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.
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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
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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
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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