Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (April 3, 2003)
jfh é jN D É P ^ N Ô É N t7 À p riï 3,'YoO3 ’ ‘ Page 15 Letters to the Editor (ggntisned) Bv Marie Botchie I was inspired to write this by the recent country music hit “Have You Forgotten” by Darryl Worley, and from quotes by Noah Webster. Having served my country, I experienced the value and importance of true patriotism, and fully understand the great sacrifice made by the service men and women who are willing to trade their lives to keep this country free...but I have to ask, at what point in history did the American People decide that the government knew what was best, and became willing to forfeit their own beliefs and rights? Good intentions will always be pleaded for any assumption of power. The Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good in tentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern well, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters." "Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed, as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword, because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretence, raised in the U.S." “If [our] government fails to secure public prosperity and happiness, it must be because the citizens neglect the Divine Commands, and elect bad men to make and administer the Laws." . . . America, have we forgotten... —Noah Webster ...freedom is a divine right, not a governmental privilege? ...the American Flag symbolizes freedom from tyranny, and the lives sacrificed in our behalf for that freedom? ...that the right to bear arms is the only thing that has kept our citizens free from complete governmental control? Have we forgotten... ...how we once made choices for ourselves based on our individual needs and de sires, and not based on bogus laws created to protect us from the few people who choose to be irresponsible? ...when we guarded our right to privacy with our lives, and would never allow it to be controlled or documented by our government? ...when Homeland Security was a rifle in the closet and offenders knew the conse quences? Have we forgotten... ...that immigrants from all nationalities and religions, who came here to embrace the freedoms this country founded, brought us culture and diversity, essential to the creation of the United States of America’s own culture? ...being an elected official was a position of honor - not power? ...that our government was created to serve as the voice for the people that creat- ea it, supported it, and gave their lives in defense if it? Have we forgotten... ...the Constitution of the United States was originally designed to protect its people from governmental rule and kingship? ...that war is never to be declared without the complete support of the people (Con gress)? ...that the men and women of our Military Forces, who fight for our freedoms, should be honored and valued, and not sacrificed for political or financial gain? Have we forgotten... ...how we once supported our government - believed in its values, and were not dependent or afraid of it? ...the times in our history when we were clear about who our enemies were and what the fighting was for? ...A time when our allies supported our actions because they were justified, and were not based on one mans desire for power or financial gain? Have we forgotten... ...that the right to protest is considered an honored freedom of this great land, and should not be considered a terrorist act that could constitute life in prison? ...how important history is to learn, so that future generations don’t have to endure or relive our past mistakes? ...the time when Americans got involved with their government and their communi ties because they knew by doing so, they made a difference? Have we forgotten... ...when the only thing you were “dependent” on was yourself? ...that our children are our future, and should be given every opportunity to live in freedom, and peace, educated with the values this country was founded on, and not be taught to live in fear? ...how we learned that the environment and wildlife was something we should cher ish and embrace, to be valued as part of our future, and not something you raped for resources? Have we forgotten... ...the importance of hearing the opinions of others so you could ensure you had all the facts before you formed your own opinion? ...when you could trust your government and stood proud in su p p o rts it? ...what it was like when what we heard was the truth, and what we read was real? To the brave men and women of this country I salute and honor you! Truly you represent everything this country was founded on! A symbol of greatness that has earned the respect of us all! Thank you and may God protect you! For the sake of our children, for the sake of our future, please Remember! Tax filing extensions easy to get, but don’t forget to pay on time to avoid penalties Taxpayers needing more time to file their 2002 income tax returns will find it’s easy to get an extension to file, but the taxes are still due April 15 to avoid possible penalties and in terest. Except for military personnel in a combat zone, an extension of time to file does not mean an extension of time to pay. Tax payers should send their esti mated payment along with their completed extension form by the April 15 filing deadline. Generally, Oregon allows taxpayers the same extension period they have been allowed 1010 Bridge Street, Vernonia M -F 5 A M -6 PM SAT-SUN 7 A M -5 PM HAPPY HOUR SPECIAL: 00 Qff 1 6 OZ- Daily 2 PM to Closing Mochas & Lattes Hot Sandwiches, 3 foot & 5 foot Subs Drive Thru & Walk-Up Service • Deli open all day Call in your order: 503-429-0103 for their federal return. Taxpay ers who have filed a federal ex tension should check the “ex tension filed” box on the front of the Oregon return when they file. Military personnel in a com bat zone will receive the same extension period for filing and paying their Oregon tax as they receive for their federal return. Qualified personnel should write “Combat Zone” in blue or black ink at the top of the return when they file. Taxpayers do not need to send an extension form to Ore gon if they have no Oregon tax to pay. Those with tax to pay or those filing an extension for Oregon only should file Form 40-EXT, available under Tax Forms on the department Web site at <www.dor.state.or.us> or by calling the department. Once the extension is filed, taxpayers should send their Oregon tax filing form (Form 40, 40S, 40P or 40N) to the de partment by August 15, 2003. For more information, call the tax services lines during ex tended hours through April 15, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and two Satur days, April 5 and 12, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at 1-800-356- 4222 (within Oregon only) or 503-378-4988. Spanish speakers may call 503-945-8618. For TTY (hear ing or speech impaired only), call 1-800-886-7204 or, in Salem, 503-945-8617. The TTY number is answered by machine; a representative will return the call. Addresses to email service people Here is a list of web sites that can be used to send e-mail to military personnel. Vernonia resident Mike Orth has re searched the sites and person ally checked them out. The following three address es go to “support our soldiers:” - operationdearabby.net - anyservicemember.org - Iarslarson.com Sponsored by Portland Christian Schools is: - emailourmilitary.com Messages may also be sent to the Army/Navy Stars and Stripes newspaper, which will pool them and get them to sol diers. That address is: - messages@ estripes.com” People may also purchase calling cards on line for soldiers deployed overseas by going to <operationuplink.org>. Orth, a Desert Storm veter an, said he would also like to encourage people to hang yel low ribbons in support of the troops, as he and his wife, Lisa, have already done.
