Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/44968
6A Daily News – Tuesday, October 18, 2011 Opinion D NEWSAILY RED BLUFF TEHAMACOUNTY T H E V O I C E O F T E H A M A C O U N T Y S I N C E 1 8 8 5 Religion and politics Editor: I agree with Dorothy Breit- Greg Stevens, Publisher gstevens@redbluffdailynews.com Chip Thompson, Editor editor@redbluffdailynews.com Editorial policy The Daily News opinion is expressed in the editorial. The opinions expressed in columns, letters and cartoons are those of the authors and artists. Letter policy The Daily News welcomes let- ters from its readers on timely topics of public interest. All let- ters must be signed and pro- vide the writer's home street address and home phone num- ber. Anonymous letters, open letters to others, pen names and petition-style letters will not be allowed. Letters should be typed and cannot exceed two double-spaced pages or 500 words. When several letters address the same issue, a cross section of those submit- ted will be considered for publi- cation. Letters will be edited. Letters are published at the discretion of the editor. Mission Statement We believe that a strong com- munity newspaper is essential to a strong community, creating citizens who are better informed and more involved. The Daily News will be the indispensible guide to life and living in Tehama County. We will be the premier provider of local news, information and advertising through our daily newspaper, online edition and other print and Internet vehi- cles. The Daily News will reflect and support the unique identities of Tehama County and its cities; record the history of its com- munities and their people and make a positive difference in the quality of life for the resi- dents and businesses of Tehama County. How to reach us Main office: 527-2151 Classified: 527-2151 Circulation: 527-2151 News tips: 527-2153 Sports: 527-2153 Obituaries: 527-2151 Photo: 527-2153 On the Web www.redbluffdailynews.com Fax Newsroom: 527-9251 Classified: 527-5774 Retail Adv.: 527-5774 Legal Adv.: 527-5774 Business Office: 527-3719 Address 545 Diamond Ave. Red Bluff, CA 96080, or P.O. Box 220 Red Bluff, CA 96080 egger's condemnation of allow- ing the continued usage of "God Talk" on the religious page to shill for the conservative lean- ings of its authors. The Rev. Jim Wilson and other contributors to "God Talk" have taken political potshots at the left. I believe it is time to stop allowing them to continue to veil themselves in a cloak of religious authority and to bend biblical scripture to support their own political beliefs. Remarks about politics belong on the opinion page. Glenn Martin, Red Bluff Graffiti scourge Editor: Concerning this latest defac- ing of our special community, we hope when they catch these vandals (felons) that they are made an example of. Let them see how hard it is to clean up what they did and even bear the expense of it. Besides their parents could also be included in this clean up. Would be willing to monitor there clean up activities. Donald Smith, Red Bluff Concerts Editor: We are so disappointed that the Air Force band is playing the same night as the fiddle con- test. Isn't that too much for a small town? Charlene Brians, Red Bluff Guns or butter? Editor: My view of Rep. Ron Paul's politics is two-fold.... while I am in basic disagreement with his libertarian domestic policies, he does deserve enormous credit for being the only candidate at a recent Republican debate who had the courage to challenge the military status quo, which earned him undeserved boos from the audience and conde- scending smiles and gestures from his fellow candidates. At present, the total annual price tag for our military, includ- ing the Pentagon, departments of Defense, State (Contractors) Homeland Security, AEC, Black Budget, etc. is estimated at $1 trillion, which exceeds that of the other 95% with whom we share space on this planet. Moreover, when factoring in existing VA commitments dat- ing all the way back to the Kore- an War, the total climbs to an incredible $1.3 trillion per annum. We are currently operating close to 800 known military installations in 145 countries, with the creation of AFRICOM well under way. Beyond that, we conducted special operations in 75 countries during 2010, with 45 more slated to be added by the end of this year, while our militarization of space is also proceeding according to plans. No doubt, we have created a substantial number of enemies over the years since the end of WWll, but to assume 145 coun- tries (or 120, if you will) are hostile toward us is simply absurd. This seems to indicate that our military is actually oper- ating and meddling in countries we are allied with, or at least main- tain a friendly/neutral posture, a surefire way of turning friend into foe. What could possibly be the motivation for such dubious activities and lavish allocation of funds? For decades we have been led to believe that it is done in pur- suit of preserving and defending our freedom. along with such noble effort as to introduce and promote democracy around the world. There is, however, a third and eminently more plausible ver- sion representative of the unac- knowledged gorilla in the room: Empire in the good old Roman tradition, which becomes painfully evident, after mere cursory scrutiny. The inner cir- cle refers to it as the New Amer- ican Century and in CIA par- lance identified as Full Spec- trum Dominance. The cost for such dangerous folly, unfunded and charged to our global credit card, has for decades been given priority over necessary domestic spending, which harbors dire implications for the future. Our vital infrastructure is crumbling, to cite just a few examples: bridges collapsing, roads in disrepair, an ancient Your Turn power grid including long neglected nuclear reactors, rail- ways in need of modernization, polluted waterways, inadequate city water supply systems, on top of allowing the outsourcing and dismantling of our vital industrial base over the years. These deplorable conditions, are met with collective apathy from the military- industrial complex, and our bribe and handout addicted rep- resentatives in Washington, regardless of party affiliation. The majority of our States and Municipalities is on the brink of bankruptcy, schools, parks and libraries closing, pris- ons emptying out by early release, teachers, firemen and police laid off, massive unem- ployment, far exceeding official numbers, foreclosures and homelessness (half of them Vet- erans) poverty which plagues one out of five children, lack of affordable health care, etc...... the litany can be continued ad nauseam. So, what will it be, growing third world conditions in our midst, perpetual war, a Military second to none..... or stability, tranquility, a reason- able standard of living and implementation of real democra- tic principles and practices to finally benefit our own highly deserving longsuffering citi- zens? What profit it a country, that it gain control of the whole world, and lose its own soul? You be the judge. Joe Bahlke, Red Bluff Your officials STATE ASSEMBLYMAN — Jim Nielsen (R) State Capitol Bldg., Room 6031 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 319-2002; Fax (916) 319-2102 STATE SENATOR — Doug LaMalfa (R) State Capitol Bldg., Room 3070 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 651-4004; Fax (916) 445-7750 GOVERNOR — Jerry Brown, State Capitol Bldg., Sacramento, CA 95814; (916) 445-2841; Fax (916) 558-3160; E-mail: gover- nor@governor.ca.gov. U.S. REPRESENTATIVE — Wally Herger (R), 2635 Forest Ave. Ste. 100, Chico, CA 95928; 893-8363. U.S.SENATORS — Dianne Feinstein (D), One Post Street, Suite 2450, San Francisco, CA 94104; (415) 393-0707. Fax (415) 393-0710. Barbara Boxer (D), 1700 Montgomery St., Suite 240, San Francisco, CA 94111; (510) 286-8537. Fax (202) 224- 0454. The price we pay when it comes to fear Commentary Sometimes, my brain works best in the middle of the night. I wake up, that space between my ears kicks on, and my sound sleep becomes an afterthought. A profound thought popped into my head around five o'clock last Thursday morning. I realized, in the stunning quiet that surrounded my home, that I was living a lie. I realized that if I didn't see the truth in all things, that if I lived falsely in any situation to any degree, my life would be deemed dishonest because it was shaped by fear. Fear is an emotional reaction to an external reality. It can also be, at times, completely irra- tional, and alter how we inter- pret such events. All this at 5:00 a.m.? Geez. Then, in the midst of all that silence, a profound sadness filled my soul: I realized I had been locked in my own prison for many years. No, I have not lost my mind. But, recently I have learned once again that sometimes we need the inspiration of others to improve our lives. Last week in my senior Eng- lish class, we took a brief look at the life of Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa. He was imprisoned for 27 years for speaking out against the government's apartheid policy. He was arrested in 1962, released in 1990, and elected president in 1994. Mandela's story is nothing short of amaz- ing; for when he got out of prison, he was willing to forgive the racist whites who had him arrested. The story is captured in Clint Eastwood's film Invictus. The films content, as well as some of Mandela's writings, inspired me to my recent revela- tion – that I had been living my life in fear of many different things. Now, I'm not saying this epiphany will cure my fear of heights or bridges, irrational as those feelings are. But, it will most certainly help me in my relationships with a rather com- mon commodity: my fellow man. I have written in this space before that I hate the actions of people; their lies, and complete lack of respect for common sense and decency. What Mandela's example shows is that I must be willing to forgive the actions of others if I want to liberate my soul from fear. Unfortunately, the behavior of those I didn't even know was driving a wedge deep inside me. It made me bitter, anxious and stressed out. I realized this domino effect altered my relationships at home and in the class- room. Gradually, I became more appre- hensive and afraid to reach out. I laughed a little less and growled a little more. When all I wanted ty, humility, pure generosity, absence of vanity, readiness to serve others – quali- ties which are within easy reach of every soul – are the founda- tion of one's spiritual life." Pat to do was lie down, Mandela's words helped me get back up. "In judging our progress as individuals we tend to concentrate on external factors such as one's social position, influence and popularity, wealth and standard of education. "These are, of course, impor- tant in measuring one's success in material matters…But, inter- nal factors may be even more crucial in assessing one's devel- opment as a human being. "Honesty, sincerity, simplici- Gleason Simply Put Nelson Mandela wrote that while in prison. This opened my eyes that I should- n't judge others by their social position or lack of education, even in the subject of common sense. For what does that make me if I do? On the other hand, I should encourage them in the develop- ment of their own being - to try harder Pat Gleason grew up in Los Angeles and has taught English at Red Bluff High School since 1990. He can be reached at phgleaso@rbuhsd.k12.ca.us. and do better. I strive to be a simple, honest man. I will no longer let my fear of others interfere in this endeavor. Have a great day. ———