton would continue anti-Christian USA When Barack Obama became president, he declared, “We are no longer just a Christian nation.” He also promised to “fundamentally transform” America. He has done this by declaring war on Catholics and Evangelical Protestants. His administration has ordered military chaplains to perform same-sex marriage. Under threats of lawsuits, the Boy Scouts opened the door to openly gay scoutmasters. Portland bakery owners were sued for $135,000 for declining to provide a cake for a gay marriage. They had to close their business. The Air Force physically ejected a veteran from a retirement ceremony because he planned to say “God” during a lag folding speech. The mayor of Houston demanded that pastors turn over copies of their sermons. A New Mexico couple was ined $7,000 for declining to provide photography for a same-sex marriage. A U.S. Army training manual and slide show lists Catholics and Evangelical Protestants as potential terrorists who endanger America. These are just a few examples of Obama’s transformation of America. On November 8 a new president will be elected. I pray that it will be Donald Trump, who supports our Constitution, religious freedom and the Republican platform. On April 23, 2015, Hillary Rodham Clinton made clear what her agenda would be if elected president in 2016. In her speech at the Women’s World Summit in New York she said: “Laws have to be backed up with resources and political will” and “deep-seated religious beliefs have to be changed.” In other words she, like President Obama, is all about using government to silence religious expression. As president, she could appoint radical Supreme Court justices during her term. In 2012, thirty million Evangelicals did not vote. In the last two elections forty million Catholics didn’t vote. At the same time, many military personnel did not get to vote but tens of thousands of illegal aliens and a number of dead people did. To not vote on November 8 is to vote for a continuation of government’s war on America. Paul Bouchard Pendleton Trump cares about more than himself Donald Trump is not really a Democrat or Republican. That’s why some Republicans in Congress don’t like him. They know full well that he won’t go along with some of their manipulative schemes that hurt the American public. Who is Hillary Clinton? Well, she is like Paul Ryan in many ways. Both of them worship at the altar of so-called free trade. They are so embedded in Wall Street one could not dislodge them with a jackhammer. They are war hawks in the irst degree. One can’t forget their ties with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and, last but not least, their compulsive desire to let millions upon millions of more people into this country. Anyone who has studied the problems with overpopulation knows full well this country is way overpopulated. A democracy can not withstand overpopulation. It is impossible. Donald Trump is the only person that has the tenacity to do something about this country’s disastrous immigration problem. One of the reasons so many Millennials can’t ind a job is because of the H1-B visa program. This program lets thousands upon thousands of people come into the high tech sector from other countries and take jobs from native born Millennials. That is a fact, not conjecture. Hillary Clinton will do nothing to help this generation or any generation with their job opportunities. The biggest environmental threat is not global warming, it is overpopulation. That is the inconvenient truth. When one mentions stopping immigration to these so-called environmental organizations they run like a rabbit to their hole. They are pathetic resemblances to any true environmentalist. Our professional saviors and elites will not save our nation and civilization. To expect it from them is to believe in magic and trust in miracles. The cure will come from the man and women in the street that can read between the lines. They can see through the tripe that the news media throws at them every day. They are not blinded by their prejudice or bigotry, nor believe the government owes them a living. These people are not afraid of success or failure and what people might say. In short, they are the people that are going to vote for Donald Trump. There are many differences between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Is Donald Trump perfect? Absolutely not, but he will help the people of this great county. And what of Hillary Clinton? She will help herself. That is probably the biggest difference. Robert Boehm Clatskanie, Ore. Measure 97 is a dangerous storm The hype about the recent storm we had didn’t end up rivaling the force and destruction of the Columbus Day storm of 1962, thank goodness. But what if someone told you there was a storm approaching that was guaranteed to cost every Oregonian $660 extra every year for the rest of our lives and jeopardize the livelihoods of Oregon family farmers and rural workers? That would sound pretty terrifying and we would come together to do whatever we could to avert a crisis. Yet, If Measure 97 passes, that impending crisis would be real and its impact certain. The Western Equipment Dealers Association represents nearly half a billion in equipment sales and thousands of jobs throughout Oregon. As president of that organization, I have heard irst hand from our members how drastic the effects of Measure 97 will be on agriculture in Oregon. It’s no secret that the rural economy of Oregon has been the slowest to recover since the great recession. The challenge to get by right now is even greater as agriculture faces another cyclical slump this year.The tax proposed by Measure 97 on revenue, not proit, means businesses pay the tax even if they lose money. For those struggling to make it right now, Measure 97 would be the difference between staying in business or closing the doors. It couldn’t come at a worse time for rural Oregon, and puts jobs at risk. What if you aren’t a farm household or involved in the agriculture community? The cost of this tax will still be felt by every Oregonian. Measure 97 creates a tax on a tax, meaning every time a piece of farm equipment is sold from a manufacturer to a dealer, then from the dealer to a farmer, you would tack on an extra 2.5 percent for each transaction. That extra cost in equipment would make Oregon farmers less competitive and force food prices to go up. The same will be true for grocery stores, which will again have to add 2.5 percent to every grocery bill. You quickly see how this tax on a tax adds up to substantially increase the cost for every Oregonian, and regressively affects those at the bottom the most. Unlike a weather forecast, the consequences of Measure 97 are not subject to change and are unavoidable. To avert this crisis, Oregonians should come together and vote No on Measure 97. John Schmeiser, president Western Equipment Dealers Assoc. Salem LETTERS POLICY The East Oregonian welcomes original letters of 400 words or less on public issues and public policies for publication in the newspaper and on our website. The newspaper reserves the right to withhold letters that address concerns about indi- vidual services and products or letters that infringe on the rights of private citizens. Submitted letters must be signed by the author and include the city of residence and a daytime phone number. The phone number will not be published. Unsigned let- ters will not be published. Send letters to Managing Editor Daniel Wattenburger, 211 S.E. Byers Ave. Pendleton, OR 97801 or email editor@eastoregonian.com.
