Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 4, 2021)
SIUSLAW NEWS | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2021 | 5A The First Amendment Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibit- ing the free exercise thereof; or abridg- ing the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peace- ably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Opinion, cont. LETTERS (Editor’s Note: Viewpoint submissions on these and other topics are always welcome as part of our goal to encourage community discussion and ex- change of perspectives.) Expressing Themselves with Disrespect I recently drove through town during a demonstration billed as a “patriotic, pro-police, no- sheep” rally. I was disturbed to observe a black and white American flag, along with signs and banners that used vulgar language to denigrate our pres- ident and our governor. The distorted flag is a vio- lation of the flag code which states, “The flag should never be used for advertising purpos- es in any manner whatsoever.” I am in favor of supporting police, but those wishing to ad- vertise their support for police should not use the American flag to do so, as the flag always and only represents our coun- try and our devotion to her, and should not be used to represent any other cause or sentiment, no matter how meritorious. While both foul language and desecration of the flag are pro- tected speech under the con- stitution, I find it puzzling that people who claim to be “patri- ots” and “Christians” choose to express themselves by showing disrespect for both our flag and our shared sense of common decency. I do not understand what the “no sheep” signs have to do with patriotism or police sup- port, but I assume it is intended as an insult to those of us who believe the science regarding mask-wearing and the COVID vaccine. The disinformation campaign that disparages mask-wearing and casts doubt on the safety and efficacy of a life-saving vaccine is now cost- ing tens of thousands of lives and preventing a quick and full economic recovery from the pandemic. I sympathize with people that have been misled by these disinformation campaigns, but name-calling and mockery is juvenile behavior. I respect anyone willing to demonstrate to show their support for what they believe, but I hope that in the future, my fellow citizens in Florence will choose to do so without resorting to filthy lan- guage, childish insults and des- ecration of our American flag. — Donna Mlinek Florence Yes, and Thanks for Asking In response to Marshall Den- ton‘s letter titled “Dear Demo- crat” in the July 31 edition of the Siuslaw News, I have only one thing to say: Mr. Denton, yes. Yes, I am ab- solutely OK with all of it. Thank you for asking. Be well and vote Democratic! We’re not perfect, but they’re nuts. — Michael J. Kello Florence Patriotic Comedy at the FEC What a great place to watch a show! It was my first time at the Florence Events Center. I was impressed with the seating, sound, and overall atmosphere and cleanliness and service. The event was Stand-up- 4Comedy on July 31, and it was advertised as “A Show for Patri- ots.” We began the evening by singing the Star Spangled Ban- ner with Jane, who led us with her beautiful voice. Next the comics, Chris Warren and Alex Elkin, had us stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. The audi- ence was receptive and seemed overwhelmed with gratitude to be living in America. The show was great, and I have to admit I laughed harder than I have in over a year. Chris and Alex were hilari- ous, but they were also very se- rious about their political com- edy and views. It wasn’t that I agreed with everything said — you never do in a comedy show — but that didn’t keep me from cracking up at their jokes and having a truly enjoyable evening. Appar- ently, the same comedy show in Salem was cancelled by BLM and Antifa protests, graffiti and threats. That shouldn’t happen in America, and I’m so glad Florence believes in free speech and freedom of expression. Thanks for bringing a variety of shows and entertainment to this area. I didn’t see the show adver- tised, but someone said there were just over 200 tickets sold. I’m so glad my neighbors told me about it, and I’m thrilled to be living here. My neighbors, Bob and Karen Loren, told me to let you know how much they enjoyed it, too. — Kathy McCullough Florence Both a Patriot and a Proud Democrat Marshall Denton’s Letter to the Editor (July 31) outlin- ing reasons for Democrats to switch parties is a lot to un- pack. I won’t go through his en- tire list, but there are few things that I would like to address. When Mr. Denton opines that “big lie” eight months after the election. Nobody has proposed taking away your Second Amendment rights. Registering firearms, background checks and getting weapons of war off the street does not preclude you from hunting or protecting yourself or your property. The San Francisco Gay Choir is not coming for your children. And, yes, I am okay with drag queens reading to school chil- dren. We are okay with a big yellow bird and a purple di- nosaur reading to children. It isn’t about what you look like or how you dress. If it instills a love of reading in children, that can only be a good thing. This nation was not founded on “Christian Biblical values.” The founding fathers were from various religious backgrounds. Jefferson, Franklin and Paine were Deists. Deism is the be- lief that God created earth but then let nature (science) take its course. Mr. Denton also states that the Democratic party is not what it was in years past. I will say the same about the Repub- lican party. Both parties used to be pro-democracy and protect- ing democracy. Under the last administration, the Republican party became all about author- itarianism. They have failed to put forth any ideas as to what they will do to improve our lives, and are only against ideas of the Democratic party. I dare say it has become a personality cult aligned behind Trump. Lastly, Mr. Denton, I am both a patriot and a proud Demo- crat, and have no intention of switching political parties any- time soon. — Marybeth Marenco Florence children would be taught that anyone with skin color other than black is racist, it shows he has a clear misunderstanding of Critical Race Theory (CRT). CRT teaches children the true story of the White race regard- ing Black race as property to be bought and sold in America at the time of America’s founding and beyond. It teaches how our systems were developed to keep our Black brothers and sisters from reaching their full poten- tial, including Jim Crow laws and voter suppression. It is not about teaching chil- dren to be racist. It’s using our country’s history to teach chil- dren to recognize systemic rac- ism and its roots in a logical, unemotional format. Referring to refugees and immigrants as “illegals” is of- fensive to many. Each of these immigrants has an individual reason to want to come to the U.S. for a better life, just as my ancestors and presumably Mr. Denton’s ancestors, and maybe your own ancestors did. Refu- gees and immigrants are hu- man beings who deserve the same respect as any other hu- man being. An abortion is a medical procedure. The necessity of an abortion is a medical issue be- tween a woman and her doctor. I am not okay with corrupt elections. And by all accounts, 2020 was not a corrupt elec- tion. Trump’s own attorney general, Bill Barr, said there was no massive fraud. Many secretaries of state and county election officials (Republican and Democrat) certified there was no fraud. Only Trump and a handful of elected Republi- cans, dishonest media outlets (OAN, and the rest), and in- ternet trolls continue with this Getting rid of 'Huh?' for over 20 years Florence's ONLY doctors of audiology Clean the Air in Your Home Call today to schedule an appointment. Professional air duct cleaning can eliminate the circulation of dust, debris and allergens for a safer and healthier home. 541.991.4475 COVID Special 10% Off HEARING ASSOCIATES Whole-House Air & Dryer Vent System Cleaning With Sanitation of Florence Free Estimate Call or contact us online today for details and scheduling. Ask us about other services we do also. Licensed & Insured now through 08.31.21 Scott C. Anderson, Au.D. Steven G. Anderson, Au.D. FLORENCE • 1901 Hwy 101, Ste A HearingAssociatesofFlorence.com 1255 Bay St • Next to Book N Bears 541-991-3322 • FlorenceArtefacts.com ad. Hoberg’s Cel 70 ebrat + Y ing ear s! Complete Auto Repair We’ve got you ad. COVERED www.hobergsautorepair.com New Service d Offere Supporting Florence since 1987. FREE Taxi Ride via: River Cities Taxies Florence City Limits Only From our shop to your home or work business • homeowners • auto • life • health • medicare plans Andy Baber, AAMS® Financial Advisor A SK US ABOUT M ULTIPLE P OLICY D ISCOUNTS ! 1010 Highway 101 Florence, OR 97439 541-997-8755 COVERAGE FOR YOUR MOST PRECIOUS ASSET. YOU. Contact Angela, Jodi or Paul to discuss your policy needs. Ryan Hitchcock Financial Advisor Kevin McMullen 3rd Generation Owner, hobergsautorepair@gmail.com Serving Florence since 1990 875 Hwy 101 • Florence, OR • (541) 997-3466 www.AbelInsuranceAgency.com MKT-5894H-A-A1 Serving Your Auto Needs Since 1945 1010 Highway 101 Florence, OR 97439 541-997-8755 H 345 Hwy. 101 • P.O. Box 357 Florence, OR 97439-0012 • 541-997-2413 www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC Member SIPC
