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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (June 14, 2017)
4 A ❘ WEDNESDAY EDITION ❘ JANUARY 6, 2017 Siuslaw News P.O. Box 10 Florence, OR 97439 NED HICKSON , EDITOR Opinion ❘ 541-902-3520 ❘ NHICKSON @ THESIUSLAWNEWS . COM The First Amendment C ongress shall make no law respecting an estab- lishment of religion or prohibiting the free exer- cise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. American flag stands for freedom’s infinite notion their shirts into white stripes while officers’ wives offered their flannel petticoats for red stripes. The blue cloth coat of Capt. Abraham Swartwout was utilized for the Union rectangle adorned with 13 stars — all sewn together in haste amid cannon fire before being hoisted in a symbolic gesture represent- ing a unified people under the United States of America. Over the course of more than two centuries, Americans have waved our flag in celebration, hoisted it in defiance, wrapped them- selves in it to represent achievement on behalf of all Americans, and draped it over those who have sacri- ficed their lives for the val- ues our flag represents. At the same time, some have even burned it in protest — an act that I per- sonally find reprehensible and more than ironic, consid- ering it is the very ideal our It was 240 years ago today that the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution, officially adopt- ing what would be the first of 27 versions of what we rec- ognize as the symbol repre- senting the United States. Less than two months later, on Aug. 3, 1777, sol- dier reinforcements arriving at Ft. Stanwix from Massachusetts brought news of Congress’s adoption of a flag consisting of 13 stripes alternating red and white, along with a smaller blue field with 13 white stars “representing a new constel- lation.” In that moment, while under siege from the British, American soldiers cut up flag represents that affords them that freedom to begin with. Admittedly, as a kid, I did- n’t think much about those things as we stood — hand over our hearts — and gave means loyalty, faithfulness or commitment to something — in this case, the American ideal of a democratic repub- lic founded on rights and freedoms that support the pursuit of happiness. From the Editor’s Desk N ED H ICKSON our Pledge of Allegiance each morning in school. At the time, it was just some- thing we did that ingrained within us a reverence for the flag I still carry today. Over the last few decades, I’ve watched that same rev- erence erode as the morning Pledge of Allegiance in many schools has become optional — and in some cases challenged or dissuad- ed — out of concern for political correctness. Granted, reciting the pledge to our flag contains the term “Allegiance,” which I have no problem aligning myself with those principles. And while “under God” is also a part of our flag’s pledge, every American has the right to eliminate it if they choose, in the same way they have the freedom to practice a religion — or, if they so choose, practice no religion at all. Again, it’s because of what the flag represents that Americans — unlike many living in countries through- out the Middle East, Northern Africa and parts of Europe — have the right to make their own choice. In the same way that I did- n’t think about these things as a kid, we seem to be think- ing less and less about them as a nation. However, today’s lack of appreciation stems more from a growing indifference or apathy rather than a lack of childhood per- spective. While I recognize we are far from perfect as a nation, the American flag itself isn’t about representing a particu- lar policy, election, partisan- ship, event or individual in history. It symbolizes the ideal of freedom, the hope afforded by that freedom, and our commitment as Americans in the endless pursuit of both. Ultimately, it stands for more than the past or even the moment we live in; it’s a reminder of the infinite notion of freedom. According to the New York State Historical Association, Capt. Swartwout was eventually reimbursed with a voucher for the use of his coat in the creation of our nation’s first makeshift flag. Though the exact amount is disputed by scholars, the one thing they — and I’d like to believe all Americans — can agree on is that the ideal which inspired the hasty patchwork of that first flag is something immeasurable. Today, as we recognize the American flag in ceremonies across our nation, I hope we’ll consider the pledge to liberty and justice it repre- sents, as well as the notion of a people undivided in their pursuit of freedom. Even when that freedom includes not recognizing our flag at all. Write Siuslaw News editor Ned Hickson at nhickson@thesiuslaw news.com or P.O. Box 10, Florence, Ore. 97439. LETTERS H EART IS CENTER OF OUR COMMUNITY On Saturday, June 10, members of the Florence community answered the call to sup- port Malakai Kirk’s bone marrow transplant (See May 27 issue of Siuslaw News.) It’s esti- mated that 500 people showed up in droves at Siuslaw Middle School to bid on and win the more than 200 items donated by local business- es and individuals. Organizing an event of this magnitude usual- ly takes months of planning. This one came together in a mere month thanks to the amazing energy and effort of many supporters. Thanking everyone who helped make this possible would fill most of the newspaper. Shannon Graham had the vision and was the catalyst to make this event happen. Marsha Klosterman, Carrie McNeill and L ETTERS TO THE E DITOR P OLICY The Siuslaw News welcomes letters to the editor as part of a community discus- sion of issues on the local, state and national level. Emailed letters are preferred. Handwritten or typed letters must be signed. All letters need to include full name, address and phone number; only name and city will be printed. Letters should be limited to about 300 words. Letters are subject to editing for length, grammar and clarity. Publication of any letter is not guaranteed and depends on space available and the volume of letters received. Libelous, argumentative and anony- mous letters or poetry, or letters from out- side our readership area will not be pub- lished. Send letters to: nhickson@thesiuslawnews.com USPS# 497-660 Karen Perry, who attended the first planning meeting on May 9, brought their Delta Gamma auction expertise to organize every detail. Andy Marohl, Siuslaw Middle School princi- pal, made the school available and rolled up his sleeves to help with set up, facilitation and clean up. He even pushed a broom when needed. The Siuslaw News, KCST, KCFM and KEZI broadcast information to the masses, and invit- ed community support that included Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue and Siuslaw Viking cheerleaders. Star Wars Stormtroopers with Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker had the force with them and posed for special photos. The Siuslaw Elementary School Kindness Club, started by Kaylee Graham, sold Italian sodas and donated the proceeds. Craig’s BBQ donated half of sales of its cheeseburger meal and are continuing their donation through this week. Many local businesses contributed items and gift certificates. As you visit them, please say thank you for all they do. There are many worthwhile events in our community that our local restaurants and shops generously support. Special recognition is deserved for school employees who contributed many hours and amazing energy to this event as they worked full time to complete this school year and assist with the organization and facilitation of this event. Thanks to the amazing generosity of organiz- ers and attendees, the financial burden for Malakai’s family will be lessened, with the event raising $30,866. The family’s expected out-of-pocket expense is estimated to be at least $100,000, and additional fundraising events are being organized. Donations for those who couldn’t make it to the Gifts of the Heart Auction can be made at Oregon Pacific Bank to Malakai’s Bone Marrow Transplant. Malakai is scheduled to begin chemotherapy in August and will undergo bone marrow trans- plant when the doctor deems his body is ready. The community’s ongoing support is greatly appreciated — and the support of this Gifts of the Heart Auction clearly shows the love and Oregon Group Publisher (541) 265 8571 Publisher, ext. 318 Editor, ext. 313 Consulting Editor (831) 761-7353 Email: echalhoub@register-pajaronian.com Marketing Director, ext. 326 Office Supervisor, ext. 312 Production Supervisor Press Manager DEADLINES: Wednesday Issue—General news, Monday noon; Budgets, four days prior to publication; Regular classified ads, Monday 1 p.m.; Display ads, Monday noon; Boxed and display classified ads, Friday 5 p.m. Saturday Issue—General news, Thursday noon; Budgets, two days prior to publication; Regular classified ads, Thursday 1 p.m.; Display ads, Thursday noon; Boxed and display classified ads, Wednesday 5 p.m. Soundings, Tuesday 5 p.m. NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIPTION RATES: In Lane County — 1-year subscription, $71; 10-weeks subscription, $18; Out of Lane County — 1-year subscription, $94; 10-weeks subscription, $24; Out of State — 1-year subscription, $120; Out of United States — 1-year subscription, $200; E-Edition Online Only (Anywhere) — 1-year subscription, $65. Mail subscription includes E-Edition. Website and E-Edition: www.TheSiuslawNews.com WHERE TO WRITE Susan Gutierrez Cathy Dietz Ron Annis Jeremy Gentry — Jacquie Beveridge Florence T HANKS FOR BRINGING SITUATION TO LIGHT Early last month, there was an article about the Memory Loss Respite Center of Florence in Siuslaw News (May 3) that noted how the cen- ter is low on volunteers and needs help from the community. Mark Brennan wrote a lovely piece about our struggle. We now have additional volunteers who have passed the criminal record check and are being oriented to the respite center program and its participants. An accepting attitude and compas- sion for others, along with volunteering four hours a week, are the main requirements. We can always use more help from those who are willing to volunteer. Currently, we also have some new partici- pants in the program who are fitting in well. It is a low-pressure setting and more participants are always welcome. Our thanks again to Siuslaw News for bring- ing our situation to light. — Carol Krasel, president Board of Directors Memory Care Respite Center of Florence L ET THE PRESIDENT DO HIS JOB Our U.S. Constitution allows us to view both sides of the national situation thanks to Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press. Yet it seems too many newspapers only report on what is damaging to President Trump, his family, his character and his staff. For the first time in my life, I saw this past election as an opportunity to vote for someone not a part of the established political “regime.” I whole-heartedly voted for Donald Trump, confidently feeling he could give our country back to “We the People.” I feel President Trump is the best thing that has happened to our country and I’m not sure why people can’t see that? Or won’t. The current political establishment is clearly against him because of fear — they don’t think that “We the People” are smart enough to gov- ern ourselves. I believe it is because of the very slanted fake news, which feels like a coup to obstruct all the good things President Trump is doing for our country. President Trump is a genius who knows exactly what to do to give us back our country. However, it seems he’s tied to the media’s whipping post and is being lashed out at by Congress and the political regime. We have crippled our own growth and econ- omy with red tape and binders full of rules that Trump has thrown out. We are taking a killing on our trade deals yet Congress wants to fight the very man who has commonsense to stop all that madness and return our country to its Constitutional rights. The federal government has taken over many of the states’ rights. President Kennedy tried to stop the far-reaching powers of the federal gov- ernment a long time ago when he wanted to reinstate the gold backing for our currency. In our Constitution, the federal government has no rights over our money, our alcohol, mar- ijuana laws, education or health insurance. I believe President Trump is concerned about our safety as individuals and freedom of our country and has taken out the special interest groups that have ruined our Mother Earth. Yes, we can have clean energy now because gas and oil, big pharmaceuticals and industrial farming no longer run our country. It is unconstitutional for our elected officials to be backed by special interest groups. President Trump was the first one to be elect- ed without the help of special interest groups. Let him do his job for the sake of our best interests as a nation. — Guthrie Wilson Florence Copyright 2017 © Siuslaw News Published every Wednesday and Saturday at 148 Maple St. in Florence, Lane County, Oregon. A member of the National Newspaper Association and Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association. Periodicals postage paid at Florence, Ore. Postmaster, send address changes to: Siuslaw News, P.O. Box 10, Florence, OR 97439; phone 541-997-3441; fax 541-997-7979. All press releases may be sent to PressReleases@TheSiuslawNews.com. James Rand Jenna Bartlett Ned Hickson Erik Chalhoub support of our community. Pres. Donald Trump The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20500 Comments: 202-456-1111 Switchboard: 202-456-1414 FAX: 202-456-2461 TTY/TDD Comments: 202-456-6213 www.whitehouse.gov Gov. Kate Brown 160 State Capitol 900 Court St. Salem, OR 97301-4047 Governor’s Citizens’ Rep. Message Line 503-378-4582 www.oregon.gov/gov U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden 221 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg Washington, DC 20510 202-224-5244 541-431-0229 www.wyden.senate.gov FAX: 503-986-1080 Email: Sen.ArnieRoblan@state.or.us U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley 313 Hart Senate Office Bldg Washington, DC 20510 202-224-3753/FAX: 202-228-3997 541-465-6750 www.merkley.senate.gov State Rep. Caddy McKeown ( Dist. 9 ) 900 Court St. NE Salem, OR 97301 503-986-1409 Email: rep.caddymckeown@state.or.us U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio ( 4 th Dist.) 2134 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515 202-225-6416 541-269-2609/ 541-465-6732 www.defazio.house.gov State Sen. Arnie Roblan ( Dist. 5 ) 900 Court St. NE - S-417 Salem, OR 97301 503-986-1705 West Lane County Commissioner Jay Bozievich 125 E. Eighth St. Eugene, OR 97401 541-682-4203 FAX: 541-682-4616 Email: Jay.Bozievich@co.lane.or.us
