October 15, 2004

Wright's service earns this vote

Years of community service have prepared Jim to do the "Wright" thing in Salem. A fresh approach, rather than throwing money at problems is needed. Jim's involvement in education and the health care community are a matter of record. His longstanding interest in transportation as a necessary tool for economic development has gained attention in Salem. Let's get moving, get things done, let's do the "Wright" thing. Vote for Jim.

Al Willstatter
Ashland

Staying the course is best

John Kerry's admission that he made mistakes in "expressing himself" regarding Iraq seems to be a very becoming recognition of his human frailty.

People of good will are now expected to listen to his current expressions, rather than his recent inconsistencies. Would it be too uncharitable to suggest that he tell us exactly what those mistakes were and when he made them?

He has used this same device before when he told us that he had said some things after his return from Vietnam which he now regrets. Without telling us exactly what he would like to retract from the record he now expects forgiveness from those who thought the entire performance was regrettable while still not offending those who agreed with him. This allows him to come down on both sides of an issue. This may be a talent highly esteemed in senatorial debate, but it would be tragic in a president.

Can he appease those concerned about the world's negative opinion of America and still successfully prosecute a war with which many of them disagree? Of course not. When the international community fails to produce the help which he is highly dependent upon for a "successful" outcome, he will simply redefine success, declare victory, and bring the troops home. Vietnam all over again. That is what most of the Bush haters want, of course, but if you think the current situation is chaotic, wait until the potential successors to Saddam try to duke it out without a referee.

If the news people go home too, no one will know. "Stay the course" may be boring to those who are addicted to quick fixes, but it happens to be what is needed right now.

Fred Bevensee
Ashland

Shun nasty tactics with Bates vote

We in Southern Oregon have been extraordinarily well-served by in the state legislature by Dr. Alan Bates. His staunch and effective support has protected and encouraged education, social and health services, and local businesses during years of severe budgetary constraints.

Regrettably, Dr. Bates' challenger for the contested seat in the Oregon State Senate has recently lowered the level of public discourse in an abysmal and unprecedented nosedive into nastiness. Our household received a mailing today (October 1) in which the challenger scurrilously (well, this is Shakespeare country) insinuates that Dr. Bates bears responsibility for various miserable conditions besetting southern Oregonians. In verifiable fact, Dr. Bates' expertise and committed efforts, across party lines, have improved the outlook immeasurably for individuals, agencies and businesses struggling with Oregon's "pound foolish" economic measures.

We can do without more mean-spirited name-calling in our legislative processes. We can profit from further generous-spirited, experienced service in the person of Dr. Bates.

Colleen Curran
Ashland

Bush victory to give just desserts

By my most recent, totally unscientific, bumper sticker survey I find that in Ashland Kucinich stickers outnumber Bush stickers by a ratio of almost 2 to 1. Even Ralph Nader outpaces George Bush by a significant margin. And Kerry bumper strips? Well, I'm told that the manufacture of said stickers can't possibly keep up with the demand of Ashlandians for anything with Kerry's name on it. Or is that Ashlanders? Whatever.

As a fanatical right-winger, oops, I mean a conservative Republican I find myself a bit envious. However, come Election Day I'll have my just deserts when President Bush smashes that liberal lightweight from Massachusetts, absolutely pulverizes him, in the Electoral College (all the votes went to George) and the popular vote (especially in the popular vote, particularly in Florida and significantly in Dade County) by a margin of victory unparalled and unprecedented in American history.

And wasn't the President simply marvelous in that first debate? Jeez!

Frank Dennen
Ashland