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Reporter-Photographer Ernie Cert of the Gazette
Time made a loo-mile tour of the tussock moth destruction
area in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon Friday. The
chaos, he reports, is unbelievable; 200 million trees are dead,
a rotting monument to the stupidity of Congress-constructed
outfit called the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA is a
conglomeration of eggheads, long-haired intellectuals and
ecology nuts who want us all back in the caves, and damned
quick about it. EPA. given its extraordinary powers by a
gutless Congress, has banned the use of DDT. the only known
chemical capable of destroying the moth that is destroying
the forests EPA is hung up on the belief that DDT hurts the
environment, EPA doesn't give a damn that the lack of DDT
has ruined 650.000 acres of forest in four states, including
Eastern Oregon. In a fight between tussock moths and
mankind. EPA has aligned itself with the tussock moth. If I
ever get into a bear fight I hope there isn't an EPA clown
around to help I know which side he'd throw in with. Now
Congressmen, who Frankensteined the EPA. are trying to
regain control from their child It may take them years to get
the power they lightly tossed aside. Meanwhile the forests
are being eaten. The world is being deprived of lumber. The
denizens of the forests are dying from the moth. Recreation
lands are blighted. Industries dependent on timber are
suffering. And EPA is a very happy assortment of misfits.
Merlyn Robinson, in the Mail Pouch, has made some
suggestions for improvement of next year's Morrow County
Fair & Rodeo. Here are a couple of my own. This one was
inspired by a conversation with a 4-H member who was
showing a sheep at the fair. He said he expected to get $240
for the sheep at the auction. His records show that the feed
bill for this animal was $200, which means that all he got for
the sheep-and the long hours of tender, loving care and
record-keeping for a year, was only $40. That isn't much of
an incentive to care for any animal for a year, maintain
records, and then bathe and comb it the way it should be for
showing at the fair. I am aware that Morrow County parents
want their children learn to care for animals, which should
be their reward. True, there is a moral lesson involved in
raising a show animal. But there is something else that
shouldn't be ignored. like "a laborer is worthy of his hire"
and "industry should be rewarded." Profit is also the name
of the game in raising animals. It isn't all character building
exercises. I suggest the bidding for show animals at the
annual auction begin at 10 cents above market price, not end
there, as is the current practice. If parents are concerned
that their children's animals might cost them too much, why
can 't father start the bidding a 10 cents above market price,
just to insure a good return for the animal, then see if
somebody will top it? If anybody or any organization wants to
aoume tne price, both parents and child should be delighted.
My young informant said he would welcome such an
arrangement, and would work much harder so see that his
animal make a good appearance. He also opined that one
reason why there is a 10-cent above market price cutoff on
purchase of fair animals is that "It's a good way to get
freezer beef at a reasonable price." I hope he was wrong
about that.
Why not consider auctioning off. the prize-winning
foodstuffs entered at the fair? I found myself wishing there
was a way to purchase some of the baked goods, vegetables
and fruits. Why not auction off those clothing entries, if they
haven't been fashioned strictly for the owner? How about the
art and handicraft items, too? This might afford a good
income, far in excess of the cash premium offered by the fair.
But back to the livestock auction. The way I read the
proceedings (I was there to purchase an animal and didn't
get the chance) too many were already bought before they
entered the auction ring. If there aren't enough animals for
everybody who wants to buy, the more reason why the ceiling
should be taken off and let the best man. or best-heeled man,
win.
And a suggestion for next's year's parade. Don't change
a thing!
Saturday night I dusted off my fancy new boots, clamped
the white hat on my head and headed for the old-time dance
at Hardman's Opera House. It wasn't just a dance. It was
more like a party. The band was right out of the hills, and the
piano player was just drunk enough to be good. Most of the
time all four members were playing in the same key, but the
people on the old maple floor couldn't care one way or the
other. It took about 20 minutes to get acquainted. One fellow
offered a drink, which was accepted. Rather than retire to a
bar (which I found didn't exist hi was led outside, down the
highway 100 yards to a parked car. Mine host fished a fifth
from under a car seat, blew the dust off, and offered it to
me-straight. No chaser. That belt must have jarred the
Opera House! I went back in, was hustled onto the stage, and
in my finest whisky tenor gave a rousing rendition of "You
Are My Sunshine." Following which most of the guests left
the hall for the parked cars. Arid I don't blame them. Men on
the dance floor wore boots. All wore hats. Now and then they
drifted to the lunch stand for delicious and substantial
sandwiches and hot coffoe. The piano player kept asking,
"What gear are you guyspla ying in?" Whm I left at 1 a.rr..
r.ofc&dy had botnered to tell him. Yep, it was a fine evening, a
great party, and a great bunch of peopia. I think a lot more of
opera now!
Bill
"If you consumers need any more help, just give a call."
The mail pouch
EDITOR:
Please remove my name from your mailing list.
I have enjoyed reading Heppner news in the years since I
left there, but after your disgusting editorial of Aug. 16 I no
longer want the GT in my home. Your views are not
representative of the fine, decent people I knew and loved in
that part of the state, and I think you owe them an apology. I
know from growing up there that Heppner is politically
conservative. But conservatism and racial bigotry are not
synonymous terms.
Your diatribe is comparable to the best offerings of the Ku
Klux Klan and White Citizens Councils of the South. It must
have been especially sickening to those families who recently
hosted Japanese exchange students, to say nothing of the
many families who have adopted children of other races.
We agree on one point at least-there are many ways to
make a damned fool of one's self, and you seem to have found
yours. If I were to continue reading a paper edited by you. I
would have to put myself in the same category.
May I suggest you modify the title of your column? You
could more aptly display the opposite end of the horse.
CAROL K. PORTER.
Durham. N.H.
(ED. NOTE -The opinions expressed in Horse Sense are
those of the editor. They are personal views. They do not
reflect the opinions of this community, and is is not intended
that they be the opinions of anyone in this community except
myself . !
EDITOR :
Now that you have seen our fair city at its best or worst. I
feel like answering Merlyn Robinson's letter to the editor,
Aug. 23.
I lived in Portland during my childhood. About all the
horses we saw were pulling vegetable wagons, with bells
jangling to let housewives know the rounds were being made.
On Grande Avenue was a tired old horse hooked to a banana
cart. All these animals were thin and worn out. We kids all
gathered around to pet them, a big thrill for us.
I once saw a horse broken. Several men put a sack on the
horse's head and held it down until it was saddled and bridled
and the rider seated. Then they jerked the sack off, hit the
horse with it, and the rider began spurring and hitting the
horse until it could no longer move and was white with sweat.
I have seen thousands of horses broken the past 42 years.
My four daughters broke their own horses. We taught riding
lessons, and our horses were never abused.
I agree with Mrs. Robinson that animals respond to
kindness, but they are not abused in the rodeo chutes.
Back in September, 1909. five men got together for a play
day. Harvest was over and they were looking for fun,
probably helped by a little applejack. So they agreed to
repeat the event each year. On Sept. 14, 1911, this little play
day affair was officially named Pendleton Round-up. It s still
going strong.
Anyone who believes rodeo animals are abused can sit on
the fence near the chutes and get a birdseye view of what is
actually happening.
Through the years we've seen a lot of horses hurt, but I'll
bet a dollar to a doughnut more people have been hurt in
accidents than have horses, and they're not doing much to
stop that.
EDNA HLTCHENS,
Heppner.
EDITOR:
"I'll tell yon now. that fellet knows bow to spoil
a feller's Saturday night?"
In the realm of what's happening now, it's nice to hear
some complimentary words for our community. My solution
for everyone is to love it or leave it. I did take journalism,
do like fairs and rodeos, and do appreciate the efforts of
young and old in our community.
Ain't it great to be able to voice one's opinion? Try it in
communistic territory. If one can't say something
constructive, don't say anything at all. . .
Vandalism could be curbed if the old woodpile still meant
food and heat. Bottles and cans shine in the fog and keep
children in pocket money. Women can't profit since they
aren't allowed pockets by clothes designers.
All organizations should be delegated to making bulls-eye
targets for mail boxes and road markers.
Why not have a 4-H and community clean-up day at the
Fairgrounds a week after rodeo when all have recuperated?
Our parking meters seem to be a necessary evil. Farmers
get their daily dozen before going in to pay bills or try to find
parts when necessary. Perhaps more back door parking
could be developed.
Vive la difference Constructive reporting keeps us on our
toes. Don't square off at Morrow County foolks. We're simple
country people and we do swing together. Our membership
isn't limited because of heritage, nor is it a closed union. Try
us. like us, and be "us."
I enjoyed debates with Gazette-Times Photographer Ernie
Ceresa. Animal photography is tricky. His unusual pictures
of Mike Currin and Mary Healy highlighted last week's
paper.
We need some fair improvements to make it easier for all.
A big barn will benefit us all. Fair premium books should be
mailed to all those who are out of town at least, or to those
who exhibit regularly.
My hat is off to Queen Jeanne and her court. They made a
terrific public appearance. They shone over visiting royalty.
Publishing pictures is your decision, but instead of grass
loungers we all could have paid more homage to Eva
Griffith, who helped celebrate 50 years of rodeos here.
An impartial decision is usually right, so I urge the rodeo
board, in choosing future courts to get outside judges. I would
also like to see girls who are interested and eligible for queen
appear for public interview.
The coverage of parade and rodeo by television crews
deserves applause. Video tape even revealed the cruelty of
the whole thing, particularly in the riding events. Where else
could a cowboy whet up so much need for liniment?
The only thing the cameras left out was the erratic
behavior around the beer stand and the silent Saturday-night-after
who were the non-applauders Sunday. People who
don't like rodeo sport shouldn't attend. Our rodeo board and
the law are both doing their jobs. . .
Here's to Morrow County-rural, rough and ready-and to
many more fairs and rodeos.
MERLYN ROBINSON.
Heppner.
EDITOR:
Being former Sebastopol residents and having enjoyed
your newspaper there, it is a pleasure to be reading your new
paper. The Gazette-Times. We are grateful to our
brother-in-law and sister, Paul and Evie Arnold of Dillon,
Colo., for sending a subscription our way.
Heard you talking with Jim Eason on KGO Radio about two
weeks ago, and decided to let you know we especially enjoy
the Horse Sense Column. Also wondered if Mayor Roy of
Hardman is a "brother" of Mayor John of Freestone?
BOB AND VANETA KARLE,
San Jose, Ca.
ED. NOTE-The Arnolds of Dillon are our best non-paid
public relations team ! Yes, Mayor Roy and Mayor John are
brothers . . . helluva big family, you know.)
EDITOR:
In the Aug. 23 issue of the Gazette-Times you printed a
letter by Carroll Tufts Keys of Fossil, Ore., to which there
was no part I agree with. It reminded me of a three-dollar
bill. Please do not misunderstand me. You were asked to
print the letter and you did. That is absolutely the way I want
the press run. You throw us the ball, and if we can't carry it,
then we have no right to win the game.
I know Mrs. Eddy. She's a wonderful person. I read her
letter in the Oregonian and I agree with it 100 per cent, for it
was all true. So, in seeing the Chamber of Commerce, who
operate these commercialized torture enterprises called
"rodeos" and the clowns who associate themselves with it,
criticizing Mrs. Eddy (who will when she leaves this earth
have a special place in heaven) a rebuttal is in order. . .
So I feel, Mr. Editor, in all fairness, you should print her
letter as well as the "back up" letter.
OTTO H. JORGENSEN JR.,
Scappoose, Ore.
(ED. NOTE-Space limitation prevents us from running both
letters, but we are glad to republish the most pertinent one. It
was written to the Oregonian and signed Mrs. Virginia Eddy.
It follows. The $10 which you enclosed is being returned, with
thanks. This is a free and open forum, and there is no charge
for "speaking your piece.")
Please allow me to defend myself from JD. Smith's letter
remarking that: "Mrs. Virginia Eddy has absolutely no idea
what she is talking about." He also denjednxstatenjents-.
that rudeo horses are prodded electrically in their sensitive
areas and that bucking straps cause pain.
My source of information are Charles D. Niven, M.A.,
B.Sc., Ph.D., (academic titles, Mr. Smith) and Mr. Mel
Morse, President of the Humane Society of the United States,
both of whose books are available in Portland book stores and
the public library.
In order to reinforce my previous mild statements I quote
from Mr. Morse's 1968 book: "The bucking strap is tightened
until it cuts into the flesh of the loins, the pain is excruciating.
The rider then climbs aboard and at that moment an electric
prod may be jammed into the horse's rectum. The gate
opens, horse and rider charge into view and the rider rakes
the horse with his spurs. The crowd cheers as the horse
bucks."
Punster Smith writes it is "a lot of bull" that rodeo animals
are electrically prodded in sensitive areas. Well, he can lock
horns with the state of Ohio over their law: "No person shall
use bucking straps, flank straps or electric prods on rodeo
animals." There must have been a reason for Ohio to
legislate thus. The law was "...a shock to the Rodeo
Association, for they require the use of the bucking strap
because the bronco won't feel like bucking if it isn't Binding
into his flanks and penis, and especially if the electric prod
isn't used."
Ohio is not popular with rodeo promoters and events are
not on the increase there.
Mayor of Hardman
DEAR MISTER EDITOR:
We had a right good session at the country store Saturday
night. Mister Editor, and the fellen covered the situation
world-wide as usual. Clem Webster put the stopper In the
national affairs jug when he called fer the Nixon
Administration to go into exile.
Clem said he had thought the situation up one side and
down the other, and he was of a mind that since President
Nixon aint never in Washington anyhow, special when
somepun underhanded is going on, he might as well move
permanent to hit place in California or Florida.
That way, allowed Clem, he could declare his estate a
foreign country and running the United States then would be
foreign policy. Nixon's track record is a heap better in
foreign affairs than In domestic matters, was Clem's words.
Farthermore, went on Clem, we could call them millions
we spent on Nixon ' houses and grounds foreign aid, and, fer
shore, we'd have one country In the world where the dollar
would be welcome.
Clem said with all them airplanes and soldiers it takes jest
to move Nixon from one place to another, we'd come out
ahead giving em to him and making him a military power
that could swing the world balance back in our favor.
Actual, Mister Editor, the fellers didn't take Clem serious,
but Zeke Grubb was agreed that it's costing the taxpayers a
heap more to keep up Nixon than we spend of some fair-sized
countries. And not the least expense, said Zeke, is them 25 or
so $200-a-day lawyers he's got figgering how he can hold a
30-minute news conference and not say one thing new.
Ed Doolittle broke in to say the way the mood in this
country is going he won't be surprised to hear the Nixon
Administration blamed fer the weather and the troubles of
the Pittsburgh Pirates. After all, allowed Ed, the U.S.
Weather Bureau is a federal service, and Nixon's son-in-law
writes up baseball games. Ed said he had saw they is 1,400
advisory boards in the federal Guvernment, and you would
get the idee from the papers that the President has got a spy
sitting on ever one of em.
The truth is, declared Ed, that folks in this country git use
to reading a certain kind of news ever day, and they natural
keep looking fer the same kind. The papers keep digging to
find somepun new fer the news, and this causes the littlest
news to git the biggest attention, Ed said.
Bug Hookum was agreed with Ed that some news don't git
play it should cause the papers keep digging in the same
holes. Fer instant, Bug had saw where you can't trust the Boy
Scouts these days. The Scout leaders flat lied to the boys at
that Eastern Jamboree last month when they said a hot air
balloon had come all the way from the Western Jamboree in
Idaho. It had, but inside a airplane from a few miles outside
of one to a few miles from the other.
A 14-year-old boy caught his chosen leaders in that one,
Mister Editor. A little child shall lead us.
Yours truly,
MAYOR ROY.
An.) ;
Holy
pro
football
By
LESTER KINSOLVING
"Christianity and pro football are very compatible."
-Tom Landry, Head Coach, Dallas Cowboys
This remarkable statement was made last Fall, about a
sport which opened its annual (and almost endless) season
recently, with the College All Star Game.
Coach Landry made this statement shortly after Fleming
Revell released a paperback book entitled "Supergoal -Great
Football Pros on the Game of Life, With Billy Zeoli."
Zeoli holds pre-game evangelistic services for various pro
football teams. A photograph on the back of this book shows
him with Coach Landry, Quarterback Roger Staubach and a
blackboard. Caption:
"Billy Zeoli explains God's Game Plan ..."
(That's precisely what it says on the blackboard: GOD'S
GAME PLAN," complete with diagrams.)
Not to be for one moment outdone, the frenetic mentor of
the Washington Redskins, Coach George Allen, has secured a
team chaplain: Harlem-Gang-Leader-Turned-Evangelist
Tom Skinner.
According to the Washington Star News religion writer Bill
Willoughby:
"Skinner shows them the Locker Room Jesus, the man
with hair on his chest and sweat on his brow and dirt under
his fingernails. The man who needs a deodorant."
This theology of perspiration, as endorsed by such eminent
jocks, was accentuated by a nationally televised Redskin
Prayer Meeting in thanksgiving to God after the tramping of
Landry's Cowboys. (There was no such telecast, however,
when the Skins were subsequently swallowed by the Dolphins
of Miami in the Superbowl.)
Yet this muscular faith very nearly came apart in
December. For a flanker back of one of these devout coaches
(Lance Al worth of the Cowboys) virtually put out of the game
a linebacker (Redskin Jack Pardee) belong to the other - in
The world may be divided
into people that rend, peo
ple that write, people that
think, and fox-hunters."
(William Shemtone)
crack-back block designed and repeatedly ordered by
Brother Landry.
The holy gridiron heated further as Linebacker Pardee
growled:
"That's what comes from the all-righteous Tom Landry
who is holier than thou and all good!"
In response, Coach Landry announced "We didn't do
anything illegal."
But meanwhile there was an additional detraction of the
carefully nurtured aura of sanctified stadium tnrf. For the
Dean of St. Louis University's Divinity School, Jesuit Father
William J. Sullivan, writing in the national Jesuit magazine
America, described: "The pro football mania ... the Fall
war games conducted by the mercenaries of the National
Football League."
What an increasing number of critics describe as
"America's new religion," is, writes Father Sullivan,. "A
human demolition derby ... a business that masquerades as
a sport."
Father Sullivan quotes Joe Namath's description of pro
football's image ("brutality") as well as Los Angeles Ram
Merlin Olsen's statement: "By the end of the game, you're
an animal."
Despite this, pro football will probably play religion for all
it is worth this Fall-probably because this kind of far fetched
holiness is bought by many - including those
it is worth this Fall - probably because this kind of
far-fetched holiness is bought by many - including those
simple enough to rationalize that watching a team with a
Locker Room Jesus is a sufficient surrogate at one's church
or synagogue.
Fortunately, college football appears to be outgrowing this
shoulderpad religion, as indicated by the state of Notre
Dame's Ara Parseghian : "A football team is certainly not a
religion."