Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Blue Mountain eagle. (John Day, Or.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (May 25, 2016)
A4 Opinion Blue Mountain Eagle Wednesday, May 25, 2016 Superdelegates further complicate a complicated process O regon’s primary election is in the books, and some deciding votes were cast on issues both large and small. But in the national presidential race, it may have been a complete waste of time. Donald Trump is the only candidate left on the Republican side, and he won a majority of the GOP vote here. On the Democratic side, Bernie Sanders easily handled Hillary Clinton, winning all but one county — Gilliam — and outpacing her by about 13 percentage points. But Sanders’ win only gained him a few delegates, and those may well be canceled out by Oregon superdelegates pledging their support to Clinton. It has Sanders supporters — and Clinton detractors — claiming foul and accusing the process of being undemocratic. In two words: It is. And who would ever assume such a process would be? Remember, this is not an election for Americans to choose their next president. This is an election for two political parties to choose their representatives. How state governments all over the country get roped into spending taxpayer dollars to achieve that is beyond us. There is nothing democratic about different states holding elections on different dates with different rules — some primaries and some caucuses, some closed and some open, some with day-of registration and some that required registering weeks in advance. Remember, too, that unlike the presidential election in November, you “win” delegates, not states. Though cable news likes to trumpet who won Wisconsin or Alabama, it doesn’t matter. Delegates are the only thing that matters — not states, nor votes necessarily. And since the Democratic party is the only major party with their nomination still up for grabs, let’s look at how those delegates are chosen. For the Dems, 2,383 delegates are needed to wrap up the nomination, and Clinton is right at the precipice of doing so. She has 2,293 pledged delegates while Bernie Sanders has 1,533. Clinton also has about 3 million more individual votes cast for her in primary elections than Sanders, and that is partly why she is ahead on delegates. But it’s not the only reason: There are 715 superdelegates in the Democratic primary, which carry plenty of weight and can help choose the eventual nominees. Parties created superdelegates because they want to avoid the populist, idealist candidates that can stimulate their base and then get clobbered in national elections. In modern history, it has happened to both parties: the extreme conservative Barry Goldwater for the Republicans in 1964 and liberal, anti-war darling George McGovern for the Democrats in 1972. After both candidates fl oundered in election day routs, the parties rearranged their nominating system to give their insiders more sway. Those rascally voters may pick the candidate they like most, but they might not pick the candidate who can win the White House. And to political parties, winning the position of power is more important than any democratic principles. Oregon’s 11 Democratic superdelegates include names you’ve heard of, and some you have not. They are: Suzanne Bonamici, Kate Brown, Laura Calvo, Peter DeFazio, Frank Dixon, Lupita Maurer, Jeff Merkley, Karen Packer, Ellen Rosenblum, Kurt Schrader and Larry Taylor. Six of them have pledged their support to Clinton, despite the fact that Sanders won signifi cantly more votes here. Three others remain undecided, so Clinton’s unearned gains could still grow. It is understandable then, that outsider candidates like Sanders and Trump have excelled in this primary season. Voters are disappointed with each party’s inability to pull together for the good of the country. Neither Sanders nor Trump has long been a member of the political party whose nomination they are running for, and many of their views are outside the party platform. Trump has succeeded at destroying each and every mainstream candidate the GOP could throw at him. Clinton looks like her mainstream power will be enough — barely — to hold off Sanders. If Clinton crushes Trump in November, look for the GOP to change their primary rules to make it even more diffi cult for an outsider to win the party’s nomination. They want to win the presidency much more than they want to win votes. W HERE TO W RITE GRANT COUNTY • Grant County Courthouse — 201 S. Humbolt St., Suite 280, Canyon City 97820. Phone: 541-575-0059. Fax: 541- 575-2248. • Canyon City — P.O. Box 276, Canyon City 97820. Phone: 541-575-0509. Fax: 541-575-0515. Email: tocc1862@ centurylink.net. • Dayville — P.O. Box 321, Dayville 97825. Phone: 541-987-2188. Fax: 541- 987-2187. Email:dville@ortelco.net • John Day — 450 E. Main St, John Day, 97845. Phone: 541-575-0028. Fax: 541-575-1721. Email: cityjd@centurytel. net. • Long Creek — P.O. Box 489, Long Creek 97856. Phone: 541-421-3601. Fax: 541-421-3075. Email: info@cityofl ong- creek.com. • Monument — P.O. Box 426, Monument Blue Mountain EAGLE P UBLISHED EVERY W EDNESDAY BY 97864. Phone and fax: 541-934-2025. Email: cityofmonument@centurytel.net. • Mt. Vernon — P.O. Box 647, Mt. Vernon 97865. Phone: 541-932-4688. Fax: 541-932-4222. Email: cmtv@ortelco.net. • Prairie City — P.O. Box 370, Prairie City 97869. Phone: 541-820-3605. Fax: 820-3566. Email: pchall@ortelco.net. • Seneca — P.O. Box 208, Seneca 97873. Phone and fax: 541-542-2161. Email: senecaoregon@gmail.com. SALEM • Gov. Kate Brown, D — 254 State Capitol, Salem 97310. Phone: 503-378- 3111. Fax: 503-378-6827. Website: www. governor.state.or.us/governor.html. • Oregon Legislature — State Capitol, Salem, 97310. Phone: (503) 986-1180. Web- site: www. leg.state.or.us (includes Oregon Constitution and Oregon Revised Statutes). L ETTERS TO THE E DITOR Reject efforts to recall Commissioner Britton To the Editor: I am aware that there is an effort to recall Grant County Commission- er Boyd Britton. So permit me to of- fer a personal endorsement of Boyd. I was born in Prairie City, raised at Bates and graduated from Prairie City High School. I own property in Grant County. I have written some local histories. I love Grant County. I am very interested in its fate. It has been a pleasure to work with Boyd Britton on issues of mu- tual interest. Boyd is an intelligent man with a high degree of person- al integrity. He was instrumental in working with the Forest Service to establish the Malheur 10-Year Stew- ardship Contract that will provide 101 good-paying private jobs, create $2 million in economic activity and enhance the environment. I was lucky in business so I estab- lished a substantial scholarship fund for Prairie City High School gradu- ates. Boyd and I talked about that. Boyd knows a good education is crit- ical to offer economic opportunities for Grant County’s young people. Boyd was very active in the ef- fort to create Bates State Park. And he has also given testimony to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names in Washington, D.C., opposing the fake Indian names the Umatilla and the volunteer Oregon Geographic Names Board are seeking to impose on Grant County sites. Boyd is a successful businessman. He knows the value of a dollar. He is a master welder. He is an artist with steel, but he has a soft heart. He vol- unteers at local nursing homes and drives old people to activities when they can no longer drive themselves. Boyd goes out of his way to help people. But he is not shy when he feels something is unhelpful to Grant County. I have seen Boyd work pro- ductively with federal agencies and private organizations to promote the county’s economic and social well-being. He is always insightful, diplomatic and on-the-mark. I hope Grant County citizens will reject efforts to recall Boyd Britton as county commissioner. He has the experience and temperament to deal with the important issues facing the county over the coming years. Gregg Smith Bates Commissioner’s contributions appreciated To the Editor: In regards to some things that have been said about our outgoing County Commissioner Chis Labhart, that he doesn’t do things for this community unless it benefi ts him, I would like to say a few things. Mr. Labhart drives the veterans to Boise once, twice, three or four times a month all on his own time. He also helps at the Senior Center in John Day and supports the seniors in Prairie City and Monument, which is more than most in this community do. In regards to the Grant Coun- ty Court that people are so unhappy with, good try, but you can’t make all the people happy all the time. He also worked with the Forest Service to bet- ter this community, because if people think that they can get what they want without working with the different agencies, they are in for a rude awak- ening. Let’s see, he took care of the Chamber of Commerce’s landscap- ing for a long time, something else I didn’t see others do. What about all the lives that have been saved because he was instrumental in getting airlift services in this community? Good for you for standing up for your constitutional rights. Perhaps those out there that just think it applies to them should read it. You have been in this community for a good long time, and I know you have worked hard to support this community. I could name other things you have done for people, but I won’t. I appreciate all you have done and hope others do too. Karen K Bailey John Day Support Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act To the Editor: I served the veterans of Amer- ica working for the federal gov- ernment for 28 years in Veterans Administration Medical Centers as a research biochemist and admin- istrator recruiting and supporting quality health care providers for our veteran patients. I also served in the U.S. Army. In addition, I worked in the non-federal sector in medical re- search, doing farm work and wild- life conservation. When I retired, I was surprised to learn my monthly Social Security benefi t would be less than half than that of my colleagues who had never worked for the federal government. This is all because of passage of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) by U.S. Congress under the Social Security law. Throughout my government ca- reer, my salary was less than those with comparable jobs in the private sector. I did not leave because of my dedication to support our veterans. But now in retirement, I am subject to a law that is anything but fair and equitable. Also many other govern- ment retirees are also suffering from the unfair WEP provision denial of earned Social Security retirement funds. Mine was earned from em- ployment in the private sector for education and to feed and clothe my family. This dramatic reduction in my Social Security is for no other reason than I also worked for the federal government. Legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-TX, chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, would reform the WEP. The Equal Treatment of Public Ser- vants Act, H.R. 711, recognizes the work I’ve done and the contribu- tions I’ve made, and would adjust Social Security benefi ts according- ly. Plus it would do so without cost- ing taxpayers a nickel. Please ask your U.S. representatives and sena- tors to support the proposed partial restoration of the retirement support we earned and were later denied. Dallas Cross Boise, Idaho Public opinion is not an impartial jury To the Editor: How much pride is allotted to a media or individuals who pre- judge an individual even before full charges are fi led or a fair trial has been granted as is demanded by the U.S. Constitution, Article III, Sec- tion 2, Amendment VI in the U.S. Constitution Bill of Rights, and fur- ther supported by Amendment X, as well as the Oregon Bill of Rights, Article I, Section II? All call for an impartial jury, not the misinformed court of public opin- ion that has been displayed recently in Eastern Oregon newspapers, fur- thered by the opinion of the closed minded. I would recommend reading material, but that would possibly be a wasted effort since our U.S. Con- stitution has been vilifi ed by politi- cians at all levels. Has anyone picked up a copy of the Federalist Papers, Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights and Oregon’s Constitution and Bill of Rights? Doubtful because people seem to accept the opinion of others instead of putting forth the effort to educate themselves. Apathy and ignorance has divided our county and opened the doors for wild tales of interlopers promoting drilling holes in women’s cheeks, placing rings in the holes and lead- ing them by chains into the bedroom. Oh yes, this was told by a wide-eyed believer in a Prairie City place of business. Swallow that and you will believe just about anything. False in- formation has been fed and believed by groups and individuals who ex- pect to reap rewards by dividing our county. If you are reading this, ask yourself if perhaps you are spending too much time with your nose in the same newspaper that has prejudged and defamed others in the past. Judy Kerr Canyon City The people are the best part about John Day To the Editor: My husband and I had never been to John Day before, so last Thursday we hopped in our truck camper and headed east from Vancouver, Wash- ington. We just want to say how much we enjoyed our stay in John Day. From the Grant County Fairgrounds RV Park, it was a short walk to the Heri- tage Barn where a cook-off was being held along with a Patsy Cline tribute. The best part of our short stay was the people who live in your communi- ty. Everyone was super friendly and helpful, and we started to feel like we actually lived there. Wherever we roam, most people are friendly but we just wanted you to know the people in John Day are especially nice! Elaine and Roger Odahl Vancouver, Washington See LETTERS, Page A5 L etters policy: Letters to the Editor is a forum for Blue Mountain Eagle readers to express themselves on local, state, national or world issues. Brevity is good, but longer letters will be asked to be contained to 350 words. No personal attacks; challenge the opinion, not the person. No thank-you letters. Submissions to this page become property of the Eagle. The Eagle reserves the right to edit letters for length and for content. Letters must be original and signed by the writer. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Writers should include a telephone number so they can be reached for questions. We must limit all contributors to one letter per person per month. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday. Send letters to editor@bmeagle.com, or Blue Mountain Eagle, 195 N. Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845; or fax to 541-575-1244. Grant County’s Weekly Newspaper P UBLISHER ............................... M ARISSA W ILLIAMS , MARISSA @ BMEAGLE . COM E DITOR .................................... S EAN H ART , EDITOR @ BMEAGLE . COM A DMINISTRATIVE A SSISTANT ........ K RISTINA K REGER , KRISTINA @ BMEAGLE . COM E DITORIAL A SSISTANT ................ C HERYL H OEFLER , CHERYL @ BMEAGLE . COM C OMMUNITY N EWS .................... A NGEL C ARPENTER , ANGEL @ BMEAGLE . COM S PORTS ................................... A NGEL C ARPENTER , ANGEL @ BMEAGLE . COM M ARKETING R EP ....................... K IM K ELL , ADS @ BMEAGLE . COM O FFICE M ANAGER ..................... L INDSAY B ULLOCK , OFFICE @ BMEAGLE . COM 1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION RATES (including online access) Periodicals Postage Paid at John Day and additional mailing offi ces. Grant County .....................................$40 Everywhere else in U.S. .....................$51 POSTMASTER send address changes to: Blue Mountain Eagle 195 N. Canyon Blvd. John Day, OR 97845-1187 Outside Continental U.S. ....................$60 Subscriptions must be paid prior to delivery MEMBER OREGON NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION Email: www.MyEagleNews.com Phone: 541-575-0710 USPS 226-340 Copyright © 2016 Blue Mountain Eagle All rights reserved. No part of this publication covered by the copyright hereon may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means — graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, taping or information storage and retrieval systems — without written permission of the publisher. www.facebook.com/MyEagleNews @MyEagleNews