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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 21, 2019)
A8 NATION/WORLD East Oregonian BRIEFLY Georgia family discovers owl in Christmas tree ATLANTA — A Geor- gia family got a real hoot from its Christmas tree: More than a week after they bought it, they discovered a live owl nestled among its branches. Katie McBride Newman said Friday that she and her daughter spotted the bird on Dec. 12. They had bought the 10-foot tall tree from a Home Depot, brought it back to their Atlanta area home and decorated it with lights and, coincidentally, owl ornaments. “It was surreal, but we weren’t really freaked out about it,” McBride New- man said. “We’re really out- doorsy people. We love the wilderness.” Trump to deliver State of Union on Feb. 4 WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump will deliver the State of the Union to a joint session of Congress on Feb. 4. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sent a letter to the president on Friday for- mally inviting him to deliver the address at the U.S. Capitol. “In the spirit of respect- ing our Constitution, I invite you to deliver your State of the Union address before a Joint Session of Congress,” Pelosi wrote. UK charges U.S. diplomat’s wife over teen’s death LONDON — An Ameri- can diplomat’s wife who left Britain after being involved in a fatal road accident that killed a British teenager has been charged, British pros- ecutors said Friday. British police say 19-year-old motorcycle rider Harry Dunn died when he was hit by a car driven by Anne Sacoolas, whose husband was sta- tioned at a U.S. military base in England. Sacoolas claimed diplomatic immu- nity and left Britain after the crash. Dunn’s family has urged her to return and face Brit- ish justice, and met Presi- dent Donald Trump as part of their campaign. Britain’s Crown Prose- cution Service said it had authorized police to charge Sacoolas with causing death by dangerous driving “fol- lowing a thorough review of the evidence available.” A spokesman for the family said they had been informed of the charges. Christian magazine calls for Trump’s removal WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump blasted a prominent Chris- tian magazine on Friday, a day after it published an editorial arguing that he should be removed from offi ce because of his “black- ened moral record.” Trump tweeted that Christianity Today, an evangelical magazine founded by the late Rev. Billy Graham, “would rather have a Radical Left nonbeliever, who wants to take your religion & your guns, than Donald Trump as your President.” The magazine “has been doing poorly and hasn’t been involved with the Billy Graham family for many years,” Trump wrote. He later questioned whether the magazine would prefer a Democratic president “to guard their religion.” Some of his strongest evangelical supporters, including Graham’s son, ral- lied to his side and against the publication. Their push- back underscored Trump’s hold on the evangelical vot- ing bloc that helped pro- pel him into offi ce and sug- gested the editorial would likely do little to shake that group’s loyalty. Rev. Franklin Gra- ham, who now leads the Billy Graham Evangelis- tic Association and prayed at Trump’s inauguration, tweeted Friday that his father would be “disap- pointed” in the magazine. Graham added that he “felt it necessary” following the editorial to share that his father, who died last year after counseling sev- eral past presidents, voted for Trump. The president thanked Graham for the disclosure. Christianity Today “rep- resents what I would call the leftist elite within the evangelical community. They certainly don’t rep- resent the Bible-believing segment of the evangeli- cal community,” Graham told The Associated Press in an interview. He wrote on Facebook: “Is President Trump guilty of sin? Of course he is, as were all past presidents and as each one of us are, including myself.” The magazine’s cir- culation is estimated at 130,000. In the editorial titled “Trump Should Be Removed from Offi ce,” Editor-in-Chief Mark Galli wrote that Democrats “have had it out for” the president since he took offi ce. But Galli asserted that the facts “are unambiguous” when it comes to the acts that led to the president’s impeachment this week by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives. Prince Philip in hospital as a precaution LONDON — Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, was admitted to a London hospi- tal Friday “as a precaution- ary measure,” Buckingham Palace said. The palace said the 98-year-old Philip was admitted to the King Edward VII hospital for observation and treatment of a preexisting condition. “The admission is a pre- cautionary measure, on the advice of His Royal High- ness’ Doctor,” the palace said in a statement. Philip had been at the royal family’s Sandringham estate in eastern England, where the queen and her family usually spend Christ- mas. The palace said Philip didn’t travel by ambulance and his admission wasn’t an emergency. He is expected to be in the hospital for a few days. — Associated Press Saturday, December 21, 2019 Washington state lawmaker engaged in ‘domestic terrorism’ By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS Associated Press SPOKANE, Wash. — A Washington state lawmaker took part in “domestic ter- rorism” against the United States during a 2016 standoff at a wildlife refuge in Ore- gon and traveled through- out the West meeting with far-right extremist groups, according to an investigative report released Thursday. The report prepared for the state Legislature said Rep. Matt Shea, a Repub- lican from Spokane Val- ley in Eastern Washington, also found that he trained young people to fi ght a “holy war,” condoned intim- idating opponents and pro- moted militia training by the Patriot Movement for possi- ble armed confl ict with law enforcement. Shea was suspended from the state House Republican Caucus Thursday evening, and advised to resign, House Minority Leader J.T. Wil- cox tweeted. “He cannot use House Republican staff, he cannot meet with the caucus, his offi ce will be moved,” Wilcox said. Shea will also be removed from his House committee assignments. The incoming House Speaker, Democratic Rep. Laurie Jinkins, said the report had been forwarded to federal prosecutors and the FBI. She said her cau- cus would continue to work with Republicans to explore options based on the report’s fi ndings. Both Democratic and Republican politicians had demanded Shea’s resignation. Shea did not respond to phone and email mes- sages requesting comment by The Associated Press on Thursday. Prior to the release of the report, Shea was defi ant. “I will not back down,” Shea said. “I will continue to fi ght for our shared values that have made this country such a blessing to the rest of the world.” Shea said he has been denied any opportunity to review and respond to the report, prepared by an outside investigator. The report noted Shea declined to be interviewed as part of the probe. “Due process is the right of every citizen, and should be afforded to all members of the House regardless of their views or party affi liation,” Shea said. The investigative team, headed by a former FBI agent and a former law enforcement offi cer, was hired in July. The team’s fi ndings, fi rst reported by the news website Crosscut, said: “Investigators obtained evidence that Repre- sentative Shea planned, engaged in, and promoted a total of three armed con- fl icts of political violence UP TO 50% OFF! WINTER CLEARANCE SALE! Sale Starts December 26th Saager’s Shoe Shop Milton Freewater, OR AP Photo/Rachel La Corte House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox, left, and caucus chair Rep. Paul Harris talk to the media on Thursday in Olympia, Wash. Wilcox has called on Republican Rep. Matt Shea to resign following an investigative report that found he took part in “domestic terrorism” against the United States during a 2016 standoff at a wildlife refuge in Oregon. AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File Washington state Rep. Matt Shea, R-Spokane Valley, in suit and yellow tie at center, poses for a group photo in 2015 with gun owners inside the Capitol in Olympia, Wash., fol- lowing a gun-rights rally. against the United States ... in three states outside the State of Washington over a three-year period to include 2014, 2015 and 2016.” The report said Shea “participated in an act of domestic terrorism” when in 2016 he visited the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge to support its armed occupa- tion by two sons of rancher Cliven Bundy. Shea “engaged in conver- sations with Ammon Bundy and other militia members in the planning and prepara- tion of the armed takeover of the Malheur National Wild- life Refuge in Burns, Ore- gon,’’ the report said. He also issued a press release on Dec. 11, 2015, asking for patriot and militia groups near the takeover to rally against the U.S. government, according to the report. After the occupation of the wildlife refuge ended, Shea posted on his Facebook page: “After much prayer, I’m afraid violence might be necessary to take our coun- try back,” the report said. Shea also went to Cliven Bundy’s Nevada ranch in 2014 during a standoff with FBI agents in a dispute over grazing rights. And in 2015, in Idaho, Shea resisted the planned removal of fi re- arms from a military vet- eran who was not eligible to have them. The report also said that Shea in 2012 engaged in the intimidation when he posted a photo of himself on his Facebook page standing in front of a political oppo- nent’s home, and refused to remove the photo despite requests from his adver- sary, GOP offi cials and law enforcement. A 2017 online chat indi- cated the lawmaker joined a discussion in which some suggested violence against left-wing protesters. Reports of the chat surfaced in the Guardian earlier this year and were expanded by The Spokesman-Review newspaper. Based on chat transcripts, there’s no indication Shea advocated violence himself, although he offered to do background checks on politi- cal opponents. The texts came after Shea, a lawyer who was fi rst elected in 2008, attracted international attention over a document he wrote that laid out a “biblical basis for war” against gay marriage and abortion. He later said that the document was taken out of context. Shea has also pursued creation of a 51st state in Eastern Washington that would be called Liberty and run on biblical principles. The Army veteran hosts a weekly show on the Ameri- can Christian Network and in 2017 complimented mem- bers of Team Rugged, a group that one member said provides special forces-type gun training for young men so they can be effective in Christian warfare. Shea last year lost a House leadership position after acknowledging he dis- tributed the “biblical basis for war” document that also calls for killing non-Chris- tian males who refuse to fol- low fundamentalist biblical law. Shea is popular in his very conservative district and was re-elected in 2018 with 58% of the vote. 24 th Annual Christmas Spirit Award Presentations Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation is pleased to announce Roger & Karen Bounds and Charlie & Carol Clupny as the 2019 Christmas Spirit Award Recipients. Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation is pleased to honor Roger & Karen Bounds as recipients of the 24th Annual Christmas Spirit Award. This award is given to those who exemplify the Spirit of Christmas by giving of themselves to others all throughout the year. Roger & Karen Bounds have a long history of community service in the greater Hermiston area. They have spent countless hours seeking to help individuals in need or to enhance the ability of others to be successful. Karen has participated as a charter member of the Desert Arts Council and chaired many events. They are both enthusiastic supporters of the Hermiston Warming Station, dedicating countless hours to help the indigent or underserved of our community. They have provided two buildings to house the station at various times when there was a need. Roger & Karen have given many unsolicited and anonymous acts of kindness to those in need. They quietly support a multitude of non-profit organizations through donations and contributions, and volunteer the use of their personal skills and abilities to promote education and literacy within our community. Their various acts of kindness include visiting the shut-ins, the aged, providing dinners for the underserved and to those who are grieving. They are examples of benevolent service and a willingness to dedicate their time and energy to assist others and make the Hermiston community a great place to live. It is for these reasons that Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation, which strives to make our community a better place to live, has selected Roger & Karen Bounds as 2019 Christmas Spirit Award recipients. Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation is pleased to honor Charlie & Carol Clupny as recipients of the 24th Annual Christmas Spirit Award. This award is given to those who exemplify the Spirit of Christmas by giving of themselves to others all throughout the year. Charlie & Carol Clupny are kind, compassionate, and enthusiastic members of our community who give of their time, talents and resources to various organizations to benefit others. Their dedication and work ethic has blessed the lives of many community members. They actively give service to the Lions Club, been avid supporters of the Hermiston High School band, and volunteered to help individuals in need without hesitation and formal requests. They exemplify the virtues of integrity, compassion, and caring concern for others less fortunate. Both have served the Parkinson’s Support Group that brings comfort and understanding to those who are afflicted with Parkinson’s disease. Carol has written a book that has been widely acclaimed in documenting her journey and experiences that has helped others through this debilitating and life-changing experience. Charlie has been an emcee for various worthy causes, and is a CASA worker, and both are supporters of Made to Thrive helping the youth within our community. You will not find a more kind, loving or gentle couple to grace any community. They do not seek the limelight but are known for their benevolence by friends and strangers alike. It is for these reasons that Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation, which strives to make our community a better place to live, has selected Charlie & Carol Clupny as 2019 Christmas Spirit Award recipients. Holiday Design by Addalyn Pointon of Lewiston, ID. www.communitybanknet.com Member FDIC Pendleton Hermiston 157 S. Main St 541-278-9000 50 E. Theater Ln 541-289-4480 Heppner Milton-Freewater 127 N. Main St 541-676-5745 504 N. Main St 541-938-6361 The Foundation mission is to enhance the quality of life and general health of residents living in West Umatilla and Morrow County communities by raising funds and giving to community projects. Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation reviews funding requests and makes awards for worthwhile projects twice a year. The next deadline for submitting grant applications to the Foundation is January 31, 2020. Groups or individuals interested in making a donation or being considered for funding are encouraged to call the Foundation office at 667-3419. Best wishes for a happy holiday season.
