Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/14398
4A – Daily News – Friday, August 6, 2010 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 A reader called the other day and part of our conversation included her saying, “You know, people here in Red Bluff are picky, they don’t like change.” 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 When it comes to news- papers, that’s true in just about any community. So what were we thinking when we changed our daily weather report? Staples — comics, advice columns, weather reports, etc. — are often the trickiest changes to make. And why not? Readers are used to seeing these items day in and day out. Chip Response to the new report, which first appeared in Monday’s edition, has varied. Some like it, some don’t and some have pro- vided useful feedback. Probably the most feed- back came from folks upset that fewer national cities’ weather are listed in the national section. That’s no sur- prise, as the report dropped from 60 cities to 14. I’ve made note of some suggested cities to add to the listing, and we’ll add as many as we can. Another bit of feedback, the new forecast doesn’t list wind speed and direction. I’m hoping that will be an easy fix. Finally, the dam levels were formerly listed as feet below the crest of Shasta Dam. The new report lists the height of the lake. Again, hopeful- ly an easy thing to change. On the plus side, readers say they like the UV Index, particularly during this time of year, and the Weather History and Weather Trivia features. Still, why mess with a good thing? The answer is the same for any busi- ness trying to stay solvent in a diffi- cult economy — the new layout ser- vice is considerably more affordable. I’m often asked how much longer the Daily News will be around, as the death of the newspaper industry is one of the more popular top- ics among journalists in other media, and my response is generally some- thing like “as long as people in Tehama County want to know what’s happening in their community. That doesn’t mean that we Thompson 545 Diamond Ave. won’t have to make some tough decisions along the way to cut costs as revenues decline. It’s unlikely you’ll find any business in town that is doing things exactly the same way it was five years ago, when times were better. Newspapers are no different. As cost cutting decisions go, the new weather report was an easy one — certainly easier than layoffs. Will the savings from the weather change save the Daily News in the long run? Not on its own. As part of overall cuts designed to minimize negative impact on our readers and advertisers, though, it will help. With any luck we’ll be able to make the changes you’ve asked for and, while it still represents a change, the new weather report will become as familiar as the previous report. Chip Thompson can be reached at 527-2151, Ext. 112, or by e-mail at editor@redbluffdailynews.com. Stormy Monday Support of Israel Editor: The other day while cruising the channels I stumbled upon a TV special sponsored by an organization called Christians United for Israel. Actually they should call themselves USCUFI because they were all from the US. This made me wonder why there is not a CUFH — for Christians United for Humanity. I also wonder just how much support that nation needs. We, as a nation, gave Israel $240 million in economic aid back in 2006 plus $2,520,000,000 worth of military aid, for a total of $2,520,000,000. We gave the West Bank $150 million. To have a better picture of our for- eign aid policy, the whole continent of African got $2,803,000,000, which is 75 million less than Israel that same year. That’s beyond donations from American Zionist and Christians United For Israel. Not only are we shipping trillions that we don’t have and desperately need to that country but we have devastated, Iraq, one of its strongest enemies at a cost of $735,074,000,000 and counting. Just what have we gotten in return? Pastor John Hagee says it is a Christian’s duty to support Israel. If you run across a New Testament passage commanding or merely suggesting good Christians support a Jewish state even to the detriment of others, I would like to see it. Besides, if the Almighty is their principle benefac- tor and protector, why do they need us? Your Turn The danger in this lopsided support is the message sent to all other, especially Muslim, countries. The message that no matter how advantageous dealings between us are, our allegiance will always be with Israel. Really now, don’t we have enough enemies? One of, if not the smartest things our forefathers did was to write, “Congress shall make no law respecting an estab- lishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise there- of.” That means whatever your religious persuasion you can act upon it as long as it doesn’t hinder others who might be opposed to your philosophy. Some Christians warn about being forced into the Islam- ic religion. Actually the proportion of our population that can be classified as Christian has declined from 86 percent in 1990 to 77 percent in 2001. The biggest challenge to Christianity in America comes not from some other religion but from a complete rejection of organized religions altogether. Orval Strong, Gerber Your officials STATE ASSEMBLYMAN — Jim Nielsen (R), State Capitol Bldg., Room 4164 P.O. Box 942849, Sacramento 94249; (916) 319-2002; Fax (916) 319- 2102 STATE SENATOR — Sam Aanestad (R), State Capitol Bldg., Room 2054, Sacramen- to, CA 95814. (916) 651-4004; Fax (916) 445-7750 GOVERNOR — Arnold Schwarzenegger (R), 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; (415) 403-0100. Fax (202) 224- 0454. What’s in a brand name anyway? Commentary Looks like a bunch of local leaders and some suits from out of town are going get together at Rolling Hills Casino in a week to toss around ideas on what new fancy label to slap on Tehama County. All this in the name of improving our image, self esteem, and twisting arms so out of town folks will spend their money here. Seems like a reasonable ven- ture to me. However, one cannot help but argue against such a meet- ing. What concerns me are the following: Some suit from Seattle telling us how to run our busi- ness; folks from a higher socio- economic ladder creating false perceptions of our lifestyle from their lofty perch; doing this out of greed rather than what’s in our best interest. One of the topics will be to brainstorm what Tehama Coun- ty has to offer. Well, I’ve been here 20 years – here’s my take and some possible themes to go with it. Our county’s teen pregnancy rate remains noticeable. I know of at least 10 former students who have borne children in the past two years. So, why not promote that to our visitors. Let’s put up a sign that reads, "Tehama County – we’re expecting you!" Next, pot smokers seem to be getting a lot of press these days, with ballot initiatives and festi- vals. Is there a more catchy phrase than, "Get high on Tehama County?" That also fits nicely with Mt. Lassen and our mountain adventure trails. We have a large senior citi- zen population. Instead of "Tehama Estates" how about "Tehama Awaits?" Ah, now don’t be offended; I’m just being sarcastic, but realistic as to what exists in our region. After all, if we are to create a proper label, shouldn’t those in the "think tank" be hon- est with themselves? Please, take my advice for what it’s worth. To create some sort of theme or label for an entire county based on percep- tion — of what may or may not exist — would be foolish at best. Tehama County has its flaws; there’s no question about that. That’s why I jest here in this space. And to ignore our roots — agriculture and its influence and history — by saying in the Record Searchlight "that angle won’t cut it" is also misguided. I can think of hundreds of hard-working farmers who would say that it does. So, if the big wigs running the meeting won’t promote the "agro" angle, once again here’s my take. My initial thought was that our county has a great resource — our kids; thus we should create a theme promoting that. "Tehama County: A great place for kids." However, I’ve been in education around here long enough to know that, for some unfortunate souls with horrible parents, this is not such a great place. Whatever theme or label is adopted must be, as much as possible, an entrenched part of the fabric of our community. Now, here are my serious considerations. When I think of our area, one word that comes to mind is "friendly." Tehama County is friendly; thus, how about the logo, "Tehama Friendly?" In addition, there are lots of well-meaning folks — espe- cially a younger generation of kids who want to see our com- munity improved. They graduated from here, returned, and are staking their futures. I connect that idea with going up, of ris- ing, and increasing our quality of life – thus, "Tehama Up." Pat Gleason Simply Put That also smacks of rodeo and “Cowboy Up.” Tehama Up! Repeat that in your head 20 times and it starts to sound pretty good. Anyway, my goal here is to encourage those at that meeting to search their hearts and minds to come up with something special that repre- sents everyone. 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. Feel free to steal my ideas. Have a great Friday. ———