Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/101327
6A Daily News ��� Wednesday, January 2, 2013 Opinion DAILY NEWS RED BLUFF TEHAMA COUNTY T H E V O I C E O F T E H A M A C O U NTY S I N C E 1 8 8 5 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 letters from its readers on timely topics of public interest. All letters must be signed and provide the writer���s home street address and home phone number. 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 submitted will be considered for publication. Letters will be edited. Letters are published at the discretion of the editor. An amazing month Editor: The month of December was an amazing month of opportunity for my basketball team and I would like to thank everyone for their support. This year's Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament was an unbelievable experience for my players. From the dress up days, to the rally, to the FFA Lunch and the actual games themselves, it was awesome. None of it would have been possible without the hard work of all of the teachers, staff, administrators, volunteers, parents, fans, host families, and sponsors; I would like to personally thank each one of you. Having been to many tournaments as a coach and a player, I can confidently say, this one is the best. In addition to the Holiday Classic my team was also able to participate in the Surf N' Slam tournament in San Diego, Dec. 26-30, 2012. This experience was only made possible by the generous community that we live in. Some of you bought coffee from us, some got their car washed, some joined our "3 Point Club" and some just donated out of the kindness of their heart. To all of you, thank you. We got to play two teams from Washington, one team from New York, go to the beach, attend a college women's 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 Gun control Editor: As usual, the tragedy in Sandy Hook has prompted more gun control. This comes up every time something like this happens. California and a handful of other states, mostly on the west and east coasts of this country have the most controls while 75% of the middle states appear to have either none or close to it. Why? Also, as usual, they'll try to take guns away from everybody rather than forcing those lacking controls to put in place restrictions which would help. Restrictions will never control violence because of all the factors that go into these episodes of violence. Mental illness, etc. The mayor of New York said this only hap- pens in America. As usual, he's wrong. Remember the nut that killed 80 teenagers on that island a couple years ago? Editor: Also, as usual, Congress and In response to Bobbie state legislators focus on taxing the top 2% rich people, rather Jones��� letter ���Outrages��� Dec. than dealing with the important 1: We can agree on at least and urgent matters at one point, Communism obvihand. Every time we have a ously exists in Red Bluff, however, this doesn���t apply to tragedy, they talk the Vern Raglin and I subject to death and do certainly disagree nothing. Why aren't Your that his flying the those states which lack flag upside down at sensible controls not half-mast was a disdealing with this? respectful act. How they ever Flying the flag upside allowed assault rifles to be used boggles my mind. Is it really a down is an international sigsport using them? Just aim and nal of distress and this counfire, you're bound to hit some- try is, indeed, in distress. Obama���s second term will thing. I wonder what would have continue the destruction of happened if the Republicans our American way of life. had given in to Mr. President When he and his cohorts have months ago and passed taxing their way, the United States the top 2% more in taxes. will no longer be recognizable They'd have to move on, would- as it once was. Our ���Shining n't they? No, they talk it to death City on a Hill��� is in decline and here we are. 2% only runs and soon will be no more. the government for 9-11 Vern Raglin is correct, our days. Or so I've heard. What country is in distress. Do you remember what about the rest of the year, ConObama said on his first day in gress? Now with Obamacare here, office, in case you forgot; in a few days as Nancy Pelosi ���My administration is comsaid, "you have to pass it before mitted to creating an unpreceyou see what's in it!" The taxes dented level of openness in the democrats are trying to save government���? Those were us from will go into taxes and strong and hopeful words. surcharges, etc., for Obamacare. Four years later, it has become I must be stupid. I don't see how very clear that they were just we're ahead here. Somebody words and just one of his many lies. draw me a picture. Thank you for your service. Bernice Cressy, Les Wolfe, Red Bluff Cottonwood Outraged by different things Turn 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: governor@governor.ca.gov. U.S. REPRESENTATIVE ��� Wally Herger (R), 2595 Ceanothus Ave., Ste. 182, Chico, CA 95973; 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) 2240454. Mission Statement We believe that a strong community 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 vehicles. The Daily News will reflect and support the unique identities of Tehama County and its cities; record the history of its communities and their people and make a positive difference in the quality of life for the residents 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 basketball game at USD, tour the zoo, stay in a beautiful hotel, and attend a first class tournament banquet. These 12 players got a good glimpse of life outside of Red Bluff and made memories that will last a lifetime. In a time where bad news seems to make headlines, here in Red Bluff we are blessed with many great people and great kids. If you want to see them, just come on out and cheer us on. Kathy Brandt, Red Bluff Editor���s note:Brandt is the head coach of the Red Bluff High School varsity girls' basketball team. Commentary Hurricane Sandy pork Many news outlets are reporting that President Obama's proposed $60.4 billion federal aid bill for Hurricane Sandy victims is packed with pork. I contacted my White House insider, Deep Mole, to get some answers. Purcell: Isn't this another example of reckless politicians exploiting an emergency to fund pet projects and pork? Deep Mole: Pet projects? Pork? There is no pork in the president's proposal. Purcell: You're nuts. As this bill worked its way through the Senate before Christmas, Democrats slipped in all kinds of non-emergency goodies. Then they offered more goodies to Republicans to win their support. Deep Mole: Goodies? Purcell: Why does the bill include $2 million to repair roof damage at Smithsonian buildings in Washington, D.C.? Deep Mole: The Smithsonian is a national treasure that Sandy victims may one day visit. We must make sure they are not traumatized by leaky museum roofs! Purcell: Nice try, my friend. Why does the emergency bill include $336 million for Amtrak-related expenses? Deep Mole: Amtrak is a common mode of transportation for New York residents to travel to Washington and go to the Smithsonian. We must make sure Sandy victims are not traumatized by broken-down trains. Purcell: You are clever. Then explain why the emergency bill includes $8 million to buy new cars for federal agencies. Deep Mole: Many federal agencies are assisting Sandy victims. They need new cars from government-owned General Motors to drive to the areas where government services are most needed. Purcell: You're good. Then explain why the bill includes $150 million for fisheries in Mississippi and Alaska. Deep Mole: Hurricane victims are known to work very hard cleaning up their messy homes and burning excess calories. It is essential they have access to high-protein American fish! Purcell: Then explain how $4 million for repairs at the Kennedy Space Center has anything to do with a hurricane in the Northeast. Deep Mole: The John F. Kennedy Space Center has launched many historic flights into space, bringing inspiration and hope to millions of Ameri- stop out-of-control politicians cans. Aren't inspiration and from spending recklessly are the voters ��� and a majorhope what Sandy vicity of them no longer tims need most? care about what we Purcell: Not bad, waste money on, so my friend, but this long as they get their waste is yet another cut. example of our politiPurcell: Well, if the cians "not letting a pork-laden version of good crisis go to the Sandy bill passes waste." Our country the Senate, the only has almost $16.3 trilhope is that the lion in debt. We are Republican House accumulating additionwill do its job and al debt at the rate of strip out the waste. It $150 million an hour Tom is called checks and ��� yet the gravy train balances. keeps rolling. Our Deep Mole: So political leaders are naive. If Republicans out of control. in the House do anything to hold Deep Mole: They are? Purcell: Yes, the Taxpayers up the bill, the president will tar for Common Sense explain that them for withholding assistance the federal government has to the victims of Sandy and the established a clear definition of media will saturate the airwaves what an "emergency" is to with images of the obliteration determine which incidents or Sandy caused. Dumb Republievents are worthy of federal cans can't win for losing. relief. Emergency spending Tom Purcell, a humor should only support something that is necessary, sudden, columnist for the Pittsburgh urgent, unforeseen and not per- Tribune-Review, is nationally syndicated exclusively by manent. Those are the rules. Deep Mole: Rules? The Sen- Cagle Cartoons newspaper ate has not passed a budget in syndicate. Visit Tom on the more than three years. There are Web at www.TomPurcell.com e-mail him at no longer any rules. In our or republic the only thing that can Purcell@caglecartoons.com. Purcell