Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/18068
4A – Daily News – Tuesday, October 19, 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 Claiming victory Editor: In my letter about legalizing recreational marijuana (Oct. 8) I wasn't speaking about how good this might be because of revenues or what Joe McNamara may have said about it. 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 The issue, at least for me, is "What message do we want to give our children?" I work as a youth advocate and volunteer and I see what drugs, alcohol, tobacco, gangs and violence do to our chil- dren. Instead of debating whether or not we can generate more money in the community by voting for this, why not discuss how we, as a community, can build family val- ues and strengthening the lives of America's youth. Does anyone really think the life of a child can be strengthened by voting for a law that clearly weakens the efforts to live a healthy, drug-free lifestyle? When I mention claiming victory over these things, yes, I do include claiming victory over any tobacco and alcohol use, too. I believe, and I hope most others believe, that education is the key to nearly all of our woes. Educating our youth about these dangers — and they really are dangers — should be our top priority. It's our responsibility to build a better future for our youth. How does promoting marijuana use educate our children about our future? It's the same logic as the man on the District Fair Board that says eating cheeseburgers is as danger- ous as second-hand smoke. I have studied this subject for many years - as a youth advocate, law enforcement officer and in col- lege. I have lost friends and family members to these things that is on the ballot. For me it's a no-brainer. We need tougher rules not easi- er ones. Our youth may not always see everything we do, but they will hear everything we say. But they really do see it, too. I've always believed that there's no such thing as a bad kid, only bad examples. These kids are watching us and how we vote for their future will depend on our own. The Greatest Generation will soon be gone forever. I hope they can leave this world knowing that they left a proud legacy of exam- ples for us to follow. What kind of legacy we leave is up to us. I want to be able to leave a lega- cy that wasn't a smoke (drug, alco- hol, tobacco, gang and violence) filled one. This country's future depends on a clear forecast. John Minton, Red Bluff Junior Colleges Editor: Half of high school graduates should be attending college, starting with two year associate degrees in local junior colleges. An equal number of high school graduates should be attending vocational programs. Unfortu- nately, most local junior col- leges have become too expen- sive for taxpayers and students, with Taj Mahal campus facili- ties and tenured teachers. After parochial high school graduation, 1/4 of our high school 1953 graduating class attended the local tuition free junior college in Belleville, Ill. co-located on the public high school campus. About 1/4 of my class went directly to four year col- leges. Students used the city buses, as few had cars. WW2 surplus buildings from the nearby Air Force base provided the class space for chemistry, physics, and biology labs and lectures plus the required pre-engineer- ing drafting. A high school teacher with a math masters degree taught the algebra, ana- lytic geometry and calculus classes. High school master's degreed teachers taught the English, Literature, Economics, Sociology, and Speech classes. High school buildings provided the class space. Your Turn bachelors degree classes and engineering and business administration masters degrees were from night school programs while holding full time day engineering jobs that included much business travel. The teachers knowledge and the student's motivation and not the facility makes con- tinuing education cost effective. Joseph J. Neff, Corning Teamwork Editor: Most Corning and Red Bluff High classrooms are empty after 3:30 p.m. It makes sense to use these classrooms for two year associate degrees in Math, Technology, Science, Engineer- ing, Business Administration, Teacher's Education, and Accounting. There are many professionals with knowledge based advanced degrees in a 50 mile radius qualified to teach these classes. Too much emphasis is made on doctorate degreed professors when those with only masters degrees in knowledge based fields are fully qualified to teach Associates Degree classes. Too much emphasis is placed on Taj Mahal campus facilities when low cost space equally does the job. Most of my engineering This refers to a recent letter from John Hutchinson regard- ing Candidates for Coming City offices. It was interesting to read his letter regarding cer- tain political signs around Coming. I also noticed there was an abundance of signs for Dean Cofer, Gena Bowen and John Richards. I have a differ- ent perspective. It is this. I thought how innovative and cost effective to create the self made signs, and do it as a team and not procrastinate. They must all get along together to do this, and I like that for a City administration. Teamwork would be refreshing, and a good thing. In my opinion, most people who run for office want to help their constituents/ residents, and have good inten- tions to make issues better. To make an informed decision, I took the responsibility to listen and talk to all three of these contenders and I liked what I heard. Joan Bishop, Corning 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. Don’t got milk Commentary Hey guys, Will Durst, your can- didate for Lieutenant Governor from the State of Confusion, here to warn you about a dangerous con- spiracy being foisted on an unsus- pecting American public. A malig- nancy so embedded, it is guaran- teed to be lurking in your refrigera- tor right now. Poised to poison your person. Yes, I’m talking about the terrible torment that is… Milk. Heifer Hooch. Guernsey Juice. Raw, skim, 2 percent, whole, con- densed, evaporated or goat. It’s all the same thing: depravity in a glass. Because he’s bankrolled by fat- cat, out-of-state dairy bosses, my opponent doesn’t want you to know that Milk is responsible for more damage to this country than any other liquid. And contrary to the wishes of Ordinary Americans, he continues to support corrupt and unconscionable Milk subsidies. Think of it: our military forced to kill the enemies of freedom using outdated technologies just so entrenched special interest groups like public school kids can drink Milk. Simply by ridding our nation of this terrorist fluid, we could gener- ate jobs, decrease the deficit, stop wasteful spending, keep Sharia law from being implemented in subur- ban municipalities, and improve the education system to ensure our children a brighter future with the triumph of the free market over socialism. Outlawing Milk would also improve our air and water quality and nourish families by inhibiting male pattern baldness and erectile dysfunction. Rather than wasting the malevolent opales- cence, I suggest we exhaust current inventories by bathing in it like ‘30s starlets. This isn’t just about Milk, but its seditious sisters as well -- butter and cheese, not to mention sour cream. Milk causes phlegm, chalky tongue, bloating and the humilia- tion of adults photographed wear- ing Milk mustaches. Most experts agree that Milk is the ultimate gate- way drug. Ninety-nine percent of all heroin addicts began their descent into substance abuse hell by initially succumbing to the temptations of Milk. Excepting the lactose intolerant. Or as I like to call them: the Lucky. Ask yourself, where does Milk come from? Mostly cows. Passive and ubiquitous, scattered over the countryside, watching and waiting like bovine sleeper cells. Till the cows come home? Yeah, with state secrets. Mad cow disease? That’s Milk in a nutshell. Cry over spilt Milk? No, rejoice. What about female human breasts? Do I have to remind you how obscene and opposed to everything pure and holy they are? Didn’t think so. My opposition sneer- ingly refers to Milk as “The Perfect Food,” but try drinking as little as three gallons in a day. You’ll die. Doesn’t sound so perfect to me. Sure. Sure. At first glance Milk seems innocuous enough with that soft, white, milky appearance, but think how quickly this substance can turn dark and foreboding with the simple addition of a few tablespoons of chocolate. Something else they won’t tell you: Milk was the name of a known San Francisco supervisor and practicing homosexual. Ever hear the phrase, “Milked him dry”? Not a pretty thought, is it? Don’t be fooled by this plague of protein’s propaganda. Nothing less than the future of this country is at stake. Pasteurized is just another way of saying fluoridated. From now on, whenever you see one of those “Got Milk” ads, just remem- ber it might as well read, “Got Infantilizing Pinko Perversion?” And if you vote for my opponent, you’ll have it in spades. I’m Will Durst and I approve this ad. Paid for by The Committee for Good- ness and Decency. Will Durst is a San Will Durst Raging Moderate Francisco-based political columnist who frequently tells jokes. On stage. Catch an example of which, Oct. 18, 25, and Nov.1 at the Rrazz Room. 222 Mason St. San Fr ancisco; therrazzroom.com; 415.394.1189. In Oconomowoc, Wisc. at the Arts Center on Oct. 23. 142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley, Calif., on Oct. 24. And Rancho Nicasio, Nicasio, Calif., on Oct. 31. His new CD, “Raging Moderate,” is now available from Stand Up! Records on iTunes and Amazon. Coming next year: “Where the Rogue Things Go!”